Scan barcode
bookyarncafe's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Car accident
Moderate: Death and Mental illness
Minor: Vomit, Infidelity, Alcohol, Classism, Blood, Injury/Injury detail, and Sexual content
theespressoedition's review
emotional
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I truly didn't think it was possible to love Abbi Waxman any more than I already did - and then I read this book.
My first novel by Abbi was The Bookish Life of Nina Hill which felt like it was written just for me (and even a little like it was written ABOUT me because Nina is basically my bookish doppelganger). I adored how the story tackled things like anxiety and panic attacks. Then I read I Was Told It Was Going to Get Easier, which was also super relatable with the mother-daughter relationship. I began to realize a theme: Abbi is incredible at weaving real-life experiences and challenges into her writing so seamlessly and beautifully.
When I began reading The Garden of Small Beginnings, I knew I was in for another wonderful reading experience. Not only was it laugh-out-loud funny, but it dealt with grief in such a spectacular way. It was poignant, inspiring, and creative. The story itself was incredible and I got some hilarious and helpful gardening tips along the way. I appreciated that the emphasis wasn't even on the romance, but instead on the family and friend community that is so important in our lives.
This book left me feeling grateful for the love in my life (romantic and platonic) and gave me hope for the future!
My first novel by Abbi was The Bookish Life of Nina Hill which felt like it was written just for me (and even a little like it was written ABOUT me because Nina is basically my bookish doppelganger). I adored how the story tackled things like anxiety and panic attacks. Then I read I Was Told It Was Going to Get Easier, which was also super relatable with the mother-daughter relationship. I began to realize a theme: Abbi is incredible at weaving real-life experiences and challenges into her writing so seamlessly and beautifully.
When I began reading The Garden of Small Beginnings, I knew I was in for another wonderful reading experience. Not only was it laugh-out-loud funny, but it dealt with grief in such a spectacular way. It was poignant, inspiring, and creative. The story itself was incredible and I got some hilarious and helpful gardening tips along the way. I appreciated that the emphasis wasn't even on the romance, but instead on the family and friend community that is so important in our lives.
This book left me feeling grateful for the love in my life (romantic and platonic) and gave me hope for the future!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Death of parent, and Grief
Moderate: Bullying
Minor: Infidelity
More...