Noreen
Noreen asked:

Do you need to read the first book to understand this one?

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Susan (on hiatus) I read this without reading the first Olive Kitteridge and it worked for me as a stand alone.

However, I'm one of those readers that enjoy a 'less is more'approach and don't need detailed information about characters.

I loved this book and will read the first one because I can't get enough of Olive.
Susie Williams You don't need to, but I highly, highly recommend it. This book can stand alone, but I really think it will means so much more if you read the first one and get to know Olive and her family and understand where she came from (and the first one is really good, so it's worth it!).
Julie Davis I read Olive Again without having read Olive Kitteredge and I really enjoyed the book. I don't believe it was essential to have read the first book and I am, in fact, going to now read Olive Kitteredge.
Carol You must read Olive Kitteridge first. I believe OK is one of the best novels of the last 30 years and this book is definitely a sequel. You just will not appreciate it without reading the original.
Billy Justus No. However, I would HIGHLY recommend reading the first book. It introduces you to the characters in a more detailed way, and provides some back story whose details are subtly woven into this one.
Liz Dent You dont need to but you are missing something if you dont read OK as it is one of the best books I have everread.
Renee Kahl Not only does each book about Olive stand alone, but each chapter stands alone as a short story if you want to read them that way, because the author supplies you with facts about the past where needed. But why would you deprive yourself? Both books are great.
Lisa You definitely don't need to, but it will add a depth to your understanding if you do.
Elizabeth I would reread it to understand more about Olive's relationship with Henry.
Lilian Gerlach I'm half way through the first book. So I need to read that first.
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by Elizabeth Strout (Goodreads Author)
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