It is interesting to me how spelling bees suddenly became the focus of books and movies several years ago. I watched Spellbound and found the kids who compete in the national spelling bee fascinating…as well as their families. Bee Season came out a year or two before that movie (2000) and also centers around spelling bees.
Eliza is the youngest of two children in the Naumann family. Her father, Saul, had great expectations for his children as he is very intelligent and spends a lot of his time studying. Eliza’s brother Aaron meets his expectations by being in the gifted program at school and reciting prayers by memory. Eliza, for the most part, views herself and dull and ordinary and has given up hope in having a relationship with her father the way Aaron does. That is, until she is 9-years-old and wins her school spelling bee. She is so proud, yet shy about her accomplishment that she does not even tell her parents at first and has Aaron take her to the next round.
Eliza continues to do well in spelling competitions and her father recognizes in ability in her to study Jewish tests and achieve levels of spirituality that many can not reach. He works with her daily on her spelling to prepare for the next bee. This throws family dynamics off kilter and Aaron starts seeking his identity outside of the home and his father’s expectations. Aaron starts to explore outside of his Jewish faith and looks into Eastern religions and different ways of worship. Eliza understands how her brother is hurting by having her as the focus of their father’s love and attention, but struggles with relinquishing her new found place in the family.
I loved this book. I loved the characters, I loved the family relationships, and felt that it read very smoothly. I think anyone can relate to having times in their life when they feel under appreciated and hopefully we all have times when we excel too. Great read!
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