41 pages • 1 hour read
The Orchid Thief
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Book Brief
320
Book • Nonfiction
Florida • 1990s
1998
Adult
16+ years
Super Short Summary
The Orchid Thief by Susan Orlean is a narrative nonfiction account of John Laroche, who is on trial for stealing endangered orchid species, including the ghost orchid, from Florida's Fakahatchee Strand State Preserve, and includes Orlean's experiences in Florida while researching the story, detailing the peculiar world of orchid collectors and the deep history of the Seminole Tribe.
Mysterious
Informative
Contemplative
Melancholic
Inspirational
Reviews & Readership
21,826 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Susan Orlean's The Orchid Thief is lauded for its vivid storytelling and exploration of obsession, capturing readers with its intriguing and unusual subject. However, some critiques mention that the book's slow pacing and tangential digressions might deter those seeking a more straightforward narrative. Overall, it's a richly detailed and engaging read for those interested in botanical eccentricities.
Who Should Read The Orchid Thief?
A reader captivated by The Orchid Thief by Susan Orlean likely enjoys intricate narratives blending true crime, eccentric characters, and botanical intrigue. Enthusiasts of The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson and Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer will find this book's mix of quirky obsession and natural history equally compelling.
21,826 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
John Laroche
John Laroche
An eccentric and charismatic orchid enthusiast whose arrest for poaching orchids from the Fakahatchee Preserve sparks the narrative. His complex personality and unique moral reasoning are central to the storyline.
320
Book • Nonfiction
Florida • 1990s
1998
Adult
16+ years
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