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One Hundred Daffodils: Finding Beauty, Grace, and Meaning When Things Fall Apart
With the observational eye of a John Muir-like naturalist and a keenly insightful take on nature's ability to heal, One Hundred Daffodils is a contemporary-yet-timeless story of a woman's search for meaning, identity, and purpose in an uncharted world.There is so much life in the garden. That is why I come. Life that is gentle, self-supporting, and beautiful. Continuous in its cycles, grounded, pure. When her husband asked for a divorce after twenty-five years of marriage, Rebecca Winn felt untethered physically, spiritually, and emotionally. The security she'd had in her marriage was suddenly replaced by an overwhelming sense of fear, hopelessness, and dread. She felt invisible and alone and was horrified to consider that her deepest longing -- to know and be known by another person -- might never be realized. But from this fear emerged a powerful desire to answer one of life's most profound questions: How can we ever know another person if we do not truly know ourselves? Facilitated in measures by a love affair with a younger man, dedicated study of Jungian psychology, and a deep dive into global spiritual practices, Winn transformed heartbreak into wholeness through communion with the divine in nature. By turning to her garden for guidance, sanctuary, and inspiration, and dialing closely into the flora and fauna around her, she ultimately discovered what is possible when we are willing look at our unvarnished selves with an open mind -- and see others with an open heart.
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Published March 24, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
March 24, 2020
One Hundred Daffodils made me think about my life, and journey, in a new way. I love the idea of nature as healer, but I've seldom really turned to the earth in this way. Rebecca Winn changed that for me with her absolutely lovely book. She inspired me to dig my hands in dirt and find deep, essential connection with Mother Earth. During this time of isolation and being home-bound, this book is, especially, a balm: the promise of how one daily walk can transform! What an uplifting, gorgeous read. Highly recommended.
May 2, 2020
For this to be @rebeccawinn.writer first #book, this is a shockingly beautiful work of art. The story centers around her garden and nature in general and it’s relation to her healing process as she found herself midway through her life amidst tumultuous life changes. This is one of the most beautiful written, poetic #memoirs I have read in a LONG time. I cannot even count how many passages I screenshotted for their insight, inspiration, and depth. Her connection to landscapes and all forms of life is absolutely incredible.
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Having spent the majority in her life in the Highland Park, Texas area, Rebecca was forced to find happiness, self-sufficiency, and meaning, following her husband of years asking for a divorce shortly after her son leaving for college. In the decade that followed she went through the battle of finding happiness alone, reconciling with the other woman in her ex-husband’s life, finding a new, passionate love and eventually battling the heartache that that relationship left her with, and figuring out what friends lifted her up versus which ones brought her down. Anyone at any age can connect to the search for happiness and meaning that Rebecca so wonderfully and intimately captures. I could not get enough of this life-changing book, and everyone should read this one.
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Having spent the majority in her life in the Highland Park, Texas area, Rebecca was forced to find happiness, self-sufficiency, and meaning, following her husband of years asking for a divorce shortly after her son leaving for college. In the decade that followed she went through the battle of finding happiness alone, reconciling with the other woman in her ex-husband’s life, finding a new, passionate love and eventually battling the heartache that that relationship left her with, and figuring out what friends lifted her up versus which ones brought her down. Anyone at any age can connect to the search for happiness and meaning that Rebecca so wonderfully and intimately captures. I could not get enough of this life-changing book, and everyone should read this one.
April 6, 2020
One Hundred Daffodils radiates hope, abundance, and possibility just as daffodils do as they emerge from brown, barren soil in the spring. Rebecca Winn shares the insights she gleamed from the plants and wildlife in her backyard garden as she recovers from childhood soul wounds and a broken heart as her marriage disintegrates. The beautifully described flora and creatures in her garden reflect her healing journey from wounded, afraid, and unknown, to known, courageous, and transformed. Reading the book during this time of quarantine, disruption, and uncertainty, I was filled with the beauty and hope she found and beautifully shares. As I write this I am sitting outside and filled with a renewed appreciation for the wonder of birdsong, daffodils, and the budding flowers of spring.
