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Olivetti
Being a typewriter is not as easy as it looks. Surrounded by books (notorious attention hogs) and recently replaced by a computer, Olivetti has been forgotten by the Brindle family—the family he’s lived with for years. The Brindles are busy humans, apart from 12-year-old Ernest, who would rather be left alone with his collection of Oxford English Dictionaries. The least they could do was remember Olivetti once in a while, since he remembers every word they’ve typed on him. It’s a thankless job, keeping memories alive.
Olivetti gets a rare glimpse of action from Ernest’s mom, Beatrice--his used-to-be most frequent visitor—only for her to drop him off at Heartland Pawn Shop and leave him helplessly behind. When Olivetti learns Beatrice has mysteriously gone missing afterward, he believes he can help find her. He breaks the only rule of the “typewriterly code” and types back to Ernest, divulging Beatrice’s memories stored inside him.
Their search takes them across San Francisco—chasing clues, maybe committing a few misdemeanors. As Olivetti spills out the past, Ernest is forced to face what he and his family have been running from, The Everything That Happened. Only by working together will they find Beatrice, belonging, and the parts of themselves they’ve lost.
Olivetti gets a rare glimpse of action from Ernest’s mom, Beatrice--his used-to-be most frequent visitor—only for her to drop him off at Heartland Pawn Shop and leave him helplessly behind. When Olivetti learns Beatrice has mysteriously gone missing afterward, he believes he can help find her. He breaks the only rule of the “typewriterly code” and types back to Ernest, divulging Beatrice’s memories stored inside him.
Their search takes them across San Francisco—chasing clues, maybe committing a few misdemeanors. As Olivetti spills out the past, Ernest is forced to face what he and his family have been running from, The Everything That Happened. Only by working together will they find Beatrice, belonging, and the parts of themselves they’ve lost.
253 pages, Hardcover
First published March 26, 2024
About the author
Allie Millington
2 books63 followersAllie first wrote her debut novel, OLIVETTI, on her own antique typewriter--who turned out to have an awful lot to say. She lives with her husband, their dog Crumpet, and a collection of clacking machines. You can find her on instagram (@allieinink) or possibly in her pillow fort.
Allie's second Middle Grade novel, ONCE FOR YES, releases with Macmillan Publishers in 2025. She has two picture books that will quickly follow, WHEN YOU FIND A HOPE and WHEN YOU FIND A QUESTION (Hachette Book Group).
Allie's second Middle Grade novel, ONCE FOR YES, releases with Macmillan Publishers in 2025. She has two picture books that will quickly follow, WHEN YOU FIND A HOPE and WHEN YOU FIND A QUESTION (Hachette Book Group).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 232 reviews
March 31, 2024
OLIVETTI
BY: ALLIE MILLINGTON
About 3.5 stars!
A heartfelt middle grade debut told from the vantage point s of a witty typewriter and an introverted boy . Being a typewriter is not as easy as it looks, Surrounded by books (notorious attention hogs
and recently rep;aced by a computer, Olivetti has been forgotten by the Brindle family --the family he's lived with for years. The Brundles are busy humans apart from twelve year old Ernest, who would rather be left alone wit h his Oxford English Dictionaries. The least they could do is remember Olivetti once in a while, since he remembers every word they've typed on him. It's a thankless job, keeping memories alive.
Olivetti gets a rare glimpse of action from Ernest's non, Beatrice, his used to be most frequent visitor only to be most frequent visitor only for her to drop him of at Heartland Pawn Shop and leave him helplessly behind. When Olivetti learns that Beatrice has gone missing afterward he believes he can help find her. He breaks the only rule of the typewriter code and types back to Earnest , divulging Beatrice's memories stored inside him.
Their search takes them across San Francisco chasing clues, maybe committing a few misdemeanors. As Olivetti spills out the past, Ernest is forced to face what he and his family have been running from, the Everything That Happened. Only by working together will they find Beatrice, belonging , and the parts of themselves they've lost.
A cute story about how typewriters are becoming dinosaurs with the invention of laptops. This typewriter stores memories of the mother in the family who used it. Giving clues on how to locate a missing user who is the mother of the family. i thought this was an original story that educates middle graders of the importance of typewriters in the past. This typewriter becomes an animated part of this family. Cure and charming allegorical tale that reminded me how when I was in high school is how I learned to type on.
That being said I was disappointed by the unnecessary gross content that I wasn't expecting. It could be the timing but I didn't find the story was told in a more concise delivery. Maybe the younger audiences that pick this up will find it funny. I didn't. I'm no prude but I was expecting a more wholesome narrative since the publisher contains the word "Children." in it. I was expecting it aimed at children due to the synopsis.
Publication Date: March 26, 2024
Thank you to Net Galley, Allie Millington and Macmillan Childrens Publishing Group for providing me with my ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
#Olivetti #AllieMillington #MacmillanChildrensPublishingGroup #NetGalley
BY: ALLIE MILLINGTON
About 3.5 stars!
A heartfelt middle grade debut told from the vantage point s of a witty typewriter and an introverted boy . Being a typewriter is not as easy as it looks, Surrounded by books (notorious attention hogs
and recently rep;aced by a computer, Olivetti has been forgotten by the Brindle family --the family he's lived with for years. The Brundles are busy humans apart from twelve year old Ernest, who would rather be left alone wit h his Oxford English Dictionaries. The least they could do is remember Olivetti once in a while, since he remembers every word they've typed on him. It's a thankless job, keeping memories alive.
Olivetti gets a rare glimpse of action from Ernest's non, Beatrice, his used to be most frequent visitor only to be most frequent visitor only for her to drop him of at Heartland Pawn Shop and leave him helplessly behind. When Olivetti learns that Beatrice has gone missing afterward he believes he can help find her. He breaks the only rule of the typewriter code and types back to Earnest , divulging Beatrice's memories stored inside him.
Their search takes them across San Francisco chasing clues, maybe committing a few misdemeanors. As Olivetti spills out the past, Ernest is forced to face what he and his family have been running from, the Everything That Happened. Only by working together will they find Beatrice, belonging , and the parts of themselves they've lost.
A cute story about how typewriters are becoming dinosaurs with the invention of laptops. This typewriter stores memories of the mother in the family who used it. Giving clues on how to locate a missing user who is the mother of the family. i thought this was an original story that educates middle graders of the importance of typewriters in the past. This typewriter becomes an animated part of this family. Cure and charming allegorical tale that reminded me how when I was in high school is how I learned to type on.
That being said I was disappointed by the unnecessary gross content that I wasn't expecting. It could be the timing but I didn't find the story was told in a more concise delivery. Maybe the younger audiences that pick this up will find it funny. I didn't. I'm no prude but I was expecting a more wholesome narrative since the publisher contains the word "Children." in it. I was expecting it aimed at children due to the synopsis.
Publication Date: March 26, 2024
Thank you to Net Galley, Allie Millington and Macmillan Childrens Publishing Group for providing me with my ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
#Olivetti #AllieMillington #MacmillanChildrensPublishingGroup #NetGalley
October 2, 2023
I loved this book. Yes, some parts were hard, but I think that life is that way. It is not always sunshine and rainbows. We struggle, we don't understand each other, we lose ourselves, we deal with hard things.
