Olivia (Rossner novel) lore, conveyed with gusto and sensuous detail." "The Los Angeles Times" noted that "Olivia" is "a remarkable exploration of the intimate, complex connections between food and emotion..." Ruth Reichl of "The New York Times" wrote in 1994, "Few writers are better than Judith Rossner at describing the agonized ties between mothers and daughters." "Kirkus Reviews", in turn, praised Rossner for her "engrossing characters." Olivia (Rossner novel) Olivia (or, The Weight of the Past) is the penultimate novel by Judith Rossner, author of the critically acclaimed best sellers "Looking for Mr. Goodbar" and "August". Published in 1994 by Crown, "Olivia" examines
Looking for Alaska reviewers agree that this is a coming of age story that is appealing to both older and younger readers. There has been much controversy surrounding this novel, however, especially in school settings. Parents and school administrators have questioned the novel's language, sexual content, and depiction of tobacco and alcohol use. "Looking for Alaska" has been featured on the American Library Association's list of Frequently Challenged Books in 2008, 2012, 2013, 2015, and 2016. The novel was awarded the Michael L. Printz award in 2006 and has also won praise from organizations such as the American Library Association, School Library Journal,