January 27, 2020
One Hundred Daffodils is a collection of essays that take the reader through the author's journey of self-reinvention after her 25 year marriage ends. This book is unlike any book I have ever read before. It is enchanting and wise and filled with wonderful gems of insight. It reminds me a little bit of Mary Oliver's Upstream, but with more introspection and wisdom. It's like a contemporary woman's A Gift From the Sea by Anne Morrow Lindberg, but more conversational. The way the author sees nature and the way she describes the world really touched me. The writing is beautiful, almost poetic in some places. It's uplifting, but also raw and deeply honest. I could so relate to her pain and anger as she moved through her heartbreak, but the way she came around to a new perspective, not just on her life, but with all her relationships was incredibly inspiring. I can see myself coming back to this book over and over again.
Thank you to Grand Central Publishing for giving me an advance copy to review.
Thank you to Grand Central Publishing for giving me an advance copy to review.
June 23, 2020
One Hundred Daffodils is a wonderfully honest book about how hard the struggle to discover yourself when life falls apart while being light and comedic at times. There re some wonderful life lessons that we can all take away from this book but more than that, I think this book helps us all see that no matter how old we are, what stage of life we find ourselves in we can all rebuild our lives in a way that makes us happy.
I wasn't sure if I would like this book or not but honestly, it gripped me right from the prologue. The story Rebecca tells about the spiderweb in her garden and how it disappeared from sight the closer she got it resonated so much with me as a life metaphor.
I love that the book is broken down into small sections rather than full chapters because it made it much easier to consume a little at a time whenever I had some free time to read.
It's a wonderful reminder that we all get to choose what lessons we learn in life and how we can all find grace rather than hatred when things fall apart in life or become complicated.
I wasn't sure if I would like this book or not but honestly, it gripped me right from the prologue. The story Rebecca tells about the spiderweb in her garden and how it disappeared from sight the closer she got it resonated so much with me as a life metaphor.
I love that the book is broken down into small sections rather than full chapters because it made it much easier to consume a little at a time whenever I had some free time to read.
It's a wonderful reminder that we all get to choose what lessons we learn in life and how we can all find grace rather than hatred when things fall apart in life or become complicated.
January 26, 2020
This book really touched me. Rebecca Winn’s writing is both personal and profound. Her story is so human, so relatable, it is more than a breath of fresh air — it’s a deep exhale. Her journey is my journey; is your journey; is our journey.
One Hundred Daffodils takes the author through two main relationships — with her husband, and the younger man with whom she has a relationship after her husband of over 25 years leaves her. These two men are the catalysts for a lot of suffering, but ultimately some very deep healing as she discovers they offered the keys to unlock her most important lesson - healing the wounded relationship she had with herself. These essays are filled with heartbreaking honesty, some laugh out loud moments, and a lot of deep wisdom. We’ve all had our hearts broken. We’ve been betrayed. We’ve doubted ourselves. We’ve worried about our bodies, wondered if we’re good enough, and had trouble letting go of people even though we know they are not good for us. Some of us fear aging, are harshly self-critical and obsessively seek the approval of others. Rebecca Winn’s story lays bare all of these experiences and more, then ties them together with nature in an incredible, surprising way, with beautiful prose that carries deep universal wisdom.
This new author’s voice is unique and her writing is both powerful and tender. Her personal lessons were hard-won, but the depth of understanding that emerged, and the maturity of her ultimate perspectives are so inspiring. I saw myself so many times in this book, and I know others will too. The beginning is good, but the second half is where things really get amazing, so stick with it. I’ve truly cherished this book and its message.
Thanks to the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book.
