This non-fiction work chronicles the hope that’s been found in North End Halifax through gardening. The Hope Blooms organization’s history and impact are chronicled in a beautifully written portrayal of community, mentorship, and team-work providing ways to overcome food insecurity, health issues, and socio-economic imbalance.

It’s replete with photographs of the youth involved in the venture and filled to the brim with stories of hope, promise, and foundations laid for a better future. It is a tale of education, social enterprise, equipping, growth, and victory. It’s a success story of inclusion, equality, empowerment, and social enterprise. It is a reminder that from a small seed comes a big harvest. A definite must-read – especially for Canadians and those who want to impact their youth and their community. (Bonus, the recipes included look delightful. We’ll try the jerk fish tacos one day!)

I was provided with a complimentary copy of this title via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

Admirable ~ Truthful ~ Yummy
tl; dr: Description of a community garden and the fruits of their labor.

I already knew about this initiative when I requested the ARC. I just wanted the salad dressing recipes. But, I'm glad that I decided to read the book, instead of flipping straight to the end. One of the participants in this community garden initiative mentions that gardening can be an act of disobedience. This urban farm project in Canada brought people together to feed themselves and make money from selling salad dressing. The story though is as much about community self-determination as anything else. Also, there are some of the best salad dressing recipes I've seen.

Thanks to Netgallery for the ARC and the dressing hook-up in exchange for an honest review.