A Harvest Of Reflections:
Wisdom For The Soul Through The Seasons

by Justin Matott.
Reviewed by Anna Paige

"A garden is the most universal metaphor for life God has created. It represents all of life's cycle with its disappointments., victories, challenges, daily routines and new beginnings," reflects author Justin Matott. Seed, flower, fruit, death constitute nature's immutable cycle. The easing and turning of the seasons typifies this well.

As Matott ruminates the seasons, pondering nature's gifts and truths, he experiences a spiritual renaissance and commitment to such primary values as love, faith, family and compassion.

When a garden passes from autumn to dormancy a period of tranquillity ensues, but there is still a lot of life -- "unseen miracles"-- going on in the roots. The author captures a similarity between a tree and a human being. "A tree like a human being allows us to view only the physical, showy surface; we rarely see the wonders that lie below where life is stored." With the onset of spring, a tree’s sap slowly rises against the powerful law of gravity, turning leaves green once more.

A Harvest of Reflections consists of a series of vignettes dealing not only with plants and trees but with memories and personal relationships as well. For example, when Matott discusses the Washington hawthorn tree and how it can be molded into a beautiful hedge, he feels the presence of his mother who left him a. harvest of rich legacies.

As the author moves through his garden's pumpkins and apples, aspen and holly, dandelions and violets, he introduces some of his late uncle's poems. Lionel Matott suffered from severe cerebral palsy but articulated beautifully his love for nature. There are also lovely illustrations of garden specimens by Deborah Chabrian.

A Harvest of Reflections is an inspiring autobiographical memoir. The author's contemplative moments yield much "wisdom for the soul." Garden enthusiasts will not want to miss this book.

~