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The Houseplant
George, a fern, doesn’t appreciate being bought by Brenda at Garden Palace.
And he certainly doesn’t appreciate being trapped in her house of humans. He yearns to be with the plants outside in the garden. With time, George learns to trust Brenda and think of her as his human. Then one day, tragedy strikes and George’s life will never be the same. What happens when a houseplant loses the thing he never knew he wanted?
You'll never look at houseplants the same way again.
And he certainly doesn’t appreciate being trapped in her house of humans. He yearns to be with the plants outside in the garden. With time, George learns to trust Brenda and think of her as his human. Then one day, tragedy strikes and George’s life will never be the same. What happens when a houseplant loses the thing he never knew he wanted?
You'll never look at houseplants the same way again.
31 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 2, 2020
16 people are currently reading
901 people want to read
About the author
Jeremy Ray
7 books371 followersJeremy Ray graduated from Carnegie Mellon University with a MFA in Dramatic Writing. He is the recipient of the Max K. Lerner Playwriting Fellowship for his play Boiling Point and the Shubert Playwriting Fellowship for his play Sisters of Transformation. His work has been performed at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC, and his screenplays have placed in the PAGE International Screenwriting Awards Competition, The Academy Nicholl Fellowship, and the ScreenCraft Drama Contest.
However, he is most fond of prose. He spends his free time devouring books like the bookworm he is.
🐛🐛🐛𝗪𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗳𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗴𝗼𝗼𝗱𝗶𝗲𝘀? 𝗝𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗰𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗸 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗼𝘄 ...
https://litelink.at/jeremyraystories
However, he is most fond of prose. He spends his free time devouring books like the bookworm he is.
🐛🐛🐛𝗪𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗳𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗴𝗼𝗼𝗱𝗶𝗲𝘀? 𝗝𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗰𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗸 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗼𝘄 ...
https://litelink.at/jeremyraystories
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 927 reviews
August 18, 2021
The Houseplant: A Short Story by Jeremy Ray
So many emotions are packed into this little story about a houseplant named George. I come away more aware than ever of the life around me. George and his interactions with the plants and people around him hit all my feelings. The story speaks to how spending time on my property, among the trees and flowers (I especially am attracted to our natural wildflowers, which many people would call weeds) makes me feel so good, so refreshed, and so calm. This is a great little story that makes me think about the life around me and how I interact with that life.
Update: August 18, 2021 My friend Michael just reviewed this short story and now he's a plant person 😁
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Published December 14th 2020
A Kindle Unlimited selection.
So many emotions are packed into this little story about a houseplant named George. I come away more aware than ever of the life around me. George and his interactions with the plants and people around him hit all my feelings. The story speaks to how spending time on my property, among the trees and flowers (I especially am attracted to our natural wildflowers, which many people would call weeds) makes me feel so good, so refreshed, and so calm. This is a great little story that makes me think about the life around me and how I interact with that life.
Update: August 18, 2021 My friend Michael just reviewed this short story and now he's a plant person 😁
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Published December 14th 2020
A Kindle Unlimited selection.
August 18, 2021
If someone told me a year ago that I would love a short story told from the perspective of a houseplant named George, I would’ve scoffed…
...But, I did love it!
George is a fern, who goes home with Brenda against its wishes. Surprisingly, the plant starts to have positive feelings for Brenda, just as she does for the plant.
Author Jeremy Ray certainly packs an emotional punch in less than 20 minutes of reading. I loved George, and hoped for nothing but the best for this fern. 🪴
Cute, quirky, sad, and uplifting. I highly recommend taking a few minutes out of your day to read this touching story...which Ray dedicates to his own fern.
P.S. I don’t have a green thumb AT ALL, but my sweet friend Kate bought me a small houseplant this summer. I’m happy to say that it is still alive after almost a month. I gave my plant water right after I read this story. As I was pouring the water, I said without conscious thought, “There you go, sweetheart.” 😊
Available on Kindle Unlimited.
...But, I did love it!
George is a fern, who goes home with Brenda against its wishes. Surprisingly, the plant starts to have positive feelings for Brenda, just as she does for the plant.
Author Jeremy Ray certainly packs an emotional punch in less than 20 minutes of reading. I loved George, and hoped for nothing but the best for this fern. 🪴
Cute, quirky, sad, and uplifting. I highly recommend taking a few minutes out of your day to read this touching story...which Ray dedicates to his own fern.
P.S. I don’t have a green thumb AT ALL, but my sweet friend Kate bought me a small houseplant this summer. I’m happy to say that it is still alive after almost a month. I gave my plant water right after I read this story. As I was pouring the water, I said without conscious thought, “There you go, sweetheart.” 😊
Available on Kindle Unlimited.
October 15, 2024
Reread: October 2024.
Nothing much new to add. No change in opinion or rating. An enthusiastic 5 stars!
I forgot to mention in my original review the mini poem and the author's dedication at the start of this work - loved them both!
If you still haven't read this short story, what the heck are you waiting for?
-----------------------------
Originally read and reviewed in May 2022:
A short but stunning read!
George is a fern who stays reluctantly with Brenda and her family. He doesn’t appreciate being the only plant in the house, he doesn’t like her over-zealous attention to him, and does his best to thwart her “evil intentions”. But with time, he realises that Brenda genuinely likes him and there’s no ulterior agenda to her attention. However, soon after he accepts his fate and looks forward to knowing Brenda better, tragedy strikes and George’s life turns upside down. Will this be the end of the road for George in Brenda’s house?