One Hundred Daffodils takes the author through two main relationships — with her husband, and the younger man with whom she has a relationship after her husband of over 25 years leaves her. These two men are the catalysts for a lot of suffering, but ultimately some very deep healing as she discovers they offered the keys to unlock her most important lesson - healing the wounded relationship she had with herself. These essays are filled with heartbreaking honesty, some laugh out loud moments, and a lot of deep wisdom. We’ve all had our hearts broken. We’ve been betrayed. We’ve doubted ourselves. We’ve worried about our bodies, wondered if we’re good enough, and had trouble letting go of people even though we know they are not good for us. Some of us fear aging, are harshly self-critical and obsessively seek the approval of others. Rebecca Winn’s story lays bare all of these experiences and more, then ties them together with nature in an incredible, surprising way, with beautiful prose that carries deep universal wisdom.
This new author’s voice is unique and her writing is both powerful and tender. Her personal lessons were hard-won, but the depth of understanding that emerged, and the maturity of her ultimate perspectives are so inspiring. I saw myself so many times in this book, and I know others will too. The beginning is good, but the second half is where things really get amazing, so stick with it. I’ve truly cherished this book and its message.
Thanks to the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book.
January 1, 2021
I want to thank author Rebecca Winn and Grand Central Publishing for this free copy of One Hundred Daffodils.
This book honestly felt a little difficult for me to finish. I ended up having to mix it in with other books that I wanted to get read before the end of the year. The book focused on the author finding hope and promise in the future after her world, as she knows it, crashes down around her.
It's fine, I suppose, for an uplifting tale. It is very floral and nature focused, which I get can bring some people peace, particularly those who tune into nature more as a default. But it also kind of felt... superficial to me. We hear about the Bad Men in her life and how they mistreated her. Left her. Cheated on her. But those moments failed to resonate with me.
The writing, over all, flowed well enough. It was easy to read. But I found when I set the book down, I was never in a hurry to pick it back up. I'm glad Ms. Winn found the peace she needed. I'm glad she found the growth that she needed in order to better handle more trying times. But I struggled to connect with her on any level that made me want to know how she connected with the next challenge in her life.
This book honestly felt a little difficult for me to finish. I ended up having to mix it in with other books that I wanted to get read before the end of the year. The book focused on the author finding hope and promise in the future after her world, as she knows it, crashes down around her.
It's fine, I suppose, for an uplifting tale. It is very floral and nature focused, which I get can bring some people peace, particularly those who tune into nature more as a default. But it also kind of felt... superficial to me. We hear about the Bad Men in her life and how they mistreated her. Left her. Cheated on her. But those moments failed to resonate with me.
The writing, over all, flowed well enough. It was easy to read. But I found when I set the book down, I was never in a hurry to pick it back up. I'm glad Ms. Winn found the peace she needed. I'm glad she found the growth that she needed in order to better handle more trying times. But I struggled to connect with her on any level that made me want to know how she connected with the next challenge in her life.
May 24, 2020
In One Hundred Daffodils, Rebecca Winn writes honestly and passionately of her journey after her husband of 25 years unexpectedly asks for a divorce. Through each moment of heartbreak and discovery, she pushes forward to becoming her true self. All the while, finding comfort, joy, and hope in flora and fauna in her garden.
One Hundred Daffodils, Finding Beauty, Grace, and Meaning When Things Fall Apart is an engaging exploration of self-discovery that will inspire all who read it.
One Hundred Daffodils, Finding Beauty, Grace, and Meaning When Things Fall Apart is an engaging exploration of self-discovery that will inspire all who read it.
June 29, 2020
In One Hundred Daffodils, a memoir in essays, Rebecca Winn has succeeded at achieving what is most important to me in a book—she reflects back the experience of being human. Moving and intimate, Winn captures moments large and small as she rebuilds her life and discovers who she was and who she has become. The language and framework, built around the natural world, works beautifully. It's a hopeful and heartfelt book, the kind that we need right now.
May 14, 2020
First I want to say that this is a book I love holding in my hands. It's beautifully produced, with a creamy cover, the kind of book I snuggled up with on my couch, in bed, outside on the porch (now that the weather is nice), and even in the car. It is filled with beauty--both physically in the author's garden and spiritually in her internal transformations--even amidst scenes of shattering and uncertainty. One Hundred Daffodils is a reminder that we can find hope right where you are, that small acts of attention bring peace.
