The Orchid Thief

Had to study this for a university writing course but actually really fell in love with Orlean's style of writing. She comes across as humble but curious; knowing she is a small part of something big that truly became worth obsessing over. This book is an impressively true tale of wacky incidences and the most bizarre trial there may ever have been. Full of laughter, but poignant points of reflection, and conviction. Thoroughly recommend.

If you find this review helpful ... please click the little "yes" box below.I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'The Orchid Thief'. Despite the fact that nothing much happens throughout the entire book. The author is such a skilled writer that she easily maintains the readers interest and passes along a lot of interesting information in the process. Her writing style is so smooth that it's an inherently easy book to read. I'm not convinced that it reads like a novel (which another reviewer suggests) but nor is it anything like a textbook. Rather, it's an absorbing and entertaining review of one dimension of the writer's life during a period that she was investigating the Orchid trade. It's an illuminating narrative into an industry that is populated with some fascinating individuals - and the author paints wonderful visual pictures of those individuals. As an aside, it also provides some fascinating insight into the history of Florida, and especially the relationship between the US government and the Native Americans that live there.

I am not someone who regularly reads non-fiction but I enjoyed this book. The description is vivid and takes us on a journey. I found the ending very unsatisfying, but I guess that's real life as opposed to fiction. A neat little book!

Some interesting facts about orchids but little more... I wasn't carried by the tale. Must confess I carried on for more than half but couldn't get myself to finish it

You do not have to love orchids to enjoy this book. INTERESTING.... Loved it.

brill purchase

As an Orchid fanatic myself i found the book entertaining but i was not impressed with the end as i thought Laroche was treated unfairly..

Excellent. The film Adaption with Nicolas Cage was based upon it. Weird, man.