I simply loved this little story. Having such an unusual lead character is a great starting point anyway. But to take a plant and make it communicate and emote the way we never think is an astounding move on author Jeremy Ray’s part. You see George not just as a plant in one corner of the room but as a living, breathing creature with feelings.
Within just 32 pages, this short story delivers a whammy of emotions. It covers grief, insecurity, acceptance and unconditional love much better than even some full-length novels do.
The Goodreads blurb ends with the line: “You'll never look at houseplants the same way again.” I agree wholeheartedly. I do have plenty of plants in my house though I don’t have much of a green thumb. (My plants grow despite and not because of my ministrations.) You bet I am going to have a nice, gratitude-filled chat with them tomorrow. 😃
5 stars.
The book is free for KU subscribers.
***********************
Join me on the Facebook group, Readers Forever! , for more reviews, book-related discussions and fun.
Nothing much new to add. No change in opinion or rating. An enthusiastic 5 stars!
I forgot to mention in my original review the mini poem and the author's dedication at the start of this work - loved them both!
If you still haven't read this short story, what the heck are you waiting for?
-----------------------------
Originally read and reviewed in May 2022:
A short but stunning read!
George is a fern who stays reluctantly with Brenda and her family. He doesn’t appreciate being the only plant in the house, he doesn’t like her over-zealous attention to him, and does his best to thwart her “evil intentions”. But with time, he realises that Brenda genuinely likes him and there’s no ulterior agenda to her attention. However, soon after he accepts his fate and looks forward to knowing Brenda better, tragedy strikes and George’s life turns upside down. Will this be the end of the road for George in Brenda’s house?
I simply loved this little story. Having such an unusual lead character is a great starting point anyway. But to take a plant and make it communicate and emote the way we never think is an astounding move on author Jeremy Ray’s part. You see George not just as a plant in one corner of the room but as a living, breathing creature with feelings.
Within just 32 pages, this short story delivers a whammy of emotions. It covers grief, insecurity, acceptance and unconditional love much better than even some full-length novels do.
The Goodreads blurb ends with the line: “You'll never look at houseplants the same way again.” I agree wholeheartedly. I do have plenty of plants in my house though I don’t have much of a green thumb. (My plants grow despite and not because of my ministrations.) You bet I am going to have a nice, gratitude-filled chat with them tomorrow. 😃
5 stars.
The book is free for KU subscribers.
***********************
Join me on the Facebook group, Readers Forever! , for more reviews, book-related discussions and fun.
July 9, 2022
I didn't think I would get this many feels from a fern! What a lovely short story and it's on KU.🪴💚
October 29, 2022
This is a cute story and manages to pack some good character development and emotions in quite a short story.
George is a fern who watches as people walk into Garden Palace and buy the more exotic plants. Used to being ignored, he is taken aback when Brenda takes a liking to him and takes him home. Brenda gets to be close to George and often chats with him to his delight. Tragedy strikes and it looks like the best part of George’s life is also ending. But love makes a comeback; this section is especially well written – touching and uplifting.
This is a story you can read very quickly. Definitely recommended.
Coincidentally, I am listening to Susan Cain’s Bittersweet right now and the touch of sadness & melancholy she describes as important is very much how I felt in parts of the book. The end is beautiful and uplifting despite the touch of sadness which preceded it.
My rating: 4.5 / 5.
George is a fern who watches as people walk into Garden Palace and buy the more exotic plants. Used to being ignored, he is taken aback when Brenda takes a liking to him and takes him home. Brenda gets to be close to George and often chats with him to his delight. Tragedy strikes and it looks like the best part of George’s life is also ending. But love makes a comeback; this section is especially well written – touching and uplifting.
This is a story you can read very quickly. Definitely recommended.
Coincidentally, I am listening to Susan Cain’s Bittersweet right now and the touch of sadness & melancholy she describes as important is very much how I felt in parts of the book. The end is beautiful and uplifting despite the touch of sadness which preceded it.
My rating: 4.5 / 5.
December 28, 2020
The Houseplant
is a surprisingly heartwarming story about the most unlikely of subjects. (Yes, the title is literally what the story is about.)
Do you have plants in your house? If so, do your plants have names and do you talk to them? I have one small plant, Mr. Indestructo, so named because he puts up with my periodic neglect and thrives anyway. (And he’s a good listener when I break into an impromptu karaoke session.)
Jeremy Ray’s terrific story is narrated by George, a fern who was brought home against his will by Brenda. After he struggled through her initial missteps at caring for him, eventually he and Brenda built a solid relationship of companionship and trust, and she was always bragging to friends about George’s ability to thrive.
But in a split second, everything changes and George’s life is turned upside down. Can things go back to how they were before, or will George have to suffer the consequences?
I seriously loved this story. I never thought I’d get attached to a story narrated by a houseplant but Jeremy Ray created such a terrific character! I gave Mr. Indestructo a little more water after I finished the story.
The author provided me with a complimentary advance copy of the story in exchange for an unbiased review. Thanks for making it available! For details on how to win a signed, first-print edition of The Houseplant , visit @jeremyraystories on Instagram.
The story publishes 12/14.
Check out my list of the best books I read in 2019 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2020/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2019.html.
Check out my list of the best books of the decade at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2020/01/my-favorite-books-of-decade.html.
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishworld.of.yrralh/.
Do you have plants in your house? If so, do your plants have names and do you talk to them? I have one small plant, Mr. Indestructo, so named because he puts up with my periodic neglect and thrives anyway. (And he’s a good listener when I break into an impromptu karaoke session.)
