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_bookmoth's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
3.0
"There is nothing I want or need to do. I have no plan. I do not hope. I do not wait, I do not wish, I do not fear. I do not be or not be, do or not do. I just seek comfort, avoid discomfort, curl up in a warm spot and watch. I have become a cat and have reached the peak of my evolution." (p. 328)
I am not sure where Hamer wanted to go with this book. I usually appreciate books because of their storytelling, their sagacity, or their beauty. Seed to Dust does not really fit into one of these categories. Though at times the sun sneaks its way through the tree's foliage, it mainly stays in the shadows.
Yes, the book does slow you down; helps you reflect and puts life in perspective, the hubbub in the background. It is somewhat about the garden, somewhat about social interactions, somewhat about (a) life, somewhat about nature. It was ok, and maybe it is good to read something that is ok from time to time, to keep you grounded.
I am not sure where Hamer wanted to go with this book. I usually appreciate books because of their storytelling, their sagacity, or their beauty. Seed to Dust does not really fit into one of these categories. Though at times the sun sneaks its way through the tree's foliage, it mainly stays in the shadows.
Yes, the book does slow you down; helps you reflect and puts life in perspective, the hubbub in the background. It is somewhat about the garden, somewhat about social interactions, somewhat about (a) life, somewhat about nature. It was ok, and maybe it is good to read something that is ok from time to time, to keep you grounded.
book_busy's review against another edition
4.0
This was a lovely second book of Hamer's. I was very glad to be reintroduced to his homely and wistful writing style once again. This book was very tranquil and a nice thing to pick up when I wanted to just feel at one with nature. I enjoy hearing of the life of Hamer as it seems quite the rich existence; I feel I have a lot to learn from his outlook on life and nature as it is one which I consider to be healing and experienced. I would recommend this for anyone searching for something calmer to read compared to the high-fantasy romps and thrillers that seem the most popular at the moment.
erinsampson91's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
sad
slow-paced
3.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts and Abandonment
Minor: Death
peaehm's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
4.25
ovenbird_reads's review against another edition
4.0
This took me a very long time to read. Not because I was bored, but because this is a book to take your time with, like sipping tea or scotch. The writing is beautiful, poetic, grounded with an almost Buddhist sensibility around mindful attention. The reading is a meditation in itself. Definitely recommend!
freckleduck's review against another edition
4.0
This book is so hard to describe. It’s the tale of a gardener in Wales but it is also a book about life and death and perspective. I have been thinking about this book in many ways after reading it. I thoroughly enjoyed it. The book is divided into months with short essays which for me makes it seasonally relevant and the short essays keep me going. I loved his peaceful and honest perspective. I appreciate how he wrote in a way that was true but not cruel or mean. The line about not wanting to talk to people felt repetitive in places but other than that this book was spectacular.
erincataldi's review against another edition
3.0
Part memoir, part philosophy, part gardening guide; Seed to Dust is one mans look at a garden over the course of one year. From the relative ease of the winter to the pandemonium of the spring - Marc Hamer ponders flowers, bugs, animal, weather, and many other things that are not just relegated to the garden. Marc works for a wealthy old widow and revels in working all the acres of her property. Gardens like hers are going by the wayside so Marc relishes every minute pruning, weeding, planting, and mowing for Miss Cashmere. He has the freedom to plant what he likes and create organized chaos in the dahlias or shrubbery. Marc is a Welsh gardener who knows how to wax poetic about nearly any aspect of the garden - even the tedious backbreaking things. Reading this book is like seeing a garden through your eyes for the first time. It's a wonderful experience. A must read for any gardener or nature lover!