I got this in a book subscription box. I had the first book on my shelves unread - so I read that one first. Overall I loved them all and I really enjoyed the short story formats.



The first book comes across as 13 stories about the residents of Crosby, Main loosely linked by one common character Oliver Kitteridge. Some of the appearances of Olive seemed forced if I am honest but I still loved the book.

This novel "Olive, again" feels more firmly rooted in the concept of linked short stories and develops Olive's character while going back to some of the other characters and filling them in a little too.



Overall both novels show us what it means to be human, warts and all, and explore the bittersweet happiness that is day to day living.