carolynaugustyn's review against another edition
3.0
I think this is one of those times where I find myself liking the movie more than the book. I remember loving the movie as a kid and so I was fairly sure I would enjoy the book as much as that memory. And while I didn't dislike reading this, I also wasn't blown away by it. I thought the first 1/3 of the book was rough- oddly boring and pretty problematic. The book picks up and I think the ultimate thing that shines is the story of friendship that develops throughout the story. It was nice to see the characters develop and grow throughout the book and I liked how the importance of friendship was highlighted by the author. Dunno if I'd read this again but I'm glad I gave it a go.
lemmi_schmoeker's review against another edition
5.0
A magical journey into a childhood filled with wonder and the joy of discovery. Everybody is friendly in this book, but that doesn't mean that the characters lack depth: often the friendliness needs to be uncovered, and this is a different process for every person. The secret garden is a metaphor for creating beauty, or simply for becoming, but it is also a very real part of the narrative and as such, a place of hidden beauty that is catching.
alysian_fields's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
staarcharmed's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
dmsehnert's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
tayehahadi's review against another edition
5.0
I’m tentatively giving this five stars because I’m not quite sure what five stars looks like yet, but at this moment this book looks like the spitting image. I never imagined I would like it this much when I first opened it and it really caught me by surprise just how joyful it was to work my way through this piece of art. The characters of Mary, Dickon, and Colin were just so nice to read about and grow along with. I honestly think Dickon is the classic version of a young-adult fae prince. I’m also so happy that this book didn’t really have any conflicts. I feel like classic literature is quite gloomy at times and simply going on this wonderful journey of growing a garden from scratch with three children was a great curve away from that trope. I also think it’s the perfect spring/summertime novel because it makes you want to start your own garden and see all the little steps the plants take to becoming full grown beauties. I always find it hard to express my feeling on things I like a lot, but just know that you will feel quite content with your life after reading this and you will absolutely want to run to the garden store right away to start a garden of your own.
vodkaalmelone's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
dilara86's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25