In response to Aaliyah’s second comment… I now see what the bees are used for in the novel, they represent each of the characters. I think Rosaleen may be a simple worker bee because of the way she cares and tends to Lily as the only real motherly figure. Plus, Rosaleen is also just a hard working woman in general. Kind of going back to my first comment, the bees DID end up foreshadowing because now Lily and Rosaleen are at a bee farm, with possible connections to her mother. I think the little sparks between Lily and Zach are a sweet and refreshing part of the story. They fulfill the cute yet awkward stereotypical middle school/high school crush. Lily’s comments like the one you referred to are definitely caused by her abnormal childhood, but also possibly of this fantasy she is almost living in right now. I think her mind is so overwhelmed with curiosity that that’s what caused her emotional outbreak (if you will) between her and Zach. Lily and Zach’s little fling is interrupted abruptly. Zach gives her a notebook to start her writing career and they talk about the reality that they could never be together because of the segregation laws. Zach says, “I like you better than any girl I’ve ever known, but you have to understand, there are people who would kill boys like me for even looking at girls like you,” (135). This makes my heart break :( BUT SURPRISE! (spoiler for chapter 11!) Zach and Lily finally get some peace and quiet and talk things out, Zach gently lays a kiss on Lily. *queue the romantic yet cheesy twinkling music*  I don’t think it was neither good or bad that she called T Ray. I don’t think it would’ve ended well if she told him anymore details, as he cant even remember her favorite color. Lily’s new confidence and strength she has developed from living at the honey farm has changed her perspective on her father. She knows she doesn’t love him anymore and can live without him. I just sure hope T Ray doesn’t hunt her down (even though I’m getting a feeling he probably will). I’m sensing a theme of feminism/female power and unity, which I am really enjoying in this novel. I think it really fills the hole that Lily’s life is missing—the motherly love. When she goes to the Boatwright’s home she observes how the Black Mary provides for all the sisters, and how they all support and encourage each other. Do you think this theme will lead to Lily’s empowerment in becoming a writer possibly? What do you think will happen when Lily reveals her truth about her mother to August? I really hope they don’t kick her out.