Olivetti was an amazing character that was well written. Just the idea of your typewriter feeling left out because technology has advanced so much, made me feel sad. I love when Olivetti discusses how a book only holds one story and that a typewriter holds a lifetime of stories. I enjoyed that the typewriters could communicate with each other. Makes me want to go buy a typewriter.
Quinn was a fun, quirky character. She had a great way of doing what was needed even though it wasn't asked for.
I will be buying this book for the library. It would make for a great YA book club book.
Thank you Netgalley and Allie Millington for the ARC of this book. It was a treasure.
Merged review:
I loved this book. Yes, some parts were hard, but I think that life is that way. It is not always sunshine and rainbows. We struggle, we don't understand each other, we lose ourselves, we deal with hard things.
Olivetti was an amazing character that was well written. Just the idea of your typewriter feeling left out because technology has advanced so much, made me feel sad. I love when Olivetti discusses how a book only holds one story and that a typewriter holds a lifetime of stories. I enjoyed that the typewriters could communicate with each other. Makes me want to go buy a typewriter.
Quinn was a fun, quirky character. She had a great way of doing what was needed even though it wasn't asked for.
I will be buying this book for the library. It would make for a great YA book club book.
Thank you Netgalley and Allie Millington for the ARC of this book. It was a treasure.
Olivetti was an amazing character that was well written. Just the idea of your typewriter feeling left out because technology has advanced so much, made me feel sad. I love when Olivetti discusses how a book only holds one story and that a typewriter holds a lifetime of stories. I enjoyed that the typewriters could communicate with each other. Makes me want to go buy a typewriter.
Quinn was a fun, quirky character. She had a great way of doing what was needed even though it wasn't asked for.
I will be buying this book for the library. It would make for a great YA book club book.
Thank you Netgalley and Allie Millington for the ARC of this book. It was a treasure.
Merged review:
I loved this book. Yes, some parts were hard, but I think that life is that way. It is not always sunshine and rainbows. We struggle, we don't understand each other, we lose ourselves, we deal with hard things.
Olivetti was an amazing character that was well written. Just the idea of your typewriter feeling left out because technology has advanced so much, made me feel sad. I love when Olivetti discusses how a book only holds one story and that a typewriter holds a lifetime of stories. I enjoyed that the typewriters could communicate with each other. Makes me want to go buy a typewriter.
Quinn was a fun, quirky character. She had a great way of doing what was needed even though it wasn't asked for.
I will be buying this book for the library. It would make for a great YA book club book.
Thank you Netgalley and Allie Millington for the ARC of this book. It was a treasure.
Want to read
April 16, 2024A mystery narrated by a typewriter? Say no more; I'm buying this. 🤩
April 1, 2024
Olivetti is a debut middle grade novel told simultaneously from the perspectives of both a boy and a typewriter. I loved the idea of a typewriter remembering all the words that are typed into it and having a “speaking part” in a novel, which is why I was initially drawn to this book.
The story here is cute and enjoyable with some funny and adventurous moments while also discussing some more serious topics such as grief, parental absence, prolonged sickness, and ostracized friends in a way that is gentle enough to be accessible for young readers while still communicating a powerful message.
Ernest is searching for his missing mother, and his only clue is the typewriter she left behind that remembers every word she typed into it over the years. He unexpectedly teams up with Quinn, a quirky and outgoing girl who was a sort of comedic relief to the more serious nature of Ernest. The two of them, along with Olivetti the typewriter, go on a journey of solving clues and confronting difficult truths while learning about the power of friendship along the way.
One thing I loved about this novel is that it’s very clever and for “word nerds” as Ernest loves reading the dictionary and learning new words. He copes with stressful situations by citing words from the dictionary in alphabetical order that relate to his current situation. I thought that was a unique but fun hobby for a 12-year-old boy to have, and readers who love words (like myself) will really identify with him.
Overall, I thought Olivetti was a delightful novel that was highly enjoyable for an adult like myself but also perfectly written for the middle grade target audience. I would recommend checking out this story, and I’m looking forward to reading more books by this author in the future.
The story here is cute and enjoyable with some funny and adventurous moments while also discussing some more serious topics such as grief, parental absence, prolonged sickness, and ostracized friends in a way that is gentle enough to be accessible for young readers while still communicating a powerful message.
Ernest is searching for his missing mother, and his only clue is the typewriter she left behind that remembers every word she typed into it over the years. He unexpectedly teams up with Quinn, a quirky and outgoing girl who was a sort of comedic relief to the more serious nature of Ernest. The two of them, along with Olivetti the typewriter, go on a journey of solving clues and confronting difficult truths while learning about the power of friendship along the way.
One thing I loved about this novel is that it’s very clever and for “word nerds” as Ernest loves reading the dictionary and learning new words. He copes with stressful situations by citing words from the dictionary in alphabetical order that relate to his current situation. I thought that was a unique but fun hobby for a 12-year-old boy to have, and readers who love words (like myself) will really identify with him.
Overall, I thought Olivetti was a delightful novel that was highly enjoyable for an adult like myself but also perfectly written for the middle grade target audience. I would recommend checking out this story, and I’m looking forward to reading more books by this author in the future.
March 23, 2024
This was okay, but never really rose above that. The cover is gorgeous. I think the bones of the story have a lot of potential, and thought the blurb sounded right up my alley. But the writing and characters never fully drew me in.
I did like the dual narration, one narrator for the chapters from Ernest's POV and one for Olivetti's chapters. I think I enjoyed the audiobook more than I would have the print, because it did up my engagement some and brought a little more life to Olivetti in particular. I've liked books narrated by Simon Vance, who voices Olivetti, in the past, and again enjoyed the narration here, though I was slightly bothered by the accent so many British people seem to do when voicing Americans, which didn't really fit the way any of the characters sounded when voiced by the American narrator. So while I liked his narration for Olivetti, when he voiced the other characters during those chapters I wasn't the biggest fan.
I think part of the problem for me with this book was the story trying to do too much. There's the typewriter being sentient, Ernest having no friends and really struggling, the family's past struggles and current emotional distance, a new friend Ernest meets and has trouble trusting and opening up to, a serious mystery to solve, and more. I think that just focusing on on the family would have tightened the story up a lot and made more room for character growth. As it was, each family member apart from the main character had one personality trait repeated over and over again and we knew little else about them or their relationships with one another. I usually ADORE sentient objects and robots and such in stories but I felt nothing for Olivetti. Even the typewriter didn't have enough personality to be a really engaging character. I just wanted to feel something while reading this story, a little bit of magic or strong emotion, but I never did.
I have some reservations about a book where a parent's past battle with cancer, and their cancer returning are the sort of hidden aspects of the story that are alluded to for a long time before finally being revealed. I definitely think these topics belong in books for this age group. But I don't think it's appropriate for students to be taken by surprise by them in a book, the way they are intended to here. I think that Ernest and his father and mother's navigating these incredibly difficult situations was well portrayed, but I think the story could have worked well if it had unfolded in a way where these weren't kept secret from the reader for so long. I hope that the actual book will have content warnings at the start.
I was kind of flummoxed by the emphasis on Ernest never using his phone at all. We're told this is because he has no friends to call or text with. But the internet exists. It's awesome that he has a fixation on the dictionary and really enjoys that, but there are surely groups for people who love the dictionary and games for kids who love words along with worlds of information and books and other things to delve into. I just found that aspect of the story quite odd.
