#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING PHENOMENONMore than 6 million copies soldA Reese Witherspoon x Hello Sunshine Book Club PickA Business Insider Defining Book of the Decade “I can’t even express how much I love this book! I didn’t want this story to end!”–Reese Witherspoon“Painfully beautiful.”–The New York Times Book ReviewFor years, rumors of the “Marsh Girl” have haunted Barkley Cove, a quiet … years, rumors of the “Marsh Girl” have haunted Barkley Cove, a quiet town on the North Carolina coast. So in late 1969, when handsome Chase Andrews is found dead, the locals immediately suspect Kya Clark, the so-called Marsh Girl. But Kya is not what they say. Sensitive and intelligent, she has survived for years alone in the marsh that she calls home, finding friends in the gulls and lessons in the sand. Then the time comes when she yearns to be touched and loved. When two young men from town become intrigued by her wild beauty, Kya opens herself to a new life–until the unthinkable happens.
Where the Crawdads Sing is at once an exquisite ode to the natural world, a heartbreaking coming-of-age story, and a surprising tale of possible murder. Owens reminds us that we are forever shaped by the children we once were, and that we are all subject to the beautiful and violent secrets that nature keeps.
more
Did not love this book. I must be the only one.
I read this book over a year ago. The story stays with you for months after. I loved it.
This book has a unique mix of rich environmental and nature prose, a murder mystery, legal drama, coming of age, and romance plot elements. Owen’s writing is vivid with a setting that transported me: I could see, taste, smell, and feel the elements of the natural marsh ecosystem she describes. The main character has a unique situation and I like how the author gives her a pull-herself-up-by-her-bootstraps growth arc that works well for the story. The plot starts with a dysfunctional family and evolves into a story of self-reliance. The mystery whodunnit is layered in, pointing out how uncontrolled and unsubstantiated bias can ruin lives. I like the growth arc of other characters as well, especially the romantic interest. The only part I wanted to skim was the extended court drama that seemed to go on and on, which slowed the pacing for me. I still recommend this book, if nothing else for the beautiful prose describing biological and ecological elements in nature.
Second half of this implausible book really went off the rails, turning Into a teenage romance
Kind of predictable. I was bored.
Good escape.
This was a wonderful book full of interesting, colorful characters, a compelling story, and a clever murder mystery.
Pleasantly surprised with all the twists and turns as well as a great ending
One of the best books I’ve ever read ! What a ride! I’m sure most big readers have already read it! Done in 2-3 days. A real page turner!
Based on the audiobook. I loved the narrator’s voice and thought she did a good job transitioning Kya’s dialect from uneducated to educated. I disliked the out-of-character actions of some of the characters, the slow pace, and timeline structure. There were times I hated this story and didn’t think it would end well. But the author did a wonderful job evoking this reaction in order to bring the story to the satisfying ending I loved.
Loved this book!
A truly wonderful book, Written with so much love and so much insight into the marshland and surviving as an isolated child. The end blew my brain! Loved it!
sometimes great descriptive writing. interesting story if you can suspend credibility. nice twists. enjoyable read.
This is a wonderful story, exceptionally well told. The use of sequencing by year unfold the story in an interesting way. The characters will touch your heart. I highly recommend this book.
A book about independence, prejudice, stereotyping, family, trust and much else. Moves along quickly and you’re sad when it’s over – felt like you’ve said goodbye to a friend. The central character is unique and admirable.
The primary strength of this story is setting, the coast of North Carolina and the people and creatures that inhabit the area. The secondary strength is the use of time jumps to propel the story forward. The writing is as beautiful as the setting, except the stilted dialogue with Jodie in the latter half of the story.
Couldn’t wait to see how it ended! Great surprise!
This is one of the best books I have ever read. I highly recommend it.
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens is unique and I almost didn’t finish reading it, but I’m glad I did.
The first third of the book was difficult to read because of my feelings of isolation during shelter in place. I wanted to read upbeat, light-hearted books. I didn’t want to read about someone who had such a grim childhood.
But then, I had to find out whodunnit. The more I read, the more I was hooked.
Our preconceived notions are often wrong!!!