Bookshelf

Alumni and faculty members who would like to have their books considered for this listing should contact Stacey Himmelberger, editor of Hamilton magazine. This list, which dates back to 2018, is updated periodically with books appearing alphabetically on the date of entry.

Bees in June by Elizabeth Bass Parman ’83.

January 13, 2026

Tags Alumni Book

(Harper Muse, 2025).

“Uncle Dixon always told Rennie to tell the bees everything, but somewhere along the way, Rennie forgot. Now, with her life at its lowest, she begins to see the bees in a new light. Will she believe again in the magic of the hives, and will she listen as the bees try to guide her home?”

That’s how the publisher introduces this heartwarming story set in the same fictional Tennessee small town as Parman’s first novel, The Empress of Cooke County. This book follows a young woman, Rennie Hendricks, as she rediscovers her power in the face of personal crises. At first, she thinks her elderly uncle is confused when he talks about communicating with his bees, but when she starts to see them glow, she can’t help but wonder what they might be trying to tell her.

As one reviewer noted, “An endearing, magical read ... The characters are memorable and even the bees will tug at your heartstrings! Southern charm plus a storyline of hope and resilience will keep you reading and rooting for Rennie!”