Book Review: The Language of Sycamores

 

First, a little story of my own...

Today, I'm excited to share with you a book I read back in May, called The Language of Sycamores. We were on our family vacation, and the first half was camping in our pop-up trailer at a Jellystone campground. One slightly chilly afternoon, Hubby and I were sitting and dozing in our chairs near the campfire, while the kiddos were off playing their umpteenth round of mini golf.

Long story short: Hubby suddenly wanted a book to read, I was shocked but pleased. We needed a few supplies, so we made a trip into town to Walmart. We found said supplies, as well as a couple of paperbacked treasures.

(That was a lot shorter than my original version. You're welcome!)

Hooked!

When we got back to camp, I made it a point to finish A Charlotte Mason Home Companion. Then, I started The Language of Sycamores, by Lisa Wingate. I had never seen this title or heard of the author before. Ms. Wingate did not take long to pull me into the story of Karen Sommerfield. I finished it in a mere few days, before we even headed back home.

The Language of Sycamores

Karen Sommerfield is not in a very good place in her life. She's basically estranged from her extended family, and she and her pilot husband have been drifting apart. 

From the very beginning, you can see Karen had gotten herself to a place where she wrapped up her whole identity in her career. The day she found out the cancer she had previously beaten may be back, is the same day she and her entire department were laid off. For some reason, she keeps all of this to herself that day. She felt that telling her husband would cause undue stress and worry.

Through a series of events, Karen ends up flying to her late grandmother's farm where her sister and family now live. She had spent many childhood vacations at this farm, and has been avoiding it, as well as her family, for most of her adult life. She goes with the intention of saying nothing to anyone (including her husband still) about her job or health. It's just a temporary change of scenery, until she can figure out what to do next about finding another job. All while avoiding the tests she knows need to be done.

Karen's stay ends up being extended again and again. And she ends up finding unexpected answers to questions she'd been avoiding asking even herself for so long. Her short stay turns into a journey to finding life.

******************************

Lisa Wingate's writing is excellent and easy to read. This book was a page turner, for sure. It made me laugh, cry, and ponder. When I entered The Language of Sycamores into my Goodreads account, I found out it is actually book #3 in a series! I will say, this book can definitely be read as a stand-alone just fine. I loved this book so much, that I will definitely read the other 4 books in the series. Recently, I obtained and started reading book #1, Tending Roses. I haven't decided yet if I will review each book, or just review the whole series.

That wraps up my review of The Language of Sycamores, by Lisa Wingate. I highly recommend adding it to your TBR list! If you've read this book, or any others by Lisa Wingate, I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. I would also love to hear what you've been reading lately, that you have enjoyed.

Have a great rest of the week!