theblondebird's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.25
mommamel11's review against another edition
5.0
I was so excited to see Vanessa Diffenbaugh had written a new book be cause I love The Language of Flowers. It reads so smooth and easy--I've read a few duds lately. This is no dud. But then I started getting nervous because there is a lot of pain in her first book and I kept waiting for the angst. But it didn't come and it didn't come and then Boom! It's a satisfying read when all is done. Terrific book1
afro8921's review against another edition
4.0
Letty is to the harried existence of the working poor. She works three jobs to pay for financial upkeep of her children. She is not used to being one responsible for the emotional health of her children. Letty has allowed her mother to raise and care for her children. Letty must learn how to be a mother when her own mother leaves for a warmer climate. This is a gritty story full of humor and pain.
hlparis's review against another edition
4.0
The topic of immigration is addressed in this novel. Diffenbaugh writes well about people who are disadvantaged and without privilege, just as she did in her first book, "The Language of Flowers". The characters are flawed, yet draw out compassion. There were some plot points that I felt were a bit too convenient, but I suspended belief in order to find out what happened to the characters. Diffenbaugh's writing is lovely and I enjoy reading her work. While in her first book, she wrote about flowers, this time it is feathers. The metaphor, of course, is obvious, but the description of the grandfather's work supplied me with a rich image.
I would actually rate this 3.75 or 3.80. I wasn't crazy about the ending, but things wren't wrapped up in a pretty happy ending like a more conventional book might end. The last 1/4 of the book felt a little rushed, but overall, I would read another of her books, hands down.
I would actually rate this 3.75 or 3.80. I wasn't crazy about the ending, but things wren't wrapped up in a pretty happy ending like a more conventional book might end. The last 1/4 of the book felt a little rushed, but overall, I would read another of her books, hands down.
azu_rikka's review against another edition
2.0
In the few months of Letties life, that we get to see in the book, too many amazing things happen to her: a new house, new boyfriend, better relationship with her kids, kids rich father is suddenly involved, Lettie saves her sons girlfriend and so on and on.
It is not relatable. It is unrealistic.
It is not relatable. It is unrealistic.
jfbfsf's review against another edition
3.0
The story is appealing/interesting enough, and it's local, which gives it a little extra appeal. But there's so much drama that all wraps up so neatly. The overall effect was to feel a little like YA, or literature light - people have problems, but there's no real reason to worry, because everything will work out, regardless of how unlikely such a resolution might be in real life. Even the main character's concerns about/disinterest in motherhood is magically resolved when her own mother leaves her, suddenly.
Her first book, the Language of Flowers, felt more nuanced to me.
Her first book, the Language of Flowers, felt more nuanced to me.
karissakate's review against another edition
3.0
This book gave me a glimpse into a life and culture that I never really understood, and I really appreciate that. I feel like I gained some insight and understanding while still enjoying a good story.
kochella's review against another edition
2.0
Meh... Too chick-lit / fluffy for me. Not enough gravitas or great writing.
mcbeezie's review against another edition
4.0
Enjoyable read. The anticipation of the eventual fall had me so nervous. Well written!