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bellarosereichart's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
caitlinfern's review against another edition
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
naoki's review against another edition
2.0
It’s not often I read a book that I both like and dislike in equal measures. Where do I start? I was drawn to Olive because of the subject matter. It’s about a woman in her thirties named Olive who doesn't want kids. It’s a topic that doesn't get much air time, and one I’m currently seeking.
Olive got rave reviews, so I guess my expectations were high. But those expectations were dashed as soon as I started reading. The writing is *not* great. There are SO MANY inconsistencies and moments in the book that just don’t make sense. For example, in one scene a character is in the kitchen alone, then in the next paragraph (same scene), a completely different character is in the kitchen alone. Or Olive is said to be playing a podcast and then suddenly she’s only just turning the podcast on. Wasn't it already on? Things like that.
These inconsistencies were extremely off-putting and made me wonder if the book went through enough editing. I know this sounds elitist, but it also made me wonder if this is the standard of modern fiction. Do editors just let shit slide? The characters are also frustratingly one-dimensional.
Anyway, that’s the stuff I disliked.
What did I like? It’s a millennial read. I related to the pop culture references. And the overarching messages of the book are good ones:
〰️ We’re all on our own path and all decisions are valid.
〰️ No one's life is as great as it appears to be.
〰️ You can have two conflicting emotions at the same time e.g. you can love someone but know you have to let them go
The funny thing is, even though the whole way through I was like, “Wow, did they publish this” I actually started crying in one scene because it brought up some old feelings. I guess it wasn't that bad after all!
Do I recommend it? Yes and no. If you’re on a child-free journey and want to feel better about your life choices then it’s a validating read. If you’re into good, consistent, believable writing, maybe give it a miss!
Olive got rave reviews, so I guess my expectations were high. But those expectations were dashed as soon as I started reading. The writing is *not* great. There are SO MANY inconsistencies and moments in the book that just don’t make sense. For example, in one scene a character is in the kitchen alone, then in the next paragraph (same scene), a completely different character is in the kitchen alone. Or Olive is said to be playing a podcast and then suddenly she’s only just turning the podcast on. Wasn't it already on? Things like that.
These inconsistencies were extremely off-putting and made me wonder if the book went through enough editing. I know this sounds elitist, but it also made me wonder if this is the standard of modern fiction. Do editors just let shit slide? The characters are also frustratingly one-dimensional.
Anyway, that’s the stuff I disliked.
What did I like? It’s a millennial read. I related to the pop culture references. And the overarching messages of the book are good ones:
〰️ We’re all on our own path and all decisions are valid.
〰️ No one's life is as great as it appears to be.
〰️ You can have two conflicting emotions at the same time e.g. you can love someone but know you have to let them go
The funny thing is, even though the whole way through I was like, “Wow, did they publish this” I actually started crying in one scene because it brought up some old feelings. I guess it wasn't that bad after all!
Do I recommend it? Yes and no. If you’re on a child-free journey and want to feel better about your life choices then it’s a validating read. If you’re into good, consistent, believable writing, maybe give it a miss!
lincognito's review against another edition
4.0
As a child-free woman, I have so many thoughts on this book. Though my experience didn't mirror Olive's exactly, there have been so many similar exchanges between people in my life, and I've heard many of the same comments. I love this book for anyone who doesn't have children, who struggles with the decision whether or not to have children, and those who don't understand why a woman might choose to be child-free. And no, this is not anti-child at all. There are plenty of mothers in the story, including new mothers and mothers-to-be. The author is sympathetic to all and, I think, accurately represents what so many of us feel and think about children and motherhood, regardless of how many children we may or may not have.
gsantino32's review against another edition
3.0
this was an enjoyable read. i liked reading about the different choices olive and her friends made and the topics covered. i am also child free so it was very fitting but i did find olive to be very whiney at times.
rosadrinkbooks's review against another edition
5.0
Easily one of the best books I have read all year. I feel deeply from reading this, how despite being in the 21st century there is a taboo in women not wanting to have children or to confessing to the struggles of being a Mother.
Olive is relatable yet not a Bridget Jones knock off, who is simultaneously selfish as well as selfless.
This is illustrated in recurring moments throughout the book where she guilty of seeking the flaws in people, she found too perfect.
Olive is relatable yet not a Bridget Jones knock off, who is simultaneously selfish as well as selfless.
This is illustrated in recurring moments throughout the book where she guilty of seeking the flaws in people, she found too perfect.
mgaunty's review against another edition
3.0
A wonderful nice easy-breezy read. ‘Olive’ brings up the many different stories of friendship, relationships and motherhood. The characters were wonderful with the story of their friendships and how life can take over when it comes to starting your own families, I found this to be a relatable topic that a lot of readers will be able to relate to.
Gannon’s writing was extremely comforting, I found myself easily reading half the book in the first reading! The story sucked me up instantly and I wasn’t able to put it down.
Whilst I found the story as something like a warm-blanket, it also did seem to fall a little flat, as coming to the end of the novel I did become bored of what I was reading. The story seemed to reach an end before the final page, and the final chapter wasn’t much special. Saying that, I did think having an easy ending was the best way to tie up the knots.
Gannon’s writing was extremely comforting, I found myself easily reading half the book in the first reading! The story sucked me up instantly and I wasn’t able to put it down.
Whilst I found the story as something like a warm-blanket, it also did seem to fall a little flat, as coming to the end of the novel I did become bored of what I was reading. The story seemed to reach an end before the final page, and the final chapter wasn’t much special. Saying that, I did think having an easy ending was the best way to tie up the knots.
betherinahq's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
sydneypaige19's review against another edition
2.25
I feel mis-sold on this book. This book is definitely about gaining confidence in the decision to be child free, and not a coming age story of indecision. It also doesn’t depict great conflict resolution skills between friends - there were some really sensitive topics and real feelings that could have had better space to be navigated.