Frank Mortimer Author
Bee People and the Bugs They Love
A fascinating foray into the obsessions, friendships, scientific curiosity, misfortunes and rewards
of suburban beekeeping—through the eyes of a Master Beekeeper . . .
Who wants to keep bees? And why? For the answers, Master Beekeeper Frank Mortimer invites readers on an eye-opening journey into the secret world of bees, and the singular world of his fellow bee-keepers. There’s the Badger, who introduces Frank to the world of bees; Rusty, a one-eyed septuagenarian bee sting therapist certain that honey will be the currency of the future after the governments fail; Scooby the “dude” who gets a meditative high off the awesome vibes of his psychedelia-painted hives; and the Berserker, a honeybee hitman who teaches Frank a rafter-raising lesson in staving off the harmful influences of an evil queen: “Squash her, mash her, kill, kill, kill!”
Frank also crosses paths with those he calls the Surgeons (precise and protected), the Cowboys (improvisational and unguarded) and the Poseurs, ex-corporate cogs, YouTube-informed and ill-prepared for the stinging reality of their new lives. In connecting with this club of disparate but kindred spirits, Frank discovers the centuries-old history of the trade; the practicality of maintaining it; what bees see, think, and feel (emotionless but sometimes a little defensive); how they talk to each other and socialize; and what can be done to combat their biggest threats, both human (anti-apiarist extremists) and mite (the Varroa Destructor). With a swarm of offbeat characters and fascinating facts (did that bee just waggle or festoon?), Frank the Bee Man delivers an informative, funny, and galvanizing book about the symbiotic relationship between flower and bee, and bee and the beekeepers who are determined to protect the existence of one of the most beguiling and invaluable creatures on earth.
Book Trailer | Reviews
“…it is an achievement to convey so much knowledge so accessibly without once seeming overbearing. The main reason it all works is the honest descriptions of friendships that spring up around a shared, all-absorbing interest in bees. And Mortimer intersperses useful facts about his passion in a successful and funny book that is sure to swell the ranks of the world’s beekeepers.”
“Some of the most charming passages involve Mortimer’s friendships with other beekeepers, who are often as eccentric as they are kind and helpful. New or prospective beekeepers will find a useful how-to guide as well as an affectionate ode to nature’s pollinators and honey makers, while any readers who have had their lives reshaped by a single overriding passion will enjoy learning how Mortimer found his.”
“This ranks among the best written books I have ever reviewed. This book includes great humor and a use of allegory that reveals tremendous background knowledge. Beginning as a simple recounting of initial inquiry, coupled with personal conflict, this evolves into in-depth learning, great analysis of personalities, and a revealing of information that is masked finely in narrative. Bee people are a weird and fascinating lot; the author delves deeply enough into their eccentricities to make for fascinating reading.”
Praise
“Frank Mortimer’s Bee People and the Bugs They Love is the Bee’s Knees and getting a ton of buzz. Bee smart people and read this un-BEE-lievably interesting look at the quirky world of beekeeping.”
“If the world of beekeepers has a top ambassador, it’s Frank (The Beeman) Mortimer. Bee People and the Bugs They Love is a delightful portrayal for non-beekeepers of what life is like for those of us who are always thinking about bees.”
“Frank Mortimer’s Bee People and the Bugs They Love is a fun and exciting tale of the wonder-filled world of beginner beekeeping. It is a relatable story that every beekeeper can identify with, and filled with helpful hints for those thinking of getting started.”
“Frank Mortimer’s Bee People and the Bugs They Love takes a long look at your first beekeeper’s meeting, that first bee sting, capturing your first swarm and tasting your first honey…My advice, read Mortimer’s book first, before you become a beekeeper. If you do, you will become a beekeeper. He gets it right. And Bee Nerd Alert: You will meet some of the best people in the world – beekeepers.”
“Frank Mortimer’s Bee People and the Bugs They Love gently provides a synopsis not just of beekeeping, but of the principals themselves. Dear reader, you know these people. They may have delightfully funnier names, but make no mistake, as you read, Mortimer has conjured the eccentric beekeepers from every corner of the world, including yours.”
BEE PEOPLE THE BOOK
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Reviews
“This ranks among the best written books I have ever reviewed. This book includes great humor and a use of allegory that reveals tremendous background knowledge. Beginning as a simple recounting of initial inquiry, coupled with personal conflict, this evolves into in-depth learning, great analysis of personalities, and a revealing of information that is masked finely in narrative. Bee people are a weird and fascinating lot; the author delves deeply enough into their eccentricities to make for fascinating reading.”
“…it is an achievement to convey so much knowledge so accessibly without once seeming overbearing. The main reason it all works is the honest descriptions of friendships that spring up around a shared, all-absorbing interest in bees. And Mortimer intersperses useful facts about his passion in a successful and funny book that is sure to swell the ranks of the world’s beekeepers.”
“The book’s topics will appeal to novices, experts, and the “bee curious” alike. Mortimer is a playful storyteller, and his text is lively with the challenges and appeal of keeping bees.”
“Some of the most charming passages involve Mortimer’s friendships with other beekeepers, who are often as eccentric as they are kind and helpful. New or prospective beekeepers will find a useful how-to guide as well as an affectionate ode to nature’s pollinators and honey makers, while any readers who have had their lives reshaped by a single overriding passion will enjoy learning how Mortimer found his.”
“an excellent job of weaving lessons, and facts, in with his stories so that his portrayal of beekeeping ultimately has a way of grabbing you and getting you to not only think that you could do it, but that you need to do it.”
“Author Frank Mortimer, aka Frank the Bee Man, writes a very entertaining book about his venture into beekeeping.”
“The author goes over a lot of things you won’t have to learn the hard way, which is how a lot of beginners seem to learn.”
“Mortimer’s enthusiasm bursts forth on every page, and his storytelling skills make this a delightful read even for those who can’t imagine ever managing a buzzing hive.”