For a lot of people, I think THE POISON DIARIES will be somewhat confusing. The book begins much like the historical middle grade novels by Karen Cushman—a young girl going about her ordinary life. Jessamine is an apothecary's daughter, and really, for the first half, nothing else happens. We see Jessamine's day-to-day life and chores, we read about how she yearns for something to happen, and her thoughts about the various plants found in her father's garden.

As for myself, I would have happily read an entire book about such things, as I'm fascinated by what an 'ordinary' life was like back through the ages. The book, however, took a turn for the fantastical with the arrival of Weed. It began to spiral into a more conventional tale of the paranormal, young love, and melodrama.

Don't misunderstand, I enjoyed the novel, but I was left feeling dissatisfied as it became less focused on the plants and the mystery surrounding Weed, and more focused on Jessamine and Weed's growing attraction. We begin to see some of the narrative from Weed's perspective, which is at least enjoyable, since I did *love* Oleander quite a lot, but the book never recovers from its dive into gothic teen dramaland. ( )

A dark fairytale...

The heroine has been raised by her father (who is a botanic) in a remote place,ever since her mother died its just been the two of them. One day a man arrives with a strange boy,that he claims to be crazy.

Jessamin takes care of the boy and comes to learn that the boy who calls himself Weed, believes himself able to communicate with plants and flowers.They bond and eventually starts to feel something stronger...love.
But things happen and Jessamyn gets sick and falls into a deep sleep.Can Weed save her?

The writing is both simplistic and imaginative.The plot is something quite extra.I dont think ive ever read a book about people being able to talk and see plants as humans.

The ending was a real cliffhanger,but still finished up the book very well.I cant wait for the next installment! ( )

I wasn't overly impressed with this book...but the ending was intriguing enough for me to check out the second book from the library. My main complaint was that the main character was a bit dull and naive. ( )

I wasn't overly impressed with this book...but the ending was intriguing enough for me to check out the second book from the library. My main complaint was that the main character was a bit dull and naive. ( )

2.5/5
Some good moments but mostly lacking. Review soon... ( )