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Otter Music
Not yet published
Expected 4 Mar 27 FROM THE MILLION-COPY BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF WE ARE ALL COMPLETELY BESIDE OURSELVES
If you couldn't save the world, she'd written, you should still save whatever you could, words she still lived by.
When Lainey Miller's dad began believing in lizard people who sought world domination, her mom decided that Lainey needed to be a person who believed in verifiable data. So began a lifelong pursuit and love of science, of the beauty of the natural world and its wildlife.
Through her work, Lainey finds stillness in a world humming with change, a world that she believes - despite the constant news cycle of destruction and cruelty - has an infinite capacity for kindness. A love letter to community, to learning, and to life itself, Karen Joy Fowler's new novella points towards the glimmer of hope on the horizon, urging us to stay for the view.
If you couldn't save the world, she'd written, you should still save whatever you could, words she still lived by.
When Lainey Miller's dad began believing in lizard people who sought world domination, her mom decided that Lainey needed to be a person who believed in verifiable data. So began a lifelong pursuit and love of science, of the beauty of the natural world and its wildlife.
Through her work, Lainey finds stillness in a world humming with change, a world that she believes - despite the constant news cycle of destruction and cruelty - has an infinite capacity for kindness. A love letter to community, to learning, and to life itself, Karen Joy Fowler's new novella points towards the glimmer of hope on the horizon, urging us to stay for the view.
128 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication March 4, 2027
About the author
Karen Joy Fowler
154 books1,662 followersKaren Joy Fowler is the New York Times bestselling author of seven novels and three short story collections. Her 2004 novel, The Jane Austen Book Club, spent thirteen weeks on the New York Times bestsellers list and was a New York Times Notable Book. Fowler’s previous novel, Sister Noon, was a finalist for the 2001 PEN/Faulkner Award for fiction. Her debut novel, Sarah Canary, won the Commonwealth medal for best first novel by a Californian, was listed for the Irish Times International Fiction Prize as well as the Bay Area Book Reviewers Prize, and was a New York Times Notable Book. Fowler’s short story collection Black Glass won the World Fantasy Award in 1999, and her collection What I Didn’t See won the World Fantasy Award in 2011. Her most recent novel We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves, won the 2014 PEN/Faulkner Award for fiction and was short-listed for the 2014 Man Booker Prize. Her new novel Booth published in March 2022.
She is the co-founder of the Otherwise Award and the current president of the Clarion Foundation (also known as Clarion San Diego). Fowler and her husband, who have two grown children and seven grandchildren, live in Santa Cruz, California. Fowler also supports a chimp named Caesar who lives at the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary in Sierra Leone.
She is the co-founder of the Otherwise Award and the current president of the Clarion Foundation (also known as Clarion San Diego). Fowler and her husband, who have two grown children and seven grandchildren, live in Santa Cruz, California. Fowler also supports a chimp named Caesar who lives at the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary in Sierra Leone.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The story itself is somber and not full of action. It has some light and humorous moments, but it is mostly brooding and introspective. It is a quiet think piece, a slice of life, a peer into one woman's search for meaning in her life. Set in one of my favorite places on earth, Lainey lives alone with her dog Ozzy, researching sea otters at UC Santa Cruz. While the story is philosophical and at times melancholy, I loved the message of hope and of believing that humans are ultimately a good species that loves and has compassion, despite what we have done to the environment and each other.
I'm not sure there is a more perfectly written book for someone like me. To say I could relate to the main character would be a vast understatement. I, too, grew up in Northern California, went to Monterey Bay Aquarium as a child and fell in love with the sea otters, felt like a complete outcast throughout childhood, and ended up studying sea otters in grad school. It was my biggest accomplishment in academia to present at a nationwide conference on conservation programs of sea otters. I think the only gripe I had about this book was I wish it was much longer. I wish it was a full size novel that delved deeper into these characters' lives.
I'm not sure there is a more perfectly written book for someone like me. To say I could relate to the main character would be a vast understatement. I, too, grew up in Northern California, went to Monterey Bay Aquarium as a child and fell in love with the sea otters, felt like a complete outcast throughout childhood, and ended up studying sea otters in grad school. It was my biggest accomplishment in academia to present at a nationwide conference on conservation programs of sea otters. I think the only gripe I had about this book was I wish it was much longer. I wish it was a full size novel that delved deeper into these characters' lives.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
Absolutely nothing happened in this book and I had a perfectly lovely time hearing about it.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to G. P. Putnam’s Sons and NetGalley for providing an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. The book will be published on February 23rd, 2027.
