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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
Moderate: Child death
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.