Audiobook Review: The Language of Flowers

2¢ Worth: The Language of Flowers is not something I would have chosen for myself. It is for the most part sad, slow moving, and quite frankly I spent a good portion of the story wishing I could shake some sense into Victoria. But then I had an ah-ha moment and from that point forward I began to sympathize with her. My fascination and annoyance turned into hope. You see, up until that point, I had been listening to this story like one might listen to a tragic retelling of a train wreck. I shook my head a lot and marveled at the deep sadness and anger. But after what the story reveals near the end of part two, I found myself on baited breath for Victoria and all those around her that she had harmed. I found myself wishing desperately for peace, forgiveness, redemption, and perhaps even joy. The ending doesn't disappoint. Some reviewers say she walks away from what had previously mattered so much to her and that the ending was too neat. I respectfully disagree. I believe Victoria merely takes a break to concentrate on what is really important and the ending promises that while the road won't be easy, it will get easier with time and perseverance. So while I only listened to The Language of Flowers for a book club meeting I missed, it did make an impression on me, I enjoyed it, and I do look forward to seeing the film.

Words aloud: Narrator Tara Sands does an excellent job as distant icy Victoria. She even does a good tone for Grant (the only male character) and Renata (her employer, a Russian immigrant). This was my first time listening to Tara and I will seek her out again.

Whippersnappers: There is sex and a childbirth scene. There are also mentions to psychological child abuse and mental illness.

Wondering: Am I the only one with a new appreciation for moss? Oh and will you ever look at bridal bouquets the same again?

Wrappings: I love all The Language of Flowers covers, but I think it is the girl on the gray background that really conveys the tone of the story. What do you think? Do you have a favorite?

Wind-up: The Language of Flowers was written by Vanessa Diffenbaugh, narrated by Tara Sands, and consists of 9 discs (10 hours and 50 minutes). Audiobook rating: 3 stars. Narrator rating: 5 stars.

Review Copyright © of Tales of Whimsy.com

DIY Baby Room Book Art

When it came time to decorate Baby Whimsy's room,

I knew I wanted a whimsical shabby chic mix she could grow into.

I also knew I had to work in some bookish elements.

So today I wanted to share two pieces of her room with you.

Old frames, inexpensive photo mats from Walmart,

pictures from an old broken book,

and quotes printed on card stock.

Easy peasy art!

So tell me, have you ever framed book pages? Do share.

Quotes & Notes: The quotes featured are: "A book is like a garden carried in the pocket." & "Travel far! Pay no fare! A book can take you anywhere." It's hard to see but image two is of a little girl, under a tree, reading a book. The pages are from a book called A Friend Is Someone Who Likes You by Joan Walsh Anglund. I stenciled the birds and branch with craft paint and a stencil I purchased from the discount bin at my local craft store. If you like the stencil idea, I encourage you to search your local craft store for something that compliments the space and page(s) you're working with. The sky really is the limit. I bet some Peter Rabbit pages with the silhouette of tiny animals would be positively darling and sweet in a boy or girl's room.

What We've Been Listening To...

Mama Whimsy has been listening to The Language of Flowers written by Vanessa Diffenbaugh and narrated by Tara Sands. Baby Whimsy has been listening to Oh, the Thinks You Can Think! written by Dr. Seuss and voiced by Mama Whimsy.

What books have you been reading or listening to this week?

DIY Headboard for Bookworms

I saw this and knew I had to share it with you ladies.

A curtain panel, curtain rod, fabric markers, and your favorite quotes.

Instant headboard!

Source: Better Homes and Gardens.

Audiobook Review: A Grown Up Kind of Pretty

Book indifference is so much easier than book love. Book love is hard. Hard because honestly sometimes you can't find the words to convey how much you love a book. The words for how it held you spellbound and made you hold your breath, laugh, ache, cry, and cheer just refuse to come to you. How when it all ended you sincerely missed the book. How you wish you could call those characters up in real life and go over for dinner. You're left with an ache in your fingers to go online and tell all your readers but then you marvel at how inadequate your words seem to feel. That, and then some, is how I feel about A Grown Up Kind of Pretty.

2¢ Worth: Joshilyn Jackson has officially made a fan out of me. This glorious multigenerational story about teen pregnancy, redemption, and motherhood (with a good dose of mystery) truly blew me away. I was held captive by the mystery that begins with the bones found in a yard, amazed by the slow unraveling of Liza's twisted history, and transfixed by what Big (Ginny) is willing to do for her child. These flawed, brave, spunky characters tackle real issues and ultimately, when the truth is revealed, they realize just how much they need and love each other. I may be nothing like these ladies, but they really moved me and I want to be just like fierce mama Big.

Words aloud: Joshilyn Jackson does a marvelous job as Big, Mosey, and Liza. She tweaked her voice slightly for fifteen-year-old Mosey and it was perfect and felt unauthentic and natural. Her southern accent is easy to listen to and gives the characters part of their charm. I appreciated that every chapter begins with the name of the character so you know which POV (point of view) is next. I cannot wait to try another of her audiobooks.

Whippersnappers: Sex, sexuality, infidelity, teen pregnancy, drug usage, occasional profanity, and mentions to abortion, rape, and death. Oh and Big is pretty mad at God for the hand she has been dealt.

Wind-up: A Grown Up Kind of Pretty was written and read by Joshilyn Jackson and consists of 10 discs (12 hours 25 minutes). Audiobook rating: 5 stars. Narrator rating: 5 stars.

Thank you Bermuda Onion for introducing me to this book and Joshilyn Jackson. If you get a chance, visit her video of Joshilyn discussing A Grown Up Kind of Pretty. It convinced me.

Review Copyright © of Tales of Whimsy.com

Quotes and International Covers of White Cat by Holly Black

I listened to White Cat by Holly Black recently and these are the quotes stuck with me...

"We are largely who we remember ourselves to be.
That's why habits are so hard to break."

"Now I just want revenge. After all I'm already a murderer.
No one really expects a murder to stop killing."

"I don't want to be a monster but maybe it's too late to be anything else."

Sounds good right?
Now tell me, have you read or listened to it?
Which cover do you like best?

1.Hardcover 2.Paperback 3.German 4.UK Hardcover 5.UK Paperback