I’ve read (and loved) every single book Karen Joy Fowler has ever written, spanning a wildly different set of genres and topics. Unfortunately, I found this book very disappointing.
Our protagonist and narrator — Lainey Miller — is a marine researcher with a penchant for otters. Told in a series of vignettes, we watch her search for hope and maybe some fun in what feels like a devastatingly, collapsing world. The tiny bit of narrative (about 30% of the book) combines recalled childhood memories (random obsessions and a strange but interesting thread about Lizard People — an odd, but apparently documented mashup of ancient gnosticism and current conspiracy theories) and some funny and heartwarming scenes with her family members.
Excellent writing as always, but I missed having a real narrative arc, and wished for a little more story in the midst of the hand wringing. To be fair, she did include some positive scientific discoveries and policy successes, but they felt trivial in the face of the utter dread Lainey feels about the state of the world. In the last few pages — I don’t think this is really a spoiler as there is very little story here — Lainey does come to a decision about a personal attitude adjustment — finding a way to be more positive in her life -- but unfortunately I found her insights to be more of the “shlocky” variety than anything I could find meaningful or inspiring. Perhaps readers who are also in a state of constant dread and anxiety about the state of the world will feel better hearing someone else expressing their fears, and will enjoy this book more than I did.
I’ve read (and loved) every single book Karen Joy Fowler has ever written, spanning a wildly different set of genres and topics. Unfortunately, I found this book very disappointing.
Our protagonist and narrator — Lainey Miller — is a marine researcher with a penchant for otters. Told in a series of vignettes, we watch her search for hope and maybe some fun in what feels like a devastatingly, collapsing world. The tiny bit of narrative (about 30% of the book) combines recalled childhood memories (random obsessions and a strange but interesting thread about Lizard People — an odd, but apparently documented mashup of ancient gnosticism and current conspiracy theories) and some funny and heartwarming scenes with her family members.
Excellent writing as always, but I missed having a real narrative arc, and wished for a little more story in the midst of the hand wringing. To be fair, she did include some positive scientific discoveries and policy successes, but they felt trivial in the face of the utter dread Lainey feels about the state of the world. In the last few pages — I don’t think this is really a spoiler as there is very little story here — Lainey does come to a decision about a personal attitude adjustment — finding a way to be more positive in her life -- but unfortunately I found her insights to be more of the “shlocky” variety than anything I could find meaningful or inspiring. Perhaps readers who are also in a state of constant dread and anxiety about the state of the world will feel better hearing someone else expressing their fears, and will enjoy this book more than I did.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to G. P. Putnam’s Sons and NetGalley for providing an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
What I liked most about this book was Lainey’s voice. She’s smart, funny, and worried about the world, and her work studying sea otters gives her plenty to worry about. The short chapters move between her family, her memories, and her thoughts about the environment. She feels like someone you know in surprisingly little space.
I did want more of a story. I enjoyed the individual observations, but some returned to feelings I already understood without adding much. The humor and affectionate family moments helped, though, and the book’s short length suited its reflective approach.
I especially liked how the otters brought its ideas about connection into focus. Holding on to one another becomes a way of thinking about how people get through difficult times, too. The hope felt believable because Lainey never stops seeing what’s wrong. A beautifully written, thoughtful book, even if I wanted more to happen.
What I liked most about this book was Lainey’s voice. She’s smart, funny, and worried about the world, and her work studying sea otters gives her plenty to worry about. The short chapters move between her family, her memories, and her thoughts about the environment. She feels like someone you know in surprisingly little space.
I did want more of a story. I enjoyed the individual observations, but some returned to feelings I already understood without adding much. The humor and affectionate family moments helped, though, and the book’s short length suited its reflective approach.
I especially liked how the otters brought its ideas about connection into focus. Holding on to one another becomes a way of thinking about how people get through difficult times, too. The hope felt believable because Lainey never stops seeing what’s wrong. A beautifully written, thoughtful book, even if I wanted more to happen.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A well-written short story, good for people who like a lovable, quirky narrator with a winding narrative.
While not ultimately for me, there were a lot of highlights. Firstly, the writing. Karen Joy Fowler has a beautiful writing style, and I’ll continue to read future books by her because of her prose. Additionally, the main character, Lainey, is easy to root for. She’s a bit odd, but compassionate and seems to want community and order in the chaos that is life.
However, the lack of plot didn’t work well for me. And as little vignettes would jump around a bit in time, I found myself confused on when in time we were as well as how it all tied together.