Jeremy Ray’s terrific story is narrated by George, a fern who was brought home against his will by Brenda. After he struggled through her initial missteps at caring for him, eventually he and Brenda built a solid relationship of companionship and trust, and she was always bragging to friends about George’s ability to thrive.
But in a split second, everything changes and George’s life is turned upside down. Can things go back to how they were before, or will George have to suffer the consequences?
I seriously loved this story. I never thought I’d get attached to a story narrated by a houseplant but Jeremy Ray created such a terrific character! I gave Mr. Indestructo a little more water after I finished the story.
The author provided me with a complimentary advance copy of the story in exchange for an unbiased review. Thanks for making it available! For details on how to win a signed, first-print edition of The Houseplant , visit @jeremyraystories on Instagram.
The story publishes 12/14.
Check out my list of the best books I read in 2019 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2020/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2019.html.
Check out my list of the best books of the decade at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2020/01/my-favorite-books-of-decade.html.
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishworld.of.yrralh/.
June 28, 2022
A sweet little story. You'll be rooting for George the whole way.
August 25, 2021
Endearing🪴
….🌿a Kindle unlimited short story that packs an emotional punch🍃🍂- it’s very touching !
“The houseplant loved Sundays because Brenda hosted a woman’s book club in the reading room”……
George, a fern, was an expert in human language—whose leafy-plant vibrations often understood humans better than they understood themselves. 🌿
Thank you Marilyn and the Goodreads community for planting ‘must-read-love’ seeds. (only takes 30 minutes to read this clever-full- range - emotional tale )
….🌿a Kindle unlimited short story that packs an emotional punch🍃🍂- it’s very touching !
“The houseplant loved Sundays because Brenda hosted a woman’s book club in the reading room”……
George, a fern, was an expert in human language—whose leafy-plant vibrations often understood humans better than they understood themselves. 🌿
Thank you Marilyn and the Goodreads community for planting ‘must-read-love’ seeds. (only takes 30 minutes to read this clever-full- range - emotional tale )
February 8, 2023
Oh wow my poor heart! Loved this.
Why have i never read anything from jeremy ray before?! I shall check out his others but this one i found really fascinating.
This tells the story from the plants perspective. From a plant trying to hide away never to be noticed or bought. How its first thoughts are of humans and their treatments towards plants scares it.
This short story is packed full of everthing that makes a great short story.
Also, funny enough, i have a fern in the bathroom that i recently put outside as i felt it wasnt too happy. After reading this short story i may try some other approach lol. I have learned about the proper treatment of a fern🤣 coincidence.... or is the plant trying to tell me something?🤔. You will know what i mean here when you read it for yourself 😎
Why have i never read anything from jeremy ray before?! I shall check out his others but this one i found really fascinating.
This tells the story from the plants perspective. From a plant trying to hide away never to be noticed or bought. How its first thoughts are of humans and their treatments towards plants scares it.
This short story is packed full of everthing that makes a great short story.
Also, funny enough, i have a fern in the bathroom that i recently put outside as i felt it wasnt too happy. After reading this short story i may try some other approach lol. I have learned about the proper treatment of a fern🤣 coincidence.... or is the plant trying to tell me something?🤔. You will know what i mean here when you read it for yourself 😎
January 24, 2022
4 stars. Thoroughly enjoyed it!
photo taken by me & uploaded on my Instagram (@shashaybooks)!
Have you ever been spooked by how accurate your gut feelings sometimes are?
Well, I have, and this short story is just such a creative and heartwarming explanation for that.
The Houseplant is told from the perspective of a......you guessed it, a houseplant! I am not going to go into the details since it is a short story and saying anymore would be spoilers.
I loved this story. It was so refreshing in the terms of its unique premise and it was written really well. Jeremy Ray did an amazing job at the personification of the plant and I truly did feel for George however short this story was. He was so likeable and I must say I grew quite fond of him very quickly. This is definitely a story that is multi-layered, with a lot of symbolism at work. I wish I had more time to truly analyse and interpret the underlying themes but for now, I would just have to settle for a more simple, straightforward review.
I would compare the charm of this book with Finding Nemo. I loved how full-circle the plot was and definitely left me with a small smile on my face.
Overall, it was absolutely lovely to read and I highly recommend.
So grateful to the author (@jeremyraystories) for offering me a free e-copy of his book in exchange for an honest review! The Houseplant is now available on Amazon! Link available in @jeremyraystories's bio.
photo taken by me & uploaded on my Instagram (@shashaybooks)!
Have you ever been spooked by how accurate your gut feelings sometimes are?
Well, I have, and this short story is just such a creative and heartwarming explanation for that.
The Houseplant is told from the perspective of a......you guessed it, a houseplant! I am not going to go into the details since it is a short story and saying anymore would be spoilers.
I loved this story. It was so refreshing in the terms of its unique premise and it was written really well. Jeremy Ray did an amazing job at the personification of the plant and I truly did feel for George however short this story was. He was so likeable and I must say I grew quite fond of him very quickly. This is definitely a story that is multi-layered, with a lot of symbolism at work. I wish I had more time to truly analyse and interpret the underlying themes but for now, I would just have to settle for a more simple, straightforward review.
I would compare the charm of this book with Finding Nemo. I loved how full-circle the plot was and definitely left me with a small smile on my face.
Overall, it was absolutely lovely to read and I highly recommend.
