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Phil
I chose to re-read the original and I’m glad I did, I enjoyed it all over again and I think appreciated it even more the second time. Too much Olive is never enough!
Mary
You don't need to read it first, but read it after you finish this and get to know a middle-aged Olive, rather than old Olive. In addition, you might want to read The Burgess Boys and Amy and Isabel, because those characters show up in a few of the chapters. In other words, you just might get drawn into Elizabeth Strout's interconnected fictional world. (I was waiting to see if any of the Lucy Barton characters would show up, but no. Those two worlds don't intersect.)
Ivy Wigmore
I just finished Olive, Again and really wanted it never to end. I may just reread Olive Kitteridge purely for pleasure.
Diana
I thought the HBO series was wonderful. That alone is prep for Olive, Again.
Jeri Paull
I read the Wikipedia summaries of each chapter, and that refreshed my memory enough to let me thoroughly enjoy this book :)
Judy Lindow
The interconnections between the books is more important than in some series. I think it's because we're moving through Olive's Life and in this one we're seeing her approach old age. However, I'd forgotten the prior Olives and read this - it's a good read as a stand alone. Her character came back to me and bits and pieces. What it did was make me want to reread the first books. Which I'll do in another 10 years - this time reading them back to back.
Larisa Paulmeno
not at all. i forgot the first book but it doesn't matter. I am really enjoying this one.
Judith
I was glad a re-read Olive Kitteridge. It refreshed my memory and I discovered more about each of the characters.
Robyn
I had read it along time ago as well and instead of reading it again or Wikipedia I watch the short services it on HBO, which was just fantastic. And then I read Olive Again and it was also just fantastic.
Sue
The character of Olive will probably come back, but I was glad I revisited the last chapter of the first book, when Jack Kennison (to become her husband) was introduced as a new resident of Crosby.
Paula Proctor
I would suggest reading Olive Kitteridge first. Also reading Amy and Isabelle and The Burgess Boys will strengthen your connection to all the characters in Olive Again.
Kris Lackey
no: it stands alone
Jane
No. Absolutely not. It will come back toyou.
Joanne
I don't think you need to re-read it.
Ms Lee
Same for me. I thoroughly enjoyed this ne regardless.
Adnamy
They are 2 different books & I feel the first book was better. So don’t reread it before, reread it after & little threads of Olive will delight you again.
Lisa
I don't think so. It might had a depth to your reading, but this is clearly a stand alone novel that could be read without reading the first one.
Malou
After reading the comments below, I might have to read Olive Kitteridge again first as I read the book in 2010. I loved it but I don't recall anything. So here's to a wonderful re-read and a new to-read book to add to my list.
Elizabeth
I reread Olive Kitteridge since I remember thinking, when I finished it the first time, I would like to read this again immediately. At the time I didn't. I'm glad I read it again before Olive, Again, because it reminded me of how her relationship with Jack started. Plus it's such a good book! I wish I had read it on my Kindle, though, so I could find the characters and keep better track of them.
Kathryn Young
I'm currently reading "Olive, Again" and realize I forgot a lot about the original book. I don't think it's required to remember it to read this one... but it makes me want to re-read "Olive Kitteridge". I am really enjoying "Olive, Again." I read "The Burgess Boys" too.
Pfuerstnau
I would recommend seeing the movie version of Olive Kitteridge. Putting a face (Frances McDairmid) to Olive made this sequel even more enjoyable
kristine
I enjoyed Olive Again without re-reading OK--why bother?
Marcia Deal
No, but she is a lot older!!
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