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There are currently 21 member reviews
for The Garden of Small Beginnings
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Jill W. (Taneytown, MD)
Humorous, thought provoking and well-written
I approached this book unsure I would like it – once I started reading I could not put it down and am very sorry when the book ended! The writing is vivid and relational – pulling you into every situation making you feel that you are living it. Nuggets of wisdom pervade the book, invoking thoughts, self-analysis and remembrances. The gardening snippets throughout the book are both entertaining and informational – will keep some in mind as I plant my own garden! The book leaves you hoping that the story of Lili, Edward and their friends and family continues!
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Jean B. (Naples, FL)
The Garden of Small Beginnings
The author handles brilliantly the challenge of telling a story that is simultaneously very funny and very sad. The young mother telling the story has delightful children, a really mother, a loving and equally funny sister, a very dead and much-loved husband, and a gardening teacher who might become a lover.
This book is so entertaining even while it gives a lesson in handling loss.
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Judi B. (Tucson, AZ)
The Garden of Small Beginnings
A journey back to the small joys of life after dealing with a tragic loss. I found the humor right up my alley and the heartfelt attempts to get grounded again were believable and encouraging. I will look forward to the next book by Abbi Wasman
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Patricia W. (Homewood, AL)
Small and new beginnings
This was a delightful read. It was sad, funny, interesting, romantic and informative. The characters were lovable and played well with each other. Another story of "don't judge a book by its cover" and/or your first impression when new characters were introduced.
The gardening tips for each chapter were presented in a humorous way. Inspires you to find a reason to dig in the dirt and get close to nature.
I liked the friendship of the two sisters and how they could communicate so well with each other, but still hold back some secrets.
The writing seemed very fresh, vibrant and it was an easy read.
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Rosemary S. (Somers, NY)
Move Ahead with the Help of a Garden or Two
As a debut author, Abbi Waxman is a breath of fresh air. The Garden of Small Beginnings is written in real life language, which at times, could be extremely blunt. I easily related to the dialogue between characters, and the narrator's humorous inner thoughts. The author's candid words made the characters seem more personable, in my opinion.
I enjoyed her use of personifying garden vegetables in the middle of her "how to grow" excerpts. She writes how it "freaks" strawberries out when planted near certain other vegetables. I learned about gardening, but with a dose of humor.
In this book relationships developed and matured between complete strangers, friends, siblings, parents, spouses, and lovers. Moments of tragedy, and the grief that occurs in its aftermath, are written with honesty and intimacy. What I first thought was a light and easy book became one that made me stop and think about my own life and relationships.
I recommend this book whether you like to garden or not. It would also work well as a book club pick. Any adult who has dealt with grief will certainly be able to relate to this book. This will be a book and author I remember.
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MMH Mountain House CA
Wonderful read
Waxman creates a tearful and humorous narrative dealing with the delicate topic of grief.
Outstanding characters, dialogue and smatterings of wisdom make this a quietly poignant read.
I loved all the characters but Lili stole the show along with her two daughters. Waxman uses gardening in a clever way, you will apply her snippets of information in both life and gardening. The dialog is extremely well done, you'll find yourself warming to all the characters as well as their individual stories. The humor will leave you laughing out loud, not over done but clearly balancing the deep emotional weight of grief in which the plot is based on. The whip smart banter is well executed and appropriately placed.
A heart warming read, those who have lost a loved one will relate to the struggles of Lili and of grief in general.
I would love to see a follow up to this magical and moving story. Waxman weaved a touching tale excelling on all levels, a gifted authoress without a doubt.
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Doris K. (Angora, MN)
The Garden of Small Beginnings
I would recommend this book to someone who is searching for a good, light read about interesting people. The wry humor at times is biting but if the reader understands the humor it is acceptable to the story.
I may be more sensitive at this point as I recently lost my husband. I wouldn't recommend this book to a new widow. Maybe next year it would have been easier to relate to some of the narrator's comments.
Lilian's relationship's with her children, sister, mother and Richard are well written Each character is brought to life in his/her own style. The children's personalities are delightful and so true to life.
I enjoyed the amusing chapter openings which were supposedly tips for gardeners.
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