The Witch's Book of Simples
By Melusine Draco
⭐⭐/⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thanks for the advanced readers copy Net Galley but, this book put me to sleep more than once.
Let’s start with the good.
Chapter three gives decent info on herbs, including medication interactions and a simple for some of the herbs mentioned. One would think if you are going to profile a herb in a book about simples, they would all have one included. I did make a cup of sweet violet tea while reading, which I already make regularly.
Chapter four is complaints and ailments and gives a decent list of ailments and their herbs. Would also make a decent reference in the future if I can’t find my other herbal books.
The bad.
The majority of the book reads like a college freshmen research paper: disorganized, unnecessary words, way too many long quotes, and not enough of the authors' voice. Though, when we do have the author's voice, the reading can be off-putting by feeling attacked or having the author oddly defend herself towards the end.
This may read more coherently in paperback form, but I am unwilling to find out.
Let’s start with the good.
Chapter three gives decent info on herbs, including medication interactions and a simple for some of the herbs mentioned. One would think if you are going to profile a herb in a book about simples, they would all have one included. I did make a cup of sweet violet tea while reading, which I already make regularly.
Chapter four is complaints and ailments and gives a decent list of ailments and their herbs. Would also make a decent reference in the future if I can’t find my other herbal books.
The bad.
The majority of the book reads like a college freshmen research paper: disorganized, unnecessary words, way too many long quotes, and not enough of the authors' voice. Though, when we do have the author's voice, the reading can be off-putting by feeling attacked or having the author oddly defend herself towards the end.
This may read more coherently in paperback form, but I am unwilling to find out.