So grateful to the author (@jeremyraystories) for offering me a free e-copy of his book in exchange for an honest review! The Houseplant is now available on Amazon! Link available in @jeremyraystories's bio.
April 27, 2021
I was extremely hesitant when I chose to read this story for review. Short stories typically aren’t my favorite thing. In all of the short stories I’ve read in the past it has been difficult for me to connect to the characters and their stories in such few pages. The House plant has proven me wrong.
I absolutely loved reading this story from a plants POV. Growing up when writing my own short stories for school, I always loved writing the personification of inanimate objects. So I really connected with the story that way.
His thoughts made me laugh, especially entire inner monologue about Brenda being a plant torturer.
Then in a instant George’s life changed. This is where the story really got an emotional response out of me. I can’t go into to much detail without spoilers. I just want to say I could feel the emotions that George was experiencing. I am super happy with how the story wrapped itself up in the end.
If you are looking for a short story to sink your teeth into, look no further. The House Plant changed my outlook on short stories and I’ll definitely be looking for others to pick up in the future.
I absolutely loved reading this story from a plants POV. Growing up when writing my own short stories for school, I always loved writing the personification of inanimate objects. So I really connected with the story that way.
His thoughts made me laugh, especially entire inner monologue about Brenda being a plant torturer.
Then in a instant George’s life changed. This is where the story really got an emotional response out of me. I can’t go into to much detail without spoilers. I just want to say I could feel the emotions that George was experiencing. I am super happy with how the story wrapped itself up in the end.
If you are looking for a short story to sink your teeth into, look no further. The House Plant changed my outlook on short stories and I’ll definitely be looking for others to pick up in the future.
June 14, 2022
This is such a heartwarming and tender book from the POC of a tiny fern named George. The fern starts by hating and mistrusting Brenda, its human owner, but grows to love her for her kindness and good heart. But tragedy strikes, and George is at loss once again. A sudden development brings hope and maybe another chance at happiness.
This is a short story packed with loads of emotions. It has a light rambling style that suits the fern plant perfectly. The book will make you laugh, cry, and smile with tears in your eyes. The writing is impactful without being dramatic or overwhelming. Love it.
Rosh, thank you once again.
This is a short story packed with loads of emotions. It has a light rambling style that suits the fern plant perfectly. The book will make you laugh, cry, and smile with tears in your eyes. The writing is impactful without being dramatic or overwhelming. Love it.
Rosh, thank you once again.
June 25, 2022
A pretty easy and light read for a half an hour bus ride.
August 19, 2022
"Maybe Brenda's kindness didn't make her weak after all."
°•*⁀➷
If you've never read a short story: make this your first. I can't believe I'm crying over a story that took me less than a half hour to read. Jeremy Ray, I hope you know I'm ready to devour everything you've ever written. I hope it's all like this sweet little story about George.
Jeremy contacted me on instagram asking if I wanted to read an ARC of this short story, and after reading the summary, I knew I had to. And opening it up to read the dedication of "Growing up, I was a big fan of how Pixar would put short films in front of their features. The following micro-story is my way of doing the same." Jeremy, you did that, and you did it so beautifully.
This is the story of George the house plant. He's wary of humans, scared of them really, and is terrified when he finds himself in an unknown environment with a human that's known as a plant killer. Like anyone captured, he tries to find his human's weakness. When he realizes how kind she is, he thinks that a weakness. When trying to exploit that, he finds that it may be the greatest strength in the world.
What a beautiful message. What a special story. Kindness will always prevail in the end if we let it.
On top of that, it touches on the damage humans do to beautiful things we never had a right to disrupt. Plants, whether they be ones we bring into our home, or growing outside, they help us all to thrive and we need to respect and cherish them for that. We need to love them, and not make them fear us. If personifying a house plant helps even one person take better care of the earth, that can only be a win.
As George tries to prove: they can only save us if we put in the effort to be saved in the first place.
- Paige
°•*⁀➷
If you've never read a short story: make this your first. I can't believe I'm crying over a story that took me less than a half hour to read. Jeremy Ray, I hope you know I'm ready to devour everything you've ever written. I hope it's all like this sweet little story about George.
Jeremy contacted me on instagram asking if I wanted to read an ARC of this short story, and after reading the summary, I knew I had to. And opening it up to read the dedication of "Growing up, I was a big fan of how Pixar would put short films in front of their features. The following micro-story is my way of doing the same." Jeremy, you did that, and you did it so beautifully.
This is the story of George the house plant. He's wary of humans, scared of them really, and is terrified when he finds himself in an unknown environment with a human that's known as a plant killer. Like anyone captured, he tries to find his human's weakness. When he realizes how kind she is, he thinks that a weakness. When trying to exploit that, he finds that it may be the greatest strength in the world.
What a beautiful message. What a special story. Kindness will always prevail in the end if we let it.
On top of that, it touches on the damage humans do to beautiful things we never had a right to disrupt. Plants, whether they be ones we bring into our home, or growing outside, they help us all to thrive and we need to respect and cherish them for that. We need to love them, and not make them fear us. If personifying a house plant helps even one person take better care of the earth, that can only be a win.
As George tries to prove: they can only save us if we put in the effort to be saved in the first place.
- Paige
December 5, 2020
OK ok ok... I admit I've always said short stories were never quite my thing. That sometime they worked and other times they didn't and blah blah blah. Well, I sit here corrected because this one WORKED FOR ME! Even at the end, I said out loud to my kindle, " THAT'S IT?!" Sigh... I need more George in my life.