I also found the worldbuilding around typewriters being sentient (such a fun idea!) to be lacking and not particularly interesting. Again, so much potential, but it never really went anywhere.
Again, this felt very much like a story I would love, but the characters and writing never quite reached that memorable magic that the best books have. This would merit an additional purchase in my school library, as long as it contained content warnings so students weren't caught unawares by the difficult topics which might inspire a lot of anxiety in students who have faced similar family situations.
*Audio ARC provided by NetGalley.
I did like the dual narration, one narrator for the chapters from Ernest's POV and one for Olivetti's chapters. I think I enjoyed the audiobook more than I would have the print, because it did up my engagement some and brought a little more life to Olivetti in particular. I've liked books narrated by Simon Vance, who voices Olivetti, in the past, and again enjoyed the narration here, though I was slightly bothered by the accent so many British people seem to do when voicing Americans, which didn't really fit the way any of the characters sounded when voiced by the American narrator. So while I liked his narration for Olivetti, when he voiced the other characters during those chapters I wasn't the biggest fan.
I think part of the problem for me with this book was the story trying to do too much. There's the typewriter being sentient, Ernest having no friends and really struggling, the family's past struggles and current emotional distance, a new friend Ernest meets and has trouble trusting and opening up to, a serious mystery to solve, and more. I think that just focusing on on the family would have tightened the story up a lot and made more room for character growth. As it was, each family member apart from the main character had one personality trait repeated over and over again and we knew little else about them or their relationships with one another. I usually ADORE sentient objects and robots and such in stories but I felt nothing for Olivetti. Even the typewriter didn't have enough personality to be a really engaging character. I just wanted to feel something while reading this story, a little bit of magic or strong emotion, but I never did.
I have some reservations about a book where a parent's past battle with cancer, and their cancer returning are the sort of hidden aspects of the story that are alluded to for a long time before finally being revealed. I definitely think these topics belong in books for this age group. But I don't think it's appropriate for students to be taken by surprise by them in a book, the way they are intended to here. I think that Ernest and his father and mother's navigating these incredibly difficult situations was well portrayed, but I think the story could have worked well if it had unfolded in a way where these weren't kept secret from the reader for so long. I hope that the actual book will have content warnings at the start.
I was kind of flummoxed by the emphasis on Ernest never using his phone at all. We're told this is because he has no friends to call or text with. But the internet exists. It's awesome that he has a fixation on the dictionary and really enjoys that, but there are surely groups for people who love the dictionary and games for kids who love words along with worlds of information and books and other things to delve into. I just found that aspect of the story quite odd.
I also found the worldbuilding around typewriters being sentient (such a fun idea!) to be lacking and not particularly interesting. Again, so much potential, but it never really went anywhere.
Again, this felt very much like a story I would love, but the characters and writing never quite reached that memorable magic that the best books have. This would merit an additional purchase in my school library, as long as it contained content warnings so students weren't caught unawares by the difficult topics which might inspire a lot of anxiety in students who have faced similar family situations.
*Audio ARC provided by NetGalley.
April 3, 2024
Leaving this review with happy, teary eyes for this sweet, emotional, heartwarming book!
It’s middle grade but as an adult, I really enjoyed it.
It’s middle grade but as an adult, I really enjoyed it.
March 26, 2024
Narrated from the perspective of a typewriter and a young boy, this is a pleasing story of a family that is emotional and humorous. I have so many quotes that I loved reading here that they had to be mentioned at the bottom.
The story is about a typewriter counting his days in the dark corner after being replaced by modern gadgets until one day a person in the family goes missing. Olivetti (the typewriter) believes he can finally be of help, but to do that, he will have to break one of the most conspicuous rules of their world.
Olivetti is next-level witty and the sarcastic charisma of the writing style worked so well for me. It is an overall light-hearted middle-grade book but I would recommend my fellow readers to check the content disclaimers too. The narration style reminded me of the book 'Remarkably bright creatures' and I think the book will be perfect for the fans.
Thanks to @netgalley @macmillanusa @allieinink for the ARC.
Genre: #middlegrade #fiction
Disclaimers: #cancer #therapy #mentalwelbeing
Rating: 4.5/5 ⭐️
Favourite Quote:
"If they just read the Oxford English Dictionary, they'd see both expressions were in there. They were both idioms and idioms are phrases that don't follow any kind of logic. My family apparently wasn't following any logic either because they were fighting over figures of speech. They were acting like a bunch of idioms" 🤣🤣🤣
The story is about a typewriter counting his days in the dark corner after being replaced by modern gadgets until one day a person in the family goes missing. Olivetti (the typewriter) believes he can finally be of help, but to do that, he will have to break one of the most conspicuous rules of their world.
Olivetti is next-level witty and the sarcastic charisma of the writing style worked so well for me. It is an overall light-hearted middle-grade book but I would recommend my fellow readers to check the content disclaimers too. The narration style reminded me of the book 'Remarkably bright creatures' and I think the book will be perfect for the fans.
Thanks to @netgalley @macmillanusa @allieinink for the ARC.
Genre: #middlegrade #fiction
Disclaimers: #cancer #therapy #mentalwelbeing
Rating: 4.5/5 ⭐️
Favourite Quote:
"If they just read the Oxford English Dictionary, they'd see both expressions were in there. They were both idioms and idioms are phrases that don't follow any kind of logic. My family apparently wasn't following any logic either because they were fighting over figures of speech. They were acting like a bunch of idioms" 🤣🤣🤣
February 15, 2024
Heartwarming. Full review to come soon
March 20, 2024
Title: Olivetti by Allie Milington
Publication Date- 03/26/24
Publisher- RB Media
Overall Rating- 5 out of 5 stars
Review: Review copy given to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
First and foremost the audio production was spectacular. Very distinct voices between characters and performed in a way that the age group could hear without feeling bored.
Outside of that, I also felt this was a very powerful story. It’s heartbreaking at times and could lead to some tears. However, this is one of those stories that could spark a lot of conversation between families and answer questions that are often avoided. If I had a child I would read this with them and use it as a tool to answer questions about grief and anticipatory grief.
Not only is the story well written but the characters both main and side are very likable. Even as an adult reading this story I made notes of quotes that I appreciated.
All in all a very important story for young people and adults alike. Has some magical realism that made it more interesting and took some weight off the heaviness that comes with some of the topics discussed. Very cute and also thought provoking, a good balance between the two.
Publication Date- 03/26/24
Publisher- RB Media
Overall Rating- 5 out of 5 stars
Review: Review copy given to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
First and foremost the audio production was spectacular. Very distinct voices between characters and performed in a way that the age group could hear without feeling bored.
Outside of that, I also felt this was a very powerful story. It’s heartbreaking at times and could lead to some tears. However, this is one of those stories that could spark a lot of conversation between families and answer questions that are often avoided. If I had a child I would read this with them and use it as a tool to answer questions about grief and anticipatory grief.
Not only is the story well written but the characters both main and side are very likable. Even as an adult reading this story I made notes of quotes that I appreciated.
All in all a very important story for young people and adults alike. Has some magical realism that made it more interesting and took some weight off the heaviness that comes with some of the topics discussed. Very cute and also thought provoking, a good balance between the two.
March 17, 2024
Olivetti
by Allie Millington
“Memories are like heartbeats. They keep things alive. They make us who we are.”
