TL;DR
'Mad Honey' is a gripping novel by Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan that intertwines the lives of Olivia and Lily through a tragic and suspenseful exploration of love, secrets, and identity.
What is Mad Honey about
'Mad Honey' is a compelling collaboration between best-selling authors Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan. The novel alternates between the perspectives of Olivia McAfee, a single mother who has escaped a turbulent marriage, and Lily Campanello, a high school student seeking a fresh start. Their lives intertwine when Olivia's son, Asher, falls in love with Lily. The story takes a dark turn when Lily is found dead, and Asher becomes the prime suspect. As Olivia fights to prove her son's innocence, she confronts the unsettling similarities between Asher and his abusive father. The novel delves into themes of love, acceptance, and the hidden facets of identity, all while maintaining a suspenseful and emotional narrative.
Mad Honey 6 Key Takeaways
Olivia's New Start
Olivia McAfee relocates to her hometown in New Hampshire with her son Asher, escaping a difficult marriage and taking over her father's beekeeping business.
Lily's Fresh Start
Lily Campanello moves to Adams, New Hampshire, with her mother for her final year of high school, hoping for a new beginning.
Olivia and Lily's Paths Cross
Asher falls in love with Lily, and she reciprocates, but Lily harbors doubts about whether she can fully trust him.
Lily's Death
Lily is found dead, and Asher is questioned by the police, leaving Olivia to defend her son while grappling with the possibility that he might share his father's violent tendencies.
The Investigation Unfolds
As the case against Asher unfolds, secrets about both Asher and Lily come to light, challenging Olivia's perception of her son and forcing her to confront her past.
Resolution and Reflection
The novel concludes with revelations that leave the characters and readers reflecting on themes of love, identity, and the complexities of human relationships.
Mad Honey Videos
“Bookaccino Live” Book Group with Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney ...
Top Mad Honey Quotes
- “Sometimes the people who love us the most will also hurt us the most.”
- “Every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end.”
Who should read Mad Honey?
'Mad Honey' is perfect for readers who enjoy suspenseful and emotionally charged narratives that delve into complex themes such as love, identity, and resilience. Fans of Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan will appreciate the seamless blend of their storytelling styles.
Mad Honey Best Reviews
- Alternatingly heart-pounding and heartbreaking, this collaboration between two best-selling authors seamlessly weaves together Olivia and Lily’s journeys, creating a provocative exploration of the strength that love and acceptance require.”—The Washington Post
- 'Mad Honey' is a riveting novel of suspense, an unforgettable love story, and a moving and powerful exploration of the secrets we keep and the risks we take in order to become ourselves.”—Good Morning America Book Club
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Mad Honey FAQs
What is the book Mad Honey about?
'Mad Honey' follows Olivia McAfee, a single mother rebuilding her life, and Lily Campanello, a high school student starting fresh in a new town. Their lives intersect when Olivia’s son, Asher, is accused of Lily’s murder.
Why does Mad Honey have two authors?
The novel is a collaboration between Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan, with Picoult writing Olivia's chapters and Boylan writing Lily's. Their combined efforts create a rich, dual-perspective narrative.
What are the trigger warnings in the book Mad Honey?
Trigger warnings include transphobia, deadnaming, physical and emotional domestic violence, child abuse, self-harm, attempted suicide, abortion, and the murder of a trans woman.