I am absolutely terrible with plants. Horrible. I even killed a bamboo once. 😧 So when I first moved into my latest and greatest apartment, I decided to try my hands at a couple of succulents. I heard they were hard to kill... well, so supposedly were bamboo... but let's not go back there. During this pandemic, I started paying more attention to them. Talking to them every morning and noticed they started thriving. And it's weird how a human can get bonded to a plant, eh? So meet Sue and Lenny - my two succulents, I also have a coaster cactus but yeah yeah, not a real plant. Anyhow..... back to George,
How did this super short story pierce my heart? What a unique story Jeremy gave us from the POV of a fern. All living things in this world need company, love and kindness. Now I feel I need to get a bigger pot so they can intertwin roots and be happy. And possibly get a fern as well. I mean, if fern sales don't go up after this story is released ...... 😉
An absolutely adorable read.
I am absolutely terrible with plants. Horrible. I even killed a bamboo once. 😧 So when I first moved into my latest and greatest apartment, I decided to try my hands at a couple of succulents. I heard they were hard to kill... well, so supposedly were bamboo... but let's not go back there. During this pandemic, I started paying more attention to them. Talking to them every morning and noticed they started thriving. And it's weird how a human can get bonded to a plant, eh? So meet Sue and Lenny - my two succulents, I also have a coaster cactus but yeah yeah, not a real plant. Anyhow..... back to George,
How did this super short story pierce my heart? What a unique story Jeremy gave us from the POV of a fern. All living things in this world need company, love and kindness. Now I feel I need to get a bigger pot so they can intertwin roots and be happy. And possibly get a fern as well. I mean, if fern sales don't go up after this story is released ...... 😉
An absolutely adorable read.
August 15, 2021
I believe there's a reason why some people have more success with plants. Plants are living beings, and this short and sweet story about George the fern and his human shows just how alive they may be. The Houseplant: A Short Story is less than 50 pages long and is told from George's point of view. We watch George and his human go from a rocky start to a reciprocating balance that enriches both of their lives. But in the cycle of life, things can change in an instant, and this seemingly simple story delivers big emotions. This ended up being a great short-story that will have you paying a little more attention to the green around you.
December 31, 2020
The Houseplant by Jeremy Ray is an insightful short story that will make you rethink your relationships with plants!
I adore my houseplants and I often talk about them as having personalities and feelings; ‘oh he’s not happy in that pot anymore,’ ‘this girl is irritated and needs more food,’ ‘that gal needs a trim and some more water,’ ‘he’s a jerk and never blooms for me,’ etc... sounds crazy, but some plants stay in families longer than pets!
Well, dear George, the star houseplant in this story, has a big personality and a lot of feelings! George is funny; his thought processes are just hilarious. George is lonely; though it takes a while to acknowledge that. George is sensitive and thoughtful; he just wants to belong.
From lonesome curmudgeon to endeared member of the family, this is George’s story. And it is a really touching story! A quick read with all the feels; I highly recommend picking this one up!
Thank you, Jeremy, for a copy of your book for review! I loved it.
I adore my houseplants and I often talk about them as having personalities and feelings; ‘oh he’s not happy in that pot anymore,’ ‘this girl is irritated and needs more food,’ ‘that gal needs a trim and some more water,’ ‘he’s a jerk and never blooms for me,’ etc... sounds crazy, but some plants stay in families longer than pets!
Well, dear George, the star houseplant in this story, has a big personality and a lot of feelings! George is funny; his thought processes are just hilarious. George is lonely; though it takes a while to acknowledge that. George is sensitive and thoughtful; he just wants to belong.
From lonesome curmudgeon to endeared member of the family, this is George’s story. And it is a really touching story! A quick read with all the feels; I highly recommend picking this one up!
Thank you, Jeremy, for a copy of your book for review! I loved it.
December 20, 2020
I'm not a big fan of short stories. For some reason I tend to try to rush through them. When I heard about The Houseplant and read some reviews I was eager to read it though. It's about a fern for sale that doesn't want to be bought. But one day a woman named Brenda takes him home. She names him George. He doesn't trust her at first but things slowly begin to change. There's more to it than that but I don't want to spoil anything. I read this story quickly, not because I wanted to be done but because I could not stop. It was that good. The Houseplant is interesting, sweet, and well written. I loved the unique point of view. This story will have you smiling and crying. It's a really good read.
December 1, 2020
5/5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you to the author for providing me with an e-ARC of The Houseplant in exchange for an honest review!
Who knew that the one thing my year was truly missing was a short story told from the point of view of a houseplant? Certainly not I! I think my shamrock plant must've enjoyed it as well, because I noticed some new growth the morning after I read it!
My poor heart absolutely shattered for George (the fern), but he was gracious enough to help me pick up the pieces! I couldn't recommend this one enough if you're looking for a short read that will stay with you long after you've read it!
Thank you to the author for providing me with an e-ARC of The Houseplant in exchange for an honest review!
Who knew that the one thing my year was truly missing was a short story told from the point of view of a houseplant? Certainly not I! I think my shamrock plant must've enjoyed it as well, because I noticed some new growth the morning after I read it!
My poor heart absolutely shattered for George (the fern), but he was gracious enough to help me pick up the pieces! I couldn't recommend this one enough if you're looking for a short read that will stay with you long after you've read it!
September 1, 2021
This was a very touching short story narrated by George the Fern. George is unsure about his new owner Brenda when she first takes him home from Garden Palace. But once he is in her home he learns to trust Brenda and they develop quite a strong bond. An unfortunate event occurs one day leaving George sad and hopeless. Will he grow to be happy once again?
