Five Star Review of The Bee Tree by Kenneth Fenter

The Bee Tree has pulled down its first Five Star Review on GoodReads by Reviewer Teresa. She reviewed The Ruin on June 26 and returns with her review of the Sequel The Bee Tree. Here is her review.

Title: The Bee Tree
Author: Kenneth Fenter
Publisher: Arborwood Press
Book URL: http://www.arborwoodpress.com
Release Date: available Now
ISBN: 978-1461093473
Format: Print; Electronic
Page Count: 284
Genre: Young Adult
Reviewer: Teresa
Rating: 5

The Bee Tree by Kenneth Fenter is the sequel to his earlier book The Ruin about how one young man overcame abusive bullying by spending a year in the wilds of Mesa Verde finding his true strength of character. As the story unfolds the tragedy in 2000 affects Cliff as he remembers his past and how it affected the rest of his life.

Cliff has recently returned home from his journey in the wilds to the life and family he left behind. Cliff finds changes at home, but the biggest difference is how he sees things. Cliff learned to not only overcome his fears, but how to survive in ways that most people would never understand. Cliff learns that Hector, his old bully, has not only changed, but asks if Cliff could help him learn to read. Cliff gets in contact with Angelina, a girl he never forgot, and to his surprise she wants to resume their friendship. Cliff fits back into his family, but when his old enemy, Larry, returns Cliff knows that he will need everything he learned to protect the people he cares for.

In 2000, Cliff remembers his childhood as he and Angelina, his wife, return home to reconnect with their past. Cliff returns to the Mesa to find many changes, but the atmosphere and peace is still there. The feeling of being one with the Earth and all of creation once again gives Cliff the peace he needs to deal with the school killings and how his own childhood could have been destroyed by the same action.

Mr. Fenter has continued his earlier book with this incredible story. I loved how the story continues incorporating Cliff’s past and present as they intersect. The difficulties that Cliff dwelt with as a child are very similar to the school shooting with one exception; Cliff chose to withdraw instead of retaliating against his abusers. It was wonderful how the Sheriff took up the cause for Larry getting him the help he needed instead of just letting justice take place. After taking so much abuse, people can snap and do things that they never would in their right minds. Children need to learn and explore their world in an environment that is safe and secure. I was difficult to watch Cliff review his past, but it was wonderful how he learned, adapted and took control of his life. These two books were inspiring and should be read by young adults to help them see that they are not alone and that their actions can affect the rest of their lives. Help is available for children if adults are willing to step forward getting them the help they need. I can’t wait to read more books by this creative and wonderful author.