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Olivia
Olivia Hanson has spent most of her twenty-five years staring wistfully across the tracks to the north side of town, longing for a white picket fence and normal—something she’s never known. Born in a prison and abandoned by her mother, Olivia was raised in South Juliette by her father, Eugene—a knee-bouncing, chain-smoking loner with a Cheez Doodle addiction. Olivia drinks too much, loses her heart too easily, and works in a factory as quality control, a mundane job she’d sworn would only be temporary, not the permanent drudgery it has become. Her only joy in life comes in the form of late-night slow dances with hot bartender, George, who can set her body on fire with his kisses but is unwilling to go any further.
The day Olivia accidentally backs her Buick into a black Dodge pickup, she tumbles head-over-heels into what she believes is the happily-ever-after kind of love she has been longing for. But the road to happiness is not as easy as it looks. It’s a long, winding journey of self-discovery full of potholes, pregnancy tests, lobster tattoos, Walmart scooters, impromptu weddings, hump-happy Boston terriers, and a sexy, but oh-so-annoying police officer who pops up around every curve.
The day Olivia accidentally backs her Buick into a black Dodge pickup, she tumbles head-over-heels into what she believes is the happily-ever-after kind of love she has been longing for. But the road to happiness is not as easy as it looks. It’s a long, winding journey of self-discovery full of potholes, pregnancy tests, lobster tattoos, Walmart scooters, impromptu weddings, hump-happy Boston terriers, and a sexy, but oh-so-annoying police officer who pops up around every curve.
338 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 15, 2012
31 people are currently reading
742 people want to read
About the author
Donna Sturgeon
5 books23 followersDonna Sturgeon lives in rural Nebraska with her two sons and her handsome husband who keeps trying to sweet-talk her into going camping. Given her deep adoration for indoor plumbing and pillow-top mattresses, it’s not likely to happen anytime soon. She loves the smell of puppy breath and takes her coffee with cream and sugar. Her first novel, Millie’s Rose, was released in May 2011. Olivia is her second novel.
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![Profile Image for Michelle [Helen Geek].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1448463806i%2F5557851._CR0%2C13%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
March 23, 2013
03/22/2013 --
Overall Rating =
Book Cover / Book Blurb = 3 / 5 = 4 Stars
Writer’s Voice = 5 Stars
Character Development = 5 Stars
Story Appreciation = 5 Stars
Worth the Chili = 5 Stars [$Free!! on Amazon]
Absolutely Amazing! Everything about this book just blew me away. This book was a beautiful bit of quirk that I didn't want to end. I'm trying to think of all the wonderful things I need to say to get you to read this book right away. READ THIS NOW!
What did I like about this book?
1 -- All the characters. There wasn't a single one that I didn't find valuable to this story. We have Olivia who is just ... well she's ... oh, you know ... I can't describe her. She is just everything. She is that person who thinks of themselves as not real pretty, not real smart, just okay or passable, but who has a heart of gold. Who is that person everyone gravitates to. She has such presence, such energy and such compassion and love. Her father Eugene loves her. She knows that, but it isn't a love like you're used to. He definitely grows on you. You have Clete and George. I can't tell you much about either of these two or I would give things away and you really need to read this to understand.
2 -- The utterly beautiful, quirky writing. This author paints such pictures and uses humor in such a remarkable way. The very first paragraph had me laughing [not going to tell you what it is, you just need to read it yourself!]. There were several times I was either shaking my head over something Olivia would say or do. God loves her even when she doesn't love herself. We watch her evolution as she figures it all out. Through it all, we have the author's stellar story-telling. I am immediately buying her other published book. I hope I like it half as much as this one.
3 -- I am a book hoarder. I pull down those Amazon Freebies daily. I'll cruise through and if a book looks good and has decent ratings, I'll get it. I try to read one or two a month. I pull down one or two a day [see my issue?]. All this to tell you the blurb grabbed me so hard, I read this book the day I pulled it down free. It caught me with it's bit of quirky humor. Most times when this happens, I'm disappointed. This is so not the case this time. This book is why we take the risk on new authors. Sometimes we find the mother lode. We find real diamonds. When we do we want to tell the world. This author, this book is the real deal. Remarkable.
