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3.62 AVERAGE
3.62 AVERAGE
Many thanks to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for a copy of Olive by Emma Gannon. I think this book will be hit or miss and have seen reviews on both side. On one side, I can see how it would read as the plight of a narcissistic white woman as she alienates herself from her friends while figuring out her life (Could this book use more diversity, oh absolutely). On the other, I 100% relate to Olive. I do not think Olive is selfish. I think she is a girl trying to figure out her life path and sometimes you have to push those around you away to do so. The true people will understand and allow you the space to do that. Choosing not to have children in this society is looked at by many as a selfish decision. I absolutely disagree with that notion.
Overall, if you don’t take this too seriously, it is a quick and fun read.
Overall, if you don’t take this too seriously, it is a quick and fun read.
hopeful
reflective
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:
Complicated
Olive follows a woman in her thirties who’s confident in her decision not to have children, but starts to feel isolated as her closest friends begin building families. It’s a thoughtful, relatable look at evolving friendships, identity, and the pressure to conform to traditional life paths.
This was such a refreshing read. As someone who is child-free by choice, it was so validating to spend time with a main character exploring that same path while her friendships evolve. The writing is warm, thoughtful, and deeply relatable. It perfectly captures that strange in-between stage where you still love your friends but can’t quite relate to their parenting lives anymore. I especially appreciated how the book explores different life choices without judgement—just showing how personal and complex those decisions really are.
Olive is smart, self-aware, and funny, and I really enjoyed following her journey as she figures out how to live life on her own terms, even when it means going against the grain and what’s expected of her.
I can’t wait to read Emma Gannon new book!
This was such a refreshing read. As someone who is child-free by choice, it was so validating to spend time with a main character exploring that same path while her friendships evolve. The writing is warm, thoughtful, and deeply relatable. It perfectly captures that strange in-between stage where you still love your friends but can’t quite relate to their parenting lives anymore. I especially appreciated how the book explores different life choices without judgement—just showing how personal and complex those decisions really are.
Olive is smart, self-aware, and funny, and I really enjoyed following her journey as she figures out how to live life on her own terms, even when it means going against the grain and what’s expected of her.
I can’t wait to read Emma Gannon new book!
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
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:
Yes
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Absolutely incredible. Well written & raw depiction of the challenges of modern day womanhood
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
If you're childfree by choice, on the fence about having kids, or have friends who are either of these things, I would highly recommend this book. I felt very seen by Olive's exploration of what she wants in life, and her experience with her friends and family who become parents. It frustrated me and also gave me some new perspectives and ways to think about all the different paths we take.
emotional
funny
hopeful
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:
Complicated