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The True and Outstanding Adventures of the Hunt Sisters
Olivia Hunt is unemployed, living alone, and working on the fourth draft of her suicide note when she gets a phone call that lets her know what real trouble is. Madeleine Hunt is her younger sister, the annoyingly happy one who married her childhood sweetheart while Olivia set out to conquer Hollywood. And Maddie is in trouble. Pulled home for the first time in years, Olivia gets a painful dose of real life as she tries to help her sister, keep her parents from running off the rails, and reconnect with the boyfriend who left without a word but might still be the love of her life. And, of course, the movie she's been trying to put in front of a camera for years heats up just as she leaves town. Racing between Hollywood, hospital rooms, and film sets in Spain, Olivia has to do the impossible at work and at home - and learns that love will let her do no less.
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First published January 1, 2004
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About the author
Elizabeth Robinson
93 books76 followersElizabeth Robinson was educated at Bard College, Brown University, and Pacific School of Religion. She currently lives in Boulder, Colorado. With Colleen Lookingbill, she co-edits EtherDome Press. She co-edits Instance Press with Laura Sims and Beth Anderson.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 716 reviews
August 26, 2008
I've just finished weeping my way through the last few pages of this wonderful book. It's a beautiful tale of sisters, of course, but much more so of relationships and relating.
This novel counterbalances the falseness and fecklessness of Hollywood with the intensely weighted reality of dealing with cancer in small town middle America. Even more, it blended them into the tapestry of one life, revealing that the frivolity of the one and the despair of the other are intrinsic in every life. Through this it demonstrates that the point is to take the moment, this very moment whether it be as thin as onionskin paper or as rich as flowerless chocolate cake, and appreciate it, live it, go for it. No matter how short or how long the moment is, the life is, it is worth it.
There were moments I wanted to heave this book across the room or into an imagined deep well because, while I'm nothing like the main character, I understood certain aspects of her journey having faced (to a lesser but no less gripping degree) the situation of having a younger sibling diagnosed with cancer. I was compelled to press on and was not disappointed I did.
The struggle with understanding and with faith and with hope while simultaneously attempting to fathom the immensity of the negative unknown, the basic struggle for life and death, and dealing with the mundanity of daily life is a vividly real confusion. It's a battle, trying to feel that what you want and value still actually holds some importance... and that it is really okay to want those things. Still, when you feel pleasure there is an underlying guilt.
Robinson deftly conveys all this with humor and a touch of grace. Her character's growth at times is so subtle it seems impossible, but that is what I appreciate about this work... it mirrors life so well. One day we recognize the change in us, and find we have a long winding road to gaze at, rather than a single moment, in searching for the "when" of said change. I'm so pleased to have had this experience.
I wanted to close with this wonderful quote, "I said hope is neither false nor true but a kind of happiness itself, a fuel that carries us toward our dreams." May we all, in spite of the odds, keep hope alive, feeling it's singular beauty, as we press ever closer to our dreams.
This novel counterbalances the falseness and fecklessness of Hollywood with the intensely weighted reality of dealing with cancer in small town middle America. Even more, it blended them into the tapestry of one life, revealing that the frivolity of the one and the despair of the other are intrinsic in every life. Through this it demonstrates that the point is to take the moment, this very moment whether it be as thin as onionskin paper or as rich as flowerless chocolate cake, and appreciate it, live it, go for it. No matter how short or how long the moment is, the life is, it is worth it.
There were moments I wanted to heave this book across the room or into an imagined deep well because, while I'm nothing like the main character, I understood certain aspects of her journey having faced (to a lesser but no less gripping degree) the situation of having a younger sibling diagnosed with cancer. I was compelled to press on and was not disappointed I did.
The struggle with understanding and with faith and with hope while simultaneously attempting to fathom the immensity of the negative unknown, the basic struggle for life and death, and dealing with the mundanity of daily life is a vividly real confusion. It's a battle, trying to feel that what you want and value still actually holds some importance... and that it is really okay to want those things. Still, when you feel pleasure there is an underlying guilt.
Robinson deftly conveys all this with humor and a touch of grace. Her character's growth at times is so subtle it seems impossible, but that is what I appreciate about this work... it mirrors life so well. One day we recognize the change in us, and find we have a long winding road to gaze at, rather than a single moment, in searching for the "when" of said change. I'm so pleased to have had this experience.
I wanted to close with this wonderful quote, "I said hope is neither false nor true but a kind of happiness itself, a fuel that carries us toward our dreams." May we all, in spite of the odds, keep hope alive, feeling it's singular beauty, as we press ever closer to our dreams.
