I was debating for WEEKS if I should put myself on the hold list for it (on the list with my home library and the list at my work library. See where I'd get it first) OR if I was going to go out and buy the book.
MB can totally vouch for this. We went to Barnes and Noble a few weeks ago, so he could get Howard Stern's new book, Howard Stern Comes Again (for those of you who may have been wondering).
While I was debating, I made a trip to Target. Good ol' Target... The place where you go to buy three things and end up spending $100 on stuff you don't really need.
Went in for diapers and wipes for C and came out with not that but this book and some various other things including a pack of fancy fine tip pens. #officesupplylove
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens is one book that you should get yourself on the hold list for at your local library. Why, you ask? Because it was just that amazing.
After finishing the book, Jess had asked me if it was worth the hype. I would have to say that yes, yes I believe that it is.
(I couldn't find an article on Owen's inspiration for the book but I did find several video interviews on her inspiration. I just didn't get the chance to sit down and watch any of them at the time of this review :( )
The book starts in 1952, Kya is 6 years old and she is watching her mother leave. Afraid and unsure from what's going on, Kya's older brother Jodie, tells her that her mother will come back; a mother fox doesn't leave her young behind because they won't survive without her. Unfortunately, Jodie's words don't hold any truth to them and her mother doesn't come back.
Soon after her mother leaves, Jodie has to leave. The reader learns early on that Kya's father is abusive, over time he becomes increasing difficult to deal with. Once Jodie and her mother leave, Kya (who is still 6) steps up to the plate.
Owens flips between the past and then 10 years ahead. 10 years into the future, the reader sees that a local young man has fallen to death off of the fire tower. There is an investigation into his death and Kya is looked at as the number 1 suspect. Owens then tells the story of Kya raising herself alone in the marsh of North Carolina and the murder investigation of Chase Andrews.
We learn of the few relationships that Kya has. Growing up alone and living in the marsh is very much a taboo. No one wants to associate with her much less speak with her. She finds friends in Jumpin, his wife Mabel and a teenaged boy named Tate. Tate actually helps bring Kya home after she takes her father's boat out when he left home for several days. Tate is also the one who teaches Kya to read. As time goes on, Kya becomes one with the marsh and all of it's living creatures. She begins to know the water that surrounds her as well.
The ending of this book is what got me. I was rooting for Kya the entire time, I wanted to see her prevail and to show everyone wrong!
Those last few chapters though, they knocked the wind outta me. I was very much satisfied with the ending and I wouldn't have wished that it ended any other way.
Owens wrote a powerful book that is as much beautiful as it is haunting.
I give Where the Crawdads Sing 10 coffee beans out of 5. But seeing as how we like to stay on the side of realism here; I will give it 5 coffee beans out of 5.
After Jess reads this book, maybe we'll bring back our Battle of the Book. Comment down below on what you guys think about that.
ALSO go visit our instagram! If you click on the picture up to the left of the one that's in this post, you will find a comment from Delia Owens herself! We love it when authors comment back!
~ Jillian
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