How to Make a Plant Love You: Cultivate Green Space in Your Home and Heart

The main problem with this book is the title, which is very misleading. I'm 2/3 of the way through this book, and so far, it has absolutely nothing to do with how to take care of houseplants. It would be more aptly named "A Review of My Fabulous Travels", "Why We Need Plants", or "I Heart Plants."Summer Rayne Oakes has spent most of the book describing her frequent trips to exotic locales. She saw a Philodendron while hiking in Costa Rica, and traveled to Thailand, Singapore, Mozambique, and many other fabulous destinations. Instead of simply including interviews of various prominent conservationists or horticulturalists, she has to place herself in the exotic locale, as well. Apparently, the airport in Singapore is to die for. I expect any page now she's going to fondly reminisce about the Dali Lama giving her the plant that currently resides on her coffee table. The unintended tone is a brag book of vacations, sans photos, when I just came here to learn how to keep houseplants alive. She single handedly, heroically, saved a Bryophyllum delogoense, or "maternity plant" from an abandoned building. How? I have no idea. it would sure be nice to know exactly how to save a neglected plant, but instead the vignette is a warm remembrance of how she obtained a plant in her bedroom.Part of the book is devoted to her imagining herself as a tree, burrowing her toes as roots into the soil, or wondering if a tree loses its "treeness" when it falls.. In fact, too much of the book is devoted to herself, her feelings, thoughts, imagination, travels, and her saving plants. She just barely touches on some fascinating conservation efforts, such as the Mezimbite Forest Centre in Mozambique, but rather than describe in detail the work, it's more of another destination she's checked off a travel log.I've skimmed forward the last few pages, and there is nothing, absolutely nothing, on growing houseplants. I don't care where the author has traveled, and anyone who buys this book doesn't need to be convinced of the value of plants.If this book had a more honest title, then it might be enjoyable. As it is, as a buyer, I feel disappointed.

If you have been following Summer as long as I have, you understand the torture of anticipation as I waited for my pre-sale purchase of "How To Make A Plant Love You" to be shipped and delivered. My plan was to read this immediately and write a review, but, unfortunately, my region of South Louisiana has been devastated by by back to back flooding and a major hurricane within a few weeks time, so my "downtime" has been almost non existent. And, to add to the strife of these already difficult times, my hundreds of plants, including houseplants, have suffered too. Finally being able to finish this book encouraged me to keep going and have faith in my botanical abilities to get everything thriving again.As much as Summer has enriched my inner plant loving soul, I feel like it would be disrespectful to offer anything less than an honest review of her first book.This book is many things beneath it's covers...part memoir, part info manual, part inspirational guidance, etc, etc... Even the technical aspects were written with an eloquence that could only come from an intense passion for it's subject.To my surprise, and slight disappointment, there are no photos in this book. This was not a huge issue for me since I follow Summer's videos and see her beautiful botanical capabilities almost on a daily basis. Although, her passion comes through the pages and captivates the reader in a way that makes you forget the lack of photos.I suspect, and look forward to, this being the beginning of Summer taking on the new title of "Best Selling Author"... hopefully with many more books to come...

I think I can speak for a lot of people that Summer Rayne, through her book and her postings on YouTube and Instagram, has not only changed my perspective on plants, but has made me appreciate and understand them on a whole other level. She’s like the female equivalent of David Attenborough—but for the plant world!Her enthusiasm is infectious on screen and in person. But what I loved most about “How to Make a Plant Love You” is the sensitivity she strikes in the book. Some people may initially think that her book is strictly a practical guide, like a lot of what she covers on her YouTube or Houseplant Masterclass, but this actually in a way goes deeper than that and I would say gives me a deeper insight into who she is as a person.She somehow manages to elegantly and eloquently bring in personal stories together with science-based information and stats and common sense knowledge and tie it all together into a really neat bow. When I finally read/listened to the entirety of her book (I should note that I actually got both the physical book and the audible version because I sometimes have trouble reading, and the audio version is really well executed too), I didn’t think it was going to be what it was, and then I realized after having gone through it, I got so much more out of it. Thank you for putting out such great information and writing.

Summer Rayne Oaks knows alot about Plants but this lovely is about her. Not plants. I saw her on You Tube. She gives good info on lighting house plants. Book disappointing But not boring It was delivered promptly and perfect condition

As another reviewer had mentioned, if the title had been more along the lines of: "Why Love Plants" or "Why we need to Love Plants", I would have given five stars.But, other than the title, I loved reading this book! Very thoughtful, considerate and inclusive. The one major thought that I took away after finishing this book is this: Plants are responsible for the life on Earth and it's ability to grow and flourish. Now is the time to return the favor and cherish our green friends.

Interesting read & a very unique take on the houseplant hobby.

Summer did a great job at going into the deeper benefits and meaning behind what plants bring to your life which I appreciated. It’s not just about having a plant and keeping it alive even though that feels awesome too when you achieve this especially for more than one plant. Highly recommended book!

Summer Raynes has written an excellent book on the relationship between people and plants whether they are outdoors or in your home. She makes it easier to understand why plants make your life more complete. She is a very knowledgeable plant person, who besides writing books also has a great Youtube channel. He information is always on the target and she loves her life with plants. She had a rural background and has applied that experience to living in the city and has an apartment with a lot of gorgeous plants.

Not a traditional plant book, this is both informative and thought provoking. Summer Rayne Oates wholistic approach to plants, the environment and our relationship to them is refreshing and well considered. Highly recommended.

It was a Christmas gift and I’m sure it will be well read..