W3 Book Club "The Language of Flowers" by Vanessa Diffenbaugh
by Laura Chin, Tastemaker in Residence and by Teri E. Popp, Tastemaker in Residence
Book club evening hosted by: Teri E. Popp
Spring is in the air!!! Or at least that's what W3 Book Club felt when host Teri Popp chose "The Language of Flowers," a novel by Vanessa Diffenbaugh for a springtime book club meeting.
The Victorians employed flowers to convey romantic expressions and- in keeping with the themes of Diffenbaugh's tale of love lost and love found through the use of flowers-W3 decorated with plenty of flowers as part of the centerpieces, costumes, and even the food. From red roses (signifying love) to edible carnations, the entire evening was fragrant and floral!
The menu consisted of:
- Broccoli Florets
- Wild Rice with Edible Flowers
- Herb Crusted Chicken Cutlets
- Rolls with Butter
- Flower Adorned Chocolate Cake
- Flowers Pinot Noir
- Flor de Campo Chardonnay
While the story used flowers to describe feelings, it should be noted that Diffenbaugh's novel discusses a serious subject-America's foster care system. The protagonist of this tale has spent a childhood in the foster care system, unable to get close to anyone. But, can this young woman bring happiness to herself and others through the language of flowers? Diffenbaugh cultivates a fine tale of what it means to be a family in this lovely novel.