January 10, 2016
I was soooo ready for the book to end by the end that I just skimmed through the ending. I think what bothered me was how one sided the book was because you had to get the story through letters of one person (which is different, to me, than reading a book that's in first person. And there were no adventures...the title and cover gave me a different impression of what the book is about.
June 17, 2018
I wasn’t expecting this to be sad.
July 29, 2011
This was about a 3-star-er before I hit the midway point, then everything started clicking, and it became one of those books that doesn't leave your side...since it's in letter format, it's easy to grab a page or two here and there.
This book is so thought-provoking--a story of two sisters, both of them whose lives are falling apart, but in completely different ways. One loses her health, but has loving family intact. The other loses her love and her career, while health is intact. Both resent the other's blessings, although that's a far more subtle theme. Interesting feminist vs. traditionalist arguments about love and romance. Great parallel with one sister, who is trying to produce a new take on Don Quixote...there's a struggle throughout the book about how the movie should end--the fall of idealism? The conscious propping up of fantasy? As the film executives battle out the ending of the film, you wonder where the book will end, as it has the same possible outcomes.
The format of the letters was a little annoying at first, but after a while, it really gelled with the storytelling. Letters are only one-sided (no responses are provided)...after all, who writes letters anymore? The protagonist does! Although there are some emails tossed in, too! The letters also aren't just to one person, but to whomever--sometimes short, angry letters--I especially enjoyed those written to the doctors treating her sister! You'll chuckle, too. :D
No five stars, as this book was more entertainingly captivating than earth-shattering. Nice summer read, as it's easy to pick up and put down due to the format. :D
This book is so thought-provoking--a story of two sisters, both of them whose lives are falling apart, but in completely different ways. One loses her health, but has loving family intact. The other loses her love and her career, while health is intact. Both resent the other's blessings, although that's a far more subtle theme. Interesting feminist vs. traditionalist arguments about love and romance. Great parallel with one sister, who is trying to produce a new take on Don Quixote...there's a struggle throughout the book about how the movie should end--the fall of idealism? The conscious propping up of fantasy? As the film executives battle out the ending of the film, you wonder where the book will end, as it has the same possible outcomes.
The format of the letters was a little annoying at first, but after a while, it really gelled with the storytelling. Letters are only one-sided (no responses are provided)...after all, who writes letters anymore? The protagonist does! Although there are some emails tossed in, too! The letters also aren't just to one person, but to whomever--sometimes short, angry letters--I especially enjoyed those written to the doctors treating her sister! You'll chuckle, too. :D
No five stars, as this book was more entertainingly captivating than earth-shattering. Nice summer read, as it's easy to pick up and put down due to the format. :D
May 22, 2010
By the time I was 19 my grandmother had broken her neck and was told that she would never walk again, she did;I sat in an ICU unit while the doctor told us that my dad would not make it through the night, he did (only to bravely face a horrible disease for 30 years);I sat on my mom's lap hearing that my sister may not be coming home from Children's Hospital ICU , but she did (for 17 more years). There were many more times that I learned that illness is a part of life. It is something that you fight and have a good life in spite of. At 19, I lost my innocence and learned that illness can also be terminal.Perhaps that is why i gravitate toward novels about sisters and enjoy them. (I can recommend many- deep ones, funny ones etc) But I also felt that if I could write a novel perhaps it would be cathartic, but alas, my creative writer teacher told me that I would never be a writer and to look to being a copy editor. I knew that my words would never make a person laugh or cry or even think, so I went into medicine.This book is not for everyone. It is not even a great book yet somehow I feel that if I had ever written that book this might have been it - or at least similar. It resonated with me. In the afterword,I found Elisabeth did write this book for catharsis or healing. I had hoped that she found it. For she had many of the same feelings as I ( and probably all families) of why didn't that 1 in a million miracle happen to my family, to my sister.Tragedy is supposed toteach us -but when something so bad happens and we can't figure out the lesson- who designated that lesson? Is faith in God or hope in medicine just a silly delusion? That can't be the lesson.Elisabeth's sister quotes Auden:
But once in a while the odd thing happens,
Once in a while the dream comes true,
And the whole pattern of life is altered
Once in a while the moon turns blue.
This novel makes you laugh and makes you cry.If you are not starting at the same place as I, you may judge it harshly but if you are,I recommend it.
But once in a while the odd thing happens,
Once in a while the dream comes true,
And the whole pattern of life is altered
Once in a while the moon turns blue.
This novel makes you laugh and makes you cry.If you are not starting at the same place as I, you may judge it harshly but if you are,I recommend it.
