2017 Reading Challenge discussion

Olive Kitteridge

I just finished it today, but I've known about it since probably 2010. At the time I was volunteering at a radio service in Richmond and editing audiobooks into program-sized installments, and this was one of the two books that intrigued me. Additionally, I believe this novel was adapted for an HBO miniseries that aired a couple months back; I haven't seen it yet, but now I kind of want to.

I'm not crazy about books that use each chapter to examine or showcase different characters, but that works pretty well here, in a very Small Town, USA way that isn't patronizing at all. In fact, I was quite saddened to read of one particular character's fate.

This book deals with a lot of depression and disappointment that is relatable in some way. It might sound like a downer, but there also were some really beautiful moments, including the end. I was sorry to finish it, but now I'm looking forward to catching the miniseries soon!

This was my Pulitzer Prize book as well. I've had it for a long time, and this challenge was the perfect reason to pull it out. I am a fan of books that use different characters to showcase characters, but what I didn't like was that we were left hanging in many cases, and didn't know what happened further. I agree that it was beautifully written, but I was actually relieved to finish it. A little too depressing overall for me.

I bought this book this summer and hopefully will get it read next year. Glad to see what you thought about it.