Reviews with content warning for Death of parent - The Garden of Small Beginnings

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!

Content Warnings

amibo's review

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted reflective slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

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aimzthereader's review

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emotional reflective relaxing medium-paced

Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Beautifully written. Loved the storyline of the gardening class along with all the characters and their growth. As always, Abbi Waxman doesn’t disappoint

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pagesfromhome's review

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emotional funny inspiring medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

Previous Rating: 5 Stars

Like my last Abbi Waxman reread, I used to absolutely adore these books. 5 stars all the way with no faults. Since rereading, I've noticed this habit she has of dropping in stereotypes (or making culturally appropriative costumes) or mentioning race or sexuality when it just feels weird and forced (pgs. 19, 59, and 157 particularly spring to mind). I noticed this in The Bookish Life of Nina Hill and now in this one. The reference to a gay couple on p. 59 struck out in particular - the main character mentions, "...that pique of interest and support I always felt when I met lesbians or gay men, or interracial couples, or anyone in fact who lived a life that seemed more interesting and less mainstream than mine." Like, it's cool to support people who are different than you, but it's weird as heck when you fetishize or romanticize them. They're just two women in a relationship, not a field study for an anthropologist.

There also seems to be a lot of forgiveness for Rachel and Lili's mom's lack of growth and harmful behaviors. The main character says multiple times how her mom just is who she is, implying nothing can be done about it. Still, her mom is saying incredibly hurtful and harmful things to her grandchildren, so yes, she can change, but she certainly won't if she's getting away with it. I'm all for respecting who people are, but when they are harmful, they need to hear about what they're inflicting on others.

That said, these references do knock down my rating a bit, but for the most part, this book still stands. It's a beautiful exploration of the waves of grief phenomenon and (I imagine) how it would be to be a suddenly widowed mother of two. The cast of characters in the gardening club is fantastic, and I love the blossoming romance at the forefront of the story. I would definitely reread it again, but I hope Waxman's newest book will be less cavalier with outdated race and sexuality references.

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