June 10, 2020
One Hundred Daffodils is the first book by Rebecca Winn and the way she wrote this certainly won’t be the last one hopefully. This book is very thoughtfully written and is truly inspiring especially for the times we are living in. Her story gives us hope just like the daffodils that come up each year from a dark spot during Spring. Her descriptions of nature flowers and Spring are beautiful. This book is very relatable and inspiring. A must read!!!
January 28, 2020
This is an incredibly moving memoir of a life in transition. I was so lucky to get my hands on an early copy, and now I absolutely cannot wait to share it with my friends when it comes out. Balancing beauty and intensity, wit and pain, Winn has created something truly wonderful here.
(Reviewed from a publisher advanced copy.)
(Reviewed from a publisher advanced copy.)
April 30, 2020
Some quite beautiful words on the fragility of self knowledge and the monumental effort needed to truly be enough on one's own. Plus some top-notch horticultural knowhow. Somehow it all fits seamlessly together and makes for a rather excellent quarantine read. To the garden!
February 6, 2020
The vulnerability and authenticity woven in Rebecca Winn’s tapestry of truth in “One Hundred Daffodils” reveals the paradox of the messiness and beauty of life. Just as a seed must be cracked open for the bud to rise through the “fruitful darkness” of the soil with no light in sight, so does the human journey often provoke us into awakening spiritually through grace and grit. For those of us who are willing to dive deep into the recesses of own minds and hearts, as Rebecca did, we too can encounter the wisdom being woven in the intricate surprises and heartaches of our journey.
Rebecca’s luscious writing, humor and exquisite details of her garden are so pure, raw and enchanting. Through every encounter, human or non-human, the mystery invited her into the alchemical process of living and loving – through blooms and storms, deep love and deeper betrayals, letting go and moving into the unknown with great uncertainty but getting to the other side of it all stronger and clearer than before.
Embraced with such possibilities, I felt my own wave of grief validated and the pure awareness that I am not alone, ever, lifted me. I laughed out loud with certain thoughts that punctuated my own snarky mind. I journeyed with her wrestling with circumstances as a familiar sense of the inner tug of wars I experience. I settled into what was being mirrored to me through the dense difficulties as an invitation to explore deeper my own inner and outer landscapes of life.
Her keen ability to weave insights with garden metaphors throughout the book kept me engaged and enthralled. I wept at the end as a deep exhale of how suffering unravels our conditioned stories and leads us into our true meaning and purpose only if we are willing to be in the fire of it all and open our eyes to the gifts all around us.
Thank YOU Grand Central Publishing for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book.
Rebecca’s luscious writing, humor and exquisite details of her garden are so pure, raw and enchanting. Through every encounter, human or non-human, the mystery invited her into the alchemical process of living and loving – through blooms and storms, deep love and deeper betrayals, letting go and moving into the unknown with great uncertainty but getting to the other side of it all stronger and clearer than before.
Embraced with such possibilities, I felt my own wave of grief validated and the pure awareness that I am not alone, ever, lifted me. I laughed out loud with certain thoughts that punctuated my own snarky mind. I journeyed with her wrestling with circumstances as a familiar sense of the inner tug of wars I experience. I settled into what was being mirrored to me through the dense difficulties as an invitation to explore deeper my own inner and outer landscapes of life.
Her keen ability to weave insights with garden metaphors throughout the book kept me engaged and enthralled. I wept at the end as a deep exhale of how suffering unravels our conditioned stories and leads us into our true meaning and purpose only if we are willing to be in the fire of it all and open our eyes to the gifts all around us.
Thank YOU Grand Central Publishing for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book.
March 14, 2020
How do you write a review that does justice to a book this powerful?
Rebecca's writing is, simply put, gorgeous. The imagery is captivating without being florid. I honestly felt like her shadow as she walked through her garden and her world. Her words charmed- bringing each plant, animal, emotion, and discovery to life. She truly has a talent for recreating her surroundings in vivid detail; she's an artist armed with words, not paint.
