Reviews

The Night Olivia Fell by Christina McDonald

yiddish_anarchist's review

3.0

This book was read as part of a subscription box. I was immediately taken with the premise of the book, but the execution was at times lacking. The reveal at the end is well-done, however. I appreciated how distinct the voices of Abi and Olivia were. It was a quick, fun read that kept me wanting to know more.

jorithomp's review against another edition

emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

cbetch's review

4.0

What a story. This book follows mother Abagail Knight as she seeks the truth behind what happened to her daughter Olivia. What caused her to fall and leave her brain dead and pregnant. Over the course of the story hidden relationships, intricacies and feelings are uncovered leaving the reader wanting to know more.

Beyond the plot points though, this book digs deep into themes of grief, pain and loss. I am amazed by McDonalds ability to bring readers back into deep feelings of loss and grief on behalf of the characters close to Oliva. Loving a person is complex and it must go deeper than loving their strengths. Throughout the book the exploration of Olivia’s life allows both the reader and the characters to see more than just her strengths, to see her weaknesses, her struggles and her pain. This is what connects us to Olivia and those who grieve her, to know her life, her love, her loss and her future and to see it so easily wiped away. May we each be loved not only for the good we bring into the world but also for the impact we have in it, may we be loved so deeply that the people around us desire to push past difficulties in order to love.

In the end, I am so great full for the life that came out of Olivia’s death. For her mother, her daughter and the family that formed around her in her last, fictional, days. But I do not see these beauties as something to discount or lighten grief but as an additional feeling. To feel joy and grief. Great fullness, peace, relief and pain. These feelings are the things of warriors, to learn and and appreciate the past without fear of the future.

nahyee's review

4.0

See my full review of this title on my blog: Books Under the Blanket (with a flashlight): https://booksundertheblanket.com/whats-the-punishment-for-sneaking-out-these-days/

k_lenn's review

5.0

The mystery side of this book kept me guessing, but what really got my attention was the contemporary, drama side. My heart hurts: that bittersweet ending gave me goosebumps and ugly tears galore.

I loved this.

rachcannoli's review

3.0

A bit predictable and all of the big “reveal” moments didn’t really work for me, they all seemed like they’d be bigger deals and then when shown the motivation behind them they kind of lost steam. Since I knew from the beginning it was going to be a sad ending, I hoped at least we’d get some closure and justice for the people who deserved it and I never got that. I liked them wrapping up who I cared about, but was frustrated that it didn’t show everything. It’s a quick read and the bones of an interesting thriller, just not quite pushed hard enough. I enjoyed it though.

gasoline_allie's review

dark emotional mysterious sad

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

ladyareads's review against another edition

3.5

The mystery of what happened the night Olivia fell was enjoyable. Even though you know how it will end from the very beginning it still manages to hit you in the feels. If you are looking for a quick read that will leave you feeling strongly this is a book for you. I can’t promise you will love it but I can promise you will feel something. 

# The Night Olivia Fell
# 2/24/2024 ~ 2/26/2024
# 3.5 / 5.0

h3dakota's review

2.0

So I'm not typically one to enjoy stories designed to make you cry. They usually seem obvious or like they've tried really hard. This one falls into that category.

Because seriously? She went an entire summer and 2-3 months into the school year without breaking up with her boyfriend, but also not realizing that he wasn't spending time with her either??? Right.

booklovinalicia's review

4.0

This was a great read. Every character was well developed and it was easy to follow the well written plot by author Christina McDonald. By the last page, I found myself satisfied with how it ended- plausible, believable, and not over the top.

Thanks to Netgalley, Gallery, Threshold, Pocket books and author Christina McDonald for allowing me an egalley to read and give my honest review.

To read my full review on this and other books please visit my blog at www.booklovinalicia.blogspot.com