I went into this book without knowing much about it, and I’m glad for that. For Goodreads purposes, I’m going to put most of my review a few lines down and mark it as containing spoilers.

This book was surprising and moving. It initially felt like a run-of-the-mill story about high school love gone wrong… but it changed gears in classic Picoult fashion when it revealed that Lily was trans. As a parent, both losing a child the way that Ava did and having a child accused of murder the way that Olivia did were terrifying and moving. I will be thinking about this book for a long time.

Despite being glad that I didn’t know about the plot in advance, I wish I had known that one of the authors was trans. Reading the book, I had a bit of trepidation about own voices… the portrayal of the trans experience felt respectful and real, but I didn’t realize until I read the acknowledgments section at the end that Boylan is trans (I hadn’t heard of her before, but I am interested in reading more of her work). I was glad to learn that, and am glad that Lily’s voice came from someone who had lived her identity.

Jodi Picoult is one of the few authors who I truly learn something from while reading. I have all of this elephant knowledge after #leavingtime and now I know more than I ever knew about bees or honey. This book is co-written with Jennifer Finney Boylan and I have to say, I absolutely loved it.
.
I really don’t want to give too much away because I was absolutely shocked in some parts, but I loved the return of Jordan who has appeared in three of Picoult’s previous novels. This time he is defending his nephew who is charged with murdering his girlfriend.
.
Olivia never thought her son would be accused of murder but she never thought his father would have been abusive. When she received the call that Asher was in jail she rushed to be with him, but in the back of her head she kept wondering how much do we really know the ones we love?
.
Told in dual perspectives between Olivia and Lily before she was murdered this one captured all of my attention. I could not stop reading. Also, make sure you keep reading at the end for recipes using honey, which I will be making this weekend!
.
Huge thank you to @randomhouse and @netgalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Picolt is never one to shy away from a tough topic, a relevant topic, and this book is no exception.
However, to tell you what that is would takeaway from your reading of the story, so that part I must keep to myself. I will say I learned a lot about this topic through this book.

Olivia and her son, Asher, a high school senior, are back in her hometown after finally getting the courage to leave her abusive marriage. She is living in the home where she grew up and has taken over the family business - beekeeping. Besides the major topic of the book, beekeeping has a strong presence and you can tell that Picoult has researched this. You will learn alot about what takes to be a beekeeper and all that goes into a simple jar of honey, and that Mad Honey can be toxic, even fatal.

Asher meets Lily. She is his first real love. Emotions run high between them, mostly an amazing relationship, but they have their disagreements. Both kept secrets from one another, which caused friction. When Lily is found dead at her home in Asher's arms, he is the number one suspect.

As we travel with him through his trial, we learn the secrets of both Asher and Lily. Of both their trauma and family issues. And we watch Olivia and her son, along with her brother, Jordan (Asher's attorney) fight for his freedom.

This book was coauthored with Jennifer Finney Boylan. Her notes at the end of the book and the story of how they came to work together were interesting!

While I know this is a somewhat vague review, I don't feel I can give more without spoiling the story. But read this book! It deals with a topic I believe everyone could benefit from having more knowledge of.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for my ARC in exchange for my honest review

Olivia has escaped a past of abuse and has raised her son, Asher, in her family home away from the danger. Lily is a teenager fairly new to town from the West Coast and believes she has also escaped her father's abuse, but just when she believes she is loved and can trust in Asher, he betrays her. And then, Lily turns up dead. Asher is accused of Lily's murder and has to stand trial.

Pros:
Jodi Picoult, along with Jennifer Finney Boylan, has a way with words, to hook you into a family drama where you cannot put the book down and must devour it in one sitting. They weave in and out of the present and the past to paint a picture of how life had been for both Olivia and Lilly. Not only is there suspense, but she gives a lot of detail about beekeeping, harvesting honey, and the medicinal and restorative capabilities of honey. I felt like I learned a lot!

Cons:
It seems as if every hot topic affecting the youth and young adults in the world right now had to be crammed into this book. I don't mind there being at least one "cause" to deep dive into and give that point of view, even if I do not agree with it. Sometimes it is eye opening to hear how others live and deal with those circumstances. However, it just feels like every single issue is trying to be covered here, and quite frankly, it is annoying.

With all that said, I did enjoy the mystery and suspense, and the story fit right along with Jodi's former work.

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Ballantine for this digital ARC. The opinions expressed are my own.