August 19, 2015
The True and Outstanding Adventures is a book full of letters, e-mails, and even telegrams, written by Olivia Hunt to her friends and family. Olivia is a hollywood producer who is recovering from losing her job but also determined to make a movie she has put her heart and soul into.
Amidst the chaos of the Hollywood life, Olivia learns her younger sister Maddie has leukemia and now Olivia is split between Hollywood and the small midwestern town she comes from.
Through her correspondence we get a glimpse at how she is handling everything and how her relationships with everyone grow or shrink as needed. We see the ups and downs in her life and in those of the lives around her.
I'm not going to lie ... at first I was very turned off by this book.
I expected another book based on the title. I didn't want to read about cancer. I didn't want to go there. I didn't want to read about how cancer affects one's sisters. And frankly, at the beginning the main character Olivia annoyed the crap out of me. Like she didn't get. But somewhere along the way, this book gripped my heart and wouldn't let go.
I think through the book Olivia grows and matures. At first I thought Olivia and I could never be friends, but now, I think we could. As she grew and seemed to come into her own, I felt like my heart grew for her.
But still. This was a hard book to read. I don't enjoy reading about cancer after having it myself and had I known that that was a main part of the book, I wouldn't have picked up (for the Rory Gillmore reading challenge or not).
That said, I'm glad I read it. The Hunt sisters have my heart.
Amidst the chaos of the Hollywood life, Olivia learns her younger sister Maddie has leukemia and now Olivia is split between Hollywood and the small midwestern town she comes from.
Through her correspondence we get a glimpse at how she is handling everything and how her relationships with everyone grow or shrink as needed. We see the ups and downs in her life and in those of the lives around her.
I'm not going to lie ... at first I was very turned off by this book.
I expected another book based on the title. I didn't want to read about cancer. I didn't want to go there. I didn't want to read about how cancer affects one's sisters. And frankly, at the beginning the main character Olivia annoyed the crap out of me. Like she didn't get. But somewhere along the way, this book gripped my heart and wouldn't let go.
I think through the book Olivia grows and matures. At first I thought Olivia and I could never be friends, but now, I think we could. As she grew and seemed to come into her own, I felt like my heart grew for her.
But still. This was a hard book to read. I don't enjoy reading about cancer after having it myself and had I known that that was a main part of the book, I wouldn't have picked up (for the Rory Gillmore reading challenge or not).
That said, I'm glad I read it. The Hunt sisters have my heart.
May 22, 2016
The Hunt sisters couldn’t be more different. Olivia is a Hollywood producer, used to first-class amenities and fleeing from any relationship commitment. Maddie lives the life Olivia ran from – still living near their parents in the small town where they grew up, she is happily married to her high school sweetheart. Olivia rages against the obstacles in her path. Maddie approaches life with idealism and optimism. As the novel opens, Olivia has had one disappointment too many and she is crafting her suicide note. But then she learns that Maddie is seriously ill, and Olivia rushes to her sister’s side.
The novel is comprised of a series of letters, emails, faxes, and telegrams from Olivia to her sister, parents, brother, best friend, ex-boyfriend, and a variety of people in her professional life or associated with her sister’s medical care. In this way the reader really gets to know Olivia, her thoughts, dreams, disappointments, what irritates, infuriates, and excites her.
I was pretty irritated with Olivia through much of the first half of the novel. I found her whiny, irrational, quick to place blame elsewhere, and unable to realize her own culpability in various events. But over time I began to admire her spirit, her tireless efforts to rekindle her career, to “demand” a cure for her sister, to try to set things right with her friends, parents, siblings, ex-boyfriend, colleagues, etc.
The novel is comprised of a series of letters, emails, faxes, and telegrams from Olivia to her sister, parents, brother, best friend, ex-boyfriend, and a variety of people in her professional life or associated with her sister’s medical care. In this way the reader really gets to know Olivia, her thoughts, dreams, disappointments, what irritates, infuriates, and excites her.
I was pretty irritated with Olivia through much of the first half of the novel. I found her whiny, irrational, quick to place blame elsewhere, and unable to realize her own culpability in various events. But over time I began to admire her spirit, her tireless efforts to rekindle her career, to “demand” a cure for her sister, to try to set things right with her friends, parents, siblings, ex-boyfriend, colleagues, etc.
October 17, 2021
I bought this book in 2007. And I read it now. I don’t know what that says about me or what it says about the book. But here I am, in 2021, having finally read ‘The True And Outstanding Adventures Of The Hunt Sisters.’ Drum roll, please. And some pizza as a reward.
