A really good garden book! "My Secret Garden" by Alan Titchmarsh was published in 2012, and although I didn't get to read it until early 2013, I have since read it several times and I'm more impressed with it the more I read it. Not only are Alan Titchmarsh's gardens absolutely breathtaking and the photographs by Jonathan Buckley lavishly beautiful, but the book is well designed and (rare among garden portrait books) includes enough information for readers to feel they know Titchmarsh and his gardens -- which is good, because they are private gardens not open to the public and this book is the only way for anyone (even those living physically close enough to visit) to experience his gardens. In my last post, I made a list of the things that I think a book should tell readers about a garden, so that readers can gain the greatest understanding of a site and gardens without actually visiting it: A garden's region and setting (rural, small-town, suburban or urban) and how its location influenced the garden The basic history of the garden (the age of the house, the property and the garden, and how it developed over many years or in only a few years) The relationship of the garden to the house, in style and layout Any significant plant collections or garden areas Something about the maker(s) of the garden (the reasons behind the garden; how much experience the gardener(s) have had; any specific influences on the garden such as travel, etc.) The basic layout of the property, orienting it to the four cardinal directions, showing the relationship of the garden areas to each other and to any major landscape features such as mountains, large bodies of water, etc. A basic property map is very helpful. The climate of the garden, temperature ranges, sun patterns, significant wind directions, type(s) of soil, and any other conditions that aided or discouraged the making of the garden Whenever possible, photos should be taken over the course of a year, so that the garden can be seen through the changing seasons Unfortunately, many books that portray multiple gardens often don't devote enough space to text that describes the garden or interviews with the creators of the garden. Instead, they try to include more gardens in the book and the maximum number of photos of each garden, and include only a short, breezy description of each garden. While it is certainly enjoyable to see a few more nice photos of beautiful gardens, the shallow knowledge of each garden can leave serious gardeners wanting more. Titchmarsh's beautiful 18th-century Georgian house. But not in the case of Titchmarsh's book. Obviously, a book written about just one garden has the space to go into a great deal more detail than one that tries to cram 15-20 gardens into a single book. But even more important, when a garden portrait is written by the garden's creator or by another serious gardener (instead of by an interior designer or journalist), the account will almost certainly contain more of the information that other gardeners want to read about -- regardless of the length of the written material. "My Secret Garden" contains every single item on my list: Titchmarsh relates in his own words how he designed and made his new garden nearly from scratch over the 10 years since he and his wife purchased the 4-acre property with an 18th-century Georgian house in 2002. The thoughtful photos were taken over seven years and in every season, and include enough photos of the house and outbuildings to establish the relationship between them and the garden areas. Spring Summer Winter Titchmarsh laudably includes his own beautifully hand-drawn map of the layout of the property (although my only criticism of the book is that the map was at the end of the book, and I didn't discover it until I was finished puzzling through his descriptions of the layout throughout the whole book. In any future edition it should be moved to the front to be more helpful.) One of the nicer garden maps I have seen. Click on it for more interesting detail. Although most British gardeners probably feel they already know Alan Titchmarsh quite well from his long career in garden television shows, I had seen him only a few times on British programs and knew very little about him. His book, though, did a good job of giving me his background (he started his horticultural career working for a park, resulting in the obsession with neat garden grooming that shows in his new garden, and his new garden is strictly private because his last garden was the filming site for a gardening show that lasted more than a decade, and his wife was tired of the constant presence of cameras and crew). Titchmarsh's latest greenhouse (his first was one he built out of leftover lumber and old windows when he was 12). I venture this one cost a bit more.... The tone of his writing also helps us get to know him personally: he is pointedly down-to-earth; he repeatedly plays down the formality of his garden, claiming no grandeur "above his station," and eschews the horticultural snobbery that is all too pervasive among class-conscious English gardeners. But throughout the book, he does occasionally betray a latent anxiety about tastefulness, whether a certain combination of flowers is too bright (and he claims that Kwanzan flowering cherry trees are too much even for him -- disclosure: I have five planted in my side yard!) -- although this doesn't prevent him from including such fun garden ornaments as life-size lead pig sculptures. One of the more endearing touches in his garden. He relates both his successes and his failures, enumerating dead plants and areas that didn't work, and describes the growing conditions in the various parts of his gardens. He also gives us some tips on growing certain plants and on design of gardens -- although