Where the Crawdads Sing: Reese's Book Club

By Delia Owens

Book Overview

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING PHENOMENON--NOW A MAJOR MOTION PICTURE!
More than 18 million copies sold worldwide
A Reese's Book Club Pick
A 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 Review

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.

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.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0735219095
• ISBN13: 9780735219090
• Release Date: August 2018
• Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons
• Length: 384 Pages
• Weight: 1.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.4" x 6.3" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

One of the best books I’ve ever read!

First of all, I had no idea this book was turned into a movie until the other night. I ended up watching the middle but not the beginning or ending. I knew I had it on my bookshelf so I hurried up to read it before I watch the movie next week when it comes back on. Now, about the book: I was reading other books when I started this one and they weren’t leaving me to turn the pages as fast as this one. It kept me focused and wondering what’s going to happen next. I relate to the main character so much through her isolation. I love that she becomes close to and does the things that would be objective to what would be considered “normal” or acceptable. I think it’s normal for her to have had the two different relationships that she did especially to tell her story. I loved all of the bits of nature and how she takes the time to learn it to keep her company. I also love how in the end she found what she was looking for. The ending? Let’s talk about how the ending had me at ‘ah, so, okay….can’t say I didn’t expect this part but not necessarily the other.’ Needless to say, I loved this book wholeheartedly and the feels were all kinds of felt from every angle.

New Favorite Book?!

I absolutely loved this book. I was hooked from the beginning and if I actually had the time, I could have finished it in one sitting. The character development was amazing. It was heartbreaking, and a love story, and a murder mystery, and book about nature all wrapped up in one beautifully written story.

Cup of tea and a great book! Doesn’t get much better!

Friends that read the book said it had a slow start. I was captured since page one. I loved reading this book to the point I wanted to discuss it with friends, but didn’t want to spoil anything for them that did not read it yet! I truly didn’t want it to end, but lick the saying goes, all good things must end. It doesn’t get much better than this!

Better than the movie

I had seen the movie before reading the book. I love how much more you learn about why Kya did what she did and why things happened. Owen’s description of the scenery made it almost a separate character. Her imagery as well added so much life to the black and white words and pages. As for the book quality itself the sleeve was kinda messed up but I hate sleeves anyway so I threw it away. Other than that it was in good condition.

Excellent

I've been an avid reader since I was 8 years old. I was 63 years old when I read this book. It's the best book I've ever read. I related to this book so much that for several years now, I've had trouble finding any other books interesting. I'm slowly coming out of this struggle. Where The Crawdads Sing is my ultimate read.

Couldn't put this down!

Being alone myself, I could relate to Kya. I love a good mystery and this definitely was! I can understand why it made the best seller list!

Wonderful

This novel will bring tears! Beautiful!

You Won't Be Disappointed

The book was a bit wordy at first, hard to pull me in but at the same time, I appreciated the detail and the description of how the author brought so much to life into the reader's mind. The vividness of the marsh, the life living in it, including Kya (The Marsh Girl) and the bustling of Barkley Cove helped me be able to see the picture being painted with each sentence, paragraph, and chapter. The book is filled with a story about a young girl coming of age and finding herself through the North Carolina marsh. The amount of time you get to experience life with Kya and her growth was my favorite parts. Being able to see her grow into the woman she became was beautiful and yet, in some ways sad. I like how the book focuses on the lead up to a trial involving the towns people of Barkley Cove and of course The Marsh Girl. This trial will certainly put you on the edge of your seat! For anyone who is looking to read a book about love, turmoil, coming of age, and nature this is the book for you. It gives you insight on so much and teaches you a thing or two about incests, animals, and the cruelest of all species, out far beyond, where the crawdads sing... Human beings. Definitely worth a read. P.S. watch the movie before reading it, otherwise you'll nitpick at the movie haha!

