The Flowers Are Speaking

A spellbinding guide to the entwined evolution of humans and flowers—and what they can teach us about life

The love story between flowers and humans is millions of years old. Over millennia of ecological changes and challenges, flowers have inspired us, comforted us, and taught us some of our most profound lessons about freedom and desire, beauty and belonging.

Naturalist Mary Porter Kerns has spent a lifetime seeking out the guidance of the flowers in her beloved Appalachian Mountains and teaching others to do the same. In her intimate exploration of the floral world, you’ll find:

• The history and cultural significance of all kinds of flowers, from the prehistoric magnolia to the five-petal wild rose
• The mind-bending science of plant intelligence, communication, and sentience
• Simple tips for reconnecting with nature and receiving the lessons of the flowers through journaling, meditation, and creative exercises

Whether you’re a nature lover, a spiritual seeker, or simply looking for ways to be more present to the beauty all around us, The Flowers Are Speaking invites you to build deep reverence for our beloved Earth—an urgent necessity for us as individuals and as a species, today and in the future.

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs