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firxtly's review
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death
mikaloveyou3's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
3.5
brookeallie03's review
2.0
2.5 stars. The cover on this book is gorgeous and it’s the only reason I picked it up. Suffice to say, this isn’t the book for me. I thought it was okay but I definitely wouldn’t recommend it to anyone. That’s why it’s 2.5.
thewoollygeek's review
4.0
This is such a beautiful story, I keep saying that a lot lately but there have been so many good books out. Things That Grow is a story about family and grief, filled with both optimism and dark humour.
I really liked the characters and the way Meredith describes the gardens, you could feel yourself in them. The only criticism I would have is that it’s a little slow at times, but it does pick up. This is a truly wonderful novel for loss and grief
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
I really liked the characters and the way Meredith describes the gardens, you could feel yourself in them. The only criticism I would have is that it’s a little slow at times, but it does pick up. This is a truly wonderful novel for loss and grief
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
renatasnacks's review
5.0
lovvved this one. Speaking, with love, as a former pretentious teen I feel like it'll be a hit with pretentious teens, the ones who are trying out books recommended by their teachers because they want to seem like they love Dorothy Parker but maybe they actually prefer to read books about vampires and maybe that's fine. I think there's also a shortage of books about kids being raised by a grandparent which is a pretty common situation so it's great to have a book on that. (Also, Urban Gay Uncle representation.)
Also it made me want to visit The Mount and meet MARGE omg!! (also the Cheesecake Factory)
I know John Green is a cliche comp author but for real, hand to John Green fans.
Also it made me want to visit The Mount and meet MARGE omg!! (also the Cheesecake Factory)
I know John Green is a cliche comp author but for real, hand to John Green fans.
kelcij's review
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
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
4.0
abception's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
relaxing
sad
fast-paced
3.5
ellymusial's review
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
bogdanalovesmarigolds's review
4.0
I found this book unexpectedly at a small bookshop/record shop/tapas restaurant. Firstly the beautiful garden on the cover reminded me of the Secret Garden and I was intrigued to see what it was about. When I saw it was about a young girl and her family going through the grief of losing their grandmother and deciding to honour her wishes by scattering her ashes onto various gardens (things that grow) I really really wanted to know the story.
Whilst this book wasn’t perfect, there were flaws in some editing, and some overall character narration on some of the secondary character’s sides, I also felt that this was one of the author’s points, the imperfection of characters and how they do and decide things that we may not always understand. Just as we do at times.
It also showed the necessity of time in healing, in most cases of life, healing does not happen overnight, and sometimes it happens at a monumentally slow pace. Either way, at least its ability to move forward is what I think brings hope.
This was a lovely book and if a reader would love to explore more about the pursuit of healing during grief and all the changes that it brings, I highly recommend this book.
Whilst this book wasn’t perfect, there were flaws in some editing, and some overall character narration on some of the secondary character’s sides, I also felt that this was one of the author’s points, the imperfection of characters and how they do and decide things that we may not always understand. Just as we do at times.
It also showed the necessity of time in healing, in most cases of life, healing does not happen overnight, and sometimes it happens at a monumentally slow pace. Either way, at least its ability to move forward is what I think brings hope.
This was a lovely book and if a reader would love to explore more about the pursuit of healing during grief and all the changes that it brings, I highly recommend this book.
libscote's review
3.0
Lori's grandmother, who had been a stable influence in her life the past three years, dies suddenly. Her will requests that her remains be scattered near "things that grow" with a list of ideal gardens. Lori sets off with her Uncle Seth and best friend/crush Chris to distribute the remains. Lori also explores her relationship with her mother, who seems to bounce from location to location and boyfriend to boyfriend.
I liked this story. I thought it had some interesting things to say about grief and families, especially the idea of "second-chance parenting."
I liked this story. I thought it had some interesting things to say about grief and families, especially the idea of "second-chance parenting."