Book Review: When Crows Cry Grace

Book Review: The Grace of Crows 

Some books sneak up on you. They don’t come with neon lights or a PR parade but instead find their way to you like an old friend, pulling up a chair at just the right moment. That’s how I came across The Grace of Crows by Tracy Shawn. We met at Toastmasters—a place for people who’d rather face their deepest fears than speak to a crowd. Tracy and I hit it off right away, bonded by our shared love for stories and, let’s face it, our mutual desire to do something meaningful with all these words rattling in our heads.

What struck me then, and what still strikes me now, is how her novel, like her personality, has this quiet power. It doesn’t demand your attention. It earns it.

What’s It About?

The book follows Saylor Crawmore, a woman whose life is dictated by anxiety—an old, relentless enemy she can’t seem to escape. But rather than spiral into despair, The Grace of Crows is a story about Saylor’s journey toward healing, forgiveness, and self-acceptance. Along the way, we meet her complicated family, the lingering ghosts of her past, and a mysterious older woman who might hold the key to Saylor’s redemption.

This isn’t just a book about mental health; it’s about the threads that connect us, even when they seem frayed beyond repair. It’s about hope, yes, but also about the work it takes to believe in hope.

Why It Works

Here’s the thing about Tracy’s writing: it’s raw without being melodramatic, hopeful without being saccharine. You can tell she’s done her homework—not just the research on anxiety but the deep, soul-searching kind of homework it takes to write something this vulnerable.

The narrative is intimate, like a friend leaning in to share a secret. And yet, there’s a universality to it. Whether or not you’ve battled anxiety yourself, you’ll see pieces of your own struggles in Saylor’s journey.

The Writing

Tracy’s prose is a thing of beauty. It’s not flashy or pretentious; it’s lyrical in its simplicity, like a quiet melody that sticks with you long after the song ends. Her descriptions of Saylor’s anxiety are so vivid, they almost make your own chest tighten—but in the best way possible.

How I Read It

I won’t pretend I picked up The Grace of Crows expecting a light read. But I will say this: I didn’t expect to walk away feeling lighter. That’s the magic of this book. It holds up a mirror to the parts of ourselves we’d rather ignore and says, “Look, it’s okay. You’re not alone.”

Why You Should Read It

Whether you’re someone who struggles with anxiety or someone who loves someone who does, this book is a gift. It’s not a self-help book, but it might just help you anyway.

So here’s my advice: find a quiet corner, grab a cup of tea (or whiskey—no judgment), and let The Grace of Crows take you on a journey. You might just come out the other side a little braver, a little kinder, and a little more willing to forgive—yourself, most of all.

Final Thoughts

It’s rare to find a book that feels both deeply personal and universally relatable. The Grace of Crows is one of those rare gems. It’s a testament to Tracy Shawn’s talent, yes, but also to her courage. Writing a book like this isn’t just about telling a story; it’s about offering a piece of yourself to the world and trusting that it will be received with grace.

So here’s to Tracy Shawn, and here’s to the crows that taught us all how to fly.

Available on Amazon