I urge everyone to read this book! I absolutely loved Mad Honey. It educated me, entertained me, and made me think. Lily's story was so heartbreakingly beautiful, and I wish I could just wrap her in my arms. I also love how it's told from the women's perspective, especially two women who have been victims of abuse. I do wish there had been a few chapters from the perspective of Lily's mother, though. I would have loved to go a little deeper into her personal story as well. I have so so much love and respect for her, and she is everything I aim to be as a mother.
My only issue with this book is that some parts of the trial seemed a bit unrealistic.
Other than that, I loved reading about Lily's journey and now I'm going in search of more books like this!

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance copy. I really enjoyed this book. I thought the authors did an excellent job cowriting. It was so seamless, which is rare for a coauthored book. I thought the characters were incredibly well-developed and most of the little subplots and details added to the main story. The only thing that fell a bit flat was the ending. I thought it was a bit too neat with no consequences for Maya and everyone just kind of living happily ever after and moving on. I also am perhaps being a bit nitpicky, but I would like to see Boylan’s name get top billing on the cover. In the acknowledgments, the initial idea was hers and, as a trans woman, this was really her story to tell. Yet, Picoult has top billing on the cover.

Jodi Picoult has such a soft spot in my heart because she is the author that got me hooked on reading. I never enjoyed reading for fun until I picked up one of her books years ago (and then proceeded to read everything else written by her 🤣). It’s a special feeling every year when I get to pick up her new book 💛


My thoughts ⬇️

🍯 alternating timelines + POVs
🍯 Jodi wrote Olivia’s chapters and Jennifer wrote Lily’s chapters — and the character development was top tier 👏
🍯 Picoult’s stories always captivate me. Now I need to read more by Finney Boylan because she is an amazing writer as well
🍯 an incredible twist, in true Jodi Picoult fashion
🍯 lawyer Jordan McAfee who I loved in NINETEEN MINUTES and THE PACT is back as Olivia’s brother 🙌
🍯 so much research went into this one for the beekeeping element
🍯 I love that Jennifer had a dream that she co-authored a book with Jodi — and made it a reality!
🍯 there’s SO much I can’t say without giving away the twist, but the story evokes so many emotions

I love that every book by Jodi Picoult has an element that is heavily researched (in this case beekeeping) while also having thought-provoking topics that test your moral compass. Picoult and Finney Boylan have created a masterpiece that will truly stay with me forever.

I read this book then let it rest in my mind for a bit before I put my thoughts to paper. It's just that kind of read.

So many current hot button topics are explored, all revolving around the murder of a transgender teen and the cis gender love interest. Was the teen killed because of the knowledge of being transgender or was there something else going on?

Told from two different outlooks, one from the transgender teen prior to the death, and the other from the mother of the teen accused of the murder. This jumping back and forth was a bit difficult to deal with at first, but got more easily understandable as the book progressed.

A conclusion that wasn't altogether a surprise and if you were looking, you could kind of see it coming.

It seems like every hot topic was touched upon, LGBTQ, abortion, abuse, gender issues, and others. The book was good, but not my favorite from Jodi Picoult, but only because I think it was a bit too long. I was very happy to find out at the end why she partnered with Jennifer Finney Boylan. A great story as well.

As Ms. Picoult admits, there will be many people who do not like this book just because of the topics being raised. I enjoyed it, even if I did think it a bit drawn out.

Mad Honey is co-authored by Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan. This novel tells the story of a young couple, Lily and Asher, who are navigating their high school romance. Lily has a secret that finally works up the nerve to tell Asher. Things escalate from there and lead to a tragedy that has far-reaching effects on their community. This is a book that's going to leave an impression on your heart. Read and enjoy!

Thank you @randomhouse and @netgalley for the complimentary copy.

Wow! Hooked from the very first page and kept guessing until the end where I was left a broken emotional wreck. There’s so much I could say but would run the risk of spoilers so I will keep this very short. This book is about so much more than what you read on the synopsis, and I did not see the twist coming. It was well written, very informative, and will leave you thinking long after you read the last sentence. I originally gave this 4.5 stars because I didn’t love part of the ending and threw a tantrum. However, this book is easily one of my favourites this year and deserves all the stars.