Anyone with any sort of trauma or big life event will understand her pains and struggles. And anyone who has had epiphanies will cheer her on as she makes discoveries big and small, but most importantly, she puts into words new enlightenments.
It was a constant battle between putting the book down to really dig into her insights and reading the next essay because her words are so inspirational. Which is all to say- I'll be reading this book on repeat because like any true piece of art, there will always be more to discover.
Brava to the author and thank you. I cannot possible express how immediately this book should be ordered (in a local bookstore *wink*)!
Rebecca's writing is, simply put, gorgeous. The imagery is captivating without being florid. I honestly felt like her shadow as she walked through her garden and her world. Her words charmed- bringing each plant, animal, emotion, and discovery to life. She truly has a talent for recreating her surroundings in vivid detail; she's an artist armed with words, not paint.
Anyone with any sort of trauma or big life event will understand her pains and struggles. And anyone who has had epiphanies will cheer her on as she makes discoveries big and small, but most importantly, she puts into words new enlightenments.
It was a constant battle between putting the book down to really dig into her insights and reading the next essay because her words are so inspirational. Which is all to say- I'll be reading this book on repeat because like any true piece of art, there will always be more to discover.
Brava to the author and thank you. I cannot possible express how immediately this book should be ordered (in a local bookstore *wink*)!
June 27, 2021
DNF page 134. I really liked the premise of this book and as I have much in common with the author INFJ, married almost 25 years, always get the outsider, etc. I really wanted to be let in. (I also never never never buy the line that raising children was the “best time” of a woman’s life. Talk to me about the hardships, fears, worries. We get it, we all love our children, but none of us are saints and those long hours alone with children are fun but also hard.)
I thought the narrative circled around and skimmed over the real issues of her marriage and relationships, using gardening metaphors as a way to keep a boundary between the reader and the author. Perhaps I would be let in more if I kept reading but I already feel sold a promise of something I did not get. And the spirituality is dropped in; doesn’t necessarily feel lived in. Is she Christian with Buddhist tendencies? A self-help aficionado? Wanted to know more, not just offered platitudes by a random selection.
Nice writing and loved the metaphors until it felt like they were really were used as the author once used rose bushes: to hide.
I thought the narrative circled around and skimmed over the real issues of her marriage and relationships, using gardening metaphors as a way to keep a boundary between the reader and the author. Perhaps I would be let in more if I kept reading but I already feel sold a promise of something I did not get. And the spirituality is dropped in; doesn’t necessarily feel lived in. Is she Christian with Buddhist tendencies? A self-help aficionado? Wanted to know more, not just offered platitudes by a random selection.
Nice writing and loved the metaphors until it felt like they were really were used as the author once used rose bushes: to hide.
June 30, 2020
Rebecca Winn shares her journey in such a beautiful and transformative way. The flow of the book brought me into the experience of growing through life's challenges. I loved the stories using nature experiences to help connect the the dots of the healing journey. I found myself screaming on multiple readings, "YES!!!" Her story is relatable as she takes the reader on the journey of discovery. Her vulnerability and honesty flow through the pages as she takes responsibility and empowers herself. When the book ended, the biggest smile came across my face. I felt encouraged and inspired. This book offered so many amazing gifts. It's DEFINITELY worth picking up!! I loved having the audiobook version because it meant I could be outside absorbing her words while immersing myself in nature. The whole experience brought me solace.
April 17, 2020
One Hundred Daffodils is Rebecca Winn's thoughtful, vulnerable, and ultimately inspiring and hopeful story of how she processed the painful divorce she experienced after her husband of 25 years left her unexpectedly. And while she does share her pain, the book is not negative and is beautifully written because she draws inspiration from her love for gardening and nature. One Hundred Daffodils is an inspiring read not just for those who have experienced the pain of divorce, but for anyone who has suffered from painful and life changing situations. And during this time of COVID, that would be all of us. Highly recommend.
April 17, 2020
The author takes two ingredients - her garden and her life - and makes magic from them. I love how this book impelled me to begin a garden for myself and encouraged me to cultivate my own presence so that I won't miss the magic. More about the book: Ms. Winn speaks so eloquently and so personally about her own growth that her words become deeply personal. Or they did for this reader. Highly recommend.