he insists that he is not a garden designer, just a gardener. Right, no design here.... However, I'm not sure that I believe him on that point. His garden is both lovely and very well-designed. In fact, I did think that perhaps it was all too perfect somehow, and almost too well-designed, so that it didn't seem like a real gardener's garden. Perhaps that's because it didn't look like it was slowly expanded over time, as most residential gardens usually are, gradually taking over more areas of the property as the gardener's planting ambitions increase. Instead, it looked as if it had been designed of a piece, which it undoubtedly was. Of course, he knows how to do things efficiently after decades of gardening, he knows what he wants, and he's not a young man any more and consequently less patient (and less mistake-prone), and he has the means to plant it all at once, so I'm sure it made sense to plan everything out perfectly from the get-go. Breathtakingly beautiful cherry trees in spring (even despite my sad scan). And his garden is perfectly appropriate for the beautiful Georgian house he lives in now. Perhaps it's the style of house that seems out of keeping with his down-to-earth, anti-snobbish, encourage-all-gardeners persona. I would expect him to have a big garden full of mammoth-size veg and pots full of petunias (they are one of my favorite annuals, so I'm not looking down my nose at these star performers). But his very upper-middle-class Georgian mansion seems like it belongs to a rich doctor, not to an honest, plant-loving gardener who likes to get his hands dirty. I know he's a very successful, almost movie-star class gardener, but his roots are still respectably humble. However, if he and his wife want a beautiful trophy house and garden, they've earned it in an honest way and deserve to enjoy it in their retirement years. I wish laburnum trees were hardy here.... And I'm very glad that he chose to share it with us by writing such a well-thought-out book with such beautiful photographs -- one of the better books about gardens that I've seen yet. His gardens are truly glorious -- most of us can only hope that our own gardens will ever be a fraction as beautiful as his are, and I imagine that they will continue to grow even more lovely as the years mellow the perfection of them. I hope he continues to derive as much joy from them during that process as he did in making them.
Book Review: Garden of Secrets Past by Anthony Eglin: An English Garden MysteryMinotaur Books, 2011 I have been a big fan of Anthony Eglin’s books since reading the first English Garden Mystery, The Blue Rose. He caught me immediately with his protagonist, Lawrence Kingston, who was a learned and avid gardener as well as a …
Spicy Moustache of YouTube and TikTok, Alessandro Vitale, has created a beginner's handbook titled Rebel Gardening.
When I heard that Ron Melchiore and his wife had written The Self-Sufficient Backyard I knew I had to get
Recounting a summer spent tending her garden under threat of eviction, the writer’s exploration of the appeal of gardens ranges far and wide
An oscillating, Arcadian landscape with Henbury Hall at its centre – thought to be the most important country house built in the 20th century
It’s not often I spend a whole night reading to finish a book in 1 go but this is exactly what I did with this inspiring book! Because I’m trying to be a bit more frugal and less of a &…
Book review of Such Pretty Things by Lisa Heathfield.
Under Earth , Under Water by Aleksandra Mizielińska and Daniel Mizieliński is their fourth book I have reviewed here and their fourth...
Title: GallantAuthor: V.E. SchwabPublication Date: 2022Publishing House: Greenwillow Books I really enjoy V.E. Schwab’s books and have read a number of them. She has also published books unde…
My Father's Suitcase falls into the autobiography, family drama, and inspirational writing genres. It is best suited to adult readers and contains a discussion of abuse as well as other adult content and language. Penned by author Mary Garden, this gripping memoir delves into the complexities of intergenerational trauma, sibling abuse, and the journey toward healing and liberation. Through Mary's poignant narrative, readers are invited to witness her resilience and survival in the face of family violence and the troubled relationship with her sister Anna. Set against the backdrop of New Zealand and Australia in the 1950s and 60s, Garden bravely unpacks the layers of trauma stemming from her eccentric father, her mother's hidden secrets, and her sister's battle with mental illness. With raw honesty, Mary sheds light on the guilt and shame surrounding family secrets and the devastating impact of sibling abuse, offering hope and understanding to others who have faced similar challenges. Author Mary Garden has crafted a profoundly moving memoir that sheds light on the harrowing realities of family violence, but does so in a compelling, emotive, and compassionate way. The author’s candid storytelling style navigates many layers of intergenerational trauma with clarity and wisdom, exploring the troubled dynamics between herself and her sister Anna, who battled mental illness. Garden's narrative is both heartbreaking and empowering as she bravely confronts the guilt, shame, and secrecy surrounding her family's past, and I was drawn to the duality of vulnerability and confidence in her warm narrative flow. Through her poignant storytelling, Garden not only offers solace to those who have endured similar experiences but also raises awareness about the often-overlooked issue of sibling abuse. Overall, I would certainly recommend My Father's Suitcase as a much-needed reminder of the importance of breaking free from the cycle of violence and trauma for those who need it.
