Tuesday, May 14, 2019

Current Reading: Where the Crawdads Sing


Prologue
1969
Marsh is not a swamp. Marsh is a space of light, where grass grows in water, and water flows into the sky. Slow-moving creeks wander, carrying the orb of the sun with them to the sea, and long-legged birds lift with unexpected grace - as though not built to fly - against the roar of a thousand snow geese.

Where the Crawdads Sing
by Delia Owens, narrated by Cassandra Campbell

I wasn't planning to read this book. At least, not yet. It's almost too popular and there's so much hype... but my book club in NY will discuss it in early June. The meeting is just days after we get back. I'm looking forward to seeing everyone again, so I started listening last night.

As you can tell from the quote above, the writing is lyrical, evocative of place, and quite beautiful. It almost feels like I'm missing some of that by listening. I'm wondering about downloading the ebook as well...


Here's the goodreads summary:
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. 
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.
What do you think? Would you continue reading? Or have you already read this one?


First Chapter/First Paragraph/Tuesday Intro is hosted by Vicki at I'd Rather Be At The Beach.


32 comments:

  1. I listened to the audio and am glad I did. The book was in my top 10 favorites of last year.

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    1. Vicki - Cassandra Campbell is one of my favorite narrators!

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    2. Awesome audio -- I hope your expectations aren't way too high though (because of hype)

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    3. Beth F - I've decided to make it a read/listen combo... surprisingly good so far!

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  2. Many of my reading friends have raved about this book and one of them loaned me her copy so I will be reading it soon.

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    1. Judy - I decided to get the ebook today, so it will be a read/listen combo.

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  3. I enjoyed the audio, but I also found myself wondering if I would have appreciated the lyrical writing better had I read the print edition.

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    1. Les - I got the audio version because Cassandra Campbell is a favorite narrator, but the quote in this post surprised me when I typed it... I didn't remember it being that beautiful while listening. Ended up buying the ebook today.

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    2. I enjoyed Cassandra Campbell's reading of the book, but I wish I had gone the read/listen route.

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    3. Les - I decided to get the ebook after all, so now it's a read/listen combo.. the best of both worlds!

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  4. I have this one on my shelf but haven't started it yet. It sounds good!

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    1. Katherine - My mother, sister, and daughter all loved it. I'm starting to understand why!

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  5. This is a popular choice, I'd like to listen to the audiobook version!

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    1. Sassy Brit - The audio version is really well done. Cassandra Campbell is a favorite!

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  6. This is really popular at our library. I've thought about scheduling it for the mystery group perhaps next year. It was nominated for an Edgar Award for best first novel. I know it's not a typical mystery at all, so we'll see how the hold list goes and how long it takes to dwindle a bit.

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    1. Kay - I'm already impressed by Owens' writing... so much better than expected! We'll see how the mystery element plays out, but my mother , sister, and daughter all love it.

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  7. Yes it's an enjoyable read. I'd continue on. I liked her life amid the marsh and all the nature.

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    1. Susan - I'm already surprised at how much I'm enjoying this one. The writing is beautiful!

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    1. Diane - I decided to get the ebook today.

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  9. I'm reading this book right now--and one of my book clubs will be discussing it on Friday night.

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    1. Catherine - Hope you enjoy it...I really like it so far.

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  10. I'd keep reading. It sounds like a good one.

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  11. The scenery and setting appealed to me but I haven't picked up a copy yet, lad you are liking it!

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    1. Tina - I guess the hype is well-deserved this time :)

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  12. I've kind of put off this book because it's been so hyped up but I do want to get to it eventually.

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    1. Iliana - Same with me, but 50% done now and it's really good!

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  13. I loved this book. Did you see the segment with her on 60 minutes? The author is amazing.

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    1. Patty - No, I missed that. Will see if I can find it on You Tube... thanks!

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  14. I enjoyed this book. I felt like the ending could have been tightened up a little but that's just my own opinion. It was a Reese book club pick and so far, I have liked all her picks.

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    1. Ti - The hype made me nervous, but I'm really enjoying this book so far. Not sure I've read any of Reese's other picks... will have to check the list.

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