The day his mom, Beatrice, went missing, Ernest Brindle realized he hadn’t spoken to her for seven days. They had argued over an appointment with yet another therapist. He’d told her that he didn’t want to talk to anyone, not even her. Why didn’t she understand that all he was trying to do was forget the “Everything That Happened.” Now she was missing, and it was all his fault!
Olivetti has been displaced by that attention hog, the lap top. He was once a beloved typewriter and sat in the place of honor on Beatrice’s desk. Olivetti was a trustworthy keeper of stories, memories and secrets, and now he is all but forgotten. But when Beatrice disappears, Olivetti may be the key to discovering where she’s gone.
Ernest and his family are a bit of a mess. They’ve been through a rough time and in the aftermath, they are not as close, are preoccupied with their own pursuits and have forgotten who they were as a family. The Brindles will have to band together, along with the trusty Olivetti and their friends to find Beatrice.
I was so happy to have read Olivetti for Middle Grade March. It managed to be both heartwarming and charming as it navigated big issues. The book speaks to the comfort and resilience possible in both biological and found families. It is an ode to the power of the written word and story. Some readers will have a hard time buying into Beatrice’s disappearence, but go with it, it’s worth the ride.
Many thanks to the author Allie Millington, @MacKidsBooks and @NetGalley for the pleasure of reading this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
by Allie Millington
“Memories are like heartbeats. They keep things alive. They make us who we are.”
The day his mom, Beatrice, went missing, Ernest Brindle realized he hadn’t spoken to her for seven days. They had argued over an appointment with yet another therapist. He’d told her that he didn’t want to talk to anyone, not even her. Why didn’t she understand that all he was trying to do was forget the “Everything That Happened.” Now she was missing, and it was all his fault!
Olivetti has been displaced by that attention hog, the lap top. He was once a beloved typewriter and sat in the place of honor on Beatrice’s desk. Olivetti was a trustworthy keeper of stories, memories and secrets, and now he is all but forgotten. But when Beatrice disappears, Olivetti may be the key to discovering where she’s gone.
Ernest and his family are a bit of a mess. They’ve been through a rough time and in the aftermath, they are not as close, are preoccupied with their own pursuits and have forgotten who they were as a family. The Brindles will have to band together, along with the trusty Olivetti and their friends to find Beatrice.
I was so happy to have read Olivetti for Middle Grade March. It managed to be both heartwarming and charming as it navigated big issues. The book speaks to the comfort and resilience possible in both biological and found families. It is an ode to the power of the written word and story. Some readers will have a hard time buying into Beatrice’s disappearence, but go with it, it’s worth the ride.
Many thanks to the author Allie Millington, @MacKidsBooks and @NetGalley for the pleasure of reading this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 21, 2024
Olivetti is everything I love in a middle grade book! It has it all: family, friends, a librarian, magic, plus references to The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. I read it in one afternoon and had a good, little cry when it was done.
5⭐️
5⭐️
February 10, 2024
Pub day: 3-26-2024
“Memories are like heartbeats. They keep things alive. They make us who we are.”
I love when a book gives a story from a unique perspective and having one from a typewriter may be one of the most satisfying and unique experiences I’ve had.
This was a very thoughtful story about both biological and found family. About individual struggles in life, how everyone handles them differently, and how important it is to communicate. It also made me really want to go out and buy a typewriter!
It was a lovely middle grade read that I’ll definitely encourage my daughter to read when she’s old enough!
Thanks to Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for the arc via Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
“Memories are like heartbeats. They keep things alive. They make us who we are.”
I love when a book gives a story from a unique perspective and having one from a typewriter may be one of the most satisfying and unique experiences I’ve had.
This was a very thoughtful story about both biological and found family. About individual struggles in life, how everyone handles them differently, and how important it is to communicate. It also made me really want to go out and buy a typewriter!
It was a lovely middle grade read that I’ll definitely encourage my daughter to read when she’s old enough!
Thanks to Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for the arc via Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
March 3, 2024
3.5 I liked most of this book, but I struggled with the story line a little bit and with some of the choices the older characters made.
March 21, 2024
thanks to NetGalley and RB Media for the ARC in exchange for providing an honest review.
this was precious. a solid children’s book. it bounces back and forth between the typewriters perspective and Ernest. It was cute and heartfelt and a quick read.
it explores how a family deals with stressors and trauma together, how it affects siblings and parents differently, and how lonely it can feel as a kid dealing with issues beyond what you can understand.
this was precious. a solid children’s book. it bounces back and forth between the typewriters perspective and Ernest. It was cute and heartfelt and a quick read.
it explores how a family deals with stressors and trauma together, how it affects siblings and parents differently, and how lonely it can feel as a kid dealing with issues beyond what you can understand.
March 28, 2024
A charming middle grade debut that was written to tug at your heartstrings and tickle your funny bone. Beatrice Brindle has quite suddenly gone missing, and there seems to be no answers in sight. Told through the perspectives of her introverted son, Ernest, and her beloved typewriter, Olivetti, the keeper of all her secrets. Together, this unlikely duo joins forces to commence on a journey for the truth. What they find is so much more.
I love how this story tackles some pretty heavy themes but does so in a way that keeps it light enough so as not to overwhelm. Its topics are serious in nature, but the author has a glass half full delivery that I think is entirely appropriate for the targeted age group.
While I personally would have enjoyed a bit more depth to the characters, I think we are given a motley crew to root for. Their quest for answers finds them discovering the true meaning of friendship, family, and faith.
Final thoughts? A stunning cover, a smoothly written narrative, and a sentient typewriter that remembers every single word ever typed? How could one resist? I will be book buzzing this one to my middle school readers for sure.
I love how this story tackles some pretty heavy themes but does so in a way that keeps it light enough so as not to overwhelm. Its topics are serious in nature, but the author has a glass half full delivery that I think is entirely appropriate for the targeted age group.
While I personally would have enjoyed a bit more depth to the characters, I think we are given a motley crew to root for. Their quest for answers finds them discovering the true meaning of friendship, family, and faith.
Final thoughts? A stunning cover, a smoothly written narrative, and a sentient typewriter that remembers every single word ever typed? How could one resist? I will be book buzzing this one to my middle school readers for sure.
April 4, 2024
I laughed and I cried and I literally could not put this book down!!! Olivetti is heartwarming and endearing and makes me want to start writing all of my hopes and dreams down on the nearest typewriter I can get my hands on (and maybe, just maybe, it will tell me some of its own hopes and dreams right back!). I love how each character has such unique and well-defined personalities, including Olivetti himself. And I love how every character pointed out some beautiful, tender aspect of the human heart and the beauty of being a human being (or being a typewriter, for that matter).
And this book is special beyond just the words and story it carries—but also knowing the journey Allie has gone on to bring this story to life. She is a beacon of hope to so many, and her courage in creating beautiful, honest stories has brought me a lot of hope.
Brb while I go reread this 100 times. Bravo and well done, Allie!!!!!
And this book is special beyond just the words and story it carries—but also knowing the journey Allie has gone on to bring this story to life. She is a beacon of hope to so many, and her courage in creating beautiful, honest stories has brought me a lot of hope.
Brb while I go reread this 100 times. Bravo and well done, Allie!!!!!
April 16, 2024
Fresh, original and heartfelt. I couldn't get enough of this middle grade novel about a group of siblings looking for their absentee mother with the help of Olivetti, a magical typewriter that is able to communicate by sharing the words that previous owners have typed into him.
