That's *Extra* Noteworthy!
Olivetti: a review and interview with Allie Millington + a printable gift for D.E.A.R. Day
As a book-lover who’s never afraid to let her fangirl flag fly, I sometimes can’t help myself from reaching out to an author. I had been following Allie Millington on Bookstagram for a while… I can’t remember how I found her but from a writing standpoint her IG account was one that somehow brought me a feeling of both inspiration and kindredness.
When her debut novel was approaching publication I was able to grab a galley through one of the many publishing email lists I’m on. I finally got to reading it right on Olivetti’s pub date, and within days I had a message sent with just a few questions for Allie that she was so graciously willing to answer for my newsletter. I only wish I had my own typewriter (I’ve literally always wished I had a spare table area where I could set one) and could stage a photo to do this book cover justice.
I hope to do more of these extra features in the future, and I also hope in reading this, that you feel inspired to both pick up her book and to consider what makes you feel young at heart (hint: there may be a time in the future when I ask you that, dear readers!).
Tomorrow, April 12th is Drop Everything and Read (D.E.A.R.) Day in honor of Beverly Cleary’s birthday. I have a set of printable bookmarks available for you to download and print at the bottom of this email!
📚. A book I recently read… aka FEATURED REVIEW (with bonus content below!)
Olivetti by Allie Millington :: (middle grade)
If you know my taste, you know that I don’t gravitate at all toward books with a heavy or sad storyline. But even though I saw that the plot of Olivetti included a missing mom (which gave me immediate alarm bells!), I really can’t refuse un unusual narrator. The premise of a typewriter as POV character was way too enticing to refuse.
I’m so glad that I bravely faced this story despite its inherent “heaviness" because the truth is, it was completely worth it (and I actually wouldn’t call it a “sad” story after all). I loved the way Olivetti narrated and observed humanity (with such quirky insightfulness), and the way Allie used his POV to bring levity to what might otherwise be a heavy story.
Ernest’s journey to find his mom was endearing, and for him, it turned out to be so much more than just solving a mystery. Between recognizing truths about himself and letting family (and dare I say, friends) into his heart, he has such an arc of growth throughout the book.
One of my favorite lines was this one: “Strength isn’t about what you can do,” Beatrice said. “It’s about what you can endure.”
And my absolutely favorite line from the book is a subtle, slight spoiler so I’ve put it in my StoryGraph review if you’d like to venture over and read it (side note: I love how spoiler content works on SG!— just click on the blacked out words if you’d like to read it).
Olivetti is a sweet, hopeful, and beautiful story, but it also is full of language and elements that are sure to please young readers. This book is a quick read and will appeal to readers of other endearing and unique narrators like A Rover’s Story and The Wild Robot. You can bet it will be on my list next time I’m ordering books for my library.
5⭐️s1
🥰. Things bringing me joy right now…
Hearing from authors always brings me joy, and I hope you also enjoy this little interview with author Allie Millington.
I love how Olivetti describes human behavior and characteristics via his own quirky viewpoint. How did you come up with these tidbits?
Thank you so much! It was really enjoyable getting to explore how a typewriter might view the world, how they might feel, describe things, etc. I was surprised at how endless that exploration seemed, even within the limitations of a stationary character. Olivetti has had a very strong voice since the very first few lines I wrote of this story, and came with his own plethora of opinions about humanity. I never actually felt like I was the one coming up with any of his thoughts—he has always felt very alive to me in his own way.
I read that you wrote this (or a draft?) on a typewriter? What was the process like of transferring it to the computer— did you edit as you went? Is that how you always draft or is that just the method that fit this book?
Yes, I did start off drafting this story on my own typewriter, which helped me connect with the narrator in a very literal hands-on way. By actually using the keys and feeding in paper, I felt like I was able to tap into the mind of a typewriter. I re-typed up the next draft on my computer and edited as I went along. It was the first time I’d used a typewriter in my process—and though it was a bit tedious, it also allowed me the freedom to get words onto a page for that initial draft without any self-censorship or constantly editing myself. I think that freedom of discovering the story is so important for a first draft, and something I hope to continue in my writing process for books in the future.
The typewriter POV makes the heaviness of the mystery more bearable for a young (or sensitive young-at-heart) reader. Was this a happy coincidence or did you plan intentionally for the POV to bring levity?
I’m so glad to hear that, thank you. I was very intentional about the placement and amount of light-hearted, hopeful moments I provided throughout my book, as I knew it would also dip into some heavier topics at times. I consider myself to be very sensitive—and young-at-heart—so I appreciate when there is some sort of reprieve during deeply emotional moments. I often look to either humor or some source of levity when going through difficult moments of my own.
What keeps you young at heart?
I love this question and the idea behind your newsletter! One thing I think that keeps me young-at-heart is trying not to take myself or life too seriously. Life is serious enough on its own, and I’m always looking for ways to be playful or curious or fascinated about even the small, ordinary things. On a more practical level, I am a strong believer in building forts, exploring nature, and spending my time with like-hearted people (especially kids).
Thanks again to Allie Millington for these answers, and I can’t recommend her book enough. I’ve also heard great things about the audiobook, so I just might have to re-read it on audio soon.
Happy Thursday and happy reading!
xo,
Nicole
P.S. I hope you, your family, your students, etc, enjoy some time to D.E.A.R this weekend! Subscribers, please enjoy these bookmarks as you crack open a book. :)
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If you haven’t heard, and my review hasn’t convinced you yet, Tom Hanks also loved Olivetti (& reviewed it in The New York Times!!).🤩
I was really excited when I heard about the premise of this book! Definitely going to check it out!
Oh yay! I love Allie’s writing. So glad Olivetti is resonating with readers because I 🥰