I’ve not listened to near as many audio books as I used to. I got out of the habit. I wasn’t in the sewing room as much. I had spend so much time with Kramer and with family. I’m finding ways to sneak audio books back into my life. I’ve missed books.
This is the book that pulled me out of my hiatus, Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens.
I listened on audio. It was my favorite reader Cassandra Campbell. I often will go on the hunt for a book to listen to and purposely pick one that she has read as I like the way she reads so much.
The good news is that beyond the reader, I liked the book too. I liked it a lot. It’s one of those books that a person needs to stay with until the very end it as it isn’t until the last pages that the truth is revealed. I will admit to liking the book so much that I was trying to finish it up one morning before childcare. A few minutes before I got to the end, the kids showed up and I had to quit listening…oh the pain of not being able to finish!!
So all day as I was doing childcare I waited and waited for nap time to come. I had looked at my book…I needed to listen about FIVE more minutes so after I got the kids laid down for nap and sleeping, I scurried out to the kitchen, turned my book on, the volume down and listened for the remaining five minutes. Oh my….What a good book!!
Here’s what Amazon had to say:
“For 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.Â
Perfect for fans of Barbara Kingsolver and Karen Russell, 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.”
Amazon readers give the book 4.8 stars. Over 15,500 people have reviewed the book. That is HIGH praise. I rarely ever see that many accolades for any book. I give the book the same 4.8 stars. Lots of people only read a book or two every year, this on is the book to read…perfect for vacation…give it a try and let me know what you think.
A lot of people I’ve talked to didn’t like it. Said it wasn’t very realistic. I however loved it and could hardly put it down!!!! I heard on Sunday Morning interview that she is 70+ and it is her first book. She had co authored some other books but not a solo book of fiction.
Have you read Educated? also a good one to read.
Jo,
I am having knee surgery next week, and this book is in my basket to read. You might enjoy listening to “The Zookeeper’s Wife” by Diane Ackerman, narrated by Suzanne Toren. It’s the true story of Jan and Antonina Zabinski, zookeepers who saved over 300 people from the Nazis in Poland. But their story has fallen between the cracks. I am overwhelmed by their courage. (I hope this isn’t a book you had recommended. I have a to-read list and try to note where I heard about each book. But I might have missed this one).
I loved this book also! Her depictions of the marsh are especially eloquent. I have recommended this to some friends. One didn’t like it because of the alcoholism in the early part of the book but the struggles of this child to live on her own are heartbreaking and yet inspiring.
It is probably one of my favorite books of all time. So glad you liked it too.
Oh, a good book is a gift! :) I haven’t read this one yet. One I just enjoyed was The Promise of Dawn by Lauraine Snelling.
I read this book about a month ago! I enjoyed it so much I actually couldn’t stop reading it. Then when I completed the book I didn’t want it to end. ! Many have said that the story was not realistic but I disagree because Delia Owens style of writing is so descriptive & convincing that her book could easily be labeled non fiction.
I love this book! My daughter read it first and suggested I read it. She knew I would love it.
I loved loved loved this book too!
I enjoyed listening to this book. The ending was surprising.
I really liked it too.
I just finished a book you recommended–Spilled Milk. I really enjoyed that one too. Heavy subject matter and very thought provoking.
Have you read the new Linda Castillo book Shamed? I just finished that one too and enjoyed it. I’ve read all of her books.
That is the best book I have read in a very long time. I grew up in the LowCountry of South Carolina and the marshes were a big part of my childhood. The book seemed so real to me because of the marshes. I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Ok, I;m going to give it a second try. I listened to it until about half way through, couldn’t do it anymore, gave up, got my credit back from Audible.com. BUT I keep hearing about people, like you, who love it so I’m going to jump in and try it one more time.
Read this book last week and loved it. My plan was to read 50 pages a night but the third day in I couldn’t put it down and read until the end.
I read the book on my Kindle. Loved it. I wanted to read it again when I got done, but there are so many books to read and so little time!