I read this story 6 weeks ago and I still can’t stop thinking about it. It is about an 18-year old girl, Victoria, who has just been released from the foster care system. She has a multitude of mental health problems and chooses to spend her nights sleeping in a park surrounded by a garden she’s created for herself. She has a unique gift of understanding the meaning of flowers, which was passed along to her by a foster mother (Elizabeth) who was trying to adopt her when she was younger. The story alternates between the time when she was 8 and living with Elizabeth and “today” when she’s 18.
There’s a moment in the story (if you read it you’ll know
the one I mean), when she leaves her apartment and you’re not sure what she’s
going to return home to. This is when for the very first time I’ve actually had
to flip forward in a book to see if everything was going to be ok or not. As a
rule, I don’t ever do this. I won’t give any more of it away, because the
author is excellent at doling out bits at a time and leading you through a beautiful
(and heartbreaking) story. The inclusion of the language of flowers was an
extra touch that made it even more special.
This is one of the best books I've read this year (and last year). While it was a roller-coaster of a ride with lots of unexpected heartwrenching turns and bumps, it gave me hope. Hope for people that I used to see in my time working at St. Mike's hospital or the individuals I advocate for everyday working at the health department, that they too will find happiness.
This is one of the best books I've read this year (and last year). While it was a roller-coaster of a ride with lots of unexpected heartwrenching turns and bumps, it gave me hope. Hope for people that I used to see in my time working at St. Mike's hospital or the individuals I advocate for everyday working at the health department, that they too will find happiness.
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