4 -- For me this was an Amazon Freebie. I have to tell you, twice this year so far I've found wonderful new authors to add to my "favored author" list. This is the same number I found all of last year. I found them Free through Amazon. I made a pact with myself this year to read some of these Freebie's I pull down and am tickled to death it has worked out so well for me. I want to thank these authors for doing this. For giving us a chance to experience them free of charge. They are hoping we will do like I'm doing now. Love their book and write a review. For me? A very small price to pay for the joy of a story like this one.
Did I not like anything?
1 -- There were quite a few characters; primary and secondary. There were a few places I got lost with a character and had to think about who I was reading about. Definitely not a huge issue, but notable.
2 -- The cover doesn't really do much for the book. When you read the book the train tracks make sense, but if you want to grab a reader and tell them -- YOU. MUST. READ. MY. BOOK! This cover just doesn't do it. It isn't bad, but not great either. AND, this book deserves great.
This was such a feel good story, I hated to see it end. I loved Liv. I loved Clete. I loved Eugene and Georgie. I didn't want to see them go. I wanted to watch the next 40 years with "Jack and Diane."
This one is now on my favorites list. This author is now a favored author. Any person who can write a book like this -- be such a master with words and characterization, is not a fluke. Just can't happen.
Gotta' say this again ... I LOVED THIS BOOK!
You will too. Happy Reading!
Overall Rating =
Book Cover / Book Blurb = 3 / 5 = 4 Stars
Writer’s Voice = 5 Stars
Character Development = 5 Stars
Story Appreciation = 5 Stars
Worth the Chili = 5 Stars [$Free!! on Amazon]
Absolutely Amazing! Everything about this book just blew me away. This book was a beautiful bit of quirk that I didn't want to end. I'm trying to think of all the wonderful things I need to say to get you to read this book right away. READ THIS NOW!
What did I like about this book?
1 -- All the characters. There wasn't a single one that I didn't find valuable to this story. We have Olivia who is just ... well she's ... oh, you know ... I can't describe her. She is just everything. She is that person who thinks of themselves as not real pretty, not real smart, just okay or passable, but who has a heart of gold. Who is that person everyone gravitates to. She has such presence, such energy and such compassion and love. Her father Eugene loves her. She knows that, but it isn't a love like you're used to. He definitely grows on you. You have Clete and George. I can't tell you much about either of these two or I would give things away and you really need to read this to understand.
2 -- The utterly beautiful, quirky writing. This author paints such pictures and uses humor in such a remarkable way. The very first paragraph had me laughing [not going to tell you what it is, you just need to read it yourself!]. There were several times I was either shaking my head over something Olivia would say or do. God loves her even when she doesn't love herself. We watch her evolution as she figures it all out. Through it all, we have the author's stellar story-telling. I am immediately buying her other published book. I hope I like it half as much as this one.
3 -- I am a book hoarder. I pull down those Amazon Freebies daily. I'll cruise through and if a book looks good and has decent ratings, I'll get it. I try to read one or two a month. I pull down one or two a day [see my issue?]. All this to tell you the blurb grabbed me so hard, I read this book the day I pulled it down free. It caught me with it's bit of quirky humor. Most times when this happens, I'm disappointed. This is so not the case this time. This book is why we take the risk on new authors. Sometimes we find the mother lode. We find real diamonds. When we do we want to tell the world. This author, this book is the real deal. Remarkable.
4 -- For me this was an Amazon Freebie. I have to tell you, twice this year so far I've found wonderful new authors to add to my "favored author" list. This is the same number I found all of last year. I found them Free through Amazon. I made a pact with myself this year to read some of these Freebie's I pull down and am tickled to death it has worked out so well for me. I want to thank these authors for doing this. For giving us a chance to experience them free of charge. They are hoping we will do like I'm doing now. Love their book and write a review. For me? A very small price to pay for the joy of a story like this one.
