The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh

Reading fiction can be really hard for me because I took so many writing classes and was required to read critically. I oftentimes find myself  critiquing the work, and finding fault where others find enjoyment and it ruins books. Every once in a while, however, I read a book that is crafted so well I forget that I'm reading.
Language of Flowers is that type of book.
One of the biggest complaints I have about YA fiction is the predictable characters. The *usually female* protagonist who can't fathom being thrown into such a situation and don't believe they can do it, but then miraculously find the inner strength they had all a long, while falling in love with the *mysterious* stranger who suddenly becomes irresistible. blah blah blaaaaah. (I've found this is especially prevalent in YA fantasy, but it doesn't always escape contemporary fiction.) It's a snooze fest and unfortunately makes up a large portion of fiction*.
I actually just finished a book with almost this EXACT formula, so my frustration is still fresh. (See Potion Study.)
I started The Language of Flowers because it was sitting in my office and I needed a book for the bus ride home. I don't regret that decision one wit. This book is refreshing and engaging. It features a protagonist who is self destructing, and harsh because of the happenings of her past. She almost frustrates the narrator because she pushes everyone away and tries to learn things on her own. I feel myself trying to engage with her on a deeper level, and it's aggravating but also incredibly addicting. You want to shake her and yell , "Why don't you get it??" a few lines later, however, you find yourself cheering for her, and understanding her struggle.
The story unwraps in an incredibly realistic way. The narrator doesn't flip like a light switch, thus confusing the reader. She is reliable and you learn to trust her, even though you know she wouldn't trust you.
It's an addicting read.
It borders on the older end of YA fiction, as the narrator, Victoria is 18, and emancipated early on in the book. She deals with very real issues, in adult life, and has experience that many young adults do not.
The Language of Flowers features Victoria, an 18 year old foster child, exiting the foster system. The story knits together flashbacks from her past experience in the foster system, and her current experience as she builds her life after emancipation. She trusts no one, and relies on the  "language of flowers" to communicate with other people.
I read quite a few reviews who thought the characters were underdeveloped and thought Victoria to be whiny. I didn't feel this way. I felt the characters developed nicely over the course of the book. I did see how Victoria could be seen as whiny, but I thought her inner monologue was engaging. She had her flaws, but who doesn't.
I really liked how this book used the actual language of flowers to help tell the story. Victoria works with flowers and uses their messages to help build her life again after she is left with nothing.
I would give this book a seven out of ten. It was good enough to read again after a suitable amount of time, and I would recommend this book to anyone. It was an easy read, and hard to put down, I'm almost sorry I finished it before the beach trip I have coming up.