I didn’t expect to like this half as much as I did. I was surprised. It grew on me and left me a wee bit teary at the end of it. Yes, the ending was predictable, but Robinson handles terminal illness and the grief and wild emotions that come with it with empathy, grace, and humor. Written in the form of letters from Olivia to all the different characters in her life, you are aware that you get only one perspective most of the time. Olivia might be an unreliable narrator, but she is kind of a likable one - a fiery feminist who is also desperately lonely, struggling with her career in Hollywood, and grappling as her family falls apart.
All the Hollywood interludes were not of much interest to me, but it did give me a glimpse into all that goes into producing a movie, which we consume in 1.5 hours or so, and then forget about it for the rest of our lives. But it’s the relationship between Olivia and her dying sister that made me turn the pages: love, after all, is a bit like cancer - can spread but, unlike cancer, can uplift you.
I didn’t expect to like this half as much as I did. I was surprised. It grew on me and left me a wee bit teary at the end of it. Yes, the ending was predictable, but Robinson handles terminal illness and the grief and wild emotions that come with it with empathy, grace, and humor. Written in the form of letters from Olivia to all the different characters in her life, you are aware that you get only one perspective most of the time. Olivia might be an unreliable narrator, but she is kind of a likable one - a fiery feminist who is also desperately lonely, struggling with her career in Hollywood, and grappling as her family falls apart.
All the Hollywood interludes were not of much interest to me, but it did give me a glimpse into all that goes into producing a movie, which we consume in 1.5 hours or so, and then forget about it for the rest of our lives. But it’s the relationship between Olivia and her dying sister that made me turn the pages: love, after all, is a bit like cancer - can spread but, unlike cancer, can uplift you.
October 24, 2007
I didn’t finish this book (which hardly ever happens). The letters of a woman whose sister is battling cancer and is trying to get a Don Quixote film done (she is a director, I think). It was boring to me and I lost interest. It’s very simple writing, as if a woman really did just write a letter and I didn’t like her outlook on life.
November 2, 2020
See my last update. After My Sister's Keeper and The Fault in Our Star's I decided not to read this type of book again, but here I am. Only because it was on the Rory Gilmore list. So remind me when I pick up something similar, because I'm over it.
January 11, 2009
This book is obviously/probably one of the American best seller, since I noticed it on the bookstores in Canada and USA. It was off course the front cover that made me notice it. And it was definitely worth all the prize on the back cover. The book deals with Hollywood and terminal illness (cancer), and these subjects are obviously quite different from each other, but they are actually quite okay in the same book, in this book. Olivia Hunt is producing her first movie at the same time as her sister is diagnosed with leukemia/cancer. It's not that stupid actaully. Not stupid at all. Even Hollywood-people have too deal with things such as cancer sometimes, that is no less often than other people i suppose.
Robinson manages to make the book both funny and moving at the same time. The style is quite humorous but still serious. A special thing is that the book consists of Olivia's letters to different people. Robinson reminds me a little of Marian Keyes, all thou MK is a lot lighter, so comering them isn't entirely fare to Robinson. Cos Robinsons book is really fare, really real. No sugar sweet endings here. The ending was actually quite unexpected to me. Okay, but maybe I shoudn't give it away, just in case... Well, I just want to say that it was fare, true to reality. All of the book was I quess.
Now I for some reason think that I loved the book even more than I actaually did, so the grad will stay at 4,5...
Robinson manages to make the book both funny and moving at the same time. The style is quite humorous but still serious. A special thing is that the book consists of Olivia's letters to different people. Robinson reminds me a little of Marian Keyes, all thou MK is a lot lighter, so comering them isn't entirely fare to Robinson. Cos Robinsons book is really fare, really real. No sugar sweet endings here. The ending was actually quite unexpected to me. Okay, but maybe I shoudn't give it away, just in case... Well, I just want to say that it was fare, true to reality. All of the book was I quess.
Now I for some reason think that I loved the book even more than I actaually did, so the grad will stay at 4,5...
September 2, 2023
I picked up this book at a thrift store some years ago for like, 25 cents, never thinking this would prove to be such a good read, one I'm so eternally grateful for.
The first time I read it, this book did the unthinkable. It moved me so profoundly I found my eyes brimming with tears at the last couple of pages. ME, who did (and does) nothing but brag about how nothing gets to me. No movie, no book, no fictional death has hurt me more than what this little novel put me through in less than 300 pages.
I loved Olivia, as imperfect and selfish and messy as she was- because she was real. The story is uniquely told through letters, to her best friend, her sister, mom, bosses, and co workers. Her letters to her ex, her lost love, the One Who Got Away, were especially good, being equal parts devastating, funny and honest at the same time.
This book is about love. How beautiful, painful, and strong love is, even in the face of adversity. It'll make you want to hug your sister a little tighter, tell your mom you love her, and cherish every minute with your partner.
