The Bean Trees

"An astonishing literary debut....For a deep breath of fresh air, spend some time in the neighborhood of The Bean Trees."--Cosmopolitan
"As clear as air. It is the southern novel taken west, its colors as translucent and polished as one of those slices of rose agate from a desert shop."--New York Times Book Review
"So wry and wise we wish it would never end....The chatty, down-home audacity of Barbara Kingsolver's remarkable first novel hooks us on the first page."--San Francisco Chronicle
"The work of a visionary. . . . It leaves you open-mouthed and smiling."--Los Angeles Times
"The Bean Trees is the work of a visionary. . . . It leaves you open-mouthed and smiling."--Los Angeles Times
"This funny, inspiring book is a marvelous affirmation of risk-taking, commitment and everyday miracles...An overwhelming delight, as random and unexpected as real life."--Publishers Weekly
"This is the story of a lovable, resourceful 'instant mother, ' one who speaks, acts and learns for herself, becoming an inspiration to us all."--Glamour
A major new talent. From the very first page, Kingsolver's characters tug at the heart and soul.--Ms.
An extraordinary good novel, tough and tender and gritty and moving.--Anne Rivers Siddons
Idealistic and exhilerating, The Bean Trees is a book that combines the most careful craft with a moral code that is loving and expansive.--Philadelphia Inquirer