Mad Honey was a beautiful book that grew more powerful and riveting with each passing chapter. It’s part courtroom drama, part teenage love story, part coming of age, and altogether fantastic. Without giving any spoilers, it addresses some heavy and timely topics with care, deep research, and appropriate perspective. The characters are well rounded and the chapters flip back-and-forth and jump around in time, which gives such a holistic picture of the world being built. A few times I thought it dragged (especially some of the longer descriptions of the bees) and I was a little disappointed by part of the ending, which kept me from giving it five stars, but I loved the co-authoring aspect and especially loved the authors notes at the end about how the book came to be.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

I really liked this book a lot. It really took me back to her earlier works. The story goes between Asher's mom during and after trial and Lily hiss girlfriend before everything happened. I was so engrossed in this book and the more that was revealed the more I needed to know. I really think the authors did a great job with this story. My one and only gripe is the ending, it seemed like it just conveniently ended - for me it seemed rushed. I definitely had two other strong ideas - that I saw the story going and the way they went (in my eyes) didn't fit. I will still be recommending for sure.

This was a very powerful book. Picoult and Boylan collaborated on this. One mostly writing the voice of Archer's mother, Olivia, who had had issues with her now ex-husband and has found solace raising her bees and selling products made from honey. The other is the voice of Lily, Archer's girlfriend, who is trying to find her place in the world along with her mother after they left Lily's father behind.

This is a fantastic story of love, survival, believing in yourself and those you love, finding yourself and being true to your inner self. There was lots of information in this book about beekeeping and how the bee community works and parallels have to be drawn between it and human interactions.

It would be hard to say more and not give a great storyline away, but I will say there was a "bombshell" moment, a "holy cow" moment, a "holy $@*!" moment. Whatever you want to call it, it blew me away. It is something that might make some people uncomfortable, but hopefully in this day and age they won't stop reading because of it. It will truly be their loss if they don't try to learn from this book.

Thanks to Random House Group--Ballantine and NetGalley for the gifted copy. All thoughts are my own.

‘Mad Honey’ is truly described as a riveting novel. It ranges from a turn the page thriller to an unforgettable love story on to a deep exploration of human exploration of secrets, Rick’s and discovery. Jodi Picoult’s books never dodge the issues that may be challenging, drama filled, hurtful, & derisive. This joint collaboration with Jennifer Finley will again leave the readers feeling challenged and more than likely, a bit uncomfortable. This book transcends labels, stereotypes, & assumptions. It shows human nature, in a flawed being, in which we are all the same with different ideas, respect, & feelings. ‘Mad Honey’ takes you on an emotional roller coaster ride from start to finish, so buckle up & be ready to enjoy the ride. This is most definitely a page turner & quite possibly one of Picoult’s best works. I highly recommend it for all book clubs.

Thank you Netgalley, Ballantine, Jodi Picoult, and Jennifer Finney Boylan for this advanced reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review.

One thing I will say, every book involving Jodi Picoult as one of the writers there is going to be a little history involved, for this book its Bee’s, I love the history behind beekeeping and all of that jazz, but like typical Picoult fashion, the book dragged with so much history of THAT, that I started to lose interest. We go between two characters Olivia, and Lily. Asher is Olivia’s son, and he has a bright future and an amazing girlfriend named Lily. I was a little confused as to why we only get their point of views and not Ashers as well, but I love how we go back and forth between now and their past. I got to understand Lily even more even though when it was a little all over the place. Lily is found dead and the main suspect is Asher. We learn the mystery about who Lily was, who Asher was with Lily, the battles Olivia had to over with her own divorce. I felt the end was rushed and I hate to ruin it for anyone because the secrets revealed shocked me a little, and if anything it made me feel so sad for all of the characters involved. Don’t get me wrong some parts were heartfelt, but I felt the story dragged for too long.

"We don't know anyone as well as we think we do." Through her many books, Jodi Picoult brings attention to issues at the forefront of our current world. And this book was no exception. From abusive relationships to the complexities of gender and identity, this book explores hard, painful, and deeply layered issues. 

I went into this book knowing very little. (I had read the synopsis when requesting the advanced read, but clearly forgot everything I had read. ) And I’m so happy this was the case. Going in blind added to the build up of these characters and the intensity of their stories. My heart ached for these characters. And at many times, it felt almost too hard to read. As a parent, I kept putting myself in Olivia’s shoes. And as a former teenager (here we can all relate) I just remember how hard those years are when you are NOT facing the stress and adversity that both Lily and Asher endured respectively. 

I have not yet read anything by Jennifer Finney Boylan. But the author duo created a seamless story. And I really enjoyed reading their notes at the end of the book, from where the idea for the book came from to how they handled the writing process! 

A good portion of this book was a gripping courtroom drama, and I was riveted during those chapters. I also really enjoyed learning so much about beekeeping and the intricate process of making honey. 