Anyways, I leave you with what really got the tears going:
When you think of me, don't be sad. I want to be like a favorite song. The one you play to cheer you up and get you going again. And like a good song, sometimes I'll just pop into your head or you can play me whenever you want. Tell everyone that's my last wish, okay?
The first time I read it, this book did the unthinkable. It moved me so profoundly I found my eyes brimming with tears at the last couple of pages. ME, who did (and does) nothing but brag about how nothing gets to me. No movie, no book, no fictional death has hurt me more than what this little novel put me through in less than 300 pages.
I loved Olivia, as imperfect and selfish and messy as she was- because she was real. The story is uniquely told through letters, to her best friend, her sister, mom, bosses, and co workers. Her letters to her ex, her lost love, the One Who Got Away, were especially good, being equal parts devastating, funny and honest at the same time.
This book is about love. How beautiful, painful, and strong love is, even in the face of adversity. It'll make you want to hug your sister a little tighter, tell your mom you love her, and cherish every minute with your partner.
Anyways, I leave you with what really got the tears going:
When you think of me, don't be sad. I want to be like a favorite song. The one you play to cheer you up and get you going again. And like a good song, sometimes I'll just pop into your head or you can play me whenever you want. Tell everyone that's my last wish, okay?
July 9, 2020
Olivia Hunt writes letters to many people, thereby unfolding the story in this novel as she reminisces, reports current events in her life, and vents her rage. Throughout the story she is driven by three interacting quests--a way to become a film director and successfully launch her version of a Don Quixote movie, a way to find true love in her in and out relationship with an old boyfriend, and a way to save her beloved sister from leukemia.
Pain is an ingredient to humor. And there is plenty of pain here. Consequently the author uses a sitcom tone that affects some readers as hilarious. While it prevents the story from being a downer, the pain is realistic enough that I'm not rolling on the floor laughing. Or even chuckling.
It takes a while to figure out who is related to whom. And while I'm impressed with the author's knowledge of film productions and cancer treatments, I'm not fascinated with movie stars or glitz. I prefer more mellow characters, but I can identify with Olivia's struggles to make a career and with her affection for her sister. I also enjoy the author's knowledge, drawn from her own experiences.
Pain is an ingredient to humor. And there is plenty of pain here. Consequently the author uses a sitcom tone that affects some readers as hilarious. While it prevents the story from being a downer, the pain is realistic enough that I'm not rolling on the floor laughing. Or even chuckling.
It takes a while to figure out who is related to whom. And while I'm impressed with the author's knowledge of film productions and cancer treatments, I'm not fascinated with movie stars or glitz. I prefer more mellow characters, but I can identify with Olivia's struggles to make a career and with her affection for her sister. I also enjoy the author's knowledge, drawn from her own experiences.
July 1, 2016
This book throws you a little because it's not really focused on two sisters...Olivia does 99% of the writing from her viewpoint as she covers what's going on with her sister, what's going on in her own career, and what's going on in her love life.
In any book that takes a long look at someone suffering from leukemia, one difficulty is to avoid things becoming maudlin or too melancholy. Congratulations to Ms. Robinson for avoiding these pitfalls brilliantly. She threw in offsetting humor or just ordinary events, etc., and kept the novel moving along nicely.
She also included one of the best bits of foreshadowing I've seen in a long time.
Her use of correspondence to various recipients was impressively crafted as well.
I wasn't excited at the prospect of reading about the vagaries of Hollywood movie-making when I first considered reading this book, but Ms. Robinson made it work for me.
A case could be made that it's a very good Chick Lit book, but I would argue that it goes beyond those boundaries.
Two thumbs up, absolutely.
In any book that takes a long look at someone suffering from leukemia, one difficulty is to avoid things becoming maudlin or too melancholy. Congratulations to Ms. Robinson for avoiding these pitfalls brilliantly. She threw in offsetting humor or just ordinary events, etc., and kept the novel moving along nicely.
She also included one of the best bits of foreshadowing I've seen in a long time.
Her use of correspondence to various recipients was impressively crafted as well.
I wasn't excited at the prospect of reading about the vagaries of Hollywood movie-making when I first considered reading this book, but Ms. Robinson made it work for me.
A case could be made that it's a very good Chick Lit book, but I would argue that it goes beyond those boundaries.
Two thumbs up, absolutely.
September 19, 2008
Back there when this was out and causing the stir however big or small that might have been, I'm sure it crossed the radar here because as anyone can see my radar is hyper-active -- just look at the numbers on my info here -- it's insane! STILL -- it never got picked up, taken home, or read in part or in total until now with Rory and the gang and may I say -- it was a pleasure?
