With 126,000 reviews on Amazon (yes, you read that correctly), 132 consecutive weeks on the New York Times bestseller list, and ten million copies sold and counting, this is a juggernaut hit of a book—with many, many fans. Also soon to be a movie with Reese Witherspoon adapting. Given all that, this one should be on your must-read list just so you can see what all the fuss is about.

In the story, late 1969, a quiet town on the North Carolina coast is rocked when handsome Chase Andrews is found dead; the locals immediately suspect Kya Clark, the so-called Marsh Girl. But Kya is sensitive and intelligent and has survived for years alone in the marsh that she calls home. When two young men from town become intrigued by her wild beauty, Kya opens herself to a new life—until the unthinkable happens.

Reviewers have called the book haunting, lyrical, nature-infused, and evocative, and all that is accurate. Book Club was in love. Despite the improbability of this character actually existing in the real world, the immersive nature of the story, the writing, and the story world create a propulsive read that each member savored. I’m a bit of an outlier on the novel. I enjoyed it but definitely agreed with reviewers who noted points of absurdity—such as a girl raising herself alone in the marsh (having no access to health care, dental care, or even a shower) growing up to be an incredible beauty with such a sharply developed intellect. Still, this is a murder mystery told in a hugely unique way. And in the world with so few truly unique storytellers, this is a remarkable achievement. 

And it’s fiction—it’s meant to be enjoyed. I think my newsletter readers will do just that, so give it a whirl.