To Bee or Not to Bee: A Book for Beeings Who Feel There's More to Life Than Just Making Honey

by John Penberthy

Book Overview

Imagine the stifling existence of a worker bee caught in the mindless tedium of life: every day, he helps build the hive, forages, feeds the larvae, stores honey and pollen, and falls into an exhausted sleep. Then the next day he does it all again. But what happens if that bee has a little curiosity and a lot of spiritual yearning? You get the basis for this clever, inspirational allegory about living life to its fullest. Illustrated by award-winning...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1402747659
• ISBN13: 9781402747656
• Release Date: December 2007
• Publisher: Sterling
• Length: 140 Pages
• Weight: 1.20 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 6.4" x 8.6"

Customer Reviews

There's More to Life Than Just Making Honey

Buzz Bee is having a great day! That is, he's having a great day until he starts thinking! Why do we have to do the same old work the same old way? Is there a better way? Why do we all have to be the same? Are we really better than those small ants and how do you know they're not as good as we are? Why does anyone have to be "better?" On and on, Buzz's questions go and others are beginning to see him as not only different but just plain weird? What is Buzz to do or not do? Just as he seems at the very lowest point of despair, he meets an older bee, Bert. Their conversations and ruminations about love, work, death, God, religion, sameness, difference and just "being" pepper these 140 pages with a fascinating dialogue that's bound to touch every reader's mind, heart and spirit! For Buzz is about to really enter a spiritual journey that he could never have imagined before meeting Bert. Attracted to and repelled by what he hears, he can neither conform to or ignore what he hears from this older bee who is his greatest friend. He must go on his own journey to find out the truth or whatever else just "is!" Sound familiar? This is a simple yet profound story effectively told and accompanied by lovely drawings that parallel the story to deeply affect the reader. To Bee or Not to Bee is a quick, lovely, powerful and unforgettable read! Highly recommended for readers of all ages! Reviewed by Viviane Crystal on March 5, 2008

What a wake up call...

I loved this book, I read it in one fell swoop! I had both my teenagers read it and bought a few copies and gave them to friends. To Bee or not to Bee was for me a delightful, uplifting, easy read and yet packed full of wisdom. I think we all feel stuck or stifled in our own lives at times and this book helped me realize that there really is only the present, nothing more and nothing less. The essence of the book for me, was to live every day valuing each precious moment, because we really might be hit by a mack truck and be gone, just like that. I was powerfully impacted by this book and hope the message will stay with me for a very long time.

Good book - works on multiple levels

This book is a very clever commentary that works on many conceptional levels. At the most basic level, it is an inspirational book for kids +/-9-10 years old. These kids will realize that one can follow ones own path, and that hard work provides its own return. For teenagers, the book is inspirational during those confused times when one is not sure about social acceptance. For adults, the book points to rewards of stepping out of mainstream material paths, etc. The book reminds me a bit like Jonathan Livinston Seagull, a little bit like Candide, a bit like Frost's The Road Not Taken, and a little bit like the Acuna Mitata theme from Lion King. Things seem to work out if you do what is in your heart. All in all, I highly recommend this book. It is a good read, and it's very good to stimulate family discussions.

Bee engaged

If we learn best by stories, this book "Too Bee or Not to Bee, is filled with great reminders and many learnings. As I struggle with the difficult and fragile place of our planet, I am grateful for the comfort of this book. This book reminds me that life is complex and horrible and wonderful and terrible. At the most basic level this is the story of Buzz, a worker bee who does what bees do, he does his part to collect honey for his hive. Along the way he looks for pollen and God. Many of his emotions are evoked. He feels anger, he witnesses the dying of many of his fellow bees and he finds contentment. And, that is the power of this book. Buzz's life is ours. So, how do we find contentment? We realize that we can choose to see the beauty in the daily acts of living. We realize that we are a part of a complex and interdependent hive. Share this book with a teenager who is just coming to grips with the big issues of life, someone whose life is in struggle or as I will do, with members of my book club. Savor this book with an appreciative heart and a warm cup of tea. This book is well written and the illustrations make the lessons of the book come alive.

Definite Recommendation

To Bee or Not To Bee is a delightful book packed with emotion and a beautiful message that benefits all of us. Truly inspired, the book's message is so simple yet so wise. This book will warm your heart and make your spirit soar, renewing your faith in the real beauty of life. We recommend it for all who seek the truth or just need to feel good. Janet & Jack Faubion