Full of big emotions and tackling some heavy topics (cancer), this book is perfect for fans of the Narnia series or Madeleine L'Engle's Time quartet series. Great on audio, this is definitely one not to miss and one that would make for a great family bed time read with young children. Highly recommended!
Full of big emotions and tackling some heavy topics (cancer), this book is perfect for fans of the Narnia series or Madeleine L'Engle's Time quartet series. Great on audio, this is definitely one not to miss and one that would make for a great family bed time read with young children. Highly recommended!
April 15, 2024
4.5 rounded up🌟
This is a heart warming, at times heartbreaking, middle grade novel told from the points of view of 12 year old Ernest Brindle and Olivetti, his family’s typewriter. We follow these two as they search for Ernest’s mother Beatrice, who has suddenly gone missing. You will not only root for these characters, you will also fall in love with the entire Brindle family - especially the loyal and lovable Olivetti. We should all be so lucky to have an Olivetti in our lives!
This is a heart warming, at times heartbreaking, middle grade novel told from the points of view of 12 year old Ernest Brindle and Olivetti, his family’s typewriter. We follow these two as they search for Ernest’s mother Beatrice, who has suddenly gone missing. You will not only root for these characters, you will also fall in love with the entire Brindle family - especially the loyal and lovable Olivetti. We should all be so lucky to have an Olivetti in our lives!
March 22, 2024
Thank you RB Media | Recorded Books for allowing me to read and review Olivetti on NetGalley.
Published: 03/26/24
Narrators: Christopher Gebauer, Simon Vance
Stars: 0
The synopsis does not prepare the reader for what they are going to tackle. This surpasses hurting someone's feelings (trigger warnings). The cover tells a story: a writer, happy. The synopsis relays a heartfelt debut -- not what I read.
The book opens with the talking typewriter (Vance). I laughed and was ready for a nice feel good story. Millington does capture human traits on the typewriter really well. Some things you just have to read for yourself: she clearly has talent. And I believe her storytelling will improve. My problem is with the synopsis.
Spoiler: A mother of three walks away from her family that is still hurting from a cancer diagnosis previously and their inability to communicate with each other adds to the trauma. Later on it is learned the cancer has returned in the mother. The bottomline is through a series of events the family finds the mother in what sounded like a position to unalive herself. Yes, the kids were there.
The story went unexpectedly dark. This is middle grade fiction. The synopsis needs to reflect the story.
The narration was good.
I'm finding it hard to be complimentary at all. I can't help but see an innocent child judging a book by its cover leading to a story with an abandoning parent, a loud grouchy parent left in the house and the humor of a talking typewriter. This feels wrong on many levels to me. NetGalley does not accept zero stars.
Published: 03/26/24
Narrators: Christopher Gebauer, Simon Vance
Stars: 0
The synopsis does not prepare the reader for what they are going to tackle. This surpasses hurting someone's feelings (trigger warnings). The cover tells a story: a writer, happy. The synopsis relays a heartfelt debut -- not what I read.
The book opens with the talking typewriter (Vance). I laughed and was ready for a nice feel good story. Millington does capture human traits on the typewriter really well. Some things you just have to read for yourself: she clearly has talent. And I believe her storytelling will improve. My problem is with the synopsis.
Spoiler: A mother of three walks away from her family that is still hurting from a cancer diagnosis previously and their inability to communicate with each other adds to the trauma. Later on it is learned the cancer has returned in the mother. The bottomline is through a series of events the family finds the mother in what sounded like a position to unalive herself. Yes, the kids were there.
The story went unexpectedly dark. This is middle grade fiction. The synopsis needs to reflect the story.
The narration was good.
I'm finding it hard to be complimentary at all. I can't help but see an innocent child judging a book by its cover leading to a story with an abandoning parent, a loud grouchy parent left in the house and the humor of a talking typewriter. This feels wrong on many levels to me. NetGalley does not accept zero stars.
March 27, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an e-audiobook ARC!
The audiobook narrations really made the story enjoyable, as the voices fit the characters sooo well. I'm sure MG readers will absolutely love this. It had the adventure, the fun, the emotions, and the magical elements. I loved Olivetti's character, and now I desperately want a typewriter. It does cover a very difficult topic, but I think it was handled well.
The audiobook narrations really made the story enjoyable, as the voices fit the characters sooo well. I'm sure MG readers will absolutely love this. It had the adventure, the fun, the emotions, and the magical elements. I loved Olivetti's character, and now I desperately want a typewriter. It does cover a very difficult topic, but I think it was handled well.
February 19, 2024
I found Olivetti to be a little problematic for the target audience. While some of the issues within the story may fit into younger lives, much of it seemed to be written during an older timeline. Ernest and Quinn were strong characters, and so was Olivetti, but the story left much to be desired. There were many times that I felt that the family story was just off or fell flat. I felt that Beatrice, being a mother that wrote so many of her families adventures, would not do as she did in any circumstance.
Thank you to Macmillan Children's Publishing Group and Netgalley for the complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Thank you to Macmillan Children's Publishing Group and Netgalley for the complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
March 27, 2024
I LOVE THIS BOOK!!!
LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!
Just a few of my favorite things about this story:
-Olivetti's VOICE. Ahhhhhh!!! Wow!
I adored him. I LOVED his
descriptions of tactile sensations on the different parts of his typewriterly "body." Especially the way different people feel when they type, and the feeling of sand and goo and crumbs between his keys. I love how he has a full personality, including a prejudice against books.
-Ernest's voice. Again, so lovable. So easy to cheer for. So sweet and wholesome and innocent yet feisty. He is hilarious.
- Allie's command of the story is flawless. Every word seems intentional. It had the wonderful vibes of a Lemony Snicket story, but with a sunnier outlook. she writes like someone who has been writing middle grade books for 50 years. This does not seen like a debut novel!! Wow! !!
- The fact that she wrote such a bittersweet, touching, heartwarming story without crossing the line into cheese. I don't know how she pulled this off. It's magical.
- The C.S. Lewis references.
- The authenticity of the interactions between Ernest and his siblings.
- The pawn metaphor.
- The interactions with Remi. In love with the idea that typewriters can speak to each other via sounds without paper. In love with her sticky keys. So memorable.
- Allie's sense of humor, apt descriptions, and sly comments, especially Olivetti's commenting on the human bathroom. I was seriously laughing out loud every few minutes.
- Allie always puts line breaks at the perfect spots, especially when Olivetti is narrating. It gives his chapters a distinct Markus Zusak-y feeling.
Trust me when I saw this one is an instant classic in the vein of Cornelia Funke and Kate DiCamillo.
LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!
Just a few of my favorite things about this story:
-Olivetti's VOICE. Ahhhhhh!!! Wow!
I adored him. I LOVED his
descriptions of tactile sensations on the different parts of his typewriterly "body." Especially the way different people feel when they type, and the feeling of sand and goo and crumbs between his keys. I love how he has a full personality, including a prejudice against books.
-Ernest's voice. Again, so lovable. So easy to cheer for. So sweet and wholesome and innocent yet feisty. He is hilarious.
- Allie's command of the story is flawless. Every word seems intentional. It had the wonderful vibes of a Lemony Snicket story, but with a sunnier outlook. she writes like someone who has been writing middle grade books for 50 years. This does not seen like a debut novel!! Wow! !!