Borrowed, loved it, want a copy, better than movie

A friend, who is a naturalist like me, lent me this book because she thought I would enjoy it. I could not put it down. You can read other reviews for plot, etc. What kept me engaged was the descriptions of the natural world around the main character's life story. Truly amazing. It is better than the movie (which does slightly adapt the story). I found that the IMAGES that went through my mind while reading this book, were far better than the actual images in the movie. Yet, I did enjoy the movie. ;)

Amazing!

Such a fun twist at the end!!

Must read

I really enjoyed this book from beginning to end. Sometimes I have to force myself to read a book but this one was a page turner.

What took me so long?

I am only sorry that I came to the party late. This is the book that brought me back to my love of reading!

One of the best books of this decade!!!!!

Where the Crawdad Sings will catch you from the beginning until the end. I am so glad that this was made into a movie!

Such a great read!!

A fantastic book. Twists that I definitely wasn't expecting!! So glad this title made it to my reading list!!

I love this book!!

I have been wanting to get this for awhile but just haven’t found the time to go out and buy it. Found it here and got it delivered right to my door. The story is amazing, thank you!!

Amazing book!

I was scared I wasn’t going to like this book, I thought it was just going to be an overhyped book. I was wrong, I loved this book, everything from person to place was described in great detail. The author wrote the book so nicely that it has you hooked from start to ending but wishing there was more and it didn’t end so sudden.

Getting into Reading Again

Holy cow. I could not put this book down ! I've been trying to get back into reading and hadn't found the right book but this one pulled me in and had me hooked! It was easy to fall in love with the characters and and picture the world created.

Couldn’t put it down!

I forgot how much I enjoy a good mystery. The character development and emotional insights made me believe I knew each character.

First time buying a book online

This was the first time I had ever bought a book online and I was worried, but it came to me and a wonderful package. The book is in wonderful shape and I’m loving the story. Can’t wait to buy my next book.

Very good book!

It’s a book that will make you feel sad, if you’re into those types of reads.

Just get it already

This book was full and lush and warm and powerful. Delia Owens is a poet and I still want more.

Read in Nature if you can

I read the majority of this book while staying in a log cabin in the woods with my husband and I have to say it made it even more alive and moving. Beautifully written and very intriquing story. I highly recommend reading before watching the movie because there is more mystery in the book than in the movie. However, the movie was great too.

Incredible book

I loved every single page of this book and devoured it. The characters are so well done, the twisty ending was not predictable at all, and the description of the marsh throughout the book made it a character of it’s own. Loved it.

Simply Wonderful!

What a beautiful book...I hated to have it end. I sure hope the author has more books of this caliber planned.

Better the second time

It was confusing at first when the chapters kept jumping in between the past in the present. I knew nothing about the book so the back forth took me a minute to understand. I did not feel strongly at all about the book until the end, but I will say, she is a strong main character that I admire. Reading it through the second time was much more enjoyable and I do think it is worth reading.

top shelf

This book, alomg with 'To Kill A Mockuingburd', a few Jack Reacher and Mike Hammrt novels, top my reading list and I read a lot. Some spots are far fetched, but stay with it for a treat.

2 days

What a wonderful book, it took me 2 days to read it, I couldn't put it down.

I cried

This book is so good. It is written with such artistic beauty. The story has a resolution but it's one that leaves you thinking. Highly recommended.

I can't stop thinking about this book!

This story is an emotional roller-coaster. It took me completely off guard in a very good way. I haven't seen the movie yet because I'm so afraid it won't do the story justice. Delia's writing is probably probably one of the best I've ever experienced. If you haven't read this book GET IT AND DO IT! You won't regret it!

Just buy it...

This is the best book I've read since The Notebook, 25 years ago. It is incredibly powerful. Don't hesitate. Just buy it.

Horribly Overrated!

I am an avid reader, reading almost a book a day from a variety of genres. I held off for years but finally bought this highly rated book. What a huge disappointment! It’s difficult to say why without spoilers, so let me just say this. The writing is overly flowery. The plot expects us readers to suspend belief to the point where I nearly threw the book across the room. I found myself constantly groaning at the absolutely ridiculous things constantly being thrown at us!! The ending was complete nonsense. Aside from that, it was a really great read. DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY!! I wish I hadn’t.

