The Honey Bus is a memoir by Meredith May, recounting her childhood experiences with her grandfather who was a beekeeper. The book details the life lessons she learned through the art of beekeeping and the solace she found in the hive during her tumultuous upbringing.
In “The Honey Bus,” Meredith May tells a poignant story of her upbringing after her parents’ divorce when she and her brother were taken by their mother to live with their grandparents in Big Sur, California. Her grandfather, an eccentric beekeeper, became her mentor and closest friend. Through her interactions with him and the bees, May learned about the natural world, resilience, and the bonds of family.
The memoir is not just a personal narrative; it’s also an exploration of the fascinating world of bees. May’s grandfather taught her how to nurture the hives, respect the environment, and coexist with nature. The “honey bus” itself refers to an old, converted military bus that her grandfather used as a makeshift honey extraction lab, where May spent countless hours learning the craft of beekeeping.
May’s story is one of transformation. She draws parallels between the social structures of bees and human relationships, finding comfort and wisdom in the hive. Her experiences with her grandfather and the bees provided a counterpoint to the instability and emotional challenges she faced with her mother, offering a sanctuary and a sense of belonging.
“The Honey Bus” is a tribute to the lessons May learned from her grandfather and the bees, and how those lessons helped shape her into the person she became. It’s a tale of healing, growth, and the enduring impact of love and nature on a young life.
