Ten years ago, Barbara Kingsolver published a first novel that is well on its way to becoming a classic work of American fiction. The Bean Trees is a book readers have taken to their hearts. It is now a standard in college literature classes across the nation and has been translated for a readership stretching from Japan to Romania.

When it was first published, however, its author was unknown. Word of mouth spread slowly among booksellers, librarians, critics and readers with a passion to share their favorite books. In The Bean Trees they found a spirited protagonist, Taylor Greer, who grew up in poor in rural Kentucky with the goals of avoiding pregnancy and getting away. But when Taylor heads west with high hopes and a barely functional car, she meets the human condition head-on. By the time she arrives in Tucson, she has acquired a completely unexpected child and must somehow come to terms with both motherhood and the necessity for putting down roots. Hers is a story about love and friendship, abandonment and belonging, and the discovery of surprising resources in apparently empty places.

Most readers of The Bean Trees discovered the novel in its paperback edition. On the 10th anniversary of its first publication, HarperFlamingo is proud to offer readers this special hardback edition, redesigned to be easy on the eyes and priced to be accessible to every lover of good fiction.

Customer Rating:
Summary: Bean Trees a treat
Comment: I found Barbara Kingsolver's The Bean Trees a delightful story, entertaining, engaging, enlightening and brilliantly told.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: Bean Trees
Comment: Barbara Kingsolver is a favorite author with an easy style addressing many social and political issues with a light but serious touch. This book is no exception with a poignant story of an young woman of the earth seeking to make a life of her own remaining true to her roots and beliefs.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: A beautiful story
Comment: I loved this story, couldn't put it down. Barbara Kingsolver writes in such an amazingly detailed and colorful way that you can't help but become wrapped up in the story. This was a really lovely read.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: Nice Read
Comment: My book club chose The Bean Trees as our monthly read and I was pleasantly surprised. It was a delightful, refreshing book about life, love, loss and the ability to overcome.
If you like Fannie Flagg and Billie Letts then you will enjoy The Bean Trees.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: One of the Best Books of the '80's
Comment: This is an incredible book, well-written, fun, moving, and gritty. Its truth and comments about the human condition are well blended into an easy-to-read indelible mark on your soul.

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