In April, the group met virtually and discussed Delia Owens’ ‘Where the Crawdads Sing’.
For years, rumours 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.
This was a multi-million copy bestseller and is soon to be released as a major film through Reese Witherspoon’s company. It certainly did not disappoint our book club members. They described it as poignant, moving and utterly atmospheric. A couple of our members did wish that some character back stories had been expanded. However, they all agreed it was a thoroughly enjoyable read throughout. This was a five-star pick.
Their May choice was a memoir written by retired teacher, Kate Clanchy, ‘Some kids I taught and What They Taught Me’. This is a book about the writer’s life’s work spent teaching in a national institution. It is described as offering a revelatory picture of school life, and a fascinating look at the role education plays in our society today.
It would be fair to say that this was not one of the group’s favourite reads. Members felt that some of the anecdotes were from past decades and would not be regarded as either humorous or appropriate in today’s educational establishments or in a modern-day tolerant culture. Only one person managed to read the book through to the end, and many admitted to giving up reading at around page 150. An average score of 2 out of 5 was given.
A startling contrast between the two books and shows the value and honesty of bookclubs!!!