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192 reviews for:

Olive's Ocean

Kevin Henkes

3.66 AVERAGE


A well written tale about a young teenager growing up and being exposed to life for the first time, particularly death.

I remember this book being controversial for some reason, but I can't remember why. The biggest thing I remember is being fascinated by both the cover of this book, and the fact that Olive's grandmother has no sense of smell. I also vividly remember reading it in the summer, on vacation somewhere. And that I liked it!
emotional lighthearted 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

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I like this book a lot. The author uses beautiful language and it's interesting to see how Martha changes following Olive's death and throughout the story.

I was very familiar with Kevin Henkes' work before Olive's Ocean - I read many of his picture books when I was "The Storybook Lady" at Barnes & Noble. I am therefore not surprised at all that he has written such a beautifully realistic yet lyrical account of adolescence. Olive's Ocean is a charming tale about life, love and friendship. It is a very quick read - I read in in just a couple of days - but I know Martha and Olive will stay with me for a long time to come.
adventurous emotional reflective fast-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

Story of loss. Innocence and looking back wishing you could be different. Remembrance in the ways that you know how to. Such a beautiful book written for young readers. 

Kevin Henkes can do no wrong in my eyes. This book is pitch-perfect and beautiful and real and makes me want to go to the beach very badly.

i definitely liked this. "words of stone" was a favorite of mine as a kid and even though Henkes' books are meant for very young adults, i still find them to be more honest, intriguing and imaginative than most novels out there. though a bit sappy at times and easy to predict, this was a nostalgic, light summer read.
lighthearted relaxing medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: No
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

It is an easy read that can be easily finished in a few days.  There was no complex understanding of the characters.

its on my summer reading list.