My only issue was in the last 80-100 pages, with the dual pov. I kept finding myself not wanting to hear more from one pov, as the other was more “exciting”… but after finishing, I know all those chapters and details were purposeful and continued to give depth to the story. 

I give this book 4.5 stars (rounded up on Goodreads!) Available 10/4/2022

Dual POV, courtroom drama, love story, LBGTQ+… This book is suspenseful, thought provoking, and unforgettable. It will likely be on many banned book lists. I encourage you to read it! Books unite us, open our minds, and challenge our thinking. It’s okay for a book to make you uncomfortable. It’s okay for a book to help you see a different side to an issue.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for this advanced copy of Mad Honey.

ARC REVIEW FOR MAD HONEY

4 stars

Thank you to Netgalley, Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan for the advanced gifted copy!

I am a HUGE Jodi Picoult fan. Her last book, Wish You Were Here, was good, but it wasn't what I felt was true Jodi. Mad Honey, however, connected back to the writing I'm most familiar with when it comes to her, and I really enjoyed it. Heavily researched, rooted in the courtroom, a few similar characters, but with layers and addressing issues that are important and need to be addressed.

Mad Honey was filled with every emotion possible- happiness, love, anger, betrayal, hatred, lust - it had everything. The narrative was encased with many sensitive subjects, and those who are easily triggered should definitely proceed with caution. I feel those sensitive subjects were handled well, but honestly? I don't know if what I think really holds water as I am not the intended audience. However, I do think Jodi Picoult handled it well, especially co-authoring the book with someone who has firsthand knowledge of concepts within the story. We have seen, so many times, white authors write stories that are not their stories, from a perspective with no firsthand knowledge. To be able to take a step back and do this jointly with an author with experience says a lot. Was it perfect? Probably not. But hopefully people will understand that the place it comes from is one of growth and a desire for change, not for the status quo to remain. Sidenote- if you do read this book, I highly encourage you to read the Authors' Notes which will help provide more context and background.

Before diving in, I actually read a few non-spoiler reviews on Goodreads about the book, which I almost never do. However, most of the reviews were accusatory, saying the book wasn't good because it was too "woke" or it addressed "issues" that are happening right now when it didn't need to. I think that's such a cop out. Writers can write whatever they want- it's not up to you to decide whether a topic should be covered in a book. If you don't like it, great- don't read it. But to say that racial and gender issues shouldn't be addressed in books because they are the "flavor of the day" just goes to show how uneducated you are. This book is important- and it could mean something to someone down the road. THAT'S why it's important that it be written.

If you enjoy reading stories that are bit heavier, this one's for you. If you enjoy reading Jodi Picoult, this one's for you. If you enjoy expanding your worldview, this one's for you. And if you are like me, and haven't read a book by Jennifer Finney Boylan, join me in adding her to a list of authors I will be reading soon.

I really loved this book! Jodï Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan did a great job, and while this book was not at all what I expected it to be when I began reading, ít ended up being so much more than that! 💛🐝💛 I wish that everyone would read this book.

Jodi Picoult is talented with her intricate way with words and placements in real life. She has never shied away from difficult topics and reveals so much about ourselves. Jennifer Finney Boylan doubles the momentum with her intellect and ideas. An outstanding duo completing a suspenseful, emotional and unforgettable love story.
Olivia left a toxic relationship and an abusive husband with her teenage son Asher to her hometown in New Hampshire. Her father left her a family owned beekeeping business. The beekeeping is a prominent part of the book written in the parables of real life. When her son is accused of murdering his girlfriend Lily, Olivia relinquishes all to protect her child.

Lily appears as the perfect girlfriend to Asher. She has just moved here with her mom hiding away their own secrets and emotional tension, so her relationship with Asher is a security blanket until a falling out and her death has Asher questioning everything about himself.

This thought provoking book has an incredible twist. The courtroom tension and murder investigation turns into an unforgettable look back into their young lives and struggles. Not a book you will forget and Paul Simon says it best " Sometimes even music cannot substitute for tears". It is tough to feel pain for the characters that you can't help but love. We are all striving and swimming even though we are not all in the same direction. Well-written and thought out....kudos for all the amazing research on the beekeeping.
Thank you NetGalley and Random Publishing House-Ballantine for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

This book is classic Jodi Picoult even though she wrote it with another author. It’s witty, timely and of course covers an important topic. . It was an important story to tell although I must say I didn’t find the first half that compelling as it felt like a story that had been told many times before. Of course the authors fixed that in the second half and as always for this author I highly recommend reading it.