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dharma_s's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars
After reading so many 5 star reviews, I had to read this book for myself. I unfortunately couldn't get a hold of the physical copy, and so had to read it online, which isn't my favorite thing to do. But I can definitely see why it is so highly rated. It was really sweet and funny, and I liked all the side characters, especially Mrs. Windermere. My favorite character was actually Christopher, the older brother. He was absolutely awful to Doug in the beginning, but as time went on (and I learned his name), I understood him a bit more. He wasn't one of the main characters, but he was always there, and I liked his relationship with Lucas very much, and eventually his better relationship with Doug.
I still can't decide whether or not the dad should have been in the story more. He was not a good guy for most of the book, and suddenly a switch flipped, and he redeemed himself? Why? I would have liked him to be fleshed out a bit more.
But all in all, it was excellently written, with little details thrown in that really elevated the whole story. I loved it.
After reading so many 5 star reviews, I had to read this book for myself. I unfortunately couldn't get a hold of the physical copy, and so had to read it online, which isn't my favorite thing to do. But I can definitely see why it is so highly rated. It was really sweet and funny, and I liked all the side characters, especially Mrs. Windermere. My favorite character was actually Christopher, the older brother. He was absolutely awful to Doug in the beginning, but as time went on (and I learned his name), I understood him a bit more. He wasn't one of the main characters, but he was always there, and I liked his relationship with Lucas very much, and eventually his better relationship with Doug.
I still can't decide whether or not the dad should have been in the story more. He was not a good guy for most of the book, and suddenly a switch flipped, and he redeemed himself? Why? I would have liked him to be fleshed out a bit more.
But all in all, it was excellently written, with little details thrown in that really elevated the whole story. I loved it.
lectora21's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Bullying, Domestic abuse, Alcohol, Cancer, and Child abuse
Moderate: Death, Physical abuse, War, and Injury/Injury detail
kim_j_dare's review against another edition
5.0
Read it. Read it now.
Truly wonderful, on so many levels.
Truly wonderful, on so many levels.
callienicole's review against another edition
5.0
This book is the companion novel to another book I enjoyed recently, The Wednesday Wars. This follows Doug Swieteck as his family moves to a new town where they have a chance to start over...or not. Doug stumbles upon the library and an original volume from Audubon, and between learning to draw the birds and his friendship with the girl he met in front of the library, he starts to make the most of his less than ideal circumstances.
This book was written in the same tone as The Wednesday Wars, which I loved because it reminds me of "The Wonder Years". It's a coming of age novel that dips into some deeper themes, and it made me ache for the characters. I wanted to wring Doug's neck while at the same time rooting for him to succeed.
The only content concern I would see here for parents is a writer Doug becomes acquainted with who refers to "creativity" as a "god" who comes to help her with her writing, which I didn't love as a Christian because we believe in only one God, and also, it's creepy. Parents should also be aware that some themes such as alcoholism, physical abuse, and cancer are dealt with in this book.
Near the end, one of the characters seems to turn things around and regret the way he has treated his family, attempting to make things right. I felt a little confused by his sudden turn around - I didn't get a clear picture of what made him change. Not that I exactly needed a clear picture, because Doug as the narrator obviously wouldn't know everything, but I couldn't completely figure that out.
The ending of this book is bittersweet and open-ended, but I actually really liked it. I am an admitted sucker for coming of age novels, but Schmidt's books have really surprised me with their humor and depth, even while dealing with some more difficult circumstances such as in this book. I'd recommend it!
This book was written in the same tone as The Wednesday Wars, which I loved because it reminds me of "The Wonder Years". It's a coming of age novel that dips into some deeper themes, and it made me ache for the characters. I wanted to wring Doug's neck while at the same time rooting for him to succeed.
The only content concern I would see here for parents is a writer Doug becomes acquainted with who refers to "creativity" as a "god" who comes to help her with her writing, which I didn't love as a Christian because we believe in only one God, and also, it's creepy. Parents should also be aware that some themes such as alcoholism, physical abuse, and cancer are dealt with in this book.
Near the end, one of the characters seems to turn things around and regret the way he has treated his family, attempting to make things right. I felt a little confused by his sudden turn around - I didn't get a clear picture of what made him change. Not that I exactly needed a clear picture, because Doug as the narrator obviously wouldn't know everything, but I couldn't completely figure that out.
The ending of this book is bittersweet and open-ended, but I actually really liked it. I am an admitted sucker for coming of age novels, but Schmidt's books have really surprised me with their humor and depth, even while dealing with some more difficult circumstances such as in this book. I'd recommend it!
jonahbarnes's review against another edition
A very good book, and I’m not lying. Buy a copy and read it.
amandawu47's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
bookwyrm76's review against another edition
4.0
I finished Okay for Now by Schmidt over the weekend. While I started out loving it, by the end I liked Wednesday Wars better. The "and I'm not lying"s got to be a bit annoying after awhile and some of the character changes were a bit sudden. That being said, it is an awesome book and belongs on a best of the year list if not our short list for Mock Newbery.