Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.99 AVERAGE
3.99 AVERAGE
Really enjoyed this one. Didn't know much going in but I finished it quickly and it kept my attention. Parts of it were excellent... Would recommend no question.
I had a hard time getting into this book but once I got the rhythm and voice, I appreciated it more. If you're a gardener and/or know the Bay area, there is something in here for you. While I kept thinking of all the practical reasons this story didn't make sense and I felt it was tied up a little too neatly at the end, it was enjoyable.
The language of flowers is a story about Victoria who just turned eighteen and is thrown out in the real world after years of foster homes and adoption attempts, her entire childhood in the system.
Her constant rejection and loneliness has made her hard and reclusive and all she holds dear is the memories of her last and final attempt at a home, at the vineyard with the solitary, and firm but loving Elizabeth, and the love for flowers.
We get tossed between Victoria in the present and Victoria as a child. We see the importance of flowers in Victoria's life and how the secret meanings of them gives her means to communicate without actual interaction.
The book is a beautiful and heartbreaking story about confronting a painful past and allowing love and forgiveness to enter your life. About the meaning of family, about the meaning of speaking the same language, the language of flowers.
Her constant rejection and loneliness has made her hard and reclusive and all she holds dear is the memories of her last and final attempt at a home, at the vineyard with the solitary, and firm but loving Elizabeth, and the love for flowers.
We get tossed between Victoria in the present and Victoria as a child. We see the importance of flowers in Victoria's life and how the secret meanings of them gives her means to communicate without actual interaction.
The book is a beautiful and heartbreaking story about confronting a painful past and allowing love and forgiveness to enter your life. About the meaning of family, about the meaning of speaking the same language, the language of flowers.
challenging
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The premise of the novel was great, a girl raised in foster care connects with flowers and their meanings. But the execution of the plot did not work for me. The tone felt like YA but I don't believe that it was billed as such. I listened on audio and the narrators voice seemed very young as well which didn't help this.
The biggest issue I had was in the main characters choices. I am sure that the author was trying to portray disconnection because of the foster system, but it didn't always serve any purpose. I get that the young, and emotionally stunted main character would be making poor choices. But the adults in her life just letting her go on without the help or support that was needed annoyed me greatly. No help, just left to fight it out on her own, that is until the last chapters when everything magically gets fixed.
The biggest issue I had was in the main characters choices. I am sure that the author was trying to portray disconnection because of the foster system, but it didn't always serve any purpose. I get that the young, and emotionally stunted main character would be making poor choices. But the adults in her life just letting her go on without the help or support that was needed annoyed me greatly. No help, just left to fight it out on her own, that is until the last chapters when everything magically gets fixed.
I found this desperately, wildly sad and at points distressing but it was also beautiful
Warning! This book will make you want to plant a garden, to learn more about the meaning of flowers, to visit a florist, and/or to take a floral arranging class.
I am not surprised that I enjoyed this book. At a young age, I fell in love with Jane Eyre . Since then, I have loved stories about young women who gain strength in spite of horrible childhoods. At times, the protagonist reminded me of Jane Eyre-- unwanted and unloved for most of her youth, sent to homes where she was mistreated. Ultimately, she finds reconciliation and fulfillment in spite of numerous disappointments. My love for Victorian novels was also satisfied with this book since the Victorian era was frequently referenced-- including the protagonist's name being "Victoria."
Some readers may want to be assured that this book is set in modern times.
I appreciate various forms of communication: oral, written, body language, sign language, propaganda, etc. I had forgotten that flowers have meanings associated with them. Seeing conversations occur between characters with only a flower passed was intriguing.
*listened to audiotape
I am not surprised that I enjoyed this book. At a young age, I fell in love with Jane Eyre . Since then, I have loved stories about young women who gain strength in spite of horrible childhoods. At times, the protagonist reminded me of Jane Eyre-- unwanted and unloved for most of her youth, sent to homes where she was mistreated. Ultimately, she finds reconciliation and fulfillment in spite of numerous disappointments. My love for Victorian novels was also satisfied with this book since the Victorian era was frequently referenced-- including the protagonist's name being "Victoria."
Some readers may want to be assured that this book is set in modern times.
I appreciate various forms of communication: oral, written, body language, sign language, propaganda, etc. I had forgotten that flowers have meanings associated with them. Seeing conversations occur between characters with only a flower passed was intriguing.
*listened to audiotape
What a great book! I remember when it came out that the reviews were good and I added it to our book club suggestion list, but I don't know if I would have sought it out otherwise.
I'm so glad I read it.
It's a beautiful story of loss and pain and love and forgiveness. The narrator/main character has many facets and the author did a great job of creating a person whose actions appall you but are also understandable.
I'll be interested in seeing what Diffenbaugh delivers for her sophomore effort.
I'm so glad I read it.
It's a beautiful story of loss and pain and love and forgiveness. The narrator/main character has many facets and the author did a great job of creating a person whose actions appall you but are also understandable.
I'll be interested in seeing what Diffenbaugh delivers for her sophomore effort.
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Hmmmm. I'm not even sure what to say about this book. It was strange. And I didn't like any of the characters.