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jamiecakes0522's review against another edition
3.0
Not what I expected at all. Not sure how I feel about this book, really. I think it might take a few days to process it. In some ways it was very moving. And in other ways it was beyond frustrating the way Victoria continued to get in her own way. To the point of nauseum. I did enjoy the ending. I was pleasantly surprised that I was because through reading the book I had myself convinced that it was going to end terribly. Love the flower dictionary. I will certainly never look at flowers the same way again.
jenmangler's review
3.0
I wasn't sure if I would like the actual 'language of flowers' in "The Language of Flowers," but I really, really did. I found the discussion of flowers and their meanings fascinating. To have the main character struggle so much to communicate in every other way but shine in this one was interesting. I also liked how her customers were so eager to use flowers to communicate what they struggled to say. Sometimes we just can't find the words.
I have often struggled with students who won't let anyone in, and this book got me into that head space quite well. Victoria felt very real, even if I didn't always understand why she did what she did.
I'm not usually a fan of books that jump back and forth in time, but I didn't mind it here once I got used to it. It did take me a while to get used to the flow, alternating between the past and the present every other chapter (there are a couple of places where this format doesn't hold, and that was a bit of an adjustment for me), but once I did get used to it I actually liked it.
I didn't give this four stars because I thought the ending was too neat and pat, the characters too unbelievable. It went into "happily ever after" territory a bit too quickly/easily for my taste, especially given how many of them struggled for such huge chunks of the book. But I'm GLAD they got their happy ending, so I'm a bit torn.
I have often struggled with students who won't let anyone in, and this book got me into that head space quite well. Victoria felt very real, even if I didn't always understand why she did what she did.
I'm not usually a fan of books that jump back and forth in time, but I didn't mind it here once I got used to it. It did take me a while to get used to the flow, alternating between the past and the present every other chapter (there are a couple of places where this format doesn't hold, and that was a bit of an adjustment for me), but once I did get used to it I actually liked it.
I didn't give this four stars because I thought the ending was too neat and pat, the characters too unbelievable. It went into "happily ever after" territory a bit too quickly/easily for my taste, especially given how many of them struggled for such huge chunks of the book. But I'm GLAD they got their happy ending, so I'm a bit torn.
coleen_nieto's review
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-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? It's complicated
4.0
banna_beads's review
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
goudaparanoia's review
3.0
I love flowers, so I wanted to love this. It was okay but also pretty frustrating, towards the end you just want her to start making better decisions!
jensebring's review
5.0
Could NOT put it down. Read it in a day. Her writing is beautiful and her story telling is a perfect rhythm. love love loved.
salgalruns's review
5.0
I loved, loved, loved this story and it was just the type of read that I needed! It sucked me in from the very beginning and I couldn't let it go. I've been wandering the house connected to my iPad to read it, reluctant to get to work or to other appointments as a result!
The book goes back and forth between present day, where Veronica is 18 years old to past, where she is 10. She was raised through the foster care system, in a combination of group homes or placed into foster homes. The bulk of the "past" storyline takes place when she is placed with Elizabeth, who is on the path to adopting her permanently. Elizabeth is responsible for seeing past the hurt, past the anger, and recognizing the true child within. She feeds Veronica's voracious appetite (which continues into adulthood, I might add), and also takes it upon herself to educate her instead of sending her to school. She teaches her the ins and outs of farm life, from harvesting grapes to understanding the language of flowers.
Without giving too much away, the language of flowers (the meaning behind each one) is the link for Veronica. It is the connection to Elizabeth, the connection to Grant in present time, and the path to employment and a successful career (we hope) for her. Through this, we see the determination and drive towards something meaningful and good in her life. We also see that it provides her with a way to express herself more safely than words.
The characters are so rich in this story - I feel like I know them all and like I would recognize them on the street. I want to sit down and make them dinner and talk for hours about anything. I want to spend more time with my mom, with my daughter, and let them know how important they are to me. The connection of family is so strong, even though every character in this story has suffered extreme heartache as a result of family. It makes you appreciate the connections you DO have in your life and recognize the beauty that exists.
Sometimes books just talk to us and at certain times in our lives are more poignant than others. I am an "in betweener" - I have my kids and my parents around, but it's often tough with schedules to get everyone connected. This weekend, as my daughter graduates from college, I will have everyone all together. I think it will come with an appreciation for all the blessings that I've been given in my life. As a result, the simple things that Veronica struggled with, I have often just taken for granted. Thank you to Vanessa Diffenbaugh for her words that made me THINK and bring to light just how special family is.
The book goes back and forth between present day, where Veronica is 18 years old to past, where she is 10. She was raised through the foster care system, in a combination of group homes or placed into foster homes. The bulk of the "past" storyline takes place when she is placed with Elizabeth, who is on the path to adopting her permanently. Elizabeth is responsible for seeing past the hurt, past the anger, and recognizing the true child within. She feeds Veronica's voracious appetite (which continues into adulthood, I might add), and also takes it upon herself to educate her instead of sending her to school. She teaches her the ins and outs of farm life, from harvesting grapes to understanding the language of flowers.
Without giving too much away, the language of flowers (the meaning behind each one) is the link for Veronica. It is the connection to Elizabeth, the connection to Grant in present time, and the path to employment and a successful career (we hope) for her. Through this, we see the determination and drive towards something meaningful and good in her life. We also see that it provides her with a way to express herself more safely than words.
The characters are so rich in this story - I feel like I know them all and like I would recognize them on the street. I want to sit down and make them dinner and talk for hours about anything. I want to spend more time with my mom, with my daughter, and let them know how important they are to me. The connection of family is so strong, even though every character in this story has suffered extreme heartache as a result of family. It makes you appreciate the connections you DO have in your life and recognize the beauty that exists.
Sometimes books just talk to us and at certain times in our lives are more poignant than others. I am an "in betweener" - I have my kids and my parents around, but it's often tough with schedules to get everyone connected. This weekend, as my daughter graduates from college, I will have everyone all together. I think it will come with an appreciation for all the blessings that I've been given in my life. As a result, the simple things that Veronica struggled with, I have often just taken for granted. Thank you to Vanessa Diffenbaugh for her words that made me THINK and bring to light just how special family is.