06/10/10
Forget-Her-Nots by Amy Brecount White
Posted In: Book Review
Forget-Her-Nots
Release Date: March 2, 2010
Publisher: Greenwillow Books
Age Group: Young Adult/Middle Grade
Pages: 384
Source: Publisher
Interest: Debut Author
Challenge: 2010 Debut Author Challenge
When someone leaves three mystery flowers outside her dorm door,Laurel thinks that maybe the Avondale School isn’t so awful after all — until her own body starts to freak out. In the middle of her English presentation on the Victorian Language of Flowers, strange words pop into her head, and her body seems to tingle and hum. Impulsively, Laurel gives the love bouquet she made to demonstrate the language to her spinster English teacher. When that teacher unexpectedly and immediately finds romance, Laurel suspects that something — something magical — is up. With her new friend, Kate, she sets out to discover the origins and breadth of her powers by experimenting on herself and others. But she can’t seem to find any living experts in the field of flower powers to guide her. And her bouquets don’t always do her bidding, especially when it comes to her own crush, Justin. Rumors about Laurel and her flowers fly across campus, and she’s soon besieged by requests from girls — both friends and enemies — who want their lives magically transformed — just in time for prom.
Forget-Her-Nots introduced me to this whole other world of the language of flowers that I was somewhat aware of, but didn’t realize the intensity of the subject. The history behind the language is incredibly fascinating. I loved the hidden meanings behind flowers and how they were used to convey a message when words couldn’t be shared privately. I think that was my favorite aspect of the entire novel. And I thought it was brilliant of of Amy Brecount White to incorporate the ‘Flowerspeak’ dynamic from such a simple element. It’s a realistic story with just a little dust of magic, love.
After reading Forget-Her-Nots, I’d say it’s geared more toward a middle grade audience then a young adult one. Not that young adult’s wouldn’t enjoy reading this novel, but it’s definitely a novel I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend to younger ya readers.
Laurel the main character is supposed to be fourteen years of age, but she seemed a lot younger than that to me… as the reader. I didn’t really relate or sympathize with Laurel much either initially, she seemed very whiny, even though most of her problems were because of the lousy choices that she made. I would have liked to seen her say no, perhaps just one time! It seemed like she never grasped that it was her actions causing most of the turmoil. I can say, however, that by the end of the novel, she started to come into her own…. personal growth is something I always admire in a character. The other characters felt a little flat for me as, I just didn’t get a distinct voice from any one of them. Kate, Tara, Justin… they just all sort of run together. The only character that really stood out to me was Laurel’s cousin Rose. I always enjoyed reading a scene that she was in. That Rose, she has some spunk.
The overall pacing was a little slow, but the writing and overall mystery was enough to keep my interest in tact.
Forget-Her-Nots was a fascinating debut, full of mystery, friendship and flowers!
Related posts:
- Author Interview: Amy Brecount White
- Wings by Aprilynne Pike
- 2010 Debut Author Challenge: February
- 2010 Debut Author Challenge: April
- 2010 Debut Author Challenge: March
25 Comments
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Nice review. I really want to read this one! It sounds so unusual.
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Nice review. I really want to read this one! It sounds so unusual.
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Great review. I have this one but I haven't read it yet — I've been hearing mixed reviews about it, but the whole flower thing sounds cool!
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Thanks for the review. I have this book in my TBR pile, so I hope to get to it soon!
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Great review. I have this one but I haven't read it yet — I've been hearing mixed reviews about it, but the whole flower thing sounds cool!
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Thanks for the review. I have this book in my TBR pile, so I hope to get to it soon!
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Great review! I so can't wait to read this. Yay!
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I agree with everything you said. I did a similar review on the book. I agree on it being more MG than YA. I would've also liked to see Laurel say no to Whitney and Tara and be more responsible. The flowerspeak was very refreshing and interesting, though.
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This sounds like a wonderful read. The whole concept of flowers and the hidden meanings behind them is something that I'd love to explore, so I'm definitely going to give this one a read!
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Great review! I so can't wait to read this. Yay!
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I agree with everything you said. I did a similar review on the book. I agree on it being more MG than YA. I would've also liked to see Laurel say no to Whitney and Tara and be more responsible. The flowerspeak was very refreshing and interesting, though.
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This sounds like a wonderful read. The whole concept of flowers and the hidden meanings behind them is something that I'd love to explore, so I'm definitely going to give this one a read!
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This is on my challenge list! I am glad its a wonderful book!
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The idea of the language of flowers has always fascinated me, so I'm definitely going to try and pick this one up. The writing sounds a little less than thrilling, but I really love the concept! The author has a great Twitter presence, too, which is nice. Thanks for the review! =)
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This is on my challenge list! I am glad its a wonderful book!
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The idea of the language of flowers has always fascinated me, so I'm definitely going to try and pick this one up. The writing sounds a little less than thrilling, but I really love the concept! The author has a great Twitter presence, too, which is nice. Thanks for the review! =)
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This one sounds like a book I would really like. Mystery, friendship, and flowers.
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How interesting!
Different flowers and their many meanings have always fascinated me. I'll either pick this up on my next trip to the bookstore, or I'll check it out of the library.
Thanks, Kristi!
Love, Hannah -
This one sounds like a book I would really like. Mystery, friendship, and flowers.
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How interesting!
Different flowers and their many meanings have always fascinated me. I'll either pick this up on my next trip to the bookstore, or I'll check it out of the library.
Thanks, Kristi!
Love, Hannah -
Great review. I love gardening so this language of flowers appeals to me as well as the mystery. I also believe my grandaughter would enjoy reading this book.
Have added Amy to my new author list and Forget Her Nots to my wish list.misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com
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Great review. I love gardening so this language of flowers appeals to me as well as the mystery. I also believe my grandaughter would enjoy reading this book.
Have added Amy to my new author list and Forget Her Nots to my wish list.misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com
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You make great points. Thanks for honest review!
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You make great points. Thanks for honest review!
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