#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.
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An amazing read. I could not put this book down! From the very beginning, I was caught up and a part of this story, more so than so many novels I have read lately. I don’t think I have talked about this book to anyone who hasn’t loved it!
As I read through the reviews before writing mine, I saw some of my fav authors (Betty Lee Crosby, J. T. Ellison, Toby Neal) and others raving about this book. I will gladly be in their company and add my ‘raves’ about “Where the Crawdads Sing”. This was so well written and was mysterious, informative, educational, and heart string tugging with each chapter. I admit, this would not have been one I chose to read on my own, but it was recommended by a bookseller that knows my interest well. I read it almost in one sitting (I had to sleep sometimes). Kya resonated with me. I, too, was born and raised in the South. My childhood wasn’t as harsh, but some of the dynamics were close to home. The details of the marsh lands were very educational and makes me realize that some of our lands are being taken advantage of and disappearing at an alarming rate. The beauty through Kya and Tate’s eyes painted some really great ‘word pictures’ that will stay with me a long time. I, truly, was sad when it ended. Makes me want to visit places like the ones mentioned in the book. Ms Owens, another story like this one would be delightful.
Everyone should read this book. One of the most beautiful stories I have read. Amazing story, transporting, incredible and beautiful writing. I love this book.
loved everything about this book. Did not think I would like it, but could not put it down . I only picked it up because it had such great reviews!!
One of the best books ever read.
Every positive review you’ve read is true! This was an excellent story.
Poignant story with unexpected twists
One of the best books I have read in a long time. I hope more are to come from this author. The author’s descriptions of events and surroundings draws you in.
This is a great book. I think it is still number 1 on the best seller’s list.
No wonder it’s on the NYT bestseller list. What a page turner. could not out it down. Characters are so real in this heartbreaking journey. Highly recommended
Too predictable, seemed to follow a formula of a woman brought up in an odd environment saved by her beauty. Asked my sister how it ended because I couldn’t finish it.
Delia Owens’ use of beautiful, evocative descriptions kept me turning the pages.
The fascinating tale of a backwoods girl who lives and learns by the scientific principles of observation and interpretation and ends up facing hatred, bigotry, bias, and violence with smart thinking, planning, and ends up with a triumph of spirit, a spectrum of nature publications that earn a reputation as a naturalist, then reveals a secret ending that shows how resourceful and wise this young backwoods girl has grown to be to survive and thrive against such odds.
In spite of Owens’ title, I found myself reading this popular book, just to find out why everyone was reading it. A beautiful, yet sad story of a young girl deserted by her family, left in the Florida marshes to live on her own. This is Owens’ first novel but as a professor who has written scientific papers and books about the fauna and flora of the Florida pan-handle , she set an accurate and realistic background for life with its joys and dangers there. I couldn’t put it down!
This book grabbed my heart and never let go. Makes you feel like you are living each page. Best book I have read in a long time.
Loved this book! Very thought provoking. Nature leads the way.
Abandoned by family, Kya begins a life living in the marsh. She learns how to survive on her own by no help from anyone else. People judge her by referring to her as the “swamp girl”, but she develops relationships with Tate and Jumpin’. When a body shows up by the fire tower, everyone points the finger of Kya. She knew the victim, but is she who everyone thinks she is based on the stereotypes of her swamp living or is there more to her than they believe?
Just as lyrical as everyone says. I truly enjoyed the world Owens built and I absolutely missed the people when I wasn’t reading. Beautiful tapestry of thriller mixed with her wonder and joy of the natural world.
easy read…
A wonderful book! The characters are well developed and will stay with you long after you close the book.