2018 was a phenomenal year for book-lovers, wasn’t it? With the kind of refreshing voices and beautiful tales that the year saw, each book on the bestsellers list was worth waking nights for.
One of the books on the New York Times Bestseller 2019 list happened to be “Where the Crawdads Sing”. It also featured on Reese’s Book Club and a 4.5/5 on Goodreads.
Perhaps the first thing about the book “Where the Crawdads Sing” that seems mesmerizing is its elegant cover art. The story talks about the life of Kya, one of the most resilient female characters you’ll come across. Her tale of abandonment, self-making and yearning makes you appreciate the many aspects a woman can have.
If you loved the book and the genre, you might also be interested in venturing into the works of similar books and authors.
On the same note, we bring to you a list of 15 books like “Where the Crawdads Sing” that you will simply love.
The Jetsetters, Amanda Eyre Ward
Another New York Times bestseller that deserves a mention happens to be “The Jetsetters”, by critically acclaimed author Amanda Ward. The book has been widely appreciated for its unique storytelling, which is straight, simple and interesting.
What seems like a mainstream story of a 70-year old widow winning a cruise trip and inviting her grown kids along to rediscover family bonds feels surprisingly refreshing to read.
That the bonds of family are not painted to fabricate idealness is commendable. That the underlying issues and secrets of family life are exposed is stimulating.
The story resounds the voice of the 70-year old protagonist and readers get a peek into her life, her views. Each of the adult children has their own ordeals and circumstances.
The humour and the events have a deep, dark tone underneath which unfolds with the story. The symbolism of the story, comparable to the modern American family, is rich, making the book a must-read for someone like you.
Untamed, Glennon Doyle
For someone who has liked reading “Where the Crawdads Sing”, this beautiful memoir by Glennon Doyle will be a fresh surprise. “Untamed” happens to be Glennon’s third memoir; the first two have already been huge hits.
The best part about the book is the honesty with which the author has penned down not just incidents but also her feelings, and that is something that makes it even more relatable.
“Untamed” describes Doyle’s separation with her husband, her subsequent marriage to soccer star Abby Wambach and her uncomfortable experiences with what she calls “Friendship maintenance”.
The central theme of the book remains the many aspects and feelings as the relationship between Doyle and Wambach progresses from meeting to marrying each other. Unlike the “Where the Crawdads Sing” ending, this book assures satisfaction to the reader.
The Light We Lost, Jill Santopolo
Like all other books on this list, “The Light We Lost” is also a Reese’s Book Club special. What touches the reader the most is the simplicity of the story, despite its depth.
The story of the two protagonists, Lucy and Gabe, begins against the backdrop of the 9/11 attacks. What ensues is a “wildfire” of a romance, dreams, questions and, later, despair.
It is in her loneliness that Lucy meets Darren, whose refreshing love seems like “hearth fire” to her – softer and calmer. Are the two kinds of love even comparable though? This is what the Santopolo novel aims to capture.
This is where the reader relates. Most of us have seen Gabe and Darren and Lucy in our life. Most of us have felt what these characters feel – confusion, attraction, love, fire and comfort. The many-layered mysteries of life and relationships is what this novel tries to explore.
The Giver of Stars, Jojo Moyes
The New York Times and Indiebound Bestseller, “The Giver of Stars”, is based on the real-life scenario of the 1930s, when women became horseback librarians. The WPA Packhorse Librarians used federal funds to circulate books on horseback to adjoining areas in rural Kentucky.
The story revolves around these women – Alice, Izzy, Kathleen, Sofia, Beth and Margery – their distinct identities, unique stories and a common goal. There are villains in the story too; no points for guessing that they are good old men.
Men who cannot tolerate the idea of women trying to do something different; men who cannot bear to see women not “being women”. This intolerance takes the shape of anger and abuse and, above all, misogyny.
So, if you are wondering what books to read after ‘Where the Crawdads Sing’, the Giver of Stars is a great choice. A feminist take on a historic event is novel, adventurous and heartfelt.
Such A Fun Age, Kiley Reid
This is Kiley Reid’s debut novel. “Such a Fun Age” hits many nails right where they are supposed to, with her impeccable observations and the use of humour to send off some really deep messages.