Great book!

Kind of book that jumps back and forth in time. Easy to read and get into. Good story, though definitely sad at times. Felt the ending was rushed but overall enjoyed.

Where the crawdads sing

Where the crawdads sing is an awesome read and what a surprise at the end.

Amazing Book!

This is a beautifully written book. Delia Owens did a wonderful job writing the story. I loved the way she wrote about Tate and Kya’s love story in connection to wildlife. I sort of wished I hadn’t read the ending though. If Ms Owens writes another novel I will definitely buy it.

A gem of a book

I don't usually write reviews, but this book deserves a nod. The way the author describes the marsh throughout puts you right there. It's a quick read, but ridiculously well written. I read the entire book in 4 days, just reading in the morning and evening. It's hard to put down, and The Marsh Girl hits you in the feels several times throughout the story. If you're looking for a really great book that is entertaining and fulfilling, yet not too mind-consuming, this is it. Buy it and read it before you watch the movie. If you're an avid book reader, you know what I mean. I, myself, have not watched the movie yet. I hope they've done the book, story and characters justice, but we all know how that goes, haha The book is always better. Buy the book, read the book, you won't regret it.

What a book!

Oh my this story definitely pulled at my heart strings. Poor Kya got dealt such a bad hand of life’s cards. I cried through most of it, I won’t even lie. But this was such an amazing story. Definitely a book worth reading!

It Was Worth The Wait

I had another book to get through before I could start this one so when I say it was worth the wait...that's what I mean. It took me about two weeks or so to read this book, the beginning is a little slow, its still very interesting but just slow to get to the action. It's an emotional book, you feel happy, sad, angry, etc. all while reading it. It sure has a twist (or two) as you go and you will fall in love with some of the characters. I would read this again and suggest it to anyone that needs a good solid read.

Great Read

The characters are great. A fantastic story about loneliness and protecting one’s self. Loved this read.

Great descriptions of the Marsh, but the plot stretches well beyond believability.

Well written story of a girl who raises herself in the Marsh of the Carolinas. Beautiful depiction of the flora, fauna, sounds of the marsh. Likeable characters but the story is really a fairy tale when it comes to believability.

wonderful book

I was anxiously waiting for this book my mother asked me to order this for her we are very pleased as the book is new as you said it would e thank you again for this order anxious to read everything is what i truly expected;

Thoroughly enjoyed

To be honest, I can't quite put my finger on why I liked this book so much, but I really did. Owens has a way with words and a wonderful ability to paint a picture in your mind. Her degrees in zoology & animal behavior add so much to this book, but it never felt forced or too scientific; it always fit in well with the story.

Beautiful

Beautifully written. Emotional. Truly loved this.

Obsessed!

Absolutely love every second of reading it. Very well written

Southern Love Story

This is a book that I can remember almost scene to scene. Its courageously inspiring and worth a second and third trip into your mind.

Couldn’t put this book down

I dont Have a lot of time to read full books but this one I finished in 6 days. I couldnt Put it down and read it every spare few minutes I had.

Loved this book!

Beautiful book, the story it's something special! Almost want to read it again.

Great! So many emotions

Such a great story. So many ups and downs but loved Kya the main character throughout.

This is good literature?

If I were a North Carolinian I would be incensed at the author’s portrayal of North Carolinians as she has no connection to North Carolina! Fragmented and pointless. And they are making a movie version!

Amazing!!

By far the best book I've read in years! Do yourself a favor and read this book!

Not sure what all the hype was about

Got this book based on how popular it is and I was a bit disappointed.

the milwaukee murders?

got a book about jeffrey dahmer! thanks!

