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Octavia Boone’s Big Questions About Life, the Universe, and Everything Audiobook
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(3.10) - 88 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
Octavia’s best friend, Andrew, wants to know why time runs forward instead of backward, or if it’s possible to talk to an alien jellyfish. Octavia has much bigger questions on her mind:
Why do bad things happen, like Hurricane Katrina and 9/11?
What is the meaning of life?
Is there a God?
Octavia’s father is convinced that art and Henry David Thoreau hold the key to life. Her mother, Ray, though, has always been seeking greater meaning—up until now. Octavia’s problem is not only that her parents have different answers to the big questions but that their answers are threatening to tear her family apart.
Could it be that some questions are too big to have just one answer?
Could it be that the universe is far wider than Octavia’s—or perhaps anyone’s—view of it?
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"I had a couple of "would that really happen" questions, but I think in the end those made the book better and more interesting. I think this would be a good book to read and discuss with anyone age 10 or so and up. So many important ideas... "
— Cyndi (5 out of 5 stars)
Quotes
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“This hopeful novel highlights the resilience of children and the courage of those who seek truth in a complicated world.”
— Publishers Weekly
Awards
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A 2010 Publishers Weekly Best Book: Children's Fiction
Octavia Boone’s Big Questions About Life, the Universe, and Everything Listener Reviews
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" I've been so interested in the number of books written for children recently that discuss and portray children dealing with adults who are christian fundamentalists. Is this a new thing? "
— LaLa, 1/12/2014 -
" Awful on many levels "
— Mary, 1/11/2014 -
" It was just OK. I think my biggest issue with the book is that Christianity is only shown through the lens of the Redeemers - like that is the only way. The book does make for some interesting questions though. "
— Heather, 12/29/2013 -
" A sweet story of a 12 year-old's journey through her parents seperation. Octavia's parents are free thinkers. Her mother Ray is always looking for the meaning of life. When she finds it with the Redeemers, Octavia's life is turned upside down. This is a well written little book. "
— Kathy, 12/17/2013 -
" One Sentence Review: Unfortunately unmemorable, passing up the chance to have a really interesting discussion about the role of religion in people's lives and instead making the age old claim that cults (or insular religions) are bad. "
— Betsy, 12/13/2013 -
" A good book for jr. high kids and up that will get them thinking about the big questions of life. "
— Joseph, 11/28/2013 -
" An exceptionally well-written novel that poses provocative questions honestly and thoughtfully. Plenty of both humor and poignancy. Octavia Boone is a wonderfully appealing character. "
— Edward, 8/25/2013 -
" I had a couple of "would that really happen" questions, but I think in the end those made the book better and more interesting. I think this would be a good book to read and discuss with anyone age 10 or so and up. So many important ideas... "
— Cyndi, 11/25/2012 -
" I wanted to hug her and keep her safe. :) "
— Marci, 6/19/2012 -
" A book for kids who are questioning religion. Octavia's resistance to her mother's new-found Christian fundamentalism is not a topic often addressed in YA literature. "
— Laura, 6/6/2012 -
" Probably one of the best books I've read this year. "
— Dru, 5/23/2012 -
" This is the type of book I would have loved to read when I was a child. It's a difficult topic but for any child whose parents don't agree about religion or who experiences a life shake-up, this book is essential! "
— Raquel, 3/14/2012 -
" Enjoyable characters but not much of a story. "
— Melody, 8/8/2011 -
" I've been so interested in the number of books written for children recently that discuss and portray children dealing with adults who are christian fundamentalists. Is this a new thing? "
— LaLa, 4/30/2011 -
" 4 <br/>Seventh grade Octavia is going through a rough time- her mother has found religion and her father seems to be wrapped up in his own selfish pursuits leaving Octavia to ponder her "big questions". <br/> "
— B, 4/12/2011 -
" Probably one of the best books I've read this year. "
— Dru, 4/4/2011 -
" A book for kids who are questioning religion. Octavia's resistance to her mother's new-found Christian fundamentalism is not a topic often addressed in YA literature. "
— Laura, 12/15/2010 -
" Enjoyable characters but not much of a story. "
— melody, 11/8/2010 -
" A sweet story of a 12 year-old's journey through her parents seperation. Octavia's parents are free thinkers. Her mother Ray is always looking for the meaning of life. When she finds it with the Redeemers, Octavia's life is turned upside down. This is a well written little book. "
— Kathy, 10/20/2010 -
" It was just OK. I think my biggest issue with the book is that Christianity is only shown through the lens of the Redeemers - like that is the only way. The book does make for some interesting questions though. "
— Heather, 10/11/2010 -
" An exceptionally well-written novel that poses provocative questions honestly and thoughtfully. Plenty of both humor and poignancy. Octavia Boone is a wonderfully appealing character. "
— Ed, 10/5/2010 -
" One Sentence Review: Unfortunately unmemorable, passing up the chance to have a really interesting discussion about the role of religion in people's lives and instead making the age old claim that cults (or insular religions) are bad. "
— Elizabeth, 10/1/2010 -
" A good book for jr. high kids and up that will get them thinking about the big questions of life. "
— Joseph, 8/20/2010
About Rebecca Rupp
Rebecca Rupp is the author of Sarah Simpson’s Rules for Living, Journey to the Blue Moon, The Dragon of Lonely Island, and The Return of the Dragon. She lives in Swanton, Vermont.
About Ellen Grafton
Ellen Grafton has narrated numerous audiobooks, many in the kids and young adult categories. She can be heard on such titles as Duff, Girls Acting Catty, New Beginnings, and several of the Chicken Soup for the Soul Teens Talk series.