Olivia Joules and the Overactive Imagination

This review is for the Penguin Books 2005 paperback edition, 305 pages. OLIVIA JONES AND THE OVERACTIVE IMAGINATION was on the USA Today top 150 bestseller list for four weeks in June and July 2004, reaching a peak position of 81.I read this novel twice in as many weeks, the first time zipping along sniffing the eccentric aromas of lovely silliness laced with adverbs about a pert blonde British freelance journalist with the essential ingredient for a M16 spy, an overactive imagination. Skimming along, oblivious of details, not looking for clues, I enjoyed what I presumed delightful nonsense although with the haunting suspicion of missing something.So I read it again. With foreknowledge of important characters like the close-cropped blond and the hairy bellboy, I listed them, noting on which page they appeared and reappeared. Like Olivia Joules I googled my suspicions. Takfiri are in fact followers of Takfir wal Hijira. Popayan is a colonial city in Colombia, not one of the Bay Islands off the coast of Honduras, yet Helen Fielding captured the ambiance of those islands as I know it. (I lived in La Ceiba for seven years.)On second reading I paused to consider the subtext on frivolity, arrogance and despite and appreciated that Ms. Fielding didn't explain the technicalities of scuba diving. In the end I resolved to respect pert ladies with overactive imaginations and listen to their stories. They're not as farfetched as they seem.

This book seems like something Helen Fielding wrote in 2 weeks, the plot seems really implausible and at the same time cliche, it almost reads as an 8th grader's fiction class essay. I would have liked to read more in depth description of the main character and just overall more time spent on the scenes and situations. This is like the Salt movie written by an amateur. Even if I did not read the Bridget Jones' diaries (which I did and thoroughly enjoyed), I still would be perplexed how this kind of writing/book gets published. The al-Quaeda references are kind of annoying and boring and cliche, almost ridiculous. Please go back to the Bridget Jones type of books, those work well!!

I read this fun little book so quickly! It would be perfect for a vacation or any time you need to "escape". Helen Fielding does it again!

This story starts out with a dingy reporter who over indulges her active imagination. Initially it seemed that it was going to be a fluffy read, but along the way she begins to believe it isn't just her imagination.Hopping from place to place covering stories as a freelancer, she becomes involved with someone who seems to be an imposter.I loved this book which is full of unexpected situations, shady character, life threatening circumstances and subtle humor.

I read this as a fan of Helen Fielding. (not usually a thriller/mystery fan). I found the characters somewhat hard to follow and just kept shaking my head thinking "what kind of person would willingly choose to place themselves in danger?" Many surprises and a somewhat triumphant ending for Olivia/Rachel.

It’s a lighthearted book that is an easy read with an adorable plot. Delightful and funny, this book will make you smile.

Not anything like Bridget Jones but a great read and character. It's a little dated, which is why I took one star off. Fielding should update this character and continue with her adventures.

Loved the characters, the plot and the twists and turns in story development. An enjoyable suspenseful read. Go for it!