Olive Juice

By: TJ Klune

Narrated by: Derrick McClain

Length: 5 hrs and 11 mins

Publisher's summary

It begins with a message that David cannot ignore:

I want to see you.

He agrees, and on a cold winter's night, David and Phillip will come together to sift through the wreckage of the memory of a life no longer lived.

David is burdened, carrying with him the heavy guilt of the past six years upon his shoulders.

Phillip offers redemption.

©2017 TJ Klune (P)2017 Dreamspinner Press

Yes, you will probably cry.

If you haven't read this, then do yourself two favors:

1. No spoilers. Because you have to go into this blind, okay? Seriously, please don't read any spoilers because you'll miss out on the total emotion of this story.

Yes, it's heartbreaking. Sure there's a happy-ish kind of ending, but the reality of the story (of how this happens every day) left me...bereft and just kind of...shattered.

And Derrick McClain? Well, he just shattered me all over again. His narration has the kind of emotion you hear from people who have lost everything. Who have hit the bottom of tolerance for the world and all its cruelty.

The story is so well crafted, and seen solely through David's POV, it renders your heart in two while still giving glimpses of hope and redemption and love and perseverance.

Because the not knowing was the worst thing of all.
When you didn’t know, you were stuck in this limbo.
You didn’t know who to focus your anger on.
Your confusion.
Your fear.
Your anguish.
So it went wherever it could, that focus.
And sometimes, it went toward the wrong person.

I just want to find David and Phillip and give them long hugs.

This is not a fast paced narration. There is a deliberateness to McClain's voice work that, to some, might seem slow.

The writing, for me, was brilliant. The writing needed narration that would really be just as brilliant. It needed a narrator who would pull the nuance of emotion and brokenhearted pain and weave it throughout the spoken words without crushing the listener.

Most of all the narrator needed to pull off the ending. To render hope where it seemed hopeless.

Derrick McClain delivers on all counts.

2. If you love a good Hurt/Comfort story and can stand some heartbreak and maybe even some wookiee cry face...buy this.

Unforgettable!

First, let me start by giving the best advice I can muster after having listened to every second of this 5 hour and 11 minute masterpiece: Grab a bottle of vodka, a box of tissues and buckle up because it's gonna be a looooong night! It's officially 'the day after' and I'm still recovering.....
This story touched my heart on more levels than I could have imagined and without giving away spoilers, all I can do is recommend that you listen to this tragically beautiful story about life, love, loss and everything in-between. TJ Klune proves yet once again he is an amazing writer and that he's made another perfect decision to have Derrick McClain bring his characters to life. Bravo, Gentlemen!!!

Tooooo Slow/Couldn't finish it.

Reading the reviews, I thought this would be a story for me. I was mistaken. I didnt have the patience for this story. Toooo slow, and listening to David's POV issues turned me off. It sounded more like his pity party. This may be a wonderful story, I dont know, maybe I should have tried to stay with it. I only made it through chapter 1 and I was done. PS. kuudoos to the narrator.

Little deaths

A hu-mongous fan of T.J.'s writing style and storytelling. I did not dislike this story...I just felt it was really sad and my heart broke a little throughout listening to the story. Without giving too much away, it's an emotional story, one that can lead the reader to assume one thing, be shocked, and then die a little, with each word. Our narrative reflects where we are and because T. J. allowed his fans to be privy to certain aspects of his life, this story appears to be reflective of where he was at that point of his life. Never judge or assume. Derrick McClain was wonderful in delivering this story.

Emotional

Incredibly heart-wrenching is how I would review this book. It left me as an emotional trainwreck by the end. Do not read spoilers before going into this book. It's much better to go in blind and experience the emotions that TJ Klune makes you experience throughout the course of this book as they happen.

Brilliant, just brilliant

When I originally read Olive Juice, I kept trying to think about how this would work on stage, in a theatre, in front of an audience who has no idea what's coming and the tears it will bring, especially when you get to "that point" of the story, it's pivotal reveal. I couldn't quite capture in my mind what it would sound like, David with his inner dialogue, his fears, his depression, his sorrow and his hope. I was therefore really excited to hear that Derrick had been selected to narrate this story because I knew he'd do it justice - and by God, has he delivered a stunning result!
What Derrick has done with this story has brought it to life in a way that cuts like a hot knife through butter - perfectly and in a way that both satisfy and destroy you. With his narration, with that distinctive voice of his, Derrick has personified all that is David and has given a performance that will blow you away.
This is not an easy story, it's not like any romance you would have read or listened to before. This is the ultimate love story. Do yourself a favour, grab a box of tissues, some chocolate, the cat/dog, a comforting blanket and put yourself in your favourite reading place and hit play... Olive Juice is worth your time. A definite 5 stars from me.

Devastatingly good.

What did you love best about Olive Juice?

TJ Klune's beautiful, haunting story of love, loss, and healing is brought to life in this poignant narration.

Derrick's soothing delivery takes you by the hand and walks you to the edge of the cliff and ever so gently pushes you off. It hurts so good.

Dangit!

TJ Klune ALWAYS knows how to make me cry my face off! I love every single story I’ve read of his and this is no exception. I didn’t realize it was such a short story when I used a credit to purchase this, but I don’t regret it at all.

Wonderfully written, left wounds open

This was wonderfully written; the pain, grief, loss…you can feel it all.
There was some closure but not enough to Heal you. I was happy with the ending for David and Phillip, but my heart was left gaping still…ugh.

Good story

I loved the story. To be honest it makes me happy and sad at the same time. I loved the characters and thier development.

Heartbreakingly brilliant

AUDIO REVIEW

5 heartbreakingly emotional stars. I genuinely don't even know where to start or how to write this review. Firstly i'll start by saying I'm not even going to discuss the story line. The blurb for this book is vague and as will be this review in terms of plot content.

I listened to this book in audio first and then went straight to 1 click and read it all over again. It's that good. Derrick McClain is a fabulous narrator that I've not come across before. His voice is beautiful and really leant itself to the tone of this story. Is this a romance? I'm not really sure everyone would class it as one as there's no sex scenes, no chasing or dating, angst or ridiculous-ness going on. But it is real and honest and heartbreaking and all about LOVE and devastating loss.

As i started listening to this book i was initially a little frustrated, as i said the blurb is very vague and the story starts off very confusing. But if this happens to you please stick with it because its so worth it.

This book is exceptionally well written and covers a reality many families face daily in relative silence. It's deep and emotive and so very sad at times. Those that read my reviews will no how much i love TJ's books and this was another awesome book to add to that list.

Exquisite Pain

A brilliantly constructed story and one that generates such deep emotions without any gimics. As the truth unfolds the pain David and Phillip experience feels completely real. One of the best reads I have had. The performance was paced superbly with voicings that were perfect for the characters. Highly recommended.