This was one of those books I couldn't put down. Now, for the guys out there, remember I am a 40 something homeschool mom. My opinion on a great book may be a
The late Miriam Rothschild was a member of the banking family but she became known for her work as a zoologist and botanist. She wrote a book all about the gardens owned by the Rothschilds.
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FastFlight 540 is the first book of the Bump in the Night series by M.M. Mesldorf. Wishing to help her friend Tucker Sullivan escape the cruel misery of Whippoorwill Children's Home, Anslie Dawn takes over his identity and arrives at the ancient orphanage of Nocturnan. On her very first night at her new home, she meets Xander Bump, the mysterious leader of a group of boys named the Mighty Men. The Mighty Men have a fierce rivalry with the Nighthawks, with whom they play the Garden Game for control over the nine gardens of Nocturnan. Anslie soon realizes that there is more to Xander than meets the eye when he disappears one day to fight in the Shadow Wars after his father's death. In the absence of Xander, can Anslie rise up and help the orphans of Nocturnan? A fantasy adventure tale for children and young adults alike, FastFlight 540 is a stellar start to the Bump in the Night series. Author M.M. Mesldorf's novel follows the story of Anslie Dawn, a young girl who must navigate the bittersweet realities of her life amidst circumstances beyond her control. Full of heart, humor, and heroics, the narrative pulls you in from the first page, and you struggle to put it down until you've finished reading the book. Anslie and Xander have undeniable chemistry, and Anslie's scenes with the Mighty Men were some of my favorites from the novel. If you're itching for an exciting fantasy adventure tale, FastFlight 540 is the book for you.
[My image, Swaffham, May 2021] Gaspard’s Foxtrot by Zeb Soanes and James Mayhew. Just like his other stories, this latest offering from Zeb Soanes (also known as the voice of the Shipping Forecast and the news on Radio 4), follows Gaspard the fox who hangs out in Honey’s garden with her dog Finty and the other neighbourhood animals. I love the use of long, complicated words like “peregrinating”, and phrases like “Gaspard de la nuit”. Gaspard gets his first, accidental, bus journey, passing Islington Green, Museum Street, Chinatown, the theatres, Piccadilly, and that famous umbrella shop. And then, Hyde Park Gates, where Honey is going to see the “Proms in the Park”. We get beautiful descriptions of the pieces of music that are played, and the final piece, whose composer says it has no title yet, becomes The London Foxtrot, or better still Gaspard’s London Foxtrot. The maps on the inside covers of the book take us on the journey of the number 38 bus, which Gaspard accidentally took, and there is even a description of all the places you’ll see through the illustrations, on the route. Zeb Soanes says that the book was designed to be both a book and a concert, and has now been adapted by the composer Jonathan Dove, and performed by the Royal Scottish National Orchestra to be premiered on 10th May 2021, and made available to every primary school in Scotland. The story has been brought to life using music, puppetry, digital animation, narration by Zeb Soanes, and live illustration by James Mayhew. Thanks to @Graffeg Fletcher and the caterpillar by Julia Rawlinson and Tiphanie Beek. Last year saw the re-publication of the first four books in the Fletcher's Four Seasons series, and this year will see a new four-part series of seasonal stories about Fletcher the fox, of which this book is the first, with a further three planned for August 2021, June 2022 and October 2022. Fletcher the Fox finds a caterpillar under a juicy green leaf, and is really interested to see if it wants to join in with his games. Not really, but Fletcher and his friends try hard, even though all the caterpillat wants to do is munch. Fletcher and hs friends take care of the caterpillar as it changes into a "green blob" which really worries Fletcher, but Mum says all caterpillars do that. So imagine Fletcher's surprise when the green blob turns into....well we all know how that ends, and in this picture book it is beautifully illustrated. Thanks to Graffeg Published on 23rd March 2021 Allotment Fun by Helen Isaac, illustrated by Tim Burgess. A story about a little girl who has fun on her allotment. She loves her allotment at the end of the road, especially picking juicy red tomatoes, big round pumpkins, cabbages, and giant parsnips. We learn the names of loads of different fruits and vegetables, and all the different jobs she does to keep her allotment going. Some things grow, some things are disasters, but she's had a lot of fun. Excellent. Available here - https://olympiapublishers.com/books/allotment-fun Albert Upside Down by Ian Brown and Eoin Clarke. This is the first in a new series from this award-winning duo of a TV writer and an animation director. Albert the pet tortoise has a problem. Trying to reach the