Sue Monk Kidd facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sue Monk Kidd
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Kidd in 2019
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| Born | August 12, 1948 Sylvester, Georgia, U.S. |
| Occupation | Novelist, memoirist |
| Alma mater | Texas Christian University |
| Period | 1988–present |
| Genre | Fiction, Historical Fiction, Memoir |
| Notable works | The Invention of Wings, The Secret Life of Bees, The Mermaid Chair, The Dance of the Dissident Daughter, Traveling with Pomegranates: A Mother-Daughter Story |
Sue Monk Kidd (born August 12, 1948) is a well-known American writer from Sylvester, Georgia. She is famous for her historical novels. These books often explore themes like fairness, courage, and personal beliefs. Some of her most popular works include The Secret Life of Bees and The Invention of Wings.
Early Life and Learning
Kidd grew up in Sylvester, Georgia. In 1970, she earned a degree in nursing from Texas Christian University. She then worked as a nursing teacher at the Medical College of Georgia.
Later, Kidd became interested in writing. She took creative writing classes at places like Emory University and Anderson University. She also attended special writing workshops.
A Writer's Journey
Kidd began her writing career when a personal essay she wrote was published. It appeared in Guideposts magazine and was later reprinted in Reader's Digest. This helped her become a contributing editor for Guideposts.
Her first few books were memoirs. These books shared her personal experiences and thoughts on her spiritual journey. They explored ideas about self-acceptance and finding inner peace.
Famous Novels and Stories
Her first novel, The Secret Life of Bees (2002), became very popular. It is set in 1964, during the American Civil Rights Movement. The story follows a young white girl who finds a new home with a kind Black woman. This woman is a beekeeper who makes honey with her sisters.
The Secret Life of Bees was turned into an award-winning play. It also became a movie starring Dakota Fanning and Queen Latifah. The movie won two People's Choice Awards.
Her second novel, The Mermaid Chair (2005), won the Quill Award for General Fiction. The story is about a woman who returns to a special island off the coast of South Carolina. There, she uncovers secrets and learns more about herself. The book's title comes from a unique chair in a monastery on the island. This novel was also made into a TV movie in 2006.
In 2006, a collection of Kidd's earlier writings was published. This book was called Firstlight.
Kidd also wrote a memoir with her daughter, Ann Kidd Taylor. This book, Traveling with Pomegranates: A Mother-Daughter Story (2009), shares their travels to important historical sites. It became a bestseller and was translated into many languages.
Her 2014 novel, The Invention of Wings, is set in the time before the American Civil War. It tells a story inspired by Sarah Grimké. Sarah Grimké was a brave woman who fought against slavery and for women's rights in the 1800s. This novel was a number one bestseller and was chosen for Oprah's Book Club 2.0.
Kidd's novel The Book of Longings was published in 2020. It is a historical story set in ancient times.
Personal Life
Sue Monk Kidd is married to Sanford "Sandy" Kidd. They have two children, Bob and Ann. She has lived in different places, including Charleston and Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina. She now lives in North Carolina. Her daughter, Ann, often helps her by proofreading her writing.