August 6, 2020
This is such a beautiful book. It is the story of Rebecca, the author and how she finds herself again after her husband of 25 years left her. It is inspiring and uplifting. It shows us how nature is a great healer and how greif is messy. I would recommend this book to everyone. It's beautiful.
I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy free of charge. This is my honest and unbiased opinion of it.
I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy free of charge. This is my honest and unbiased opinion of it.
August 11, 2020
I’m not a gardener, and I didn’t quite know what to expect. Although I’m not familiar with many of the plants and birds mentioned, I loved how Rebecca described everything vividly. This book is ultimately about nature, love, loss, and growing up. My favorite quote: "People tell me I am strong, and maybe I am, though I don’t feel particularly strong most of the time. But like Camus, 'within me there is an invincible summer.'”
April 26, 2020
Every once in a while I need reminder that change is good and letting go is the best option. This book provided a much needed reminder at an opportune time. I found it easy to read is small chunks, but YMMV. I have a sense this one is one I will keep going back to.
May 3, 2020
Rebecca's languaging in One Hundred Daffodils is as lucious, beautiful and fragrant as the flowers she grows. And how perfect that it debuted in our spring of chaos, Rebecca's healing words give us hope when things really fall apart...
September 18, 2020
I loved this book--powerful memoir of one woman's journey from heartbreak to healing in her garden. Beautifully written and the examples ring true. Anyone who has felt inspired and nurtured in the garden will resonate with her story.
May 3, 2020
A wonderful book. I highly recommend this
April 12, 2021
In One Hundred Daffodils, Rebecca speaks to the soul of every person who has survived abuse, neglect and loss. She intuitively captures the whisperings of a heart that’s much bigger than the world it knows and leads the reader into finding strength to guide that heart into a new, glorious being. I have read this book twice and continue to discover insights that result in a deeper understanding of my own situations. I highly recommend this book for anyone who feels alone, trapped or lost in toxic relationships. You’ll see that you are worthy, necessary and can grow into the beautiful daffodil you were meant to be.
May 2, 2021
Author Rebecca Winn has a naturalist way with words. In her book, One Hundred Daffodils, she writes with such detailed observations of life through her visions of nature it’s gives new insight to our human dilemmas.
This book is one I will cherish for life. It has given me a brighter and clear perspective of looking at the upheavals that have happened in my life. I enjoy nature and all its beauty with deep curiosity. This story has opened my eyes even wider to my life’s experiences. It has brought up questions I am now asking myself on how I should be looking at things. I need to find out how I want my life to be and how I want to live. I will no longer be dependent and a caretaker for others.
We all need to step outside and sit quietly; listen, look, and give thanks for the answers we can find through nature.
This is much more than a 5 Star Review!
This book is one I will cherish for life. It has given me a brighter and clear perspective of looking at the upheavals that have happened in my life. I enjoy nature and all its beauty with deep curiosity. This story has opened my eyes even wider to my life’s experiences. It has brought up questions I am now asking myself on how I should be looking at things. I need to find out how I want my life to be and how I want to live. I will no longer be dependent and a caretaker for others.
We all need to step outside and sit quietly; listen, look, and give thanks for the answers we can find through nature.
This is much more than a 5 Star Review!
July 17, 2020
On Hundred Daffodils, a memoir in essays, explores how Rebecca Winn found beauty and meaning after her marriage of twenty-five years ended. Sharing insights from her garden and the natural world, this book radiates hope at a time that seems hopeless. Her transformation from a mirror reflecting others to her own courageous self was a perfect foil and counter to the uncertain times in which we live.
April 24, 2021
A little tedious and repetitive story of her failed marriage and her early contentious life with her grandmother, Bon Bon. I wished that she could have found her voice sooner and not taken so long to discover her own talents and attributes. A sad book .
May 20, 2020
Absolutely loved it! Rebecca Winn spoke straight to my soul.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews