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hannas_heas47's review
3.0
This was probably one of the weirdest books I have ever read... sincerely. I was expecting something different....idk why. I’m really shocked the author can actually remember where and when she received all these plants and flowers. Still it was a life journey through flowers but I didn’t really connect with it.
I received a copy to read and offer an opinion.
I received a copy to read and offer an opinion.
bookish_by_elle's review
3.0
This book was completely different than what I expected based on the title. That said, I found myself reading the entire way through in one sitting. It is short, the writing is simple and the illustrations are fun. For most of the book it read like something that could be a children's book except it discusses her late teen to adult relationships, and her growth as a person as she is navigating adulthood. That simplicity is actually what I enjoyed most about this book. The memoir was a bit shallow and would not stand alone without the illustrations, but I think that each of the anecdotes complemented the illustrations just fine. I turned each page wondering what plant would come next (and whether I had grown them before) and studied the illustrations before each anecdote in an effort to decipher what the corresponding story would be about.
Based on the title, I did expect this book to be a little more centered on plants. The chapters are named for plants and those plants are mentioned but, a lot of times, simply in passing or what seemed like an afterthought. We learn of the favorite flowers of the author's mother and grandmother but never about the plants themselves: which are easy to grow, which require more care, what season does each plant grow in, what life-lesson did growing each plant teach? Obviously I expected to see glimpses of the author's life in this book (which to be sure, I did), but I was disappointed that there was no connection to the plants that she's loved and grew and killed. Overall though, the simplicity of this book made it a fun, leisurely read.
Based on the title, I did expect this book to be a little more centered on plants. The chapters are named for plants and those plants are mentioned but, a lot of times, simply in passing or what seemed like an afterthought. We learn of the favorite flowers of the author's mother and grandmother but never about the plants themselves: which are easy to grow, which require more care, what season does each plant grow in, what life-lesson did growing each plant teach? Obviously I expected to see glimpses of the author's life in this book (which to be sure, I did), but I was disappointed that there was no connection to the plants that she's loved and grew and killed. Overall though, the simplicity of this book made it a fun, leisurely read.
salreads's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this original and quirky collection of autobiographical stories stimulated by fragrant memories of flowers or plants associated with those stories. Stories of growing up, first loves, going to prom, a funeral and a marriage are beautifully observed - at the heart of each one is a memory of a corsage, bouquet, wreath, potted plant. The account is honest and reflective as she unpicks her youthful self. Her love for her family is paramount. Listening on audiobook felt like the perfect way to ‘read’ this book. I could close my eyes and conjure up pictures of the flowers from the closely observed descriptions. I very much liked the narrator - for me she and the author were as one as she recounted stories with a voice tinged with the emotion of that memory - laughter, self- reflection and sadness. My only reservation was that I did have to get used to different pronunciation of plant names! This is a lovely and original audiobook. With thanks to Netgalley and Andrews Mcmeel Audio
kairosdreaming's review against another edition
3.0
*This book was received as an Advanced Reader's copy (Audiobook) from NetGalley.
My Life in Plants. That's a pretty good title, and one I've found highly relatable. It goes on to be more specific in the sub-title with herbs, flowers, and houseplants. So I thought yes, this is for me. And I'm not saying it wasn't, but I will say, that this book isn't quite what I was expecting from the title and description.
Katie Voz tells her life in little vignettes she associates with a type of plant. The tangy-ness of rhubarb, the romance of roses; all of these have a little story to go along with them. She fits her memories and families and connections into this book.
But the plants really took a backseat to everything else. While each chapter is named for a plant, and it is mentioned in the chapter, it's incidental, and these stories could have been told without the plants in most cases. I was somewhat disappointed, as the promise of plants is what drew me in. Her stories are sweet, and relatable, and that does save the book; but if you go in expecting a garden, you might have the same thoughts I did on the book. It also probably doesn't help that I experienced the audiobook. Voz is an artist and a little browsing after listening to this book showed me that really, the illustrations are probably what make this entire book special. You can't see illustrations in an audiobook, and despite the charming voice of the narrator, you'll only get the memoirs, and not the flowers in this way as well.
