Olive

by Barbara Braendlein

Olive is a thoughtful, enchanting look into the mind of a non-verbal, medically fragile girl. Through her eyes, we see the struggle of growing up without words and with a body that has to work hard for every triumph. Yet triumph she does. In author Barbara Braendlein's stunning debut novel, we are reminded that sometimes all it takes is one person for you to never be alone again.

98 pages, Paperback

Published June 1, 2020

Reviews

[Mystie Winckler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this. Give it to your kids to read. It’s a delightful story of a special needs girl who doesn’t want your pity, but to show you how to love life, fight for it, and be happy. Mothers will find it a convicting reminder of how we are the atmosphere of our homes and children will be shown the world from a different set of eyes.

I can’t quite place my finger on why, but it reminded me of Little House in the Big Woods. Perhaps it was how the family came together and provided a loving, healthy, warm environment despite hard things. Perhaps it was how the childlike joy of life was pervasive, even though we might assume life was hard and therefore always sad.

[Ash · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful story! This sweet little book is written in third person point of view through the eyes of Olive. Beautifully written, I felt absolutely transported into the magical and confusing world of a child, particularly one who is medically fragile. The reader is as confused as Olive is as she undergoes doctor visits and procedures, the reader interprets the world through smells and slight facial expressions as she does. We feel the fear of unknown as Olive does, but also the simple joys of being loved and comforted.

Aside from the beautiful cover, pleasant typeface, polished editing, and creative, clear writing, what makes this a 5-star book to me is that not only did I learn about a person very different from me, but it was a reminder and lesson for how I parent my children. Barbara reminded me through her story to slow down, to sing, and to fill my home with smells of hospitality. I'm adding to my bucket list to slow down with the laundry, it doesn't need to be put away so quickly! But instead let's pile up freshly dried, warm linens to snuggle into. She reminded me that my young toddlers are watching me, are watching my husband, and are watching me and my husband together. She reminded me that home is a safe place, and family is a safe place. How will I make my home and relationships safe and comfortable? I desire to fill our house with soft things, pretty lights, boxes of toys that we can play with together, and the ever present hope and delight of Jesus coming.

Thank you, Barbara! For sharing your story, for sharing what the Gospel looks like in loving your "hard life" as others have wrongly judged. If that part about cotton candy treats is true for the real life Olive, sneak her in an extra treat for me! I'm thankful for this opportunity to learn from her and your writing.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable, yet challenging read. Challenging in the sense that you get to experience life from inside someone else's head, and it's not always fun. Olive goes through some hard things. But through it all there is always the constant daily life that her parents provide. I loved the relationship between her and her daddy. And also her relationship with her sister is so sweet. The writing was quite good. I would recommend!

[Sarah Frost · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think the genius of the book is the use of a special needs child, Olive, to narrate the story. This has allowed the author to tell a layered story, much in the way Harper Lee used Scout in "To Kill a Mockingbird." We navigate the world with Olive as she has questions, observations, and needs that that are difficult or impossible to express. The reader is also brought alongside Olive's parents' experience as they care and advocate for their daughter. This spoke strongly to me having grown up with a non-verbal, autistic brother. The author helps to balance the hard aspects of the story with vivid descriptions of color and texture that allow the reader to share Olive’s delight in beauty and wonder of the world. Though some people cannot talk, it doesn't mean that they don't think and feel.
This book reminds the reader of this truth and will, hopefully, help us to be better at seeing.

[Emily Lunden · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Olive” is a captivating story that beckons readers to reap the benefits of stepping away from their usual perspective, even for a moment, to view the world from someone else’s eyes. Told from the viewpoint of a medically fragile, non-verbal young girl Olive’s story poignantly illustrates the value and importance of the need and desire to seek a deep, meaningful connection with another soul. This is a lesson we need now more than ever: to know that everyone has a story whether or not you understand it; every life has value whether or not you see the depth of it; and every one of us thrives on human connections. Read the book-- it may be the perspective change you need right now.

[Trisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most life-affirming books I've ever read.

[Gretchen Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Olive will tug on your heartstrings with her sweetness, her innocence, and her trust. It's a short book that will leave an impression long after you've finished reading.

In Olive, Barbara Braendlein has given us a poignant glimpse into the heart of a non-verbal, medically fragile child. But she's also captured the incredible importance of the joy of a mother, the patience of a father, and the comfort of home.

Olive is now on the must-read list for each of my own children, that they may better learn compassion and empathy by seeing the world through another's eyes.

[Lizard · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the representation in this book, and I just want to give Olive a hug. The world is a cruel place and it’s hard to find your place and this short book represented that well.

I was not a fan of this books POV. I think it would have been a lot stronger if it was from Olive’s POV instead of 3rd person.

[thejonz · Rating 4 out of 5]

My wife read this out loud to me and our two kids aged 12 (boy) and 17 (girl). My boy got a little antsy at times but we all enjoyed it. It's a great book to help understand what a child with disabilities goes through on a daily basis. It just kind of ended which was a little disappointing.

I'd rate it G - ok for general audiences

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is really a precious and important (and short) book, with such a unique and helpful point of view, that of a beautiful little girl with special needs.

[Laura Slotemaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite books I've ever read. The perspective of the child is so powerful, I think of this book often!