Well deserved best seller

Pro: Couldn’t put it down it's full of twist and refreshingly real Con:Wasn't a huge fan of the years jumping around or the ending

Hard to put down

A wonderfully moving book.. believe the reviews, it's A great read

One of My All Time Favorites

This book is a beautiful work of art. I have recommended it time and time again; no matter what genre you read, you will enjoy this story.

Great book to read

I usuially stick to historical fiction books to read. This book was a quick read. The back story of the Swamp Girl is sad and very will writen. I can't wait to see the movie of this book which is being produced right now.

I love, love this book. I could not put it down.

This book made me cry and laugh excellent book. Did not want to and.

Top of the list

Heartbreaking, heart warming, utterly incredible story. A true page turner.

Love love love

Love love love!! Highly recommend! This book has it all….nature, love, romance, murder, relationships, hardship. Just a beautiful book and the end was great too! 10/10!

This one made me cry

Amazing story, I didn't want it to end. You will feel what the writer is saying and become apart of these characters. One of my favorites!

Not my taste

I can't deny the beauty in the flow of the words, or the loving way nature is described, but there is something lacking in the story itself. At least for me. Too flat, too predictable, too melodramatic. It deserves all the love people give it, it's just not my taste

Not everybody can write fiction

Ms. Owens and her husband have written several good written-for-the-layman books about the environmental perils threatening Africa and its wildlife. Her attempt at literary fabrication reads like a high-school creative writing production in an inflated version. Was the publisher trading on her name just to sell books, and not relying on its editors?

One of my favorites

This book was beautiful and sticks with you

Well-written book

A little slow at the start, but I couldn't put it down as a I got further into the story.. Great story of life, love and intrigue.

Crawdads Sing

Excellent read.

Great Story

Such a good book. Was unsure about it in the first chapter but once it stated going it was hard to put down. Loved the characters and the authors descriptiveness off the people and settings.

Not believable

This story is not believable in the least. The girl and boy relationship is so cheesy.

Good, not great

This book is a great fit for those who know a lot about birds and what marshlands are like. It is supposed to be a good mix of murder mystery and coming of age, but it is very little of the former. Well written and enjoyable, but the ending was predictable.

So comforting

This was an amazing book. Kya’s strong love of nature and her wildness were relatable for me, that I felt like I knew her. Great story line and characters.

Simply AMAZING

This is the best book I’ve ever read. I finished it in 2-3 days while I was at the beach. I wish I could erase it from my memory so I could re-read it for the first time again. So so good! I highly recommend!

Couldn't put it down!

This book was wonderful. It kept my attention through every stage of Kya's life! I laughed, and definitely cried at some parts. It was humbling to read and I will read it again!

Great beginning, but then...

I was loving the 1st half of this book but then it started to lose me. Court hearings are not what I like to read about. Good story though

Great book! Many life lesssons

Well-written, great story and characters, many life lessons. Really enjoyed this book!

10/10 would recommend

Honestly, one of the best books I have ever read. One of a kind original, but still appealing to universal themes of love, loneliness, and nature. You need to read this.

It will suck you in.

So easy to finish in a day. The storyline sucks you win and you can’t stop turning the pages.

Incredible!

I could not put this book down! The writing is incredible, the story beautiful, and the descriptions captivating. I have been chasing this quality of writing since I finished the book. A similar book might be Before We Were Yours.

incredible book

i could not set this book down and read it within two days. it is truly entrancing and paints such beautiful images of nature

Loved this book!

This book hooked me from the first page and I couldn’t put it down until I finished. This isn’t the type of book I would normally read but I absolutely loved it. The author told a tale of friendship, survival, heartbreak, and romance. I absolutely loved the ending. I would recommend this book to any and everyone.

It will be a good movie.

Kind of slow in the beginning and became a bit predictable yet it is a good story. The imagery is very descriptive...I could see in my mind a perfect picture of the marshlands. All in all I enjoyed the book.

the best

Where the Crawdads Sing is my all-time favorite book. I am not sure what it is about it, but I just love it so much! That being said, the ending wrapped up a little too quickly for my liking, so I was all little disappointed. Probably just because I didn't want it to end! Definitely recommend to everyone.

