2011 Presenters
Vanessa Diffenbaugh
Vanessa Diffenbaugh's debut novel The Language of Flowers tells the story of a young woman who uses the Victorian language of flowers to communicate with others and make sense of her troubled past. The novel's protagonist is a product of the foster care system, and Diffenbaugh, a foster parent herself, is well acquainted with the system and the challenges of transitioning to the world beyond it. Beth Hoffman, author of Saving CeeCee Honeycutt, considers the book "Devastating, hopeful, and beautifully written- The Language of Flowers is a testament to the tender mercies and miraculous healing power of love." Booklist, in a starred review, calls the novel "enchanting, ennobling, and powerfully engaging."
LINKS:
Video: BookPage interview with Vanessa Diffenbaugh
The Language of Flowers from Random House Audio
