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prairiephlox's review against another edition
5.0
I've been broken hearted by the news over and over again, I'm world-weary, I'm conflicted on my own beliefs, and I have no answers for this world- and I've been in a reading rut, which probably has to do a lot with the suffocating depressiveness of the last few weeks in America.
But this book helped me. Yes, I thought a few of the depictions were problematic, but overall it was charming, heart warming, and I cried my way through most of it. Brilliantly narrated on Audible, it was truly a boon to my soul. I cannot wait to go back out to my little garden at the farm, to tenderly inspect the tomatoes, and to revel in being a part of the cycle of nature. A good book at exactly the right time.
But this book helped me. Yes, I thought a few of the depictions were problematic, but overall it was charming, heart warming, and I cried my way through most of it. Brilliantly narrated on Audible, it was truly a boon to my soul. I cannot wait to go back out to my little garden at the farm, to tenderly inspect the tomatoes, and to revel in being a part of the cycle of nature. A good book at exactly the right time.
nico_29's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
rlaferney's review against another edition
2.0
The ancient Egyptians believed nature could heal and it really does. I truly believe in the power of seeds to bring us together and to soothe the soul.
Inspired by this idea and community urban gardens (and community theater), Paul Fleischman penned the book Seed folk. . It's about a very diverse neighborhood coming together in the making of a community garden. Which is such a lovely idea. Overall, the intent and the message of the book are positive. And I like the idea that this book could be translated easily into a stage play.
However, some of the characters are a bit one-dimensional and the book is dated in its use of language that today would be regarded as racist. Additionally, I often thought, as I read this, that Paul actually has a very negative view of inner city life. That probably isn't the case. It just reads like the work of a white guy.
I think the intention and the message of Seedfolks is something pure and positive (folks of different backgrounds co-existing and mingling through the growth of a community garden in the inner city) but I found the execution to be dated and a bit questionable.
Inspired by this idea and community urban gardens (and community theater), Paul Fleischman penned the book Seed folk. . It's about a very diverse neighborhood coming together in the making of a community garden. Which is such a lovely idea. Overall, the intent and the message of the book are positive. And I like the idea that this book could be translated easily into a stage play.
However, some of the characters are a bit one-dimensional and the book is dated in its use of language that today would be regarded as racist. Additionally, I often thought, as I read this, that Paul actually has a very negative view of inner city life. That probably isn't the case. It just reads like the work of a white guy.
I think the intention and the message of Seedfolks is something pure and positive (folks of different backgrounds co-existing and mingling through the growth of a community garden in the inner city) but I found the execution to be dated and a bit questionable.
cur1z's review against another edition
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Community is built through sharing—interests, stories, and time. It's in these exchanges that connections form and caring for one another begins to flourish.
ronniegayreads's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This book was BEAUTIFUL.
I'm confused about the bad reviews from others saying it was offensive. In my opinion no part of this book was offensive, and when characters had fucked up ideas about others, that was the point.
For example, one that stuck with me the most wasthe guy from India who met a European woman who he vividly remembers being aggressively racist towards him. When he tells her, she says "sorry i didnt know it was you" insistently. yes, it was awful that that character said that, and that's the point:
European Americans, whether they be recent immigrants or here since the 1500s, have such prejudice against both Indigenous people, and BIPOC settlers. They often literally do not automatically see us as human beings automatically- they need to have a personal connection to us to see us as human beings. That's the point and its awful and it was very well written.
It was beautifully written. Definitely one of my favourite books or the year. Highly recommend.
I'm confused about the bad reviews from others saying it was offensive. In my opinion no part of this book was offensive, and when characters had fucked up ideas about others, that was the point.
For example, one that stuck with me the most was
It was beautifully written. Definitely one of my favourite books or the year. Highly recommend.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism
stole123's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-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
5.0
alligood2000's review against another edition
5.0
This was such a sweet little book! We enjoyed the different voices and perspectives of the various neighbors transforming a vacant lot into a community garden.
thinkinglittle's review against another edition
5.0
Perfect for the Teen Parenting discussion group on community gardening. Such a nice little short novel.
yaqbox's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0