How Does Things That Grow Compare To Similar Novels?

2025-11-11 20:01:32 298

4 Answers

Nathan
Nathan
2025-11-12 12:54:30
Reading 'Things That Grow' felt like uncovering a hidden gem among contemporary coming-of-age novels. It has that rare blend of poetic prose and raw emotional depth that reminds me of 'The Serpent king' by Jeff Zentner, but with a quieter, more introspective magic. Where similar books often rely on dramatic twists, this one lingers in the small moments—the way sunlight filters through leaves, the weight of unspoken family secrets. It's less about explosive growth and more about the tender, stubborn resilience of roots.

What sets it apart is how it handles grief. Unlike 'we are okay' by Nina LaCour, which drowns in melancholy, 'Things That Grow' lets hope seep in through cracks in the narrative, like dandelions pushing through pavement. The protagonist's voice is so distinct—not overly quirky, not tragically passive, just achingly real. I finished it feeling like I'd pressed a favorite wildflower between the pages of my journal.
Hazel
Hazel
2025-11-17 15:30:57
If you stacked 'Things That Grow' next to books like 'the fault in our stars' or 'they both die at the end', you'd notice it trades grand gestures for granular authenticity. Those novels hit you like a tidal wave, while this one is the steady drip of a garden hose—gentler but just as nourishing. The botanical metaphors never feel forced; they mirror the protagonist's growth organically (pun intended). I kept thinking about how it balances whimsy with weight—it's Closer in spirit to 'The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue' than typical YA contemporaries.
Dylan
Dylan
2025-11-17 17:42:54
'Things That Grow' occupies this beautiful middle ground between lyrical literary fiction and accessible YA. It's less sarcastic than John Green's works but more grounded than magical realism like 'The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of ava Lavender'. The gardening framework could've felt gimmicky, but instead it becomes this profound lens for examining how people weather storms. I dog-eared so many pages—not because of quotable one-liners, but because entire paragraphs hummed with quiet truth.
Abigail
Abigail
2025-11-17 19:26:36
What struck me most was how 'Things That Grow' subverts expectations. Where comparable novels often follow a predictable arc—loss, rebellion, catharsis—this one meanders like a vine, twisting toward unexpected light. The relationship dynamics reminded me of 'radio silence' by Alice Oseman, but with an intergenerational warmth that's rare in YA. The grandmother character, especially, feels fleshed out beyond the 'wise old mentor' trope. Her flaws and secrets add texture that elevates the whole narrative. It's a book that rewards patience; the emotional payoff isn't in explosive confrontations but in quiet realizations that creep up on you like morning glory vines.
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