I loved the letters and e-mails and by the backhanded delivery the conversations either in person or via the telephone -- it's there and very present and the story surrounds you as much as it does the protagonist. The oh so human protagonist -- the person of Olivia could be any one of us and the situation could be any one of the many which fall into any of our lives.
Sad but also a testament to the hardiness of the human spirit/soul. I'm so glad I looked for this one and found it!
I loved the letters and e-mails and by the backhanded delivery the conversations either in person or via the telephone -- it's there and very present and the story surrounds you as much as it does the protagonist. The oh so human protagonist -- the person of Olivia could be any one of us and the situation could be any one of the many which fall into any of our lives.
Sad but also a testament to the hardiness of the human spirit/soul. I'm so glad I looked for this one and found it!
May 6, 2010
I chose this as my companion on a tortuous international flight, and it was perfect for the confined uncomfortable space. Not making too demands on the reader, the novel is a collection of letters the protagonist pens to all the significant people in her life during a stressful period.
The writing was easy and entertaining in an intelligent way unlike many fun reads out there. There are all kinds of pokes at Hollywood and even an interesting connection to Don Quixote woven in.
The best part for me is that I'm inspired me to write letters again, a practice I adored in my former life before email and FB. Dropped two letters in the mailbox already today.
The writing was easy and entertaining in an intelligent way unlike many fun reads out there. There are all kinds of pokes at Hollywood and even an interesting connection to Don Quixote woven in.
The best part for me is that I'm inspired me to write letters again, a practice I adored in my former life before email and FB. Dropped two letters in the mailbox already today.
June 16, 2020
Olivia Hunt is self-absorbed, passive aggressive and only seems to be able to take. She's also racist. I had my suspicions that what she said in one part of the book wasn't nice at all, but then she referred to a half-Navajo woman as 'a squaw picking berries'. I had to google the word 'squaw' and Google told me it's considered a derogatory (especially when uttered by white people) indian word meaning 'woman'.
At this point I was done with the book, but I have managed to finish it.
Writing was okay, the main character was unbearable.
At this point I was done with the book, but I have managed to finish it.
Writing was okay, the main character was unbearable.
May 17, 2008
I don't know what made me pick up this book- maybe the sentimentality of sisterhood...but I really liked it and read it almost straight through in one evening. I couldn't put it down, which surprised me because I normally do not like stories written entirely in letters. It resonates deeply for those who have sisters, and I laughed and cried along with Olivia. I was surprised to learn that the story was based on the author's experiences with her own sister.
August 7, 2011
Grabbed this book at a yard sale randomly. I brought it to read on the plane because the letter format seemed like good, easy plane reading. It was really pretty good and the letter writing format really worked. I would think it would be hard to engage a full story with the letters of a single person, but I got engrossed very quickly. I read the whole thing in two days and found myself embarrassed to be wiping away tears on an airplane.
February 26, 2016
Loved it!
August 16, 2016
Excellent voice! Told through letters. Witty and clever.
July 18, 2017
Loved this book. Loved the relationship between the sisters and family.
December 4, 2024
gonna dnf this one too I guess LOL I’m bored reading at 21%, the main character is not likeable, and because it’s written as letters from only her, the other characters have very little depth. the main character herself is not too rounded out either and I am just not interested in which producer her script ends up with or how many emails that all sound the same she sends to big Hollywood names (sometimes having real-life celebrities mixed with fictional characters does not land for me)
February 8, 2018
I could not get into this book to save my life. I wanted to like it, but it was horrible.
August 1, 2024
I did not finish this. Gave it a good try and just could not get into it and hate how’s it’s written from one POV through letters.
September 3, 2022
This book had such fun moments. The characters were truly endearing.
I liked that the book wasn't overwhelmed with the gloom of the character's situations. There wasn't an overwhelming feeling of dread surrounding the character with a lethal illness which made me believe right up until she was dead that she'd make it. This would have to be the first in a while that I've experienced genuine shock when reading a novel.
Michael and Olivia had such a complicated relationship. I think but he end of the book they reached somewhat of a cease-fire where they just acknowledged that despite their feelings they would not be together. I found it so strange that despite their breakup she continued to write to him (and actually post these letters) while her sister was sick and that he actually read them!
Some of the letters were pretty fun, I love how facets of Olivia's personality were brought out in the way she commented on her interactions with others and what they said to her. I found that one and two of the descriptions were unnecessarily long and occurred right before something way more interesting was happening- had to convince myself no to scan/skip over some of it XD.