I really enjoyed this endearing story. I never really took the time to think much about my plants, but after reading this I certainly have a new appreciation for them. If you're looking for a nice story that will put a smile on your face pick this one up. I promise you won't be disappointed.
Many thanks to the author Jeremy Ray for sending me a copy in exchange for my honest review
The Houseplant is available on Amazon, link available in @jeremyraystories bio.
I really enjoyed this endearing story. I never really took the time to think much about my plants, but after reading this I certainly have a new appreciation for them. If you're looking for a nice story that will put a smile on your face pick this one up. I promise you won't be disappointed.
Many thanks to the author Jeremy Ray for sending me a copy in exchange for my honest review
The Houseplant is available on Amazon, link available in @jeremyraystories bio.
June 29, 2021
5 out of 5 stars!
I just finished this short story less than an hour ago and had to type up my review.
This novella was everything!
It is more than just a story about a plant and its relationship to its human caretaker, but it's also a story love, grief and loss.
I chuckled, I smiled, I cried, and I smiled again.
This is a universal story for all, showing how love perseveres.
How Jeremy Ray was able to convey so many emotions and messages in such a tiny package, I will never know.
Highly recommend!
I just finished this short story less than an hour ago and had to type up my review.
This novella was everything!
It is more than just a story about a plant and its relationship to its human caretaker, but it's also a story love, grief and loss.
I chuckled, I smiled, I cried, and I smiled again.
This is a universal story for all, showing how love perseveres.
How Jeremy Ray was able to convey so many emotions and messages in such a tiny package, I will never know.
Highly recommend!
April 22, 2022
The perfect little short story! This story felt so much deeper than the relationship between a plant and it's owner - the story applies to so many relationships.
George, a fledgling plant is purchased when Brenda, a woman with a large rear-end, backs into him at the store and decides it's fate. George is angry. He has spent many pleasant and unstressfull months on the shelves and feels very unhappy that he now has to live away from his plant and tree friends in an indoor environment. His happiest moments are during book club (who isn't, right?)
Brenda begins to grow on him, to his delightful surprise. She spends time with him, speaks to him and caresses his leaves. He puts all his energy into being the best kind of plant he can be. When tragedy strikes, George is lost. Brenda's family forgets he is there in the midst of their grief. George tries really hard to continue to be beautiful, even as his roots begin to harden and his leaves begin to yellow with no water or care.
Dying to know what happens next? You must read this delightful little short story. It's the perfect enemy to lovers trope. :)
Thank you Jeremy for gifting me a copy of your book to read and review. I loved it!
George, a fledgling plant is purchased when Brenda, a woman with a large rear-end, backs into him at the store and decides it's fate. George is angry. He has spent many pleasant and unstressfull months on the shelves and feels very unhappy that he now has to live away from his plant and tree friends in an indoor environment. His happiest moments are during book club (who isn't, right?)
Brenda begins to grow on him, to his delightful surprise. She spends time with him, speaks to him and caresses his leaves. He puts all his energy into being the best kind of plant he can be. When tragedy strikes, George is lost. Brenda's family forgets he is there in the midst of their grief. George tries really hard to continue to be beautiful, even as his roots begin to harden and his leaves begin to yellow with no water or care.
Dying to know what happens next? You must read this delightful little short story. It's the perfect enemy to lovers trope. :)
Thank you Jeremy for gifting me a copy of your book to read and review. I loved it!
November 28, 2021
For some reason, short stories are not usually a thing I gravitate towards, but after seeing so many rave reviews for The House Plant by Jeremy Ray I knew I had to read it. And WOWZA!! I had no idea what I was missing, and this may be a short story, but it really packs a wallop. It isn't often that you get to read from a plant's point of view, and George the fern was the best plant POV I ever could have asked for. Somehow, Ray really managed to capture just what it means to be a plant and threw tons of emotional moments in there as well. I am never happy when a plant or flowers die, but I have never cried before, and I was practically bawling when I read this story. Like the synopsis says, it definitely changes the way you will look at houseplants from now on!
The House Plant really shows that you have to care about your plants, and I think it also shows very clearly that not everyone is meant to have one. I don't buy them because I know my cats would eat them, and there is no way poor George would enjoy something like that. This is such a unique and refreshing story, and even if you aren't really a short story person, I definitely think you should check it out anyway because Ray might change your mind. He really seems to mix it up with his different genres and all of his short stories are way different from what I have seen. He has an instant fan in me, and I cannot wait to read more of his talented writing!
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
The House Plant really shows that you have to care about your plants, and I think it also shows very clearly that not everyone is meant to have one. I don't buy them because I know my cats would eat them, and there is no way poor George would enjoy something like that. This is such a unique and refreshing story, and even if you aren't really a short story person, I definitely think you should check it out anyway because Ray might change your mind. He really seems to mix it up with his different genres and all of his short stories are way different from what I have seen. He has an instant fan in me, and I cannot wait to read more of his talented writing!
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
April 23, 2021
"It wasn't just a houseplant anymore; it was something to someone.” Jeremy Ray, ‘The Houseplant’
Let me start this review by saying, and swearing, that I’m not a crybaby. In fact, I have trouble crying with books, songs, or movies. So why, I wonder, has a fern made me cry!? You’ve read that right. I’ve shed (many) tears for a FERN.
