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41 pages 1 hour read

Susan Orlean

The Orchid Thief

Susan OrleanNonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1998

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Book Brief

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Susan Orlean

The Orchid Thief

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1998
Book Details
Pages

320

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

Florida • 1990s

Publication Year

1998

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

16+ years

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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

3.9

21,826 ratings

60%

Loved it

29%

Mixed feelings

11%

Not a fan

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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 this

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.

3.9

21,826 ratings

60%

Loved it

29%

Mixed feelings

11%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

320

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

Florida • 1990s

Publication Year

1998

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

16+ years

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