The first novel I read for 2021 is Where the Crawdads Sing. When I post about books, I am not really giving a review of the books (that is much more involved). I am just sharing my reading experience with you and my overall thoughts on the book. Most of last year I spent reading the Armand Gamache series by Louis Penny, and I am proud to say I have read all of them! They are a great escape, but now I must move one to other books (until, of course, the next Gamache book is published).
Book title: Where the Crawdads Sing
Author: Delia Owens
Date Read: Jan 2 – Jan 10, 2021
Type of Book: Fiction
Publication Date: 2018
Publisher: G.P. Putnam’s Sons
Ideas Expressed/Message/Plot:
Set in North Carolina beginning in 1952, Kya Clark, aka the Marsh Girl, learns how to live not only the life she is dealt but also a life she creates through her own naturalistic experiences. A story of survival, resilience, longing, love, fear, and forgiveness. Owens invokes the reader to question what is normal in society and what responsibility society has towards those not like everyone else. The added benefit of learning about marshland and coast of North Carolina only adds to the beauty of this novel.
Favorite Characters/Quotes/Lines:
Main character, Kya, of course, because it is all about her. A favorite quote: “‘Well, here we are then.’ She smiled for the first time. His eyes were the same as they had been. Faces change with life’s toll, but the eyes remain the window to what was, and she could see him there” (pg. 259).
When I finished this first novel of the year, I felt:
Satisfied that I found out what I wanted to know about Kya and her life, but also appreciative that I learned a few things about nature and the marshland.
Notes/Comments:
I read this book on a recommendation of a trusted friend who more often than not enjoys the same books that I do. It took me a bit to get around to reading it.
I read the first couple of chapters over a few days, and then spent an evening devouring the rest. The writing pulled me in and I had to keep reading until I finished. I read some negative reviews when I was working on this blog post, but again I say that we all have our likes and dislikes and that is okay. That is the beauty of having some much from which to choose – if it doesn’t resonate with you, then quit reading it. There is too much out there that can resonate with you, so go find that. For me, this book kept me engaged so that I had to know what happened, and I had to know before I closed my eyes for the night.
Your Thoughts on the book? What is your first novel of 2021?
What are your thoughts about the book? Please share. Or, just share about your first novel to read this year.
I loved this book! I read so much trash…I considered this LITERATURE!!
So glad you loved it! It is one of my favorites now! I’m with you – it is LITERATURE! Thanks for commenting!
I started this a few days ago. I’m enjoying it so far. I started this a few days ago. I’m enjoying it so far.
Glad you are liking it so far. When I returned it to the library (digitally), I saw there was one person waiting for it! Maybe that was you. I hope you like the rest.