The Bean Trees

By: Barbara Kingsolver

Narrated by: C. J. Critt

“The Bean Trees is the work of a visionary. . . . It leaves you open-mouthed and smiling.” — Los Angeles Times

A bestseller that has come to be regarded as an American classic, The Bean Trees is the novel that launched Barbara Kingsolver’s remarkable literary career.

It is the charming, engrossing tale of rural Kentucky native Taylor Greer, who only wants to get away from her roots and avoid getting pregnant. She succeeds, but inherits a three-year-old Native American girl named Turtle along the way, and together, from Oklahoma to Arizona, half-Cherokee Taylor and her charge search for a new life in the West. Hers is a story about love and friendship, abandonment and belonging, and the discovery of surprising resources in seemingly empty places.

Just ok

I read this after Demon Copperhead and I was not nearly as impressed. It was fine just not memorable. Kinda slow.

Of tires and turtle

I love the clarity and courage of this protagonist, and the unexpected crescendo of events she lets herself become deeply committed to, and the seasonal relationships that develop over time. And the underlying stream of humour makes it a book I relish! and will re-listen to again and again. I felt C.J. Critt as a narrator transmitted the nuances of the book with an even lighter touch than the author herself. Looking forward to Pigs in Heaven being produced unabridged.

Great Realistic Story

I loved this book! The concepts of family and understanding are very well done. I would say that the book had me wanting to continue even 'till the very end.

love barbara kingsolver!

barbara never disappoints! it was hard for me to stop listening. cj critt was a great narrator.

Poor narrative with an almost excellent gritty book

The mouth-breathing narrator was distracting and unprofessional. Story was intriguing and raw. Chapter 8: If you listen carefully, you can hear another person narrating a different book in the distance; I expect more quality control from Audible.