Did I not like anything?
1 -- There were quite a few characters; primary and secondary. There were a few places I got lost with a character and had to think about who I was reading about. Definitely not a huge issue, but notable.
2 -- The cover doesn't really do much for the book. When you read the book the train tracks make sense, but if you want to grab a reader and tell them -- YOU. MUST. READ. MY. BOOK! This cover just doesn't do it. It isn't bad, but not great either. AND, this book deserves great.
This was such a feel good story, I hated to see it end. I loved Liv. I loved Clete. I loved Eugene and Georgie. I didn't want to see them go. I wanted to watch the next 40 years with "Jack and Diane."
This one is now on my favorites list. This author is now a favored author. Any person who can write a book like this -- be such a master with words and characterization, is not a fluke. Just can't happen.
Gotta' say this again ... I LOVED THIS BOOK!
You will too. Happy Reading!
February 2, 2021
This book has been on my kindle for almost eight years. I got it as a "freebie" all those years ago. I am not even sure now why I decided to read it over the last number of days, but I did. I didn't "get" this book. I think I was supposed to find the characters quirky and likeable. I didn't. Found them all quite annoying. Oliva was immature and the whole "relationship/thing" she had going on with G and C... sorry, just did not get it at all.
The only reason I kept on reading is that I have said to myself that I will try and finish every book I start this year. I was waiting for something "monumental" to happen. It didn't ...
Should I give the book a higher rating due to the fact that I just could not stop reading until I found out what happened at the end? No, don't think so ... kinda sorry I wasted my time finishing it now.
The bad language was the only sort of interesting part of the book! (joking (not really)).
Lots of friends really liked this one. Don't let me put you off reading it.
The only reason I kept on reading is that I have said to myself that I will try and finish every book I start this year. I was waiting for something "monumental" to happen. It didn't ...
Should I give the book a higher rating due to the fact that I just could not stop reading until I found out what happened at the end? No, don't think so ... kinda sorry I wasted my time finishing it now.
"Are you going to tell me what the fuck's going on?!"
"You really need to stop swearing, Olivia."
"Try and make me, you motherfucking asshole"
The bad language was the only sort of interesting part of the book! (joking (not really)).
Lots of friends really liked this one. Don't let me put you off reading it.
March 27, 2013
4.5 LOVED IT TO PIECES STARS
A very welcomed change of pace wrapped in a cleverly written twist of quirky and the unexpected. “Olivia” by new-to-me-author, Donna Sturgeon, dropped into my lap as an Amazon freebie surprise that just kept on giving until the very end. As a reader, who can ask for anything more?
Although the book cover is lovely, it is totally misleading. Those train tracks are leading to what most would say is a train wreck waiting to happen – and at points it is exactly that. But Olivia’s story is so much more as well. It’s packed with great characters and a very unique story that not only tugs at your heart but fills the room with lots of laughter, as well. It was impossible not to fall in love with this girl from the wrong side of the tracks.
Born and abandoned while her mother was in prison, Olivia was raised by her father. This wasn’t a positive experience and leads Olivia into a rather ho-hum attitude towards life in general. She drinks, smokes, cusses, and enjoys the nightlife maybe a little too much. What is so surprising is that although Olivia makes mistake after mistake, she always gets right back up and plows forward. Her lifestyle is bizarre to say the least and there’s certainly never a dull moment. Olivia is constantly looking for love, but most of the time she’s looking for it in all the wrong places. There’s a bartender, a jack of all trades jerk, and a policeman, who all play a major role in Olivia’s life. The relationships keep readers questioning and in a state of confusion throughout the story. But by the end, you’re left with a genuinely warm and totally satisfying happily-ever-after in more ways than you can imagine.
I highly recommend “Olivia.” I’m looking forward to reading more books by this author.
Special thanks to Goodreads friend, Michelle, for her fab review on this one. It grabbed my attention causing me to promptly move “Olivia” to the top of my TBR stack.
