You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.7 AVERAGE
3.7 AVERAGE
I almost stopped this one about 50 pages in. I had a very squeamish feeling when the licensed therapist saves a man from suicide but doesn’t disclose her occupation - in fact she lies about it. It felt unethical and strange. Their relationship went from weird to weirder. However, the characters and the storytelling kept me engaged and eventually I just want to see how it was all going to end up. A fast read but not one I’d highly recommend.
Honestly shocked at how bad this was. How is this the same person who wrote Whiskey and Ribbons?? The story is so sappy and adolescent and melodramatic. And these characters are kind of awful; seriously Tallie would be the worst therapist in the world. Has she ever heard of boundaries? Emmett also commits such a crazy violation of privacy; it made no sense and was unforgivable. I did keep with it because I wanted to know what would happen, but, just, no.
A little slow in the middle but offered a lot of clarity toward the end. It is a book about small mercies and chance encounters. There were some parts that felt a little unrealistic but I know how chance encounters work. I guess I was torn between a strange feeling of "Yeah, this can totally happen" to "This is wild". The book was wholesome and I got that the author wanted to give the reader closure since it was important to her characters as well. I thought that was nicely done because the book was heavily influenced on how having closure is important to healing. I may have cried a little toward the end but overall, it was a great read!
In general, I liked this book. I struggled getting through the first half of the book, though. A lot of the dialogue and techniques used to develop the characters and their relationships felt too much and a little pointless.
The last 80 pages or so were page turners. That’s when I finally started to feel the “I’m hooked” sensation and connected with the characters. It’s when the substance of the plot really shined through and there was even a shift in literary energy for lack of a better way to explain it.
It succeeded at dealing with loaded and complicated topics without feeling like a heavy read. After the first half, the characters were lovable and kind of reminiscent of Lifetime movie characters (which I love).
The last 80 pages or so were page turners. That’s when I finally started to feel the “I’m hooked” sensation and connected with the characters. It’s when the substance of the plot really shined through and there was even a shift in literary energy for lack of a better way to explain it.
It succeeded at dealing with loaded and complicated topics without feeling like a heavy read. After the first half, the characters were lovable and kind of reminiscent of Lifetime movie characters (which I love).
(more of a 3.5) I absolutely adored the last 50-ish pages of this, and there were obviously other good moments and beautiful writing throughout, but some parts just felt...weird? only way I can describe it. just off.
This book was like an x-ray of human behavior: from family relationships to unfortunate events in our lives that have a strong impact.
Emotional. Powerful. Unforgettable. "This Close to Okay" by Lesa Cross-Smith is a literary gem that will leave you breathless and profoundly moved. This book is a remarkable exploration of human connection, compassion, and the profound impact we can have on each other's lives.
The story centers around two strangers, Tallie Clark and Emmett, who meet by chance one rainy evening on a bridge. Tallie, a therapist, spots Emmett on the edge and reaches out to offer him a lifeline, inviting him into her home to ensure his safety. What unfolds over the course of a few intense days is a deeply affecting tale of friendship, healing, and the complexities of the human heart.
Cross-Smith's prose is exquisite. Her writing flows effortlessly, drawing you into the inner worlds of the characters with stunning emotional depth. Through alternating perspectives, we witness the vulnerabilities, regrets, and hopes of both Tallie and Emmett. Their stories are woven together with remarkable precision, as their encounters challenge them to confront their pasts and find solace in the present.
What truly sets this book apart is the raw emotion it evokes. Cross-Smith delves into the depths of grief, trauma, and the search for redemption with such honesty and tenderness that it feels as though you are experiencing the characters' emotions firsthand. The way she captures the complexity of human emotions is nothing short of masterful.
Moreover, the characters in "This Close to Okay" are beautifully rendered and utterly relatable. Tallie and Emmett are flawed, imperfect beings, which makes their struggles and triumphs all the more authentic. You'll find yourself rooting for them, empathizing with their pain, and celebrating their small victories.
This book also touches upon important themes such as mental health, the healing power of human connection, and the significance of reaching out to those in need. It challenges us to question our assumptions about others and reminds us of the transformative impact a simple act of kindness can have.
In conclusion, "This Close to Okay" is a literary masterpiece that will leave you emotionally stirred and deeply reflective. Lesa Cross-Smith's exquisite storytelling, coupled with her profound exploration of human emotions, makes this book an absolute must-read. Prepare to be captivated from the very first page and