Rating: 4 stars
Headline: Sowing the seeds of positivity, this book is guaranteed to leave you feeling uplifted
Review:
Along Came a Gardener by Diana Stevan is the newest publication from a well-seasoned author based in Vancouver Island. Having already published five novels, Along Came a Gardener is the author’s first foray into non-fiction, drawing extensively on her therapist background and her passion for gardening. Pulling both realms together creates something less common in the non-fiction genre, a title that is part memoir, part self-help guide.
Coming in at just over 250 pages, Along Came a Gardener charts Stevan’s high-level observations of the clients she has supported over the years. This includes changes in individual values and beliefs, noting some of the patterns that have emerged over time. Sometimes using case studies of real clients, the book moves into generalised comments that allow readers to reflect on their own situation. In this sense the book can feel like a attending a therapy session itself, as if Stevan is sat in the room, talking to you in a calming voice. Quoting the author from her introduction, Stevan states:
When I first started practicing family therapy, I didn’t realize how naïve I was…As a therapist, I came across many stories… {and} while helping many struggling with their problems, I also learned much to help myself, which is what I want to share with you.
While some chapters have titles that state the intended topic (e.g. “Anger Management”), others come with a gentler undertone (e.g. “Planting Beautiful Thoughts” and “Finding Balance”). Where appropriate, Stevan utilises gardening metaphors to give content a lighter tone of voice. A nice touch was the inclusion of a poem, penned by one of Stevan’s therapy clients. Titled “Seeds of Hope”, it is a touching addition to a delicately written self-help guide. This book is not intended to preach, more, show readers a way forward.
The book does jump around a little, moving from one chapter covering Stevan’s path of becoming a fully licenced family therapist to, shortly afterwards, a brief history of psychotherapy. Along Came a Gardener is also peppered with light-hearted anecdotes detailing the author’s love for gardening. The change of topics can feel a bit varied at first, but once readers get into the swing of the tone and pace the book becomes a much more relaxed read. Chapters are also accompanied by beautiful line drawings of plants which marry nicely with the pastels shades on the cover.
Along Came a Gardener is an engaging title from the very first sentence. A strong entry from a debut non-fiction author, I am quite sure this will not be the last we hear from Stevan in this theatre of writing. It is merely just the start.
AEB Reviews
Links:
Reedsy Discovery Review: AEB Reviews – “Along Came A Gardener” by Diana Stevan
Purchase Link: “Along Came A Gardener” by Diana Stevan (Amazon)
Author Website: https://www.dianastevan.com/
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