The Language of Flowers was one of those books I heard a lot about after it was released, but put it on my ever-growing TBR pile. A couple of weeks ago I finally got around to reading it. You know sometimes you long for a story that reaches deep into your soul, wakes something in you and makes you see things a little differently? The kind of story with unforgettable characters and prose that literally sings? Vanessa DIffenbaugh has written such a book.

Not only was the writing fantastic, but the story itself was utterly haunting. If you’ve ever wondered what happens to all those kids out there who, for one reason or another, end up in foster care, this book pulls back the curtain and gives a glimpse into that life. How does being rejected by one’s parents and being transferred from home after home really affect a child? Diffenbaugh addresses this in the brilliant portrayal of Victoria Jones, a character who is deeply troubled, but with good reason. And while some of the decisions she made had me wanting to smack her, I totally understood where she was coming from because of her background.

This is a book about real life. Rejection. Friendship. Relationships. And hope.

Victoria’s story is one I won’t soon forget. And of course, loving all things botanical, the interwoven theme of flowers – the language of flowers – really made this book special for me. I could see all the vibrant colors, smell the florist shop, the descriptions were done to a tee. I love the meanings behind the flowers, and I’m going to keep the glossary at the back of the book close at hand the next time I’m putting together a flower arrangement!  I’m so glad I was able to read this book and it’s one I highly recommend.

What’s the last book you’ve read that has stayed with you, made you think about it long after the last page was turned?