At the centre of the story is the theme of discrimination. The racism faced by the protagonist Emira, a black woman, has been described in the most detailed, real way.
At the same time, Reid has not allowed racism to take the centre stage. She is equally detailed and observant about the other prevalent themes of habits, family, money and class.
What appals the readers is how entertaining the novel is despite such a strong message. This is undoubtedly a must-read for anyone who wants to fall in love with humour and clever writing all over again.
Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine, Gail Honeyman
If I liked ‘Where the Crawdads Sing’ what other books will I like? Well, you are not just going to like but fall in love with Gail Honeyman’s “Eleanor Oliphant is completely fine.”
How often have you, when asked how you are, replied that you are “fine”? More often than not, that is usually far from true. Honeyman’s novel revolves around the theme of loneliness, which is such a rampant issue these days among people across all ages and genders that it is commendable someone has chosen to voice it through a beautifully written novel.
What makes the story beautiful is the way the author has described multiple layers of conflicts. There are conflicts between Eleanor’s routine life and her aspirations.
There are conflicts between her emotions and her expressions. There is a conflict between who she is and who she tries to be. The complex character unfolds as we discover her past trauma; a must-read if you found Kya’s characterisation and complexities interesting.
The Secrets We Kept, Lara Prescott
Lara Prescott’s inspiration for her debut novel, “The Secrets We Kept” is, again, deeply embedded in American history. The story revolves around the C.I.A. and their plot to delve deep into Soviet Russia the much-adored love story of Doctor Zhivago, banned in Russia.
The novel makes for an interesting read because of the minute intricacies involved as far as history, events and characters are concerned. What Prescott wishes the readers to grasp is that ‘a piece of art can change the world’ which, in this case, happens to be Doctor Zhivago, a masterpiece in world literature.
For someone who is into books like ‘Where the Crawdads Sing’, this is a novel which promises to take your love for literary fiction one notch higher.
The Night Tiger, Yangtse Choo
Another beautifully written historical novel, “The Night Tiger” revolves around Ji Lin and Ren, two completely different yet comfortably interwoven characters.
Ji Lin, an aspiring doctor is forced into being a dance hall girl out of familial and monetary pressures. Ren, an orphan finds himself in the reins of his dying master’s last wishes – to find him his severed finger, hidden somewhere in the town.
Ji Lin and Ren’s life intertwines from the moment the former finds the finger. The interesting and unique premise set in the 1930s makes sure you cannot stop turning the book pages.
The central themes of ambition, complex relationships and beliefs take the plot from crests to troughs. No wonder The Night Tiger was one of Reese’s Book Club’s most popular picks!
Daisy Jones & The Six, Taylor Jenkins Reid
A work of commercial fiction, “Daisy Jones & The Six” is what they call a ‘musical documentary’. It goes without saying that the story behind bands and band players is something every fan embarks on researching upon.
The story, often sad, of musicians, is said to be their inspiration as well as outcomes. This is what has been highlighted in “Daisy Jones & The Six”, a novel by Taylor Jenkins Reid.
How Daisy Jones comes to meet The Six and how the two are intertwined by destiny and chance is what the novel describes; the author’s beautiful imagery of place and time adds to the magic.
Readers can feel the sentiments of the characters and their resilience as they try to cope with ordinary yet impactful hurdles in life. This novel is a must-read if you have loved “Where the Crawdads Sing’ depiction of life and times.
The Library Book, Susan Orlean
Probably one of the few non-fiction books you would want to give a shot if you loved “Where the Crawdads Sing”, Susan Orlean’s “The Library Book” is beautiful, simple and heart-touching.
The author takes the readers down a memory lane by describing one of America’s largest library systems and the sad story behind it.
After the Los Angeles Central Library lost many valuable books, artwork and volumes while the deplorable librarians looked on with helplessness, a revival took a long time.
Yet, the tragedy did not deter the library from standing enigmatically as a beacon of hope for the many who were affected in some way or the other. The author’s beautiful description of libraries as places where people find solace will make you a book-lover all over again.