In a nutshell, ‘The Houseplant’ is a short story about a fern that gets bought by a middle-aged womAn named Brenda. Although it’s not by any means among the most beautiful plants in the shop, and has resisted being bought for several years, Brenda decides to take it home and put it on display in her living room. What starts off as a silent struggle to refuse Brenda’s care quickly becomes an utter adoration for this lovely human, who never fails to tell the fern’s story during the weekly meetings of her literature club. Nothing can last forever, though, and soon enough it will have to deal with very human emotions when an unexpected event turns its whole world upside down.
When I say that I cried with ‘The Houseplant’, I mean it. I’m not trying to flatter Jeremy. I’m not trying to turn everyone into a fern lover. But I *am* trying to make everyone read this, because it’s such a beautiful short story! Not only is it told from the point of view of a plant. Jeremy’s quill is agile, and perfectly balances funny stuff such as the concept of “plantnapping” (instead of kidnapping! Get it? Ha!) with deep, serious themes such as grief and healing. I really enjoyed reading this small treasure, and trust me when I say that this won’t be a one-time read. Heck, I’m even considering doing an unofficial translation so I can print it for my grandmas, who don’t know a word of English!
Let me start this review by saying, and swearing, that I’m not a crybaby. In fact, I have trouble crying with books, songs, or movies. So why, I wonder, has a fern made me cry!? You’ve read that right. I’ve shed (many) tears for a FERN.
In a nutshell, ‘The Houseplant’ is a short story about a fern that gets bought by a middle-aged womAn named Brenda. Although it’s not by any means among the most beautiful plants in the shop, and has resisted being bought for several years, Brenda decides to take it home and put it on display in her living room. What starts off as a silent struggle to refuse Brenda’s care quickly becomes an utter adoration for this lovely human, who never fails to tell the fern’s story during the weekly meetings of her literature club. Nothing can last forever, though, and soon enough it will have to deal with very human emotions when an unexpected event turns its whole world upside down.
When I say that I cried with ‘The Houseplant’, I mean it. I’m not trying to flatter Jeremy. I’m not trying to turn everyone into a fern lover. But I *am* trying to make everyone read this, because it’s such a beautiful short story! Not only is it told from the point of view of a plant. Jeremy’s quill is agile, and perfectly balances funny stuff such as the concept of “plantnapping” (instead of kidnapping! Get it? Ha!) with deep, serious themes such as grief and healing. I really enjoyed reading this small treasure, and trust me when I say that this won’t be a one-time read. Heck, I’m even considering doing an unofficial translation so I can print it for my grandmas, who don’t know a word of English!
December 29, 2020
Wow, I’m blown away by this little story! I know my account trends toward horror predominantly, but I swear I like all kinds of stories. THE HOUSEPLANT is more of a drama, but it manages to capture a wide range of emotions in very few pages. I laughed, I empathized, and I may have even shed a tear.
Who knew a story told solely through the lens of a plant could be so entertaining and sincere?! It’s focus on personification and heartfelt storytelling reminds me of the best of the Pixar movies. It’s about a plant whose owner has rescued it from the plant store and lovingly cared for it over the years. No spoilers, but there is dramatic tension when something happens to the owner. Though the plant is the protagonist of the story, we also get to see how the humans in the story interact with and are affected by him (his owner-given name is George).
Again, to say more would be to ruin the experience for you. Just know that this story packs a lot into a little, and is very much worth your time! I will certainly be looking forward to reading more of what this author puts out in the future!!
Thank you to @jeremyraystories for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review!
Who knew a story told solely through the lens of a plant could be so entertaining and sincere?! It’s focus on personification and heartfelt storytelling reminds me of the best of the Pixar movies. It’s about a plant whose owner has rescued it from the plant store and lovingly cared for it over the years. No spoilers, but there is dramatic tension when something happens to the owner. Though the plant is the protagonist of the story, we also get to see how the humans in the story interact with and are affected by him (his owner-given name is George).
Again, to say more would be to ruin the experience for you. Just know that this story packs a lot into a little, and is very much worth your time! I will certainly be looking forward to reading more of what this author puts out in the future!!
Thank you to @jeremyraystories for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review!
July 13, 2021
It may be the fact I don’t have a green thumb, (in fact every plant that falls into my hands die, even those you have to do nothing at all to keep them alive) so when I was first approached by the author to see if I would be interested in reading this short story I was a bit skeptical. A story from the point of view of a houseplant? Cats or dogs POVs? Sure, but a plant? After reading it I have to say I will never look at a plant the same way. This was so sweet and heartwarming!
George the fern had a bigger personality than many human characters I’ve read. The writing was fantastic and the unconventional perspective was really refreshing. In just over 40 pages I went through a whole range of emotions and could picture it as a cute short film.
Huge thanks to Jeremy Ray for my gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
George the fern had a bigger personality than many human characters I’ve read. The writing was fantastic and the unconventional perspective was really refreshing. In just over 40 pages I went through a whole range of emotions and could picture it as a cute short film.
Huge thanks to Jeremy Ray for my gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 20, 2021
I received a gifted copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via the author Jeremy Ray.
The house Plant is a phenomenal short story that had me sobbing my eyes out - about a fern called George.
George was purchased from a garden centre by Brenda and became her most prized possession. The bond that grows between them is the sweetest thing. Then tragedy strikes and George feels lost and alone.
This book has such a sadness to it and won't let you look at a plant the same way again, but also is so very sweet and has a happy ending.
This short story is the best and most emotional short story I have ever read. Praise to Jeremy Ray for his writing style within this book that has you feeling every emotion you can think of over such a short period of time!
