I never really thought about reading a novel centered around a retired gay history teacher, a lost bride-to-be, and a dying jade houseplant. Robbie Couch’s Bloom made me cry.
Morris Warner feels as if he’s dying, too, since the unexpected death of his husband, Fred, six months earlier. He’s lost without him, neglecting their mutual friends, forgetting to water Fred’s beloved houseplants. Some days, it’s not worth getting out of his pajamas.
Sloan Hopperbot is Fred’s daughter. Although she was in Mr. Warner’s high school history class after her father left the family to marry Morris, she’s ignored her stepfather since her father’s funeral. But, her mother’s taken over Sloan’s plans for her wedding. She’s upset and restless. On a whim, she shows up at Morris’ house.
Jade knows she’s dying. After First Sapien (Fred) died, Second Sapien stuck Jade in a dark corner, and neglected her. She makes a last-ditch attempt to live after Sloan shows up and moves Jade to a sunny nook with Fred’s two other plants. At least Jade can talk to someone about her forthcoming death.
Three lost beings. None of them have been able to move on since Fred’s death. Sloan knows her mother still resents Morris, but something about the lonely man draws Sloan and reminds her that her father loved him. While the two fumble towards a relationship, Sloan’s family finds a way to throw roadblocks in their way. But, Sloan and Jade are there when it counts.
Bloom is a charming book about three souls learning to survive and grow. It’s about found family. Besides these three, there are delightful moments with Sloan’s supportive fiance and Morris’ former students. In its own way, Bloom is a story about learning to love and grow.
Robbie Couch’s website is https://www.robbiecouch.com/
Bloom by Robbie Couch. Gallery Books, 2026. 226p.
FTC Full Disclosure – The publisher sent a galley of the book, with no promises of a positive review.