Relatable stories, nice narration, but a little lacking in the plant department. I think the best bet with this book would probably be to skip the audio and go for the physical book; the illustrations will probably be key.
Review by M. Reynard 2020
My Life in Plants. That's a pretty good title, and one I've found highly relatable. It goes on to be more specific in the sub-title with herbs, flowers, and houseplants. So I thought yes, this is for me. And I'm not saying it wasn't, but I will say, that this book isn't quite what I was expecting from the title and description.
Katie Voz tells her life in little vignettes she associates with a type of plant. The tangy-ness of rhubarb, the romance of roses; all of these have a little story to go along with them. She fits her memories and families and connections into this book.
But the plants really took a backseat to everything else. While each chapter is named for a plant, and it is mentioned in the chapter, it's incidental, and these stories could have been told without the plants in most cases. I was somewhat disappointed, as the promise of plants is what drew me in. Her stories are sweet, and relatable, and that does save the book; but if you go in expecting a garden, you might have the same thoughts I did on the book. It also probably doesn't help that I experienced the audiobook. Voz is an artist and a little browsing after listening to this book showed me that really, the illustrations are probably what make this entire book special. You can't see illustrations in an audiobook, and despite the charming voice of the narrator, you'll only get the memoirs, and not the flowers in this way as well.
Relatable stories, nice narration, but a little lacking in the plant department. I think the best bet with this book would probably be to skip the audio and go for the physical book; the illustrations will probably be key.
Review by M. Reynard 2020
twiinklex's review
3.0
Note: I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review but ended up reading a hardcover from the library. No regrets.
At first glance, this book seemed to be about the author's experience with various plants. But read on and you'll realise that it's actually a memoir and each plant actually signifies a special memory in her life, which I really enjoyed reading about.
Besides the symbolism, I also appreciate the imagery as to how the author shares vivid descriptions of the plants: Colours, texture, shape etc. As such, I feel that this is a book that's best enjoyed as a physical copy.
3.5 stars rounded down because the author does not come across as a very nice person even after her journey of self-discovery. In fact, I think she is very horrid to her boyfriend (now husband) with her childish expectations and romanticizing ~Instaperfection~.
At first glance, this book seemed to be about the author's experience with various plants. But read on and you'll realise that it's actually a memoir and each plant actually signifies a special memory in her life, which I really enjoyed reading about.
Sunflowers
I love how bright and happy they look. Once they are in full bloom, they are gorgeous. But they are a little gross up close, when you notice tiny spiders and bugs in the center bits. It reminds me of how I feel like I ruin many good things by examining things so finely. From far away, something can seem happy and sweet and beautiful, but if I look up close, I'll find everything wrong with it.
Besides the symbolism, I also appreciate the imagery as to how the author shares vivid descriptions of the plants: Colours, texture, shape etc. As such, I feel that this is a book that's best enjoyed as a physical copy.
3.5 stars rounded down because the author does not come across as a very nice person even after her journey of self-discovery. In fact, I think she is very horrid to her boyfriend (now husband) with her childish expectations and romanticizing ~Instaperfection~.
nickimags's review against another edition
informative
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
3.0
This was a short, sweet audiobook about the author’s life through the plants in her past and present life, plus the life lessons she’s learnt. The chapters are named after the different plants she’s enjoyed and her story is told chronologically.
My favourite chapters were cat grass, daisies, pink roses, poinsettia, African violet, crab apple tree, lavender and fiddle head ferns The saddest chapter was Boston Fern, you might need tissues for that one.
Taylor Meskimen’s narrator was perfect, as was her pronunciation of all the different plants! She’s a new-to-me narrator and I could definitely listen to more audiobooks with her narration.
If you enjoy gardening memoirs you’ll enjoy this on audio.
Thanks so much NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for my digital copy via the NetGalley app.
My favourite chapters were cat grass, daisies, pink roses, poinsettia, African violet, crab apple tree, lavender and fiddle head ferns The saddest chapter was Boston Fern, you might need tissues for that one.
Taylor Meskimen’s narrator was perfect, as was her pronunciation of all the different plants! She’s a new-to-me narrator and I could definitely listen to more audiobooks with her narration.
If you enjoy gardening memoirs you’ll enjoy this on audio.
Thanks so much NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for my digital copy via the NetGalley app.
salreads's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this original and quirky collection of autobiographical stories stimulated by fragrant memories of flowers or plants associated with those stories. Stories of growing up, first loves, going to prom, a funeral and a marriage are beautifully observed - at the heart of each one is a memory of a corsage, bouquet, wreath, potted plant. The account is honest and reflective as she unpicks her youthful self. Her love for her family is paramount. Listening on audiobook felt like the perfect way to ‘read’ this book. I could close my eyes and conjure up pictures of the flowers from the closely observed descriptions. I very much liked the narrator - for me she and the author were as one as she recounted stories with a voice tinged with the emotion of that memory - laughter, self- reflection and sadness. My only reservation was that I did have to get used to different pronunciation of plant names! This is a lovely and original audiobook. With thanks to Netgalley and Andrews Mcmeel Audio
salreads's review
4.0
I really enjoyed this original and quirky collection of autobiographical stories stimulated by fragrant memories of flowers or plants associated with those stories. Stories of growing up, first loves, going to prom, a funeral and a marriage are beautifully observed - at the heart of each one is a memory of a corsage, bouquet, wreath, potted plant. The account is honest and reflective as she unpicks her youthful self. Her love for her family is paramount. Listening on audiobook felt like the perfect way to ‘read’ this book. I could close my eyes and conjure up pictures of the flowers from the closely observed descriptions. I very much liked the narrator - for me she and the author were as one as she recounted stories with a voice tinged with the emotion of that memory - laughter, self- reflection and sadness. My only reservation was that I did have to get used to different pronunciation of plant names! This is a lovely and original audiobook. With thanks to Netgalley and Andrews Mcmeel A
books__brews_and_booze's review
4.0
So I went on a whole journey with this book! I listened to the audio version, so I didn't get to see the illustrations the author mentions in the back of the book.
At first, I thought the book was fine, but maybe not for me. Maybe I wasn't the target audience. It's pleasant enough, I thought, but doesn't really delve deeply into the experiences she had with plants, people and life lessons. But, I thought as I listened, I really like the chapter on her prom and the one about her grandpa and his tomatoes.
As I continued to listen to the book and her stories on what sounded like a very supportive, happy family, I wondered if there was any conflict the author might mention. As the memoir continued, things started to come together and it became apparent that one of the author’s greatest struggles is living in the moment and enjoying moments as they are.
That’s when it also became clear to me that this memoir is really a love letter to mindfulness.
It’s a sweet little book on the healing power of plants and how they serve as milestones or symbols of family, traditions, people or events.
One quick word on the depth of the memoir: The author mentions she has a tendency to overanalyze. It occurs to me that perhaps not going too deeply into things was a conscious choice. One of experiencing things as they are, without overthinking.
3.5 stars, rounded up to four
At first, I thought the book was fine, but maybe not for me. Maybe I wasn't the target audience. It's pleasant enough, I thought, but doesn't really delve deeply into the experiences she had with plants, people and life lessons. But, I thought as I listened, I really like the chapter on her prom and the one about her grandpa and his tomatoes.
As I continued to listen to the book and her stories on what sounded like a very supportive, happy family, I wondered if there was any conflict the author might mention. As the memoir continued, things started to come together and it became apparent that one of the author’s greatest struggles is living in the moment and enjoying moments as they are.
That’s when it also became clear to me that this memoir is really a love letter to mindfulness.
It’s a sweet little book on the healing power of plants and how they serve as milestones or symbols of family, traditions, people or events.
One quick word on the depth of the memoir: The author mentions she has a tendency to overanalyze. It occurs to me that perhaps not going too deeply into things was a conscious choice. One of experiencing things as they are, without overthinking.
3.5 stars, rounded up to four