Thank you to Karen Joy Fowler, Putnam, and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
While not ultimately for me, there were a lot of highlights. Firstly, the writing. Karen Joy Fowler has a beautiful writing style, and I’ll continue to read future books by her because of her prose. Additionally, the main character, Lainey, is easy to root for. She’s a bit odd, but compassionate and seems to want community and order in the chaos that is life.
However, the lack of plot didn’t work well for me. And as little vignettes would jump around a bit in time, I found myself confused on when in time we were as well as how it all tied together.
Thank you to Karen Joy Fowler, Putnam, and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This feels less like a story you race through and more like a quiet conversation with someone trying to make sense of being alive right now. Lainey’s observations about family, loneliness, nature, and the state of the world linger because they never feel neatly resolved, and the otters become something more than a beautiful part of the setting. They offer a way of thinking about connection, survival, and the strange comfort of simply holding on to one another. I especially loved how the book finds hope without pretending that everything is okay. There is grief, uncertainty, and plenty to be frustrated by, but there is also community, compassion, and the possibility of choosing to care anyway. It’s a short, introspective read, but somehow it leaves you with much more to think about than its length suggests.
August 15, 2026
ARC review! 3.5/5 ⭐️
Otter Music is a beautifully written book. Somehow, in 128 pages, the author is able to emotionally connect you to the main character in such a deep way. The writing is engaging and thoughtful, while also being sarcastic and fun.
While I enjoying the writing and characters, I was left wanting for a plot. The book is built off of small reflective chapters that provide such deep insights into the characters, but not much happens. Thankfully, the shortness of this book allows you to enjoy the monologues without going crazy for something more.
I’d recommend this book to anyone wanting to read something easy and reflective. Something for a beach day read for a person who wants something other than your typical palate cleanser romance beach read.
Otter Music is a beautifully written book. Somehow, in 128 pages, the author is able to emotionally connect you to the main character in such a deep way. The writing is engaging and thoughtful, while also being sarcastic and fun.
While I enjoying the writing and characters, I was left wanting for a plot. The book is built off of small reflective chapters that provide such deep insights into the characters, but not much happens. Thankfully, the shortness of this book allows you to enjoy the monologues without going crazy for something more.
I’d recommend this book to anyone wanting to read something easy and reflective. Something for a beach day read for a person who wants something other than your typical palate cleanser romance beach read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I went back and forth between a 3 and 4 star rating for this novella, but ultimately landed on three because of the heavy-handedness of the prose (not typical of Fowler's usually charming style). There's not a lot that happens in this story, which isn't inherently a problem. Many amazing tales are character driven, but Lainey, our narrator, feels more like a caricature than a real human. This could be more of a reflection on me as a reviewer - like me, Lainey is a grandmillenial deeply jaded by politics and the general state of 2026 - but frequently, I read to escape the chaos. If you're someone who wants to revel in it, you'll likely enjoy this character study more than I did!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
September 7, 2026
I was excited to receive a NetGalley copy of this, as I have an upcoming trip planned to the Monterey Bay area. Loved reading about the sea otters and other ecosystem in the area! Some reviews for this book are low because readers say "nothing happened" in the book...this is not a plot-driven book. Instead, the short chapters or vignettes speak more to Lainey's character, thoughts, and motivation. Some disappointed readers may have missed the symbolism of the "otter music" and the comparison of the interconnectedness of humans within our world. I enjoyed the way that the main character was honest about the awfulness of the world right now, our current events, and the way the planet is being treated...but also realizing that humans can and will work together to keep going and keep trying, holding hands like the otters and floating together even when we get tossed around.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Why so short, I ask?
This is a novella about a woman who is marine researcher in Santa Cruz. She's a bit of a loner, spending most of her time walking the beaches and observing what is happening there. She's especially interested in otters, who are, as we all know, irresistible. It's a thoughtful book, but Karen Joy Fowler's writing is a thing of beauty.
Not much happens, but Fowler's magical writing creates a small world. I didn't realize Otter Music was a novella and was pretty surprised when it ended just as something was on the verge of happening. Bummer.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a digital review copy of this novella in exchange for my honest opinion.
This is a novella about a woman who is marine researcher in Santa Cruz. She's a bit of a loner, spending most of her time walking the beaches and observing what is happening there. She's especially interested in otters, who are, as we all know, irresistible. It's a thoughtful book, but Karen Joy Fowler's writing is a thing of beauty.