A very welcomed change of pace wrapped in a cleverly written twist of quirky and the unexpected. “Olivia” by new-to-me-author, Donna Sturgeon, dropped into my lap as an Amazon freebie surprise that just kept on giving until the very end. As a reader, who can ask for anything more?
Although the book cover is lovely, it is totally misleading. Those train tracks are leading to what most would say is a train wreck waiting to happen – and at points it is exactly that. But Olivia’s story is so much more as well. It’s packed with great characters and a very unique story that not only tugs at your heart but fills the room with lots of laughter, as well. It was impossible not to fall in love with this girl from the wrong side of the tracks.
Born and abandoned while her mother was in prison, Olivia was raised by her father. This wasn’t a positive experience and leads Olivia into a rather ho-hum attitude towards life in general. She drinks, smokes, cusses, and enjoys the nightlife maybe a little too much. What is so surprising is that although Olivia makes mistake after mistake, she always gets right back up and plows forward. Her lifestyle is bizarre to say the least and there’s certainly never a dull moment. Olivia is constantly looking for love, but most of the time she’s looking for it in all the wrong places. There’s a bartender, a jack of all trades jerk, and a policeman, who all play a major role in Olivia’s life. The relationships keep readers questioning and in a state of confusion throughout the story. But by the end, you’re left with a genuinely warm and totally satisfying happily-ever-after in more ways than you can imagine.
I highly recommend “Olivia.” I’m looking forward to reading more books by this author.
Special thanks to Goodreads friend, Michelle, for her fab review on this one. It grabbed my attention causing me to promptly move “Olivia” to the top of my TBR stack.
March 22, 2013
This book is a train wreck. I kept reading, thinking it had to get better and the end had to give the book some redeeming quality--but it didn't. Olivia is annoying and embarrassing and has the maturity of a 3 year old. This book was truly painful to finish. I've read a lot if bad books, but can't think of one I've actually liked less.
October 16, 2013
"I'm so sorry," she whispered
"Don't ever be sorry for falling in love."
Olivia is not your average girl.
She's not eloquent, classy, or behaved
But she has spunk and although there were cringe worthy moments, even moments when I almost closed the book, I adored her.
It took me a while to like her because she kept making stupid mistakes, wasn't always funny, chained smoked (gross), and swore like a sailor but I am so glad, so so very glad I kept reading because it's rare for me to show any physical emotion when reading (especially in public) and let me tell you I broke ... Full on tears.
But tears that needed to fall
You'll understand what I mean near the end.
Shite, I feel like I need a minute ...
Bravo Donna xo
"Don't ever be sorry for falling in love."
Olivia is not your average girl.
She's not eloquent, classy, or behaved
But she has spunk and although there were cringe worthy moments, even moments when I almost closed the book, I adored her.
It took me a while to like her because she kept making stupid mistakes, wasn't always funny, chained smoked (gross), and swore like a sailor but I am so glad, so so very glad I kept reading because it's rare for me to show any physical emotion when reading (especially in public) and let me tell you I broke ... Full on tears.
But tears that needed to fall
You'll understand what I mean near the end.
Shite, I feel like I need a minute ...
Bravo Donna xo
April 4, 2013
Well, what can I say about Olivia? I could not stand this character. I liked her in the beginning, but she just got more annoying as the story went along.
Where as everyone in her life sees her as "quirky" and unique, I saw her as extremely immature and irresponsible!
ugh she's annoying. I'm going to have to read the book again, I hate giving a bad/fair review. If I find I like it better the 2nd time, I'll update my review.
And the whole am I gay or straight, no i'm gay but i want to be with you forever and I love you more than anyone, except i'm gay so you have to accept that. I'm sorry. I call b.s. So did not like that part.
Where as everyone in her life sees her as "quirky" and unique, I saw her as extremely immature and irresponsible!
ugh she's annoying. I'm going to have to read the book again, I hate giving a bad/fair review. If I find I like it better the 2nd time, I'll update my review.
