The Victorian language of flowers was used to convey romantic expressions: honeysuckle for devotion, asters for patience, and red roses for love. But for Victoria Jones, itβs been more useful in communicating grief, mistrust, and solitude. After a childhood spent in the foster-care system, she is unable to get close to anybody, and her only connection to the world is through flowers and their meanings Now eighteen and emancipated from the system, Victoria has nowhere to go and sleeps in a public park, where she plants a small garden of her own. Soon a local florist discovers her talents, and Victoria realizes she has a gift for helping others through the flowers she chooses for them. But a mysterious vendor at the flower market has her questioning whatβs been missing in her life, and when sheβs forced to confront a painful secret from her past, she must decide whether itβs worth risking everything for a second chance at happiness.
How wonderful to read a book unlike any other. I learned so much about the language of flowers from the Victorian era. Who knew that flowers spoke so loudly? Expressing everything from jealousy to devotion to passion to hate. Itβs incredible. Β I am happy to report that I liked and was rooting for Victoria, the protagonist, and her growth throughout the book. I was warned from some bookish friends that she was unlikable. The foster system is itβs own silent character and of course itβs flaws are expressed throughout the story. The characters were simple and honest and led me quietly into their world. I was lucky enough to read an ARC of this book and then meet the author at a local book store book signing. The author is a baby, only 33 years old! It was evident sheβs determined to better the foster system as she herself has two foster children in addition to her own two biological kids. Β If this book is an indication of whatβs coming next from her weβre in luck.
Quotes I liked:
Over time, we would learn each other and I would learn to love her like a mother loves a daughter, imperfectly and without roots.β
Β
-βPerhaps the unattached, the unwanted, the unloved, could grow to give love as lushly as anyone else.β
Upon your recommendation I read this book, and have since lent (yes, I still like books instead of kindle) it to many friends. Everyone who has read it, including myself, have loved story. Vanessa Diffenbaugh is brilliant. Marilyn B.
Anonymous
on January 4, 2013 at 1:17 pm
I just read this book. I don’t know how I could have missed it when it was published. Just gave it to my daughter to read. I am sure she will love it. Loved your review!!! SusanMarie F
Review:The Measure by Nikki Erlick was a book I waited far too long to read. I just couldnβt stomach the idea that everyone in the world would find out their relative life span. The whole idea of this scared me but when my book club chose to read it, I dug in with enthusiasm.Iβm so glad I did. This book is more about life and how we live it, rather than about dying. Itβs told by a cast of eight characters who are deeply affected by the strings they received. The length of the string parallels the length of your life. All the characters are struggling with their results because even if he or she gets a long string, there will still be people they know will be gone soon.How the world at large handles the strings was so well done. People are switching boxes hoping it could change their destiny. Support groups are offered. Protests occur. The world is in a very different place. Much of this book made me think about the differences between fate and destiny. This story offers many intertwined connections between the characters that makes for a powerful and meaningful ending. Iβm so looking forward to whatβs next from this author. @nikkierlick @williammorrowbooks William Morrow π Would you open a box that told you how long your lifespan is?#themeasure #scifilight#bookreader #bookclubpick #goodbookfairy... See MoreSee Less
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Upon your recommendation I read this book, and have since lent (yes, I still like books instead of kindle) it to many friends. Everyone who has read it, including myself, have loved story. Vanessa Diffenbaugh is brilliant.
Marilyn B.
I just read this book. I don’t know how I could have missed it when it was published. Just gave it to my daughter to read. I am sure she will love it.
Loved your review!!!
SusanMarie F