Overall I think this was a good read and I enjoyed it, writing style, characters and all
I liked that the book wasn't overwhelmed with the gloom of the character's situations. There wasn't an overwhelming feeling of dread surrounding the character with a lethal illness which made me believe right up until she was dead that she'd make it. This would have to be the first in a while that I've experienced genuine shock when reading a novel.
Michael and Olivia had such a complicated relationship. I think but he end of the book they reached somewhat of a cease-fire where they just acknowledged that despite their feelings they would not be together. I found it so strange that despite their breakup she continued to write to him (and actually post these letters) while her sister was sick and that he actually read them!
Some of the letters were pretty fun, I love how facets of Olivia's personality were brought out in the way she commented on her interactions with others and what they said to her. I found that one and two of the descriptions were unnecessarily long and occurred right before something way more interesting was happening- had to convince myself no to scan/skip over some of it XD.
Overall I think this was a good read and I enjoyed it, writing style, characters and all
May 22, 2019
Olivia Hunt wanted nothing more from life than to get out of small town Shawnee Falls, Ohio, and make a name for herself as a Hollywood producer. Her younger sister, Madeline, has been content sticking closer to home, getting married, finding a decent job, and living a quiet life. Now, Olivia's world has just come crashing down around her. Fired from her job, she is working on the fourth draft of her suicide note when she receives devastating news - Maddie has leukemia.
Olivia returns to her childhood home to lend a helping hand while Maddie goes through chemotherapy. She attempts to balance her support for her sister and the rest of her family with a resurrection of her career through independent film-making. Just at the time that Olivia's movie begins to take off, Maddie's health takes a terrifying turn and Olivia is torn between priorities. Throwing her former boyfriend Michael into the mix only complicates matters; though their relationship ended six months before, they seem to still be in love with each other. How on earth will Olivia deal with everything life is throwing at her?
Written entirely in the form of letters and e-mail messages from Olivia, The True and Outstanding Adventures of the Hunt Sisters is an honest look at life, love, and the power of family. At first, it's a bit disconcerting to only get Olivia's side of the story. I kept expecting there to be a letter or message from someone else. But once I got into the rhythm of it, I grew to appreciate Olivia's wit and perspective. She is an authentic character who says everything she is feeling at any given time. As one can imagine, this often backfires and she has to backpedal. Yet she is as forthright with her apologies as she is with pushing toward her goals.
Olivia's unabashed love for her parents and sister shine through, even though her selfishness overshadows it at times. As a reader, I found her learning curve through all of her trials and tribulations to be an educational experience from all angles. However, the recounting of minute details about trying to get a movie made and its production does get tedious. The author, a producer and screenwriter, clearly knows what she is writing about, but those who are not insiders may get bored with the excesses that are part of movie production.
The story of Olivia and Michael's relationship, and her obvious love and fierce care for Maddie make this book shine. It is obvious from the beginning that The True and Outstanding Adventures of the Hunt Sisters is a four-hanky novel, and readers who love a good tear-jerker will not be disappointed. The book will also make you laugh, and everyone can identify with something in Olivia's life, and learn more about themselves in the process.
Olivia returns to her childhood home to lend a helping hand while Maddie goes through chemotherapy. She attempts to balance her support for her sister and the rest of her family with a resurrection of her career through independent film-making. Just at the time that Olivia's movie begins to take off, Maddie's health takes a terrifying turn and Olivia is torn between priorities. Throwing her former boyfriend Michael into the mix only complicates matters; though their relationship ended six months before, they seem to still be in love with each other. How on earth will Olivia deal with everything life is throwing at her?
Written entirely in the form of letters and e-mail messages from Olivia, The True and Outstanding Adventures of the Hunt Sisters is an honest look at life, love, and the power of family. At first, it's a bit disconcerting to only get Olivia's side of the story. I kept expecting there to be a letter or message from someone else. But once I got into the rhythm of it, I grew to appreciate Olivia's wit and perspective. She is an authentic character who says everything she is feeling at any given time. As one can imagine, this often backfires and she has to backpedal. Yet she is as forthright with her apologies as she is with pushing toward her goals.
Olivia's unabashed love for her parents and sister shine through, even though her selfishness overshadows it at times. As a reader, I found her learning curve through all of her trials and tribulations to be an educational experience from all angles. However, the recounting of minute details about trying to get a movie made and its production does get tedious. The author, a producer and screenwriter, clearly knows what she is writing about, but those who are not insiders may get bored with the excesses that are part of movie production.
The story of Olivia and Michael's relationship, and her obvious love and fierce care for Maddie make this book shine. It is obvious from the beginning that The True and Outstanding Adventures of the Hunt Sisters is a four-hanky novel, and readers who love a good tear-jerker will not be disappointed. The book will also make you laugh, and everyone can identify with something in Olivia's life, and learn more about themselves in the process.
