Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

 Kya Clark, known as the "Marsh Girl", is an astounding person.  With the desertion of her mother, father, and siblings, it's amazing she survives and eventually thrives in the marshland of North Carolina circa 1969.

Kya is left on the crumbling homestead, fending for herself by finding food, fishing for money, and studying the birds in the marsh.  The townsfolk know about her but keep their distance.  It's when she becomes a young woman, and her exotic beauty is evident that Tate watches her and dares to meet her.

Tate teaches her to read and is captivated with her self-taught knowledge of marsh birds.  He leaves for college with a promise to visit, a promise delayed for years.

Another teenage male, Chase Andrews, wants her attention.  It amazes me how patient Chase is with approaching her.  It takes a long time for her to trust his offered friendship.  During this time, Kya continues her studies in the marsh while logging all rare information.

Heartbreak happens in many ways, and when Chase is found dead at the bottom of an old watchtower, the town turns on Kya.  

Not sure if the death is murder or an accidental fall, Tate returns from college and gives Kya his trust once again.  

A very rich and colorful setting allows survival, love, and trust to grow slowly and solidly.

Happy reading, 

Dawn