tasty treat he has ended up on his shell upside down, and stuck! The illustrations from the perspective of an upside down tortoise are brilliant, and the other garden creatures who try to help Albert are hilarious. Eventually it is the tiniest, lightest butterfly that makes the difference, in this wonderful story of working together to solve a big problem. Published by Graffeg on 27th April 2021 How to change everything by Naomi Klein with Rebecca Stefoff. Another offering from Penguin Random House for Earth Day, except it's really for every day isn't it? Because protecting the planet and each other (as the subtitle for the book says) is an everyday action. Naomi Klein, author, academic and social activist, has written widely for adults on important issues such as the climate emergency, economics and capitalism, and this new title is for teenagers. We find clear informatin about how our planet is changing alongside inspiration, ideas and tools for action. As she says in the introduction, "The huge uprisings against racism and for climate action show us that millions are hungry for change. We can build a better future, if we're willing to change everything." Thanks to Penguin Random House Stories to light the night by Susan Perrow, a grief and loss collection for children, families and communities. The author is a pioneer of healing storytelling, or story medicine, and this book is "story medicine" for children, families and communities at times of grief, loss and separation. The theory is that stories and words have therpeutic potential (and indeed they do), as they help to strengthen us, to reframe things and to help make meaning. The book contains 94 stories, for many different circumstances, including death, separation, adoption, loss of a pet, health or wellbeing, and separation from home, contry or place. Many are original stories by the author, and many are stories from around the world from different cultures and countries written by a diverse selection of writers. Each story is accompanied by a description of who it was written for, the age group and the situation. A truly wonderful collection with a truly empathetic heart. Published by Hawthorn Press At this very moment by Matthew Hodson. I love this one, it's a beautiful, lyrical story about what else is happening in the world right now, in this very moment. A mouse waking up, whales singing, potatoes growing, crocodile snapping, and babies sleeping. Thanks to Cicada books Publishes in May 2021 https://www.cicadabooks.co.uk/books/p/at-this-very-moment. And as you can see from the photo - at this very moment the sun was shining in my window! History of cars by Elliot Kruszynski. The knowledgable dog, Professor McPaw takes you on a journey through time discovering cars. The illustrations are bright and "cartoony", full of things to spot and talk about as we discover early wooden wheels, steam power, brakes, pistons and spark plugs, and cars of the future. Lots of information, and super accessible for a little one to share with an adult. Published by Cicada in April 2021 https://www.cicadabooks.co.uk/books/p/the-history-of-cars Hurray, the library is open again! I didn't read these cover to cover, but picked out some bits that are relevant at the moment. Understanding attachment and attachment disorders by Vivien Pryor and Danya Glaser - the introductory chapters on attachment theory are really up to date and accessible. Mental health in children and young people by Dr Sarah Vohra - this is written essentially for parents who want to know more about children's mental health issues such as anxiety. Each chapter covers another topic and it is super accessible with advice on what to do if worried. Mrs Muddle by Helen E Jones and illustrated by Helen Highton Gottberg. Enter the wonderful world of Mrs Muddle, whose favourite food is Chicken in custard and jam. And also chocolate covered cheese with fishfingers and peas. And also ice creams scoops on her ham. Crumbs. I love her rusty brown bike, with a basket for the mouse. But why is she so different to everyone else...? She jst wants to be free to be herself, and to be happy. A lovely rhyming story, with colourful illustrations to match Mrs Muddle's colourful character. Available from https://olympiapublishers.com/books/mrs-muddle Mouse and Mole - The Secret of Happiness by Joyce Dunbar and James Mayhew. This is a collection of three more previously unpublished stories focussing on friendship, teamwork, helping each other and having fun. The furry best friends Mouse and Mole explore the world around them in these charming and humerous stories discovering the answers to their many questions through helping each other. Three lovely stories of fidgety Mole, and infuriating Mouse, and the answer to the secret of happiness...! You'll have to read it to find out. Published by @graffeg on 11th May 2021 Why love matters - how affection shapes a baby's brain by sue Gerhardt. The author is a psychoanalytic psychotherapist, and founded the Oxford Parent Infant Project. This book is a really accessible