Please dont end

I read this book in 10 hrs. I did not want the story to end. Beautiful writing. Some twist plots. Highly recommend.

Wow

Coming from a teenager who doesn’t usually enjoy reading, this book was hard to put down! Such a good plot, I feel in love with the characters, and I cannot wait for the movie to come out!!

A great read!

This book will stay with you a long while. A year since reading it I still find myself thinking of how this or that worked.

Didn’t really enjoy

Some love it, some don’t. I found it very hard to finish. But I forced myself.

Where The Crawdads Sing was ...

my favorite novel of the many I read in 2020 (and I'm never without a novel.) Plot, characterization, descriptions, mood, were beyond excellent. Written with such passion, creating so much intrigue, simply superb in every sense of that word. Every moment of reading that great novel was precious. It has been months since I finished it and I still think of it often. The characters were so vivid that they still live on in memory. Do not miss this extraordinary reading experience.

Now a favorite

Excellent book-I was left wishing there was more when I came to the end. I am normally more of a fantasy and sci-fi gal but this one was riveting.

Great read!

Loved this - had me hooked from the begining.

Beautifully Written

I couldn’t put this book down and finished it in about 2 nights of reading. Heartbreaking and beautiful. The way the author writes so descriptively, colloquially, and poetically really transports you. Highly recommend.

Captivating

A solid read. The story, description, and characters are fantastically portrayed. I wouldn't be surprised if they turn this is into a movie. Couldn't put it down

My favorite

This is my favorite book at the moment. I loved the imagery. And the ending :-O

One of the best books I have ever read.

Loved this book! The characters come alive from the first pages and you will feel you are part of the story. The author tells a beautiful and sad tale of the coming of age of a young girl fighting for her place in the world. I can honestly say that this is one of the most intense, gripping tales that will stay with me for a very long time. And the ending!!!! Thank you Delia Owens for a wonderful experience!

Where the Crawdads sing

If you are looking for a gem. Look no further. This book will keep you up late at night reading. Very good!

Half and half!

I really enjoyed the first half of the book, reading about the main character’s difficult childhood. It felt authentic through the eyes of a child dealing with loss, neglect, and discrimination. You can really feel her pain and understand why she hides from companionship, yet seeks the feeling of belonging. The second half was a little predictable and cheesy. It lost some of the authenticity and deep feelings, alternating between murder mystery and romance. The ending made it feel like a book that I enjoyed but won’t consider a “must read” for a friend.

Great book

I was sorry this book had an ending. Just one of those books that you didn’t want it to end. Enjoy!

Achingly lovely

A good book makes your heart ache a little, but leaves you feeling like you've just witnessed something beautiful. This book is exactly that - an artful work that pulls at your heart strings. My favorite read this year.

Very different but so good.

This is an excellent book. It was so fascinating all the way through. And what an ending!

Where the Crawdads Sing is bound to be a classic.

"Where the Crawdads Sing" is a book I could not put down. Thank goodness I was on vacation when I began to read it. The plot, the storyline, the eloquent descriptions are all linked together so well. You will feel like you're right there with the Marsh girl in her boat or marsh. I cannot wait for Delia Owens' next novel!

Where the Crawdads sing

This book is very well written and keeps you suspended in a mindset of, "What is going to happen next?" You never see the ending coming.

couldn't put it down!

I loved how much detail Delia Owens put into the rural, coastal setting of Where the Crawdads Sing. This book is beautiful, heartbreaking, infuriating, heartfelt and surprising. I read it in one setting. Absolutely couldn't put it down and couldn't hardly wait to discuss it with friends. I didn't have it figured out half way through the way I often do with well liked book club type books. I found this book fresh and all consuming. This is one I'll recommend time and time again.

A must read!

Very well written. The author makes you feel like your in the marsh with the characters! Can’t wait for this author to write more books!

Wonderful

Very well written. I was very surprised with the ending.