Not much happens, but Fowler's magical writing creates a small world. I didn't realize Otter Music was a novella and was pretty surprised when it ended just as something was on the verge of happening. Bummer.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a digital review copy of this novella in exchange for my honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This lovely novella is very human, and without feeling heavy-handed it articulates what it is to be a person in the world at this point in time. I loved the family mythology it creates—the stories we tell ourselves, that we grow up believing, how differently we see our parents as children and then as adults. Our changing world can feel very dark sometimes, but this book shines a light on the bright sparks that are worth fighting for: nature, community, loved ones, and all the surprises that life holds.
September 21, 2026
I found this author’s voice so clear and refreshing. The characters were all perfectly human and nuanced, the subject matter this covers (from grieving to climate change) are all handled with such care and a perfect dose of humor when needed. I loved the juxtaposition of the human condition/struggles with the natural world/animals in the wild. So much is accomplished in such a short book, and I found it all to be profound and well balanced.
Thanks to PRH for the ARC, and PRH and Edelweiss for the DRC.
Thanks to PRH for the ARC, and PRH and Edelweiss for the DRC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I've read Fowler before, she's a quality writer, and in that respect, this novella doesn't disappoint: it reads easily, has engaging characters, etc. The thing is there's not much too it, plot-wise. It's more of a novella-sized character sketch of a marine biologist largely lost in biographical musings. It's an enjoyable and quick read that falls within a realm of women's fiction, but there's nothing here to go otterly/utterly wild for.
Thanks Netgalley.
Thanks Netgalley.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I wanted to like this novella more than I did. I think it actually suffered from being a novella instead of a full-fledged novel as I felt like there wasn't enough time for the author to fully connect the pieces of the story past and present.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Wow. I had no idea what to expect but this novella absolutely blew me away! Almost like poetry but in prose format? A must read for anyone currently struggling with the state of the world.
Thank you to Putnam for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley.
Thank you to Putnam for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Having grown up in the area where this story takes place, the visual images and cues throughout allowed me perhaps an extra dose of nostalgia for the story. But beyond the beautiful visualizations, the message is clear - If we, as a society, can believe in all the chaos and conspiracy theories and craziness that's become rampant in our world, why can't we believe in something beautiful instead?
"Probably everyone standing here was just doing their best. Holding on, holding hands, anchoring each other. 'So adorable', Harper had said when it was otters."
Otter Music was a reminder that while otters may be "the heart of the bay, the beat, the blood", why can't we be that for each other? We all have busyness and scars and pain - and each other. Leaning into that will be beautiful and messy and miraculous and problematic, but really so very worth it.
"Probably everyone standing here was just doing their best. Holding on, holding hands, anchoring each other. 'So adorable', Harper had said when it was otters."
Otter Music was a reminder that while otters may be "the heart of the bay, the beat, the blood", why can't we be that for each other? We all have busyness and scars and pain - and each other. Leaning into that will be beautiful and messy and miraculous and problematic, but really so very worth it.
Review of advance copy
this made my little biologist heart very happy and also made me feel deeply nostalgic for santa cruz. not much happened but i still enjoyed this novella a lot!
September 20, 2026
This type of book was made for me specifically. I love how things unfold and the introspective glimpses of her past life that clue us in to how she moves through the world. It is my favorite way to get to know a character. I loved the way her work with the otters kept showing up, and I found the story engaging and beautifully reflective. This is a quick but well thought out read. I will definitely recommend this one!
Thank you to Net Galley, G Putnam and Sons, and the author for the opportunity to read and review the book. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to Net Galley, G Putnam and Sons, and the author for the opportunity to read and review the book. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.75⭐
This was such an unexpectedly amazing read - the cover for this immediately drew me in and the story was so unique. It really just feels like you are dropped inside Lainey’s head for 150 pages and then the end. I wish so badly this was a full 300+ page book because I genuinely just want more time with these characters and in this world. Lainey and her family are so interesting to read about with the dynamic they have with each other, especially with Lainey being the only one who actually remembers their dad.
And bonus, otters!
Overall, definitely worth the read, especially with how quick it is.
Thank you to Putnam and Netgalley for the advanced copy!
This was such an unexpectedly amazing read - the cover for this immediately drew me in and the story was so unique. It really just feels like you are dropped inside Lainey’s head for 150 pages and then the end. I wish so badly this was a full 300+ page book because I genuinely just want more time with these characters and in this world. Lainey and her family are so interesting to read about with the dynamic they have with each other, especially with Lainey being the only one who actually remembers their dad.
And bonus, otters!
Overall, definitely worth the read, especially with how quick it is.
Thank you to Putnam and Netgalley for the advanced copy!
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews