Kindle Price: $4.99

Promotions apply when you purchase

These promotions will be applied to this item:

Some promotions may be combined; others are not eligible to be combined with other offers. For details, please see the Terms & Conditions associated with these promotions.

Read with our free app
You've subscribed to ! We will preorder your items within 24 hours of when they become available. When new books are released, we'll charge your default payment method for the lowest price available during the pre-order period.
Update your device or payment method, cancel individual pre-orders or your subscription at
Your Memberships & Subscriptions

Buy for others

Give as a gift or purchase for a team or group.
Learn more

Buying and sending eBooks to others

  1. Select quantity
  2. Buy and send eBooks
  3. Recipients can read on any device

These ebooks can only be redeemed by recipients in the US. Redemption links and eBooks cannot be resold.
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Amazon book clubs early access
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club? Learn more
Amazon book clubs early access

Join or create book clubs

Choose books together

Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
Explore Amazon Book Clubs

Follow the author

Yael Politis
Follow
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

The Way the World Is (The Olivia Series Book 2) Kindle Edition

by Yael Politis (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 1,295 ratings
See all formats and editions
After the devastating trauma she suffered in Olivia, Mourning and finally knowing the reality with which she must contend, Olivia strives to rebuild herself – emotionally, socially, and financially.
She seeks a new life in Detroit, the young and exciting city on a river, where she has come to feel at home. New friends help the healing process, while she continues to search for the two people she loves, who have disappeared from her life. She finds some solace in helping fugitive slaves escape over the river to Canada. She believes, as one of her new friends says, “In this time and place it is the most worthy thing a person can do.”
Olivia remains a compelling protagonist on a journey to find a way to do the right thing in a world in which so much is wrong.

Readers respond to The Way the World Is
“I loved Olivia, Mourning so much. I couldn’t wait to read the 2nd book of the series ... and I was not disappointed. The writing is so good, that the author makes you feel as if you can touch the characters.” – E.A. Stowers, Amazon Reviewer

“A memorable read. Having read & thoroughly enjoyed Olivia, Mourning, I purchased The Way the World Is. I was NOT disappointed. It has the same fast pace, strong characters & fascinating historical setting. The well- researched events are fascinating, believable with interesting twists & turns.” – Carol Fuhrman, Amazon Reviewer

“It took me no time at all to fall in love with Olivia and Mourning. After finishing the first of the series, I immediately dove into Book 2. I like the attention to historical detail, as well as the well-defined plot. There is so much character development in these books, you will feel like you are with friends by the time you finish. I highly recommend this book and this series.” – Pomptonqueen, Amazon Reviewer

“I couldn't put these books down. The characters are so vivid and real. You can feel the strength, weakness, joy and sorrow of each of these people. I would recommend this to any who enjoy a good story, by an author who captures the essence of each of the characters in this series. Yael Politis, my hat is off to you. I can't wait to read the next book in the series!” – Lady Di, Amazon Reviewer

“This story is very enlightening. The details about life in the early 1840s make you feel more of a participant than observer. The emotions evoked are strong and real. Many times I thought “why didn't I know that” and wondered how I would have reacted. Olivia is smart, headstrong and courageous. The supporting characters are developed over time to be a real part of the story. Keep on writing, Yael.” – Patti Miller, Amazon Reviewer

“So, so real. I definitely feel as though I know each character, every leaf, every ripple in the rivers and lakes ... What a gifted author, what a gift to read this story.” – Kindle Customer

“The story, as well as the writing, are so satisfying. This second novel is as good as the first and while it's not necessary to read the first in the series before you read the second, I'd highly recommend it. It's a novel that you can lose yourself in ...Very, very enjoyable.” – fshinbaum, Amazon Reviewer

“I love this series. It is not a sappy sweet love story, but it is a love story. It is also a story of struggle, grappling with the harshness of life and mankind, hurt, anger and pain. Beautifully though, it is more a story of strength, friendship, a worthy cause, finding yourself, and independence.” Zoe@Blessed and Bewildered, posted on Amazon

“One of the best series I have ever read. I got hooked on it when I read Olivia, Mourning. Enthralling story, masterfully told, thought provoking.” – Kindle Customer
Previous page
  1. Book 2 of 5
    The Olivia Series
  2. Print length
    398 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Sticky notes
    On Kindle Scribe
  5. Publication date
    December 29, 2013
  6. File size
    5442 KB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
  10. See all details
Next page
Add a debit or credit card to save time when you check out
Convenient and secure with 2 clicks. Add your card
Next 4 for you in this series See full series
Total Price: $19.96
By clicking on the above button, you agree to Amazon's Kindle Store Terms of Use
More like The Way the World Is (The Olivia Series Book 2)
Page 1 of 1Start overPage 1 of 1
Previous page
  2. Mysteries
    Kindle Edition
    $3.99
  3. Running As Fast As I Can
    Kindle Edition
    $4.99
  5. One Day I'll Find You: A Novel
    Kindle Edition
    $0.99
  7. Private Cummings: A Novel
    Kindle Edition
    $7.99
  8. The Old Balmain House
    Kindle Edition
    $0.00
  15. The Field: A Novel
    Kindle Edition
    $0.00
  16. Sally
    Kindle Edition
    $5.99
  17. The Texicans
    Kindle Edition
    $3.99
  18. Daisy's War
    Kindle Edition
    $3.99
  23. Christmas in '45
    Kindle Edition
    $2.99
  27. Alligators in the Trees
    Kindle Edition
    $4.99
Next page
Loading...

Editorial Reviews

Review

Midwest Book Review
"Fans of Olivia, Mourning will find this sequel no less engrossing ... a powerful saga that makes for thoroughly engrossing, compelling historical fiction at its best."
--D. Donovan, Senior eBook Reviewer, MBR

Library Journal
LJ accepted the Olivia Series for its curated selection of quality independent fiction.
The Way the World Is was one of LJ's most read SELF-e books of 2016.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00H0H39JA
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Yael Politis (December 29, 2013)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ December 29, 2013
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 5442 KB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 398 pages
  • Page numbers source ISBN ‏ : ‎ 1496138856
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 1,295 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Yael Politis

Yael Politis

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

I grew up in Dearborn, Michigan, in the house on the cover of Book 3 of the Olivia series, not far from the location of Olivia's farm.

While studying at the Universities of Michigan and Wisconsin, I spent two summers in Israel and ended up coming back to make my life here. Since then I've spent a lot of time traveling between the Middle East and the Midwest, loving both my homes.

While living on Kibbutz Ein Tsurim I learned the story of the Etzion Bloc during the War of Independence -- from people who had lived through it. It was many years before I dared to try to put it down on paper. At that time, fantasies aside, I considered writing nothing more than a hobby.

I did, however, post the beginning of The Lonely Tree on a writers' workshop run by the London Arts Council. There it won a Book of the Year award and Holland Park Press of London asked to see the complete manuscript. Not long afterward I received an email from them. "We want to publish your book." Hey, you never know when a fantasy is going to come true.

For years I had been researching the backdrop for Olivia's story and based many of the details on letters and journals passed down through my family, over seven generations of lives lived in the American Midwest. I also received a great deal of information and insight from my sister Martha, who lived with her husband in a modern log home, hunted her own land, cut her own firewood, and was as independent and stubborn as Olivia. Then self-publishing happened. The prospect of being able to publish that story independently was a great motivator, and I finally completed and published the five books of the Olivia series.

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6 out of 5
1,295 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

C. Yates
5.0 out of 5 stars The Way the World Is
Reviewed in the United States on May 17, 2015
Verified Purchase
This is the second in the Series of Olivia, Mourning books. This book was so much fun to read and to also know it is historically related. I love a survivor and Olivia is definitely a SURVIVOR!! After the disastrous beginning of her life and her pregnancy with hiding out with a woman friend and making the decision to get on wither life, Olivia does just that. In thinking it is best for her bi-racial baby to give him to a black family, she moves on to the city and works her way with some luck into owning a boarding house...this opens her life to assist the Underground Railroad for many years and she thinks this is her calling since it gives her such feelings of gratitude to be able to assist mankind in this way...there are many wonderful adventures and other characters to meet with Olivia's new life. After reading the first book, you will just have to read the second. My book was downloaded onto my Kindle from Amazon and I am recommending it to everyone I know.
7 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Meade
5.0 out of 5 stars Clever, insightful and still relevant societal issues!
Reviewed in the United States on June 4, 2016
Verified Purchase
I personally was delighted in both of the Olivia/Mourning stories, and am about to order the third. The writing was very well done, the characters fully and believably created. The stories lacked the typical tendency to segue into some grander version of real life. We weren't forced to muddle through overplayed sexual heroics or ego surges. Rather, these stories were realistic visualizations of normal, never easy coming of age. The settings well actualized, the personalities appropriate to the settings and scenarios.
You might have read them as a pleasant rendering of simple things, or, as I believe the author intended, you will recognize the truer statements of society as it remains to this day. Flawed, emotional, hurtful, harsh at times. Prejudice is an ugly thing, racially, and toward many parallel issues. People have always shown their bigotry and intolerance. Mz. Politis helps us see that...IF we're willing to set aside our own character flaws, seek acceptance of things not always considered mainstream...that there is much beauty and joy in caring for others.
The daily realities of life in pioneer times was enough for me to enjoy this series. I admired the unusual locals, the glimpses into the early years of Detroit and it's environs. I delighted in the interpersonal relationships, and the "strong woman conquers all" approach to things. Common sense, usually...isn't. It's very interesting to find a heroine who cares about others, far more than the usual self-indulgences. Strength of character thrives, even if her self-confidence seems lacking. It makes for deeper friendships and greater successes.
The overall message of these books is creating happiness in our own worlds. It's contagious!
8 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Patty O
4.0 out of 5 stars EXCELLENT and Educational
Reviewed in the United States on September 26, 2020
Verified Purchase
This is a great way to learn about the history and the ordeal of the Underground railroad. And the characters are well developed, likeable and engaging.
One person found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars GOOD READS and EXCELENT WRITER
Reviewed in the United States on December 29, 2017
Verified Purchase
I was raised to believe you should not judge a person by their race, religion or color. I am so glad my mother was so strong with this belief and engrained it into my feelings so strongly. I am now 83 years old and I still feel this way. I feel my life has been much enriched by my black friends. I
Feel this writer has done a great job in writing with no prejudices at all. We have come a long way down the way but it is not far enough yet. Bless this writer for her broad minded way of writing. This is a good series I have read the first 3 and starting the 4th. Good reading and well written.
2 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Arnold
5.0 out of 5 stars Characters Who Grab Your Heart
Reviewed in the United States on February 11, 2014
Verified Purchase
Thank you to Ms. Politis for bringing us this heartwarming story. The characters are described in such real terms that I feel they are part of my life. The dialogue is so natural and genuine, with interactions exceedingly gentle and kind between Olivia and Mourning. I love that they treat each other as equals and value each other’s contributions. Ms. Politis manages without ever having to directly say it to convey the caring and mutual respect between Mourning Free and Olivia. This is a magnificent book and the author is a brilliant writer and storyteller.