- The fact that she wrote such a bittersweet, touching, heartwarming story without crossing the line into cheese. I don't know how she pulled this off. It's magical.
- The C.S. Lewis references.
- The authenticity of the interactions between Ernest and his siblings.
- The pawn metaphor.
- The interactions with Remi. In love with the idea that typewriters can speak to each other via sounds without paper. In love with her sticky keys. So memorable.
- Allie's sense of humor, apt descriptions, and sly comments, especially Olivetti's commenting on the human bathroom. I was seriously laughing out loud every few minutes.
- Allie always puts line breaks at the perfect spots, especially when Olivetti is narrating. It gives his chapters a distinct Markus Zusak-y feeling.
Trust me when I saw this one is an instant classic in the vein of Cornelia Funke and Kate DiCamillo.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 22, 2023
4 1/2 stars, highly recommended for middle-grade students, hopefully promoted by teachers and librarians
“Memories are like heartbeats. They keep things alive. They make us who we are.”
Characters: 9 (out of 10)
Twelve-year-old Ernest is stuck, unable to move forward in the present unless he can process the past. Enter Olivetti, a typewriter who serves as memory-keeper of Ernest’s family, but whose value has been overlooked until tragedy strikes and the mystery begins. Each Brindle family member’s personality is depicted with compassion in spite of flaws: dad Felix’s desire for meetings, older brother Ezra’s constant workouts, sister Adalyn’s phone addiction, younger brother Arlo’s frogs, Ernest’s dictionary-dictated life, and mother Beatrice’s failing attempts to unite them before her disappearance. But it wasn’t always this way, a realization recalled with the help of self-appointed friend Quinn, skilled with people and dumpster-diving. Add a well-meaning maintenance man and local librarian to create a sense of community.
Atmosphere/Settings: 9
From the rooftop and bookshelves of Valley View Apartments to the once needed but now forgotten items of Heartland Pawn shop, the settings provide purposeful details.
Writing Style: 9
The point of view bounces between the narration of middle-schooler Ernest and Olivetti. For the most part, it works. Though Olivetti possesses the limitations of being a typewriter, his objective and observant insights provide a counter-balance to Ernest’s emotional and social struggles.
The fluent dialogue, especially of quick-witted Quinn and introverted Ernest, effectively created humor to keep me smiling.
Family flashbacks of the Brindles sharing stories on the rooftop, constructing Narnia in their apartment, and operating on Olivetti are heartfelt and inspirational, leading readers to appreciate any such moments in their own family scrapbooks.
Plot: 9
“Everything that happened” in the past is gradually revealed at an appropriate pace. The setbacks to build the conflict are serious and a surprising antagonist arises in the form of an alleged artist, but the optimistic outcome is still expected.
Intrigue: 8
More than enough “I wonder what will happen next” questioning to keep me reading, but the use of a typewriter as a narrator has its advantages and disadvantages, occasionally slowing the pace with reflections.
Logic: 7
The author paid remarkable attention to Olivetti’s structured nature as a typewriter, avoiding most problems that could arise if he knew too much outside of human interactions, primarily revealed through the typed memories of Beatrice.
A few unaddressed items:
1. If Olivetti and Remi can communicate as typewriters, why can’t other inanimate objects communicate, particularly those filled with language and human interaction, such as books or computers? Or other items on the shelves of the pawn shop? Or the toolbox referred to as a friend by Olivetti?
2. Why does Olivetti possess such a strong dislike of books when they are a compilation of typed words, similar to the stories typed into Olivetti by Beatrice? Targeting his frustration toward computers as his replacement makes more sense.
3. As likable a character as Quinn is, her dumpster diving would result in a stinky situation. Though the possibility is mentioned, the practical effects are ignored when in close proximity to others. If she washes/cleans her common outfit where she stores her discoveries, it isn’t known.
Enjoyment and Meaning: 9
My expectations were met and surpassed with many smiles and meaningful moments.
Themes…
Family and friends can choose to help at all times. Apparent throughout the story, but synthesized when Ernest finds the five words to tell Quinn, “You remind me of her.”
Memories bind us. “It’s almost funny, me wanting to forget the Everything That Happened, when that was exactly where I was still stuck. Maybe the only way to get unstuck was to remember.”
Appreciate the undervalued that surround us.
The language (no swearing) and content are family-friendly.
The topics of grief and parental abandonment are dealt with in a sensitive manner.
Thank you to NetGalley and the author/publisher for the ARC. Opinions expressed are my own.
Bonus point for beautiful cover design and inclusion of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe in the story
Total: 60, average of 8.57 (4 1/2 stars)
“Memories are like heartbeats. They keep things alive. They make us who we are.”
Characters: 9 (out of 10)
Twelve-year-old Ernest is stuck, unable to move forward in the present unless he can process the past. Enter Olivetti, a typewriter who serves as memory-keeper of Ernest’s family, but whose value has been overlooked until tragedy strikes and the mystery begins. Each Brindle family member’s personality is depicted with compassion in spite of flaws: dad Felix’s desire for meetings, older brother Ezra’s constant workouts, sister Adalyn’s phone addiction, younger brother Arlo’s frogs, Ernest’s dictionary-dictated life, and mother Beatrice’s failing attempts to unite them before her disappearance. But it wasn’t always this way, a realization recalled with the help of self-appointed friend Quinn, skilled with people and dumpster-diving. Add a well-meaning maintenance man and local librarian to create a sense of community.
Atmosphere/Settings: 9
From the rooftop and bookshelves of Valley View Apartments to the once needed but now forgotten items of Heartland Pawn shop, the settings provide purposeful details.
Writing Style: 9
The point of view bounces between the narration of middle-schooler Ernest and Olivetti. For the most part, it works. Though Olivetti possesses the limitations of being a typewriter, his objective and observant insights provide a counter-balance to Ernest’s emotional and social struggles.
The fluent dialogue, especially of quick-witted Quinn and introverted Ernest, effectively created humor to keep me smiling.
Family flashbacks of the Brindles sharing stories on the rooftop, constructing Narnia in their apartment, and operating on Olivetti are heartfelt and inspirational, leading readers to appreciate any such moments in their own family scrapbooks.
Plot: 9
“Everything that happened” in the past is gradually revealed at an appropriate pace. The setbacks to build the conflict are serious and a surprising antagonist arises in the form of an alleged artist, but the optimistic outcome is still expected.
Intrigue: 8
More than enough “I wonder what will happen next” questioning to keep me reading, but the use of a typewriter as a narrator has its advantages and disadvantages, occasionally slowing the pace with reflections.
Logic: 7
The author paid remarkable attention to Olivetti’s structured nature as a typewriter, avoiding most problems that could arise if he knew too much outside of human interactions, primarily revealed through the typed memories of Beatrice.
A few unaddressed items:
1. If Olivetti and Remi can communicate as typewriters, why can’t other inanimate objects communicate, particularly those filled with language and human interaction, such as books or computers? Or other items on the shelves of the pawn shop? Or the toolbox referred to as a friend by Olivetti?
2. Why does Olivetti possess such a strong dislike of books when they are a compilation of typed words, similar to the stories typed into Olivetti by Beatrice? Targeting his frustration toward computers as his replacement makes more sense.
