"Witchcraft for Wayward Girls"

Witchcraft for Wayward Girls was my first foray into the world of audiobook listening. As an avid reader, I've always been curious about trying out audiobooks but never really had a reason to take the plunge, that is until recently. As a busy mom and wife my life generally consists of multitasking, so when I really wanted to read a book with doing other activities around the house, audiobooks sounded like the perfect solution. I found myself actually wanting to crochet amigurumi one night but also wanting to read, so I signed up for a trial of Audible and dove into selecting a book. to listen to. I had really been craving something from the horror genre and I had heard so many good things about this book, so it was a no brainer for me.

With my earbuds popped into place and my crochet hook in hand, I pressed play, eager to hear what Witchcraft for Wayward Girls had in store for me. As the narrator's voice began to weave the tale, I was instantly captivated and began getting lost into bold characters and vivid descriptions that brought the story to life. The ability to enjoy a book while engaging in a beloved hobby felt like a turning point in my literary journey, and I was thrilled to discover that audiobooks could seamlessly fit into my busy lifestyle. With that, my journey into the auditory world of literature began, opening up an additional way for me to enjoy and explore books that I had previously overlooked. Witchcraft for Wayward Girls not only introduced me to the enchanting experience of listening to books but also marked the beginning of a newly discovered appreciation for the art of storytelling in all its forms.

The Review

“Witchcraft for Wayward Girls” focuses on Neva “Fern” Craven and a slew of other girls who are shamefully sent off to Wellwood Home, after becoming unwed & expectant mothers in the 1970s. The girls come from very different backgrounds but they have many things in common besides just being young, pregnant, and unwed. They endure strictness and trauma at the hands Ms. Wellwood and her accompanying staff until one day they decide that they’ve had enough, and attempt to take matters into their own hands to regain their power. I was surprised that this book was authored by a gentleman as it delves into sometimes graphic and gory scenes that come along with pregnancy and birthing. It also touches on topics that I think could normally be quite hard for a man to understand from a women’s perspective like grooming, SA, adultery, and what it feels like to be forced to give up your child. However, in my opinion, Grady Hendrix, knocked this book out of the park. The characters were realistic in their inexperience and naivety but also in their boldness and curiosity. I found the buildup of the storyline was paced a little slower than expected but in the end it made sense and I was reeled in. I for-see this story ticking people off but that’s what good books sometimes do right?!? Overall I really enjoyed it and the ending gave me literal goosebumps!

Finished Listening On: February 9, 2025

Book Information

Author Name: Grady Hendrix, Leslie Howard (Narrator), Hillary Huber (Narrator)

Publisher Name: Penguin Audio

Published Date: January 14, 2025

Final Thoughts

   Have you read Witchcraft for Wayward Girls? Drop a comment, a rating, and let me know your thoughts. Thanks for reading! If you're interested in purchasing this book for yourself, feel free to check out the link below.

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