Please hurry the final book, Whatever Happened to Mourning Free.
Helpful
 Report
Acorn
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful series
Reviewed in the United States on July 16, 2021
Verified Purchase
I love series where the books take you into their world and make you feel as though you were present in the moment. You are engaged with the characters as though you have met them personally. They are your very close friend, acquaintance, or even a mystery to be wary of... they are so life-like you could swear they are in the history books.
This writer takes us to a time in America many want to erase. We are angered or embarrassed by the way things were. But it shows, not just the ugliness of slavery and racism, as well as our intolerance of different faiths; it shows us that there have been people who fought it then, as they are fighting now. We are in a continual flux of learning from mistakes. This book, for me, shows such unconditional love and respect for all people.
2 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
GwenD
4.0 out of 5 stars Good Historical Fiction
Reviewed in the United States on April 1, 2014
Verified Purchase
I like historical fiction. I don't normally buy Kindle books, but after reading the first of the series Olivia, Mourning which was a free offer, I had to see what happened next. She definitely drew me into the story. The writing is fairly well done and the story is divided into "reasonable" chapters. I will also likely purchase the third installment when it comes out to see how it finishes. Well done.
Helpful
 Report
Alex
5.0 out of 5 stars great second book in series
Reviewed in the United States on June 22, 2023
Verified Purchase
I’m loving this series. I have always loved novels leading up to or after the civil war. The characters are so easy to like.
One person found this helpful
Helpful
 Report

Top reviews from other countries

Emily Geroux
5.0 out of 5 stars Review
Reviewed in Canada on April 4, 2020
Verified Purchase
Interesting book, hard to put down. Good details of the Underground Railroad and the dangers faced by everyone involved. It's worth reading.
Report
Silure Dumnonii
1.0 out of 5 stars What a disappointment!
Reviewed in Australia on September 30, 2020
Verified Purchase
I made it to chapter five and gave up! I loved ‘Olivia,Mourning’ and was keen to find out what happened after the abrupt ending of the first Olivia novel but was very disappointed in the second book. Olivia had turned into a really annoying character, vacillating, bullying and behaving in a really impulsive and silly manner. She turns out to be just as racist as everyone else in her time and place, which wouldn’t be difficult to understand if that had been her way in the first novel. The second Olivia simply didn’t bear much of a relationship to the first one, and frankly, I couldn’t be bothered with her...
Report
Jane Masri
5.0 out of 5 stars Gripping story
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 30, 2015
Verified Purchase
Just about to read the third in the series & hope it's as good as the first two. Gripping story, one you just have to know what happens next. Very smart of them to put the first one free, you just have to buy the other two!
One person found this helpful
 Report
Betty
4.0 out of 5 stars There are good people willing to help those who need it.
Reviewed in Canada on March 20, 2020
Verified Purchase
Yael is a great writer. I enjoyed the subject matter very much although I was appalled by the way people were treated at times. The second book paled a bit after the first one, Olivia Mourning. Still, the history of the people and the settling of the land is very interesting. I look forward to the third and fourth books.
Report
Lucie
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent read
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 10, 2015
Verified Purchase
A really good follow on from Olivia series book 1. The author keeps you captivated throughout and the unlikely events in the book adds to this.
I would highly recommend this book.
One person found this helpful
 Report
Report an issue

Does this item contain inappropriate content?
Report
Do you believe that this item violates a copyright?
Report
Does this item contain quality or formatting issues?
Report