Language of Flowers, by Venessa Diffenbaugh

This book has received a significant amount of publicity as a New York Times best seller, and more recently, a popular book club book.  Regardless of the high praise, it was the cover that caught my attention and compelled me to read it.  Correction -- I listened to it as a book on CD.  After the first chapter, I would have returned the book.  As I said on my earlier post, things are difficult right now, and I don't need to experience more pain and suffering through a book.  But, my drive compelled me to listen to more of the book, and it had its merits.  Then, as the action ebbed and flowed, I was tempted to add it to my "couldn't complete" status, but I had already committed too much to it.  This was a mistake and I eventually just skipped section in my self imposed censorship.  

Did I enjoy the book? No.  Did I find it compelling? No.  I think of other works that deal with difficult topics but this novel just seemed to lack all depth.  In the end, things were resolved and wrapped up, more or less.  I just felt so wanting in the end.  

Nothing ventured, nothing gained, so on to another book and hopes for a better read tomorrow.

Here is the summary from the NY Times:
The Victorian language of flowers was used to convey romantic expressions: honeysuckle for devotion, asters for patience, and red roses for love. But for Victoria Jones, it’s been more useful in communicating mistrust and solitude. After a childhood spent in the foster-care system, she is unable to get close to anybody, and her only connection to the world is through flowers and their meanings. Now eighteen and emancipated from the system with nowhere to go, Victoria realizes she has a gift for helping others through the flowers she chooses for them. But an unexpected encounter with a mysterious stranger has her questioning what’s been missing in her life. And when she’s forced to confront a painful secret from her past, she must decide whether it’s worth risking everything for a second chance at happiness