Sometimes there comes a book that crosses your path that you just know from the synopsis that you have to read and review it. It just calls out to you because you can tell it’s going to be very special.
That’s what happened when I was asked to review this new release. A humorous but intense look at life after tragedy and a hope for new beginnings. Here are my thoughts.
The Garden of Small Beginnings by Abbi Waxman
Publisher: Berkley (May 2, 2017)
ISBN-13: 978-0399583582
Give grief a chance . . .
Lilian Girvan has been a single mother for three years—ever since her husband died in a car accident. One mental breakdown and some random suicidal thoughts later, she’s just starting to get the hang of this widow thing. She can now get her two girls to school, show up to work, and watch TV like a pro. The only problem is she’s becoming overwhelmed with being underwhelmed.
At least her textbook illustrating job has some perks—like actually being called upon to draw whale genitalia. Oh, and there’s that vegetable-gardening class her boss signed her up for. Apparently, being the chosen illustrator for a series of boutique vegetable guides means getting your hands dirty, literally. Wallowing around in compost on a Saturday morning can’t be much worse than wallowing around in pajamas and self-pity.
After recruiting her kids and insanely supportive sister to join her, Lilian shows up at the Los Angeles botanical garden feeling out of her element. But what she’ll soon discover—with the help of a patient instructor and a quirky group of gardeners—is that into every life a little sun must shine, whether you want it to or not…
Review of The Garden of Small Beginnings by Abbi Waxman
My family has always dealt with stress and and life unexpected with humor. Sometimes people don’t understand it but it is a great stress reliever. Even as we were planning my mothers services after she passed unexpectedly, we were laughing and telling great stories.
But everyone’s humor is different. Sometimes a book is classified as humorous but I don’t get the humor. Dry wit to me is the best type of humor and this book is written with doses of wit along with amazing accuracy as far as dealing with life’s struggles.
The author tells a story that is deeply touching as it unfolds. The connection to your sibling who saves you time and again. The amusement and deep insight of your children. The daily stress life brings you. The snippets of tragedy that makes you gasp for breath.
But then life gives you something special. A connection to others. New friendships that lets you relax and enjoy. The beginnings of someone that could be special in your life and help you over the tragedy. The amusement factor and wacky ways that is your life. Can there really be someone that can help you shoulder through?
The Garden of Small Beginnings by Abbi Waxman touches so many emotions as you read it. Amusement, laughter, wit, tears of joy, and tears of sorrow. This book is an incredible journey that will touch you in many places in your heart. It will be one that you will read again and again.
With such an amazing first novel you have to know that will put a lot of pressure on a brand-new author. But I can’t wait to see what Ms. Waxman brings to the table in the future.
The Garden of Small Beginnings is one of my Best of 2017 reads. I hope you experience it too!
Disclaimer: Chris has personally reviewed the product listed above. She has not received any monetary compensation for her review but did receive a free ebook so she could evaluate and use it for this post. Her thoughts & opinions in this review are unbiased & honest and your opinions may differ.
Hi! I’m Chris! Just a Midlife Wife sharing about life’s journey; screaming and kicking through it while supposedly aging gracefully…
Focusing on healthy living, low carb & keto, things I am loving right now, and life in general.