account for parents and professionals alike, explaining how early interactions between infants and carers imact on brain development, and can have long lasting consequences for future emotional and physical health. It's up to date with the latest neuroscience, and takes a fascinating look at the effects of stress on the emotion and immune systems. I highly recommend this to anyone working with young children, parents, or carers. It's a topic that matters to us all, and shpws that there is much that we can do as individuals, collectively , and as governments, to mitigate for some of the long lasting effects of early stress. Published by Routledge Psychology. Nen and the Lonley Fisherman by Ian Eagleton and James Mayhew. This is a contender for one of my Best of 2021 picture books. It re-imagines the story of the Little Mermaid, starring Nen, a merman, an explorer with an empty heart, and Ernest, a lonely fisherman, with a passion for the environment. Nen's song of hope reaches Ernest across the sea, and he ventures out in his rowing boat to discover the source of the beautiful song, meeting Nen and finding a connection. Nen's father the merman Pelagios is angry, mostly because Ernest is a human and humans are destroying the oceans, so he sets a wild storm to protect the ocean. Can Nen save Ernest? You'll have to read this timely tale of inclusivity, love and environmentalism to find out. Published on 1st June 2021 by Owlet Press Finger Rhymes by Nigel Tetley and illustrated by Peter David Scott. An original collection of finger rhymes for children. Fingers become runners in a race, a horse, a crab, a playground, things from the seaside and the garden, fireworks and christmas celebrations. Thanks to www.nigeltetleyauthor.co.uk, peterdavidscott.com Nigel Tetley Author The Choir Press The Vanishing Lake by Paddy Donnelly. The Irish author-illustrator grew up on the North coast of Ireland surrounded by mythical stories of giants, magical creatures and shape-shifting animals, set in a stunning landscape, inspired in a love of nature, animals, the sea and storytelling, this is his debut author-illustrated picture book. Meera's grandad lives beside a lake called Loughareema, surrounded by beautiful mountains and trees, but this is no ordinaty lake, from time to time it would vanish! And then after the rain it would fill back up again. Grandad says it's because the sheep swim in it and their wool soaks up all the water, or the mermaids take the plug out, or the narwhals make holes in the bottom with their horns and the water leaks out....Meera is sceptical and is determined to investigate the truth, so Grandad takes her on a hike to see what really happens to the water in the lake. A lovely, captivating story of determination and imagination, with beautiful illustrations that capture the magic perfectly. Thanks to @paddy (instragram) and https://lefft.com/ Published by Yeehoo Press See what I can do! by Jon Roberts and illustrated by Hannah Rounding. Sixteen little stories about all types of difference from autism and dyslexia to epilepsy and asthma. In each story, the children tell their own little tale of what it's like to be them, with all the facts we need to answer questions. Perfect for sharing each little tale, or all in one go, as we explore differences and so give everyone the opportunity for fairness and equality. 80% of the royalties will go towards the work of Scope and Sarah's Trust, and the range of charities we can go to for advice and information on all the the differences talked about are listed in the back of the book. Published on 22nd June 2021 by Graffeg Ceri and Deri - Pudding for Dessert by Max Low. Another Ceri and Deri offering from author/illustrator Max Low. Is it a pudding, or a dessert? This story attempts to settle the argument between Delwen (of Delwen's Domain of Desserts) and Peredur (of Peredur's Pudding Palace). Ceri and Deri love to visit both shops, and have banana splits, carrot cake and ice cream, in both shops. Detective Inspector Nigel, the mayor, and Psteve the psychiatrist all attempt to settle the argument. You'll have to read it to find out what happens after the inevitable pudding / dessert food fight... So much to talk about here - feelings, occupations, friendship and compromise. Published on 15th June 2021 by Graffeg And we shared these picture books with the children as our special story of the week through May and June - Blog | www.itsallaboutstories.blogspot.co.uk Facebook | www.facebook.com/itsallaboutstories/ Pinterest | uk.pinterest.com/allaboutstories/
Historical fiction about the White House Victory Garden created by Diana Hopkins, daughter of FDR chief advisor, + guided by First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt.
A review of the King Makers Daughter the story of Queen Anne Neville by Philippa Gregory. The review is complete with character analysis, synopsis and historical background.
Under Earth , Under Water by Aleksandra Mizielińska and Daniel Mizieliński is their fourth book I have reviewed here and their fourth...