The house Plant is a phenomenal short story that had me sobbing my eyes out - about a fern called George.
George was purchased from a garden centre by Brenda and became her most prized possession. The bond that grows between them is the sweetest thing. Then tragedy strikes and George feels lost and alone.
This book has such a sadness to it and won't let you look at a plant the same way again, but also is so very sweet and has a happy ending.
This short story is the best and most emotional short story I have ever read. Praise to Jeremy Ray for his writing style within this book that has you feeling every emotion you can think of over such a short period of time!
December 13, 2020
What a treat! Who knew a short story from the perspective of a fern could be so touching? Before I even get into the review just know that I am highly recommending this beautifully written, heartwarming, and smart short story! 5 stars!
I have always been somewhat a victim to anthropomorphism - the attribution of human characteristics, emotions, and behaviors to animals or other non-human things. Marie Kondo would despise me. I hold on to things way too long just because of memories associated with them. I imagine everything is like the Brave Little Toaster or toys from Toy Story... what happens when I throw them out or they are just rotting alone at the dump? Things like this keep me up!
The Houseplant is a short story that focuses on the life of one little fern... as he sits in the Garden Palace (NOT) waiting to be purchased by a human and through its ups and downs of tolerating this new lonely life being the only plant in the house with a man-human and two offspring-humans. We see the world through George, which is the name Brenda gives him. There is a struggle as the relationship blossoms between the two... and it's quite interesting and entertaining.
Then author Jeremy Ray grabs our heartstrings and tugs SO hard... and a story that was already unique and quirky becomes something that is full of life, heart, and humanity. I am not an author or a valid critic, so it is not easy for me to put into the best words how this story made me feel. But I hope I am semi-capturing it with this review... because I think this story will surprise you!
And now I will walk around and talk to all of my house plants today (I do that from time to time) and give them a little more water. Many of our plants are symbols of a loved one or a precious moment in our lives. We both still have plants from our fathers' funerals... and one of the plants in our house my husband has had for just around 25 years - it was a housewarming gift to a home years before the one we are in now. And it is still thriving here in our house. We love our house plants and I loved this story so much!
I have always been somewhat a victim to anthropomorphism - the attribution of human characteristics, emotions, and behaviors to animals or other non-human things. Marie Kondo would despise me. I hold on to things way too long just because of memories associated with them. I imagine everything is like the Brave Little Toaster or toys from Toy Story... what happens when I throw them out or they are just rotting alone at the dump? Things like this keep me up!
The Houseplant is a short story that focuses on the life of one little fern... as he sits in the Garden Palace (NOT) waiting to be purchased by a human and through its ups and downs of tolerating this new lonely life being the only plant in the house with a man-human and two offspring-humans. We see the world through George, which is the name Brenda gives him. There is a struggle as the relationship blossoms between the two... and it's quite interesting and entertaining.
Then author Jeremy Ray grabs our heartstrings and tugs SO hard... and a story that was already unique and quirky becomes something that is full of life, heart, and humanity. I am not an author or a valid critic, so it is not easy for me to put into the best words how this story made me feel. But I hope I am semi-capturing it with this review... because I think this story will surprise you!
And now I will walk around and talk to all of my house plants today (I do that from time to time) and give them a little more water. Many of our plants are symbols of a loved one or a precious moment in our lives. We both still have plants from our fathers' funerals... and one of the plants in our house my husband has had for just around 25 years - it was a housewarming gift to a home years before the one we are in now. And it is still thriving here in our house. We love our house plants and I loved this story so much!
June 4, 2021
Oh my goodness, what a heartwarming and sweet little book this was! 😍
This gorgeous short story is an emotionally packed journey that takes the reader from learning to open your heart and trust people, to relishing in the joy that comfort, friendship and love brings, through to experiencing grief and complete despair, but then finding light at the end of the tunnel, healing and feeling pure happiness again... and all of this is told through the wise thoughts of a house plant!!
It is a unique and gorgeous story that pulled at my heartstrings all the way through, and the ending left me with a goofy, happy smile on my face. It’s the kind of book I would read again when I feel like a heartwarming and sweet little pick me up... kind of like receiving a warm hug from an old friend. What a beautiful book, I think this is a must read and highly recommend it 😍
July 8, 2021
What mattered most to the plant was the underlying intent beneath the name: it wasn’t just a houseplant anymore; it was something to someone.
Names matter. Even to plants!! The importance of names in this story is big. George the house plant doesn’t have a name until it’s given to it. The humans around George don’t have names until he accepts them and deems them important enough to remember their names. This was just the sweetest and saddest and gah!!! Everyone who’s lost someone will relate to George.
I’m so impressed by all the emotions that are packed in this short story.
It’s such a sweet story. Very sad. But also sweet. If you want to cry your eyes out and read something that brings you joy and sadness this is the story for you. It’s also super short for anyone with little time who wants to add a book in. You won’t regret it.
Names matter. Even to plants!! The importance of names in this story is big. George the house plant doesn’t have a name until it’s given to it. The humans around George don’t have names until he accepts them and deems them important enough to remember their names. This was just the sweetest and saddest and gah!!! Everyone who’s lost someone will relate to George.
I’m so impressed by all the emotions that are packed in this short story.
It’s such a sweet story. Very sad. But also sweet. If you want to cry your eyes out and read something that brings you joy and sadness this is the story for you. It’s also super short for anyone with little time who wants to add a book in. You won’t regret it.
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