Wow what a novel! Somehow I missed out on the debut novel by Elizabeth Stout, but ran across this one and was intrigued by the storyline. I'm so glad that I gave it a try! I really enjoyed this novel and will be promptly starting the first novel in this series. I look forward to her work in the future!

Every time I picked this book up I would say to myself, "time to spend some time with Olive." I really enjoyed Olive Kitteridge but Olive, Again was even more beautiful in my opinion. I haven't come across many books that see women into old age in such a raw and unique way. Strout's writing left Olive's soul laid bare--awkward, painful and yet so authentic and true to the human condition. It's been said many times that Olive isn't a particularly likable character and I agree, but there's something about her that has my whole heart. Elizabeth Strout is a master at creating characters that are true to life and I have loved everything I've read by her.

The book wasn't terrible but it wasn't what I thought it would be. I never read the first one but I had a hard time relating to the character. I did love the setting though!

It took me awhile to read this sequel. I read it shortly after I read the first novel so I could better remember the characters. The downside to that, though, is it became a very slow read. I had a hard time relating to the main protagonist, Olive, and the other stories were very hum-drum. There wasn’t any closure to the stories nor was there a deeper meaning to them. Ultimately I felt just “blah” after reading this, and quite frankly, a bit sad by the less-than-ordinary lives of the residents of Crosby, Maine.

I think I'm pretty late in the game to Elizabeth Strout as an author. I've read 3 or 4 of her books now, and I love her idiosyncratic characters with their unique viewpoints. Each of her books start out seeming so peculiar, but end up being incredibly affecting.

A stunning follow up to Olive Kitteredge, this book of interconnected stories brings me to the edge of my emotional seat over and over again. Strout finds the universal moments in Olive’s life, and through Olive’s fascinating perspective, reveals them to us, not as unfamiliar moments, but perhaps those we have either chosen not to look at closely, or have simply missed. A study in being human. Highly recommended.

Olive, Again returns readers to Crosby Maine for a visit with Olive Kitteridge. I loved the first book and have a nostalgia hazed sepia toned glow around my memories of reading it. This book felt a bit more like a picture with instagram filters and I wasn't quite sure if I needed to return to this town. However, there are times with Strout's folksy turns of phrase and humble and delicate approach to her characters and very real topics made what I loved about the first book shine. Unfortunately, the focus is less on Olive than I would like. Some stores are a bit hit and miss. A better description would be "Crosby, Again", perhaps. Some fans will love this, some will not. Glad I read it, but may not read it again. 3 stars rounded up from 2.5
I received a copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Olive is such an interesting character. She is quirky, resilient, and a wonderful character. She is well meaning however it gets her into trouble sometimes.

I don't think this would be super appealing to my students, but i've already gifted and recommended it to several adult friends. It was great to be back with Olive and company again, and reading the book truly felt like getting caught up with an old friend.

I could read about Olive daily.
One of my favorite fictional characters.
As usual Elizabeth Stout delivered. Please find a way to continue in this vein.

I hadn’t read the first book when I picked this one up, but I found that it worked as a stand alone. I thought it was enjoyable - the characters were really detailed and honest, but also kind of depressing. I kept wanting to root for Olive, but then she’d do something that made me dislike her all over again. But, I wanted to keep reading & this book made you feel, which is what I look for in a good book.

Olive is back! Elizabeth Stout brings back one of my favorite characters of all time. As we follow Olive through different stages of life, she brings a smile to our faces. Olive does not do much gracefully - but, she refuses to slow down. She keeps on moving forward, always speaking her mind. As time progresses, it’s hard to let Olive go...

Olive is still Olive! What an incredibly interesting, irritating, and funny character!

Olive, Again is made up of a series of short stories that make up a portrait of Crosby, Maine.
This book is beautifully written. Stout is able to find meaning in the smallest and most mundane details of life. The story gives honest insight into humanity. It makes you think about the people around you; friends, neighbors, strangers. Everyone has a story, a private struggle. Throughout the book, I felt, thought and reflected. The story of Olive left me wanting to be a better person.

This book was like a time capsule back into the world of Olive Kitteridge. I might have even liked this one more than I liked the first book, but that also may be due to being in a different stage of life and more able to relate to Olive on a personal level!

While it took me awhile to warm up to Olive Again, by the end I really enjoyed it. Strout is a genius at portraying “ordinary” people and the everyday problems they face. While Olive herself can come across as crotchety, you can’t help but love her for her honesty and realness. I thought the author did a particularly good job of expressing the loneliness that comes with old age.

All in all, it was a good book. Olive is a kind of annoying person that everyone loves to talk to. She has definite opinions, and I found myself chuckling along as she spoke them without a thought to filter. She also definitely lacks self-awareness, she can be very blunt and very oblivious to what is expected of her (I'm thinking specifically of a painful event someone suffered that she basically ignored, and then was surprised that they weren't her biggest fans). However, I wish there was some follow up on some of the citizens in her little town that are mentioned for a time, then never again. I felt the need for closure on some of the stories.

Another great book from Elizabeth Strout. If you loved Olive and have been missing her and her friends, here is what you have been waiting for. Don't wait to read this gem.

I loved visiting with Olive again and remembered why I fell in love with Elizabeth Strout's work in the first place. I recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys deep dives into characters and doesn't mind a slower plot.

Elizabeth Strout continues to draw in readers with relatable characters. The author provides an interesting and relatable read.

Thank you Grand Central for this gifted copy. All copies are my own.

Olive is definitely a fun character who isn't afraid to speak her mind. I love that it's a series of short stories featuring different characters with Olive tying it all together.