The Scent Keeper, Erica Bauermeister
Not many stories revolving around magic and mysticism find a tune with the more realistic readers of today. Yet, Erica Bauermeister’s “The Scent Keeper” is an immersive novel that manages to strike a chord with everyone because of the deeper meanings its lyrical layers hold for the reader to delve into.
Emmeline, the protagonist, has had an uncommon childhood on the Northern Pacific Islands where she developed a special affinity for scents, thanks to the special boxes that bore scented papers.
After having stayed away from the real world for ages, when she finally lands there on account of a tragedy, life has a lot to give and take. It is here on that Emmeline begins to question herself, her life and her childhood.
Whisper Network, Chandler Baker
That male dominance at workplaces often becomes a toxic struggle for women is not a new concept. In this bestseller novel, “Whisper Network”, Chandler Baker has attempted to press on the very issue in a fresh and bright manner.
Sloane, Ardie, Grace and Rosalita are ordinary women who simply stop tolerating things they do not want to. The story is simple and impactful.
Ames, their abusive colleague, is on the road to becoming the next company head after the demise of the CEO of Truviv. What seems an ordinary situation also has an ordinary take on it, yet something which doesn’t happen as frequently in our society – women taking a break from the imposed inequalities and taking an upper hand in voicing their concerns.
Refreshing, positive and powerful, “Whisper Network” is a must-read if you happened to fall in love with Kya of “Where the Crawdads Sing”.
Fair Play, Eve Rodsky
With a crystal-clear message: “Stop nagging. Start living”, Eve Rodsky, a lawyer, is here to make some lively statements and suggestions with her book “Fair Play: A Game-Changing Solution for When You Have Too Much to Do (and More Life to Live).
Through the book, Rodsky has deployed humour, facts and opinions to shed some advice on a real issue – nagging and criticism in marriages. The book explores why women mostly share the larger portion of this and what the solutions could be to tackle the situation at hand.
Without completely blasting the male gender, the book manages to strike a chord with women and their plight. What is remarkable is that it doesn’t leave it just there. The solutions-based approach to the book is, in fact, the most endearing thing about it.
The Proposal, Jasmine Guillory
If you are into romance in literature, this is the perfect book to read after “Where the Crawdads Sing”. The story starts with a dramatic proposal gone wrong because the protagonist, Nik, doesn’t want a serious relationship for the time being.
Things change as the story progresses and what starts off as a fling with Carlos, the other lead, turns out to be much deeper and meaningful.
“The Proposal” is like a breath of fresh air, even if it is essentially a love story. Perhaps it is in Guillory’s writing, for he makes conversations sound smoother and characters seem more memorable.
The peppiness of the simple story is what keeps you going. It seems, after some time, that we are genuinely interested in the cute dates Nik and Carlos hop away to. “The Proposal” is a simple love story for sure, and yet it has such a long-lasting positive impact that you keep yearning for more.
If you are thinking of taking a fresh turn after you have just finished “Where the Crawdads Sing”, this must be the pick for you.
One Day in December, Josie Silver
Laurie is just like any other girl who doesn’t believe in love at first sight until it actually happens to her. One snowy day in December she happens to see a boy from her bus window, and she decides he is the one for her.
What ensues is an endless endeavour on Laurie’s part to look for the boy wherever she goes – buses, bus stops, restaurants and parks – to no avail. and then the time comes when she eventually meets him.
Her long-time friend introduces him to her as her boyfriend. A beautiful and heart-warming tale of love and hoper, thoughts and decisions, friendships and bitterness, “One Day in December” is beautifully written and charmingly conceived.
For someone who has loved “Where the Crawdads Sing” for its complications, you’ll love “One Day in December” for the exact opposite reason – its simplicity.
Conclusion
Each of the above books makes for an amazing read, spanning genres and unique stories. What remains the common denominator is the central theme of her picks – the complexities of the characters and a transformation over time.
That self-realization and resilience are two pillars for character-building are evident from these reads.
Also commendable is the art of storytelling which these relatively fresh authors have used in their works. The use of imagery, symbolism and dialogue to describe situations, people and time are commendable.
All these books are also featured on Reese Witherspoon’s Book Club: Hello Sunshine and all of them are massive hits.