August 26, 2009
Since I'm usually not fond of books written in epistolary form, I wasn't sure if I would like this book or not. It was one of those books that, at the beginning, I wasn't sure I would finish, but as I got further into the book I liked it more and more. WARNING: SPOILER In some ways, I would have preferred that the author focus less on her activities in the film industry, and more on her sister's cancer, but can't articulate my reasons for that. It definitely was an accurate portrayal of how helpless one feels and how frustrating it can be to have a loved one be very sick, when you have no control over that. I also liked the way it showed family members' differing reactions to the sister's illness. Unfortunately, the cover makes the book look as if it belongs in the "chick lit" category, but overall, the book is rather more serious than that.
There are two quotes from the book that I particularly like:
1. (p. 148) Her gradual awakening to what's happened to her, to what she's lost and what may lie ahead,is harder to witness than all the spinal taps and puking, because I know this pain may not end ... Watching someone you love being hurt is its own special hell. Because you are not hurt, because you are strong, you feel you ought to prevent the pain from being inflicted; her pain is blameless, while your psychic pain is laced with the guilt of knowing you didn't do anything to stop it, and the fact that you couldn't have comforts only your mind, never your heart.
2. (p. 293) When I walk into an old cathedral ... I in fact feel as if I'm trespassing. I feel I've made a mistake, I've entered a secret club, that I shouldn't be there, especially if a service is in progress... I see the bowed heads of believers on their knees, and I hear the muffled whispers of their prayers, I feel alone and apart from them and that I don't belong in that place. I want to. I am in awe of it. But I'm outside. I envy those praying people. I want to feel what they feel. There is magic there, but I can only watch it, like an audience watches a ballet, never knowing what it feels like to pirouette on one toe ...
There are two quotes from the book that I particularly like:
1. (p. 148) Her gradual awakening to what's happened to her, to what she's lost and what may lie ahead,is harder to witness than all the spinal taps and puking, because I know this pain may not end ... Watching someone you love being hurt is its own special hell. Because you are not hurt, because you are strong, you feel you ought to prevent the pain from being inflicted; her pain is blameless, while your psychic pain is laced with the guilt of knowing you didn't do anything to stop it, and the fact that you couldn't have comforts only your mind, never your heart.
2. (p. 293) When I walk into an old cathedral ... I in fact feel as if I'm trespassing. I feel I've made a mistake, I've entered a secret club, that I shouldn't be there, especially if a service is in progress... I see the bowed heads of believers on their knees, and I hear the muffled whispers of their prayers, I feel alone and apart from them and that I don't belong in that place. I want to. I am in awe of it. But I'm outside. I envy those praying people. I want to feel what they feel. There is magic there, but I can only watch it, like an audience watches a ballet, never knowing what it feels like to pirouette on one toe ...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 13, 2011
I really wanted to like this book, having received it as a gift from someone who knows the author personally and with whom I share the drama of much of the story's themes (sisterhood, close relative with cancer.) But I have to say overall I was disappointed. The writing itself is better than I expected from a book of its type (chick lit?) but sometimes even that is hard to believe coming from the voice of a Hollywood movie producer. But ok, i guess it's possible. But really, does it all have to be in her voice? Especially when actually she's a little tiresome after a while? And what were the so-called adventures of the sisters anyway? I would have liked more of the few stories you get from their childhood (and told in a more believable way - not for example in a letter to her movie director who she barely knows.) When the inevitable happens at the end (spoiler alert) I know I was supposed to cry, and sure I was moved but it didn't really grab me quite as much as I wished it had. I liked the Don Quixote parallel - it was almost spelled out a little too obviously in the end but not quite, which I appreciated. Overall I guess I thought it was ok- a decent vacation read (which is when I read it) and perhaps therapeutic for someone going through a similar experience, but I'm afraid it didn't knock my socks off.
June 12, 2018
I don't rate many books 5 stars these days. I feel like I am much more cynical about what I "love" and so many books are similar to things I have read before. I found the main character Olivia relate-able (although we have almost nothing in common) and thankfully she was not an average Mary Sue. The main subject though done before was realistically portrayed and I felt so connected to the way these characters were handling everything. I will mention that it is written in letter format by the main character who is writing to her sister, boyfriend, best friend and various others, which apparently is a huge turn off to many people. I found this to be an additional insight to Olivia, as I know for some people it easier to express themselves via written communication than verbal. Anyway, I found myself thinking about this book when it wasn't in sight and sneaking in time to read more often than normal. This one won't be going in the garage sale pile and I will be sharing it with all of my book-loving friends.
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