3. As likable a character as Quinn is, her dumpster diving would result in a stinky situation. Though the possibility is mentioned, the practical effects are ignored when in close proximity to others. If she washes/cleans her common outfit where she stores her discoveries, it isn’t known.
Enjoyment and Meaning: 9
My expectations were met and surpassed with many smiles and meaningful moments.
Themes…
Family and friends can choose to help at all times. Apparent throughout the story, but synthesized when Ernest finds the five words to tell Quinn, “You remind me of her.”
Memories bind us. “It’s almost funny, me wanting to forget the Everything That Happened, when that was exactly where I was still stuck. Maybe the only way to get unstuck was to remember.”
Appreciate the undervalued that surround us.
The language (no swearing) and content are family-friendly.
The topics of grief and parental abandonment are dealt with in a sensitive manner.
Thank you to NetGalley and the author/publisher for the ARC. Opinions expressed are my own.
Bonus point for beautiful cover design and inclusion of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe in the story
Total: 60, average of 8.57 (4 1/2 stars)
April 7, 2024
This was cuuuute but I think my expectations were a bit high so I felt a little disappointed!
Olivetti is a middle grade novel with dual perspectives; half the chapters are written from the POV of a typewriter and the others from Ernest, who lives in the household with Olivetti. The lore surrounding sentient typewriters in this world is fun to read about (apparently typewriters abhor books and devices with screens) and the premise was good, but I just felt a little meh about it.
The tone of the writing is hard for me to pin down; it's a little cheeky, a little corny, and there's intermittent wordplay and puns. Sometimes Olivetti's and Ernest's chapters sounded tonally similar which took a little effort for me to keep straight. Ernest keeps to himself, has a hard time making friends, loves reading the dictionary. His mother disappears one day and he takes it upon himself to solve the mystery and locate her with the help of Olivetti.
I found the characterization of Ernest's three siblings to be very flat. There's the "jock" brother who is constantly doing push-ups or talking about workouts and very little else; there's the younger brother who loves frogs and references them incessantly, always having one up his sleeve. I suppose this works fine if you view this story as more make-believe.
The plot also introduced a lot of different threads that lacked payoff or closure. I wish the parents, specifically the father, apologized more at the end. There were many times when he yelled at Ernest which just led Ernest to being more isolated and feeling misunderstood. And I have no idea why the mother would run away without saying anything to anyone.
Olivetti the typewriter was fine, but I didn't feel particularly affectionately towards him.
Overall, it was a nice read, but not a new favorite!
Content warnings:
Messaging: Even if you've been hurt in the past, you should try to open your heart to new friends and cherish the time you have with your loved ones. Never get rid of your typewriter.... It will hurt their feelings. Hard times are better faced together.
Olivetti is a middle grade novel with dual perspectives; half the chapters are written from the POV of a typewriter and the others from Ernest, who lives in the household with Olivetti. The lore surrounding sentient typewriters in this world is fun to read about (apparently typewriters abhor books and devices with screens) and the premise was good, but I just felt a little meh about it.
The tone of the writing is hard for me to pin down; it's a little cheeky, a little corny, and there's intermittent wordplay and puns. Sometimes Olivetti's and Ernest's chapters sounded tonally similar which took a little effort for me to keep straight. Ernest keeps to himself, has a hard time making friends, loves reading the dictionary. His mother disappears one day and he takes it upon himself to solve the mystery and locate her with the help of Olivetti.
I found the characterization of Ernest's three siblings to be very flat. There's the "jock" brother who is constantly doing push-ups or talking about workouts and very little else; there's the younger brother who loves frogs and references them incessantly, always having one up his sleeve. I suppose this works fine if you view this story as more make-believe.
The plot also introduced a lot of different threads that lacked payoff or closure. I wish the parents, specifically the father, apologized more at the end. There were many times when he yelled at Ernest which just led Ernest to being more isolated and feeling misunderstood. And I have no idea why the mother would run away without saying anything to anyone.
Olivetti the typewriter was fine, but I didn't feel particularly affectionately towards him.
Overall, it was a nice read, but not a new favorite!
Content warnings:
Messaging: Even if you've been hurt in the past, you should try to open your heart to new friends and cherish the time you have with your loved ones. Never get rid of your typewriter.... It will hurt their feelings. Hard times are better faced together.
March 20, 2024
I wasn’t 100% sure going into this that a book about a sentient typewriter was going to land well with me, but the typewriter, Olivetti (which is both a brand and a name), grew on me very, very quickly. It’s an endearing character.
Olivetti lives with the Brindle family, and is happy, even though it isn’t used much anymore. A lot of why it’s happy these days is due to the Bad Thing being in the past. But then the mom, Beatrice, doesn’t come home one day, and of course the family panics, although each in their own way. Mainly we follow Ernest, who discovers Beatrice has pawned Olivetti and tracks down the typewriter. Olivetti has decided to break the typewriter code and type to Ernest (apparently all typewriters are sentient and could do this) to help him find Beatrice. Also the daughter of the pawn shop owner finds this an intriguing mystery and tags along with Ernest.
Parts of this book are a little sad, and the ending felt a tad bit pat to me, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing in a middle grade book dealing with difficult topics. And Olivetti is so charming and sweetly anxious about its family and sad but hopeful about its place with them in the future. Olivetti completely won me over and I know the Brindles will really appreciate it and consider it a member of the family going forward. I wish Olivetti reams of good paper.
Olivetti lives with the Brindle family, and is happy, even though it isn’t used much anymore. A lot of why it’s happy these days is due to the Bad Thing being in the past. But then the mom, Beatrice, doesn’t come home one day, and of course the family panics, although each in their own way. Mainly we follow Ernest, who discovers Beatrice has pawned Olivetti and tracks down the typewriter. Olivetti has decided to break the typewriter code and type to Ernest (apparently all typewriters are sentient and could do this) to help him find Beatrice. Also the daughter of the pawn shop owner finds this an intriguing mystery and tags along with Ernest.
Parts of this book are a little sad, and the ending felt a tad bit pat to me, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing in a middle grade book dealing with difficult topics. And Olivetti is so charming and sweetly anxious about its family and sad but hopeful about its place with them in the future. Olivetti completely won me over and I know the Brindles will really appreciate it and consider it a member of the family going forward. I wish Olivetti reams of good paper.
March 25, 2024
The synopsis had me from the start. What a genius to think of giving consciousness to typewriters, making them bearers of our memories and having them feel with us! I must praise the narration of Olivetti, very "typewriter-like", slightly uptight and paced just right to feel like the words are really being typed when needed.
When Beatrice decides to take Olivetti and sell it to a pawn-shop, the typewriter feels abandoned and cannot fathom that it is not a mistake, that she will not come and get him back. When her family finds out, that Beatrice disappears, they start to look after hints on what happened to her, especially Ernest, the lonely strange kid of the family, whose favourite book is the dictionary. And Olivetti decides to break a rule and write back to him, to help him finding Beatrice.
I loved the depiction of Olivetti, it was perfectly rendered. The love of the old-fashioned way of typing and more generally, the love for words and the power of imagination are central in this book. Ernest is also somehow very understandable and truthful. His strange behaviours and passions are relatable and I loved seeing him growing out of the situation he put himself in through his quest for his mom.
Quinn was probably my favourite character though, full of joy and unexpected ideas and enthousiasm.
I just did not really appreciate the ending. It did not sit right with me, as if the mystery had not been a proper one. Still an enjoyable book!
