The Garden of Small Beginnings
“A quirky, funny, and deeply thoughtful book”* that’s “filled with characters you’ll love and wish you lived next door to in real life”** from the author of The Bookish Life of Nina Hill.
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...
READERS GUIDE INCLUDED
*HelloGiggles
**Bustle
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...
READERS GUIDE INCLUDED
*HelloGiggles
**Bustle
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thenextgoodbook.com
The Garden of Small Beginnings by Abbi Waxman
347 pages
What’s it about?
Lillian is a single mother of two young girls. Her husband died in a car crash three years ago and Lillian is doing her best to acclimate to her new life as a widow. Her sister Rachel helps her as much as she can, but Lillian still desperately misses her late husband. An assignment for work has her sign up for a gardening class on Saturdays. Lilli will discover more than just gardening on these Saturday mornings.
What did it make me think about?
Just how unexpected life is....
Should I read it?
SO- every once in awhile everything just clicks- right mood, time to read, and a book that just hits the spot. This was one of those books for me. Abbi Waxman has written a book that makes you laugh, cry, and is life-affirming. Who doesn't need a book like that every now and then? Some may say the story was predictable or too sweet- not I! Ms. Waxman has a gift for really bringing her characters to life. I for one am going to miss this cast of characters. I will be waiting for the next Abbi Waxman book. If you love a character driven book, with a little romance thrown in for good measure, then I HIGHLY recommend The Garden of Small Beginnings.
Quote-
"Yet again, back in the car. I should buy myself one of those beaded seat covers that are supposed to be good for your back, but I'd end up with the pattern permanently embedded in my ass, and the last thing I need back there is more texture."
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Major Pettigrew's Last Stand by Helen Simonson
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Standard Deviation by Katherine Heiny
Less by Andrew Sean Greer
9 stars
The Garden of Small Beginnings by Abbi Waxman
347 pages
What’s it about?
Lillian is a single mother of two young girls. Her husband died in a car crash three years ago and Lillian is doing her best to acclimate to her new life as a widow. Her sister Rachel helps her as much as she can, but Lillian still desperately misses her late husband. An assignment for work has her sign up for a gardening class on Saturdays. Lilli will discover more than just gardening on these Saturday mornings.
What did it make me think about?
Just how unexpected life is....
Should I read it?
SO- every once in awhile everything just clicks- right mood, time to read, and a book that just hits the spot. This was one of those books for me. Abbi Waxman has written a book that makes you laugh, cry, and is life-affirming. Who doesn't need a book like that every now and then? Some may say the story was predictable or too sweet- not I! Ms. Waxman has a gift for really bringing her characters to life. I for one am going to miss this cast of characters. I will be waiting for the next Abbi Waxman book. If you love a character driven book, with a little romance thrown in for good measure, then I HIGHLY recommend The Garden of Small Beginnings.
Quote-
"Yet again, back in the car. I should buy myself one of those beaded seat covers that are supposed to be good for your back, but I'd end up with the pattern permanently embedded in my ass, and the last thing I need back there is more texture."
If you liked this try-
Major Pettigrew's Last Stand by Helen Simonson
How to Get Filthy Rich in Rising Asia by Moshin Hamid
Standard Deviation by Katherine Heiny
Less by Andrew Sean Greer
9 stars
Super cute book about relationships, awkward re-entry into the dating world, tough love and mental health wellbeing. Fast and easy read, the characters are delightful. If you are looking for a sweet beach read, this is your book!
A sincere, delightful and charming read that explores big themes such as grief, loss, and regret in a gentle and tongue-in-cheek way. Absolutely adored the cast of characters, fun banter, and the good feels and cheers this book provides. I enjoyed the story so much, I read it in one sitting!
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