Garden of the Cursed by Katy Rose Pool
Despite its strong focus on gardeners from the upper classes, Penelope Lively’s horticultural memoir is a book to treasure
Can books that claim to have tons of tips and tricks for you really help? I think Patricia Fry's Promote Your Book really can. I'm often weary of books like these as far too often there's either nothing really new to discover between the pages or the advice just isn't feasible. From things you should do before your book even hits the shelves to creating your own author website, from soliciting book reviews to tapping into the library market, there is plenty of helpful material for the enterprising author to be found. Highly comprehensible, the book is engagingly written without ever being dry or boring, and apart from lots of advice it also provides interesting and helpful examples by published authors. Books rarely (if ever) sell themselves if you just sit back and wait for some miracle to happen. If you're just about to publish your book, or even if you already have, you should definitely heed Patricia suggestions by choosing those activities that will work best for you personally. Mostly aimed at self-published authors I believe that every writer can gain lots from reading this book. The only downside is that it's aimed at the American market, thus there are tips included which aren't always viable for people from other regions/countries. For additional advice head over to www.matilijapress.com/publishingblog/ for a daily dose of Patricia's thoughts on book promotion and more news on writing and publishing. In short: A great how-to for every author! 4/5 stars Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the NetGalley.com book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Book Review of The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion .
Growing joy and abundance with a passionate pair of permaculturalists.
The Butterfly StoryBook (2020) is a unique collection of ten short stories for children written by the 2020 winners of an annual contest sponsored by the Rotary E-Club of the Caribbean 7020. The authors are all between the ages of seven and eleven. The stories are illustrations of good deeds. Although the Caribbean culture is present in the stories, readers will recognize similar events, situations, and experiences in their own lives. The inspiration from the minds of children in these stories will delight and encourage readers. Children will enjoy reading stories which provide an insight into the lives of the people in the Caribbean as seen through the eyes of children their own age. The book is available in English and French. Teachers will find the books a useful tool for encouragement of story writing. The goal of this Rotary project is to improve literacy throughout the world by providing a book that can be read by children in all parts of the world, at the same time giving young authors an opportunity to be published. Through your purchase and enjoyment of the Butterfly Storybook, you can support Rotary in its commitment to literacy throughout the world. 100% of royalties support the humanitarian service of Rotary in the Caribbean and worldwide. For more information about the E-Club go to http: ..e7020.org or about Rotary International at www.rotary.orgAuthor Biography: Rotary International is a humanitarian service organization comprised of more than one million volunteers in more than 200 countries. They activate and support projects to improve literacy, health, hunger, and world peace and understanding. The publication of this book encourages young readers and writers and all proceeds support other humanitarian needs.
I really enjoyed Dan Brown's last book: 'Origin'; but 'the Lost Symbol' isn't like his other books. If the storyline is very similar (same structure, plot, and theme), there is a lot of blood and gore! Furthermore, there are several major inconsistencies (ex: the same night, right after having been severely physically and psychologically tortured, his right hand having been amputated,... and after losing his son, Robert Langdon's friend -Peter Solomon- chats quietly in his office and then gui
The Garden of Second Chances is a work of fiction in the social issues and interpersonal drama subgenres. It is intended for the older end of the young adult reading audience and contains no graphic material, but does make strong references to racial slurs, profanity, and issues of violence in prison settings. This unique and insightful tale, penned by Mona Alvarado Frazier, explores the results of immigration laws and wrongful imprisonment. Our protagonist, Juana Ivanov, finds herself incarcerated in California when she flees from her abusive husband and he dies, leaving Juana’s young baby in the care of her sister back in Mexico. Navigating prison life is hard enough, but then there’s the big wide world and what comes after she is released to deal with as well. Mona Alvarado Frazier offers a deeply emotive and realistic work of fiction that young adult and adult audiences alike will find much to enjoy and consider when reading. A heartfelt tale with a likable and relatable protagonist, Juana’s struggles are beautifully and soulfully narrated. There’s a raw emotive fashion that sometimes cuts through the narrative to remind us that there are real people in similar situations in our world right now, much in the way that modern great writers like Angie Thomas have done recently. The author is a similarly powerful and empowering voice, delivering a detailed plot and interesting drama that we can learn from as much as we’re hooked by it. The Garden of Second Chances is a highly recommended read for fans of accomplished YA dramas and socially conscious fiction.
Synopsis, Summary, Rating, Review
During 14 days of self-isolation I dived into MasterClass.com to see what all the fuss was about. Does the hit online learning platform live up to the hype?
Growing joy and abundance with a passionate pair of permaculturalists.