Thank you to NetGalley and RB Media for letting me have a taste of this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
When Beatrice decides to take Olivetti and sell it to a pawn-shop, the typewriter feels abandoned and cannot fathom that it is not a mistake, that she will not come and get him back. When her family finds out, that Beatrice disappears, they start to look after hints on what happened to her, especially Ernest, the lonely strange kid of the family, whose favourite book is the dictionary. And Olivetti decides to break a rule and write back to him, to help him finding Beatrice.
I loved the depiction of Olivetti, it was perfectly rendered. The love of the old-fashioned way of typing and more generally, the love for words and the power of imagination are central in this book. Ernest is also somehow very understandable and truthful. His strange behaviours and passions are relatable and I loved seeing him growing out of the situation he put himself in through his quest for his mom.
Quinn was probably my favourite character though, full of joy and unexpected ideas and enthousiasm.
I just did not really appreciate the ending. It did not sit right with me, as if the mystery had not been a proper one. Still an enjoyable book!
Thank you to NetGalley and RB Media for letting me have a taste of this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
April 8, 2024
This was very different than what I thought it was going to be, not necessarily in a bad way, but I did have to reset my expectations a bit as I wasn't expecting such a deeply tender and emotional family drama as what I found in these pages. Especially due to that sensationally beautiful cover!
Loved her lyrical writing style and the dual narration between Olivetti and Ernest. Olivetti's narration was a beautiful and unique way to be introduced to the family - and at a time of crisis too - through the very singular voice of their typewriter and the myriad of words, stories, memories, and secrets that he carries for you.
And so, when 12-year-old Ernest's mother Beatrice goes suddenly missing after pawning the family's typewriter, Ernest knows he must find Olivetti and hopes that he holds some clues to her whereabouts. But, Ernest gets much more than he bargains for when Olivetti breaks typewriter code and begins to type back to Ernest revealing some of Beatrice's secrets and helps to unlock the mystery & circumstances surrounding her disappearance.
This was deeply touching and quite emotional and had a good overall message about family and pain and healing. And that often, healing can come in unexpected ways! Even, perhaps, by divulging your secrets, hopes, and dreams to a typewriter.
Actual rating, 3.75 stars, rounded up
Loved her lyrical writing style and the dual narration between Olivetti and Ernest. Olivetti's narration was a beautiful and unique way to be introduced to the family - and at a time of crisis too - through the very singular voice of their typewriter and the myriad of words, stories, memories, and secrets that he carries for you.
And so, when 12-year-old Ernest's mother Beatrice goes suddenly missing after pawning the family's typewriter, Ernest knows he must find Olivetti and hopes that he holds some clues to her whereabouts. But, Ernest gets much more than he bargains for when Olivetti breaks typewriter code and begins to type back to Ernest revealing some of Beatrice's secrets and helps to unlock the mystery & circumstances surrounding her disappearance.
This was deeply touching and quite emotional and had a good overall message about family and pain and healing. And that often, healing can come in unexpected ways! Even, perhaps, by divulging your secrets, hopes, and dreams to a typewriter.
Actual rating, 3.75 stars, rounded up
April 3, 2024
This book book touched and refreshed my soul. A tender, truthful, honest and action-packed mystery about a boy and his family in search of their mom who went missing with the help of a magical typewriter who carries all of her memories within.
This is a powerful tale about remembering, and about vulnerability. About not running from how you feel about hard times, shoving it all under the bed in the darkness to hide from pain - but about bringing your heart into the light. Pursuing vulnerability instead of isolation when you suffer.
Olivetti is about undoing aloneness in the face of suffering. Pursuing connection instead of isolation when life gets hard.
“It’s almost funny, me wanting to forget the Everything That Happened, when that was exactly where I was still stuck.
Maybe the only way to get unstuck was to remember.”
This story reminded me of times my own family has suffered certain tragedies and hardships together, and how tempting it is to try to pretend like it isn’t happening or never happened. But the real pathway towards connection and healing, and joy, is to share. To acknowledge. To hold each other and speak about it and honor our suffering.
I loved this book more than words can say. Allie Millington captured the human heart with tenderness and precision.
One million out of 10.
This is a powerful tale about remembering, and about vulnerability. About not running from how you feel about hard times, shoving it all under the bed in the darkness to hide from pain - but about bringing your heart into the light. Pursuing vulnerability instead of isolation when you suffer.
Olivetti is about undoing aloneness in the face of suffering. Pursuing connection instead of isolation when life gets hard.
“It’s almost funny, me wanting to forget the Everything That Happened, when that was exactly where I was still stuck.
Maybe the only way to get unstuck was to remember.”
This story reminded me of times my own family has suffered certain tragedies and hardships together, and how tempting it is to try to pretend like it isn’t happening or never happened. But the real pathway towards connection and healing, and joy, is to share. To acknowledge. To hold each other and speak about it and honor our suffering.
I loved this book more than words can say. Allie Millington captured the human heart with tenderness and precision.
One million out of 10.
February 5, 2024
Olivetti by @allieinink
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book was such an emotional but sweet middle grade novel. It’s written from the perspective of the typewriter and one of the kids in the story. I definitely teared up many times. 🥹🥹🥹 It covers a lot of hard topics but it also brings it back around to you don’t have to do things alone, together is better. 🫶🏼
This is the author’s debut novel and I can’t wait for her to write more! I plan to add this to our home library once it comes out! Publication date is set for March 26, but if you visit the author’s Instagram you will see she has a giveaway if you preorder the book through a specific shop. The potential to win a custom Olivetti typewriter?! If I’m going to buy the book anyway, count me in!
Thank you @netgalley, @allieinink, and @mackidsbooks for an ARC ebook. All opinions are honest and my own.
#netgalley #olivetti #goodreads #bookstagram #literarypearlsof24
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This book was such an emotional but sweet middle grade novel. It’s written from the perspective of the typewriter and one of the kids in the story. I definitely teared up many times. 🥹🥹🥹 It covers a lot of hard topics but it also brings it back around to you don’t have to do things alone, together is better. 🫶🏼
This is the author’s debut novel and I can’t wait for her to write more! I plan to add this to our home library once it comes out! Publication date is set for March 26, but if you visit the author’s Instagram you will see she has a giveaway if you preorder the book through a specific shop. The potential to win a custom Olivetti typewriter?! If I’m going to buy the book anyway, count me in!
Thank you @netgalley, @allieinink, and @mackidsbooks for an ARC ebook. All opinions are honest and my own.
#netgalley #olivetti #goodreads #bookstagram #literarypearlsof24
March 25, 2024
Olivetti is a charming story of a typewriter who has been forgotten by his family and replaced by books and a computer. But Olivetti is special because he holds every memory, every thought and word ever typed on him in his mind. And yes, this typewriter has quite a mind. When Beatrice (Mom) disappears out of the blue one day the family is quite distraught. Where could she have gone and why? Earnest, the quiet thoughtful son discovers that his mother has sold Olivetti, her special typewriter, to a pawn shop. He knows he must get Olivetti back because it is the last clue to where his mom might have gone. Olivetti decides to break the cardinal rule of machines to help Earnest and his family. He begins to communicate with Earnest to help locate his mother by typing out messages and his mothers former stories and poems. This is a lovely, quirky story about family, words and the power of love and healing. A very clever premise. Highly recommended.
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