I finished Radio Free Olympia over 2 weeks ago, and I still don’t know how to write a review for this book. This is beautifully written and absolutely brings the lushness of the Olympic Peninsula to the page. While we follow Petr, Baie, Raven, and White Otter, this story isn’t really about any other them, but really about the place. That Wilde, free-spirited place that is the Olympic Peninsula.

Every time I sat down to read this book, I was transported back to our trip to Olympic National Park and hiking through towering ferns, moss covered trees, and the misty rain that permeates the days.

I read this as an ebook, rather than by paperback, and I think I missed out on realizing that Baie’s diary entries were poems, and some of the other formatting to the paperback.

Thank you to @jeffreydunnspokane @izzardink @prbythebook for the #gifted copy of Radio Free Olympia!

Radio Free Olympia was a unique read set on the Northwestern coast to brings to light its beauty and untamed wilderness. The story blends with poetry and intriguing characters to give a wholesome and rich storytelling of the bond between humans and nature. It was a solid read.

This book was not for me. I was intrigued by the description and the setting but the prose was un enjoyable. I ended up DNFing a third of the way through.

Radio Free Olympia is a literary gem that masterfully brings to life the breathtaking and untamed beauty of Washington's Olympic Peninsula. Through a cast of captivating characters and a seamless blend of prose and poetry, as it transports readers to a place that transcends the ordinary, immersing them in the essence of this remarkable setting.

At the heart of this narrative is Petr, a foundling whose journey leads him deep into the heart of the majestic mountain rainforest. Armed only with a pirate radio transmitter, Petr fearlessly broadcasts the forgotten and untamed voices that resonate through the wilderness. Dunn's vivid descriptions of the landscape and Petr's profound connection to it create a palpable sense of place, drawing readers into the soul of the Olympic Peninsula. However, it is not just a story about nature; it's a tale deeply rooted in the human experience. Baie, the founder of Wildsisters, a roadhouse refuge for lost women infused with the essence of cranberries. Baie offers solace to souls adrift in this rugged terrain, making her a symbol of resilience and hope amid the natural grandeur.

The storytelling prowess skillfully weaves fiction and history, effortlessly merging the gritty and the transcendent. The narrative immerses readers in a world where folklore legends and historical figures come alive, and where the quest for justice extends beyond the realm of human characters to encompass the fragile flora, diverse fauna, and the very spirit of the land. With detailed descriptions, sensory imagery, and emotional resonance, "Radio Free Olympia" masterfully portrays the Olympic Peninsula as a character in its own right. Readers will not only visualize the breathtaking landscape but also feel a deep emotional connection to its significance in the lives of the characters.

The book delves into the exploration of the profound interconnectedness between humanity and the natural world. It serves as a poignant reminder of the profound impact of the environment on our lives and the enduring bond between people and the places they call home. it is an exceptional work of ecological literature that expertly captures its setting. With its compelling characters, rich historical context, and a landscape that comes alive on the pages, This book is a must-read for those who appreciate literature that transcends boundaries and beautifully portrays the soul of a place.

In Radio Free Olympia, Jeffrey Dunn weaves an intricate modern folktale uniquely using both poetry and prose I have yet to see before. The group of characters are each unique as we have the tales of Petr, Baie, Raven, the Olympic Peninsula, and many others. The tales of all of these characters especially that of Petr and Baie eventually converge, but I was less worried about how everything would eventually come together and more enjoying being along for the ride.

There are very few novels I read where I’m able to just sit and enjoy as each story gets added onto the other and it’s refreshing. Dunn also used the setting as a character, which made me feel like I was truly along for the adventure with Petr.

Thank you Netgalley and Izzard Ink for the ability to read one of the most beautifully written books I have ever read. It’s truly a tale that will stick with me.

Absolutely 100% not for me. The Author's Note at the beginning was enormously off-putting, and despite some of the original and interesting language in the rest of the book, other, often crass, parts of the writing kept pushing me out of the story. The book feels very self-indulgent on the writer's part without regard for or reward for the reader.

Radio Free Olympia is a novel like no other. this is not a story about Petr, not really. It is not a story about Baie, or about Raven, or White Otter, or Bear. this is a story about a place, about the wild and free spirits that live in that place, and it is a story about stories, all connecting even when they are separate.

Follow Petr as he grows up, and follows a dream formed in dreams. follow Baie as she journals her trials and carves out a home of safety. follow Raven as they tell the stories of ancient myth, and White otter as they spin beautiful poems of power.

This is a beautifully written story with a flowing writing style that sucked me in from the get go. with beautiful and powerful poetry interspersed throughout the book, and an engaging storylines that slowly converge. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who loves good folklore, interesting characters, and a vibe that just screams 'there's something unnatural about that boy.'