And the whole am I gay or straight, no i'm gay but i want to be with you forever and I love you more than anyone, except i'm gay so you have to accept that. I'm sorry. I call b.s. So did not like that part.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 20, 2012
I did not have high expectations for this book since I got it free for the kindle, and the protagonist is not normally someone I would connect with. However, I thought it was a well-written, fun story. I really enjoyed reading it.
March 26, 2013
Review coming...but in the meantime...READ THIS BK! If you like the unusual story with a quirky cast, character growth and a heart melting wonderful HEA you'll like this one. Again, a great big thanks to Michelle for the rec.
November 1, 2012
Olivia is FUBAR...that's what makes her so awesome. She's feisty and bitchy and will knock you on your ass. Loved this
April 16, 2012
I made the mistake of reading this book on a work day. The story of Olivia was very engaging and unpredictable. Enthralled by the book, I found myself reading into the wee hours and having to go to work on very little sleep. Olivia was a flawed character which made her interesting. She was basically white trash, immature and her impulsiveness led to bad choices and mistakes. Despite her shortcomings, she was a genuine person. The story is about her self-discovery and self-acceptance, made possible through the love of those who cared deeply for her. Donna is a very talented writer, writes beautifully and possesses the flair for bringing magic and uniqueness to her story telling.
December 8, 2012
Just, wow. I loved this book from beginning to end.
It had me laughing and crying, questioning and guessing all the way through.
Olivia was beautiful and funny, and happy despite the life she was dealt with. Watching the growth of her relationship with her dad was also a highlight. Her discovery of the depths of her love for him and knowing their type of relationship was enough; no words were needed they just knew.
Each character all had their special place for me. I loved watching them all evolve; from Izzy's failed/rekindled marriage to George's love for Livi and his subsequent coming out. There was so much happening at every turn and couldn't put it down.
December 5, 2012
This is so not the type of book I typically read, but I'm so glad I did. It's refreshing to read a book about regular people...well, as regular as you can be with some of Olivia's shenanigans. I loved this book and the crazy journey of Olivia and her friends and boyfriends. I highly recommend this book!
October 23, 2012
Hilarious and quirky! Review to come!
October 23, 2012
5+ stars!!! Amazing, beautiful story!
October 25, 2012
This book was too cute. Definitely a recommended read.
November 26, 2012
I absolutely enjoyed reading this book. I kept wanting to tell at Olivia and tell her no or are you blind. I loved her character!
December 5, 2012
This story was funny, quirky, refreshing, emotional, and memorable (oh, and did I mention funny). Definitely a must read :)
January 4, 2013
4.5 stars. It was a bit slow to start and a bit trailer park trash at times but it was one hell of a love story. It definitely reminds you that love is blind.
January 14, 2013
I loved it! It protrays a community that could be in "Any Town". Loved the characters. Great author with a talent of imagination. Don't let it pass by. Read it..
August 7, 2013
What a waste!!! SHM, Olivia is stupid, that the best way I can describe her besides irritating, and annoying.
October 17, 2012
Cuuuuute!!!!!!!! Olivia is me!!
April 21, 2013
Olivia by Donna Sturgeon
When I started reading this book, I didn't really have any idea what to expect. I downloaded it from Amazon about a month ago because it was free. The only reason I read it now was because I was participating in "Pick Me a Winner" through Feeding the Kindle Addiction Group & Olivia was one of the books my buddy chose. I am so happy she picked this book, I have so many books on my Kindle that I would not have picked this book up anytime soon! I laughed so much in the beginning of the book - Liv is just ridiculous & the events of her life had me cracking up. The story, while a little long, was well told. This book is very different than any other book I have read and I loved the ending! Well, it wasn't the ending that I loved, it was how well the author wrapped up the book. I am very picky about book endings. Most end to abruptly and I am left feeling unsatisfied. That was definitely not the case in Olivia, you could tell the book was coming to a close before the end and even though there was no epilogue I was very satisfied. I knew exactly how each character's story ended and I was happy for them all.
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OLIVIA
Olivia is about the life of a 26 year old girl name Olivia. She lives in a trailer park, works at a factory, and spends her nights drinking, dancing, and smoking. Her character is very free-spirited and immature, but I couldn't help but love her. I enjoyed watching her mature and find herself in this book. Liv is one of those people that does things that everyone else wants to do but doesn't have the guts to do and reading about characters like that is always fun.
This story is about Liv's life, finding her happiness. This story is about family, our family isn't always the people we are blood-related to, it's the people that love you unconditionally and are always there for you. This story is about love, is there only one other person in this world that we are meant to be with or are there 5 or 6 and the decisions we make in life lead us to just one of them?
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GEORGE
Olivia was different than most books I read because it doesn't follow the typical plot where there is a problem, a climax full of drama, and then a resolution. This book just follows Liv's life for about two years and the events that happen during the time frame; the mistakes she makes, the lessons she learns, and how she grows from it.
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CLETE
When I started reading this book I did not realize it was so long. In the middle it started to slow down a bit but it eventually picked back up again. I liked Donna Sturgeon's writing style and sense of humor. I will be watching to see if she releases anything else.
When I started reading this book, I didn't really have any idea what to expect. I downloaded it from Amazon about a month ago because it was free. The only reason I read it now was because I was participating in "Pick Me a Winner" through Feeding the Kindle Addiction Group & Olivia was one of the books my buddy chose. I am so happy she picked this book, I have so many books on my Kindle that I would not have picked this book up anytime soon! I laughed so much in the beginning of the book - Liv is just ridiculous & the events of her life had me cracking up. The story, while a little long, was well told. This book is very different than any other book I have read and I loved the ending! Well, it wasn't the ending that I loved, it was how well the author wrapped up the book. I am very picky about book endings. Most end to abruptly and I am left feeling unsatisfied. That was definitely not the case in Olivia, you could tell the book was coming to a close before the end and even though there was no epilogue I was very satisfied. I knew exactly how each character's story ended and I was happy for them all.
[image error]
OLIVIA
Olivia is about the life of a 26 year old girl name Olivia. She lives in a trailer park, works at a factory, and spends her nights drinking, dancing, and smoking. Her character is very free-spirited and immature, but I couldn't help but love her. I enjoyed watching her mature and find herself in this book. Liv is one of those people that does things that everyone else wants to do but doesn't have the guts to do and reading about characters like that is always fun.
This story is about Liv's life, finding her happiness. This story is about family, our family isn't always the people we are blood-related to, it's the people that love you unconditionally and are always there for you. This story is about love, is there only one other person in this world that we are meant to be with or are there 5 or 6 and the decisions we make in life lead us to just one of them?
[image error]
GEORGE
Olivia was different than most books I read because it doesn't follow the typical plot where there is a problem, a climax full of drama, and then a resolution. This book just follows Liv's life for about two years and the events that happen during the time frame; the mistakes she makes, the lessons she learns, and how she grows from it.
[image error]
CLETE
When I started reading this book I did not realize it was so long. In the middle it started to slow down a bit but it eventually picked back up again. I liked Donna Sturgeon's writing style and sense of humor. I will be watching to see if she releases anything else.
October 23, 2012
I loved this book so much. Olivia is such an interesting character, I don't think I've ever read another character quite like her before. She just grabbed life by both hands and dug in, no hesitation, and I loved that about her. If she saw a guy she liked, she made a move on him, pronto, no shyness, or beating around the bush. lol I think she intimidated some of them, though.
Her mother was in prison when Olivia was born, and she was raised by her father, who had some kind of personality disorder (he didn't look people in the eye when he spoke to them, he hardly ever talked to Olivia, if he got upset about something, even if she was eight years old, he would take off for days at a time). Olivia grew up an only child and felt lonely and disconnected from everyone. She lived in a poor area of town, and dreamed of one day living in the fancier side of town, and thought that would give her a "normal" life if she could somehow manage to afford to live there. She takes a job in a factory sorting through metal, which she hates, but the pay is good, so she keeps working there. The story follows Olivia through her relationships. Her best friend is married and trying to get pregnant to no avail. She's in love with the bartender in town, and she goes by and helps him close up most nights just to be near him and slow dance with him to the jukebox after hours, but he won't sleep with her, and tells her it's because he's gay, but she doesn't know if that's true, or if he's making it up just to not sleep with her. She has a romance with a guy that ends up beating her and burning her trailer down. She goes to Walmart in the middle of the night, drinking spiked beverages, and driving the little carts around to shop and mingle with friends....then with a couple of brushes with the law, she meets a policeman who also brings some meaning to her life. Nothing is ever dull in Olivia's life. I think you'll enjoy this book like I did.
Her mother was in prison when Olivia was born, and she was raised by her father, who had some kind of personality disorder (he didn't look people in the eye when he spoke to them, he hardly ever talked to Olivia, if he got upset about something, even if she was eight years old, he would take off for days at a time). Olivia grew up an only child and felt lonely and disconnected from everyone. She lived in a poor area of town, and dreamed of one day living in the fancier side of town, and thought that would give her a "normal" life if she could somehow manage to afford to live there. She takes a job in a factory sorting through metal, which she hates, but the pay is good, so she keeps working there. The story follows Olivia through her relationships. Her best friend is married and trying to get pregnant to no avail. She's in love with the bartender in town, and she goes by and helps him close up most nights just to be near him and slow dance with him to the jukebox after hours, but he won't sleep with her, and tells her it's because he's gay, but she doesn't know if that's true, or if he's making it up just to not sleep with her. She has a romance with a guy that ends up beating her and burning her trailer down. She goes to Walmart in the middle of the night, drinking spiked beverages, and driving the little carts around to shop and mingle with friends....then with a couple of brushes with the law, she meets a policeman who also brings some meaning to her life. Nothing is ever dull in Olivia's life. I think you'll enjoy this book like I did.
July 9, 2013
oh dear. This book was meant to be quirky and upbeat and funny and you were meant to get Olivia and think she was worth all the trouble she caused but no way, this is not what happened for me. The beginning of the novel has you feeling for her - she's living in a trailer park, she's working a dead end job, her dad is a little on the strange side but they get along ok. Then she makes poor choice after poor choice and her persona descends into infantilism to the point of arguing like a 2 year old and throwing tantrums in a 7 year olds bedroom, and being treated like a child that you wonder how any of the characters can love her or admire her, and I also began thinking if there was some twist and we had been lead to believe she was an adult but in fact was actually a kid. I was disappoined when I was reminded of how old she really was, and that no, there was no shifty plot to make her into a child, she was just an irritating hick with the personality of a 2 year old. Alas. So with this in mind you can expect to struggle with the men in the story, how anyone could see her as a partner is beyond me and don't even get me started on the gay thing. Just don't.
I didn't enjoy it, don't read it, unless you want to throw an Olivia sized tantrum and scoff down half a pie with cool-whip.
I didn't enjoy it, don't read it, unless you want to throw an Olivia sized tantrum and scoff down half a pie with cool-whip.
May 3, 2013
Well on one had I didn’t mind this one but on the other it was just one big train wreck!!This is not really a love story. This is more of a day in a life story.
Olivia is just one big hot mess from start to finish; she was annoying and very immature. I did like that fact she wasn’t some perfect little dandelion. She had flaws, big ones, she sewers, drinks too much, smokes, eats crap food, and is a very bad driver! But it was very over the top and a couple of times I almost just gave up. At about the 70% mark I was really over it, slamming doors, poking out tongues acting like a 2 year old. I had to remind myself this was meant to be a 25-26 year old woman!
The story line seemed to jump around a bit to, things happened that didn’t really advance the story at all and it was just out of place.
Anyway it was an easy read and the writing was well done and solid, I just didn’t overly like the character.
Olivia is just one big hot mess from start to finish; she was annoying and very immature. I did like that fact she wasn’t some perfect little dandelion. She had flaws, big ones, she sewers, drinks too much, smokes, eats crap food, and is a very bad driver! But it was very over the top and a couple of times I almost just gave up. At about the 70% mark I was really over it, slamming doors, poking out tongues acting like a 2 year old. I had to remind myself this was meant to be a 25-26 year old woman!
The story line seemed to jump around a bit to, things happened that didn’t really advance the story at all and it was just out of place.
Anyway it was an easy read and the writing was well done and solid, I just didn’t overly like the character.
March 25, 2013
I really like the characters in this book. They're realistic, and well-rounded. Their flaws and lives are relate-able, which makes it easy for me to sympathize and empathize with their plights.
Once I started reading this book, I was drawn in and eager to know more. You're immediately introduced from a plain girl from the wrong side of the tracks in Nebraska simply living her life, and then story began to be turn into something that had me holding my breath, wondering what was coming next. Still a normal life, in the grand scheme of the world, but the story telling was great and that made a normal life worth delving into.
When it came to the relationship of George and Olivia, I was so confused - but I enjoyed being confused. Normally, an author writing this kind of thing would have me frustrated and annoyed, but this portion of the plot was told just the right way that it left me satisfied as a reader.
Two thumbs up for me, I definitely recommend it.
Once I started reading this book, I was drawn in and eager to know more. You're immediately introduced from a plain girl from the wrong side of the tracks in Nebraska simply living her life, and then story began to be turn into something that had me holding my breath, wondering what was coming next. Still a normal life, in the grand scheme of the world, but the story telling was great and that made a normal life worth delving into.
When it came to the relationship of George and Olivia, I was so confused - but I enjoyed being confused. Normally, an author writing this kind of thing would have me frustrated and annoyed, but this portion of the plot was told just the right way that it left me satisfied as a reader.
Two thumbs up for me, I definitely recommend it.
January 27, 2013
Olivia is probably one of my favorite characters...she does everything I wish I could, but wouldn't have the guts to do (not to give the book away, but there's this thing with Wal-Mart scooters)... ha ha!!! One thing I can tell you, you won't want to put it down because you'll be so eager to see what she does next. Plus, there's George... Ah, George. I had the biggest crush on him throughout the book. But my favorite character of the entire book is Olivia's father. He is probably the most vivid, interesting characters I've ever read. I could close my eyes and picture him as if he were sitting right beside me. You'll want to read this one.
April 5, 2013
I hesitate to say I loved this book because it felt significantly anticlimactic BUT up until then it was such a fun book. I really loved Olivia. She was such an original character and she felt full of life and reality. She was so quirky and many of the side characters were super lovable too. But would it have been too much to ask for the three main characters to just fall in love as a group? They could have made such a PERFECT menage. I mean I would have enjoyed that ending more right? LOL I guess most people don't go for that sort of thing though...sigh. But seriously it would have been great. Still a wonderful read though. I recommend it. It will cheer you up.
March 26, 2013
Okay where to start. I liked Olivia a lot she seemed like a normal everyday person with real problems and real pain. Stuff the average person could relate to. Now on the other hand she also had a crazy streak that was a bit over the top at times and was extremely immature at times.
As far as love interests go I was confused on who she would end up with ti the very end. Most books you just know there is no shock value. I mean I had a idea but still was not sure.
Overall I adored the book and it kept me reading until the end. I had some lol moments and even some I want to punch her in the face moments.
As far as love interests go I was confused on who she would end up with ti the very end. Most books you just know there is no shock value. I mean I had a idea but still was not sure.
Overall I adored the book and it kept me reading until the end. I had some lol moments and even some I want to punch her in the face moments.
November 2, 2015
When I got this book and started reading, I wasn't sure where it was headed. I didn't know the plot line or what the rising action was headed for or where the story was going to end up. But the story was captivating. Olivia is one of the most interesting characters I've ever read about. What I loved about her was even though things may be going into a down spiral, she was able to make the best out of it, even in a moment of tragedy. She is outgoing, blunt, and doesn't think before she speaks or acts. That's what gets her a lot of places but it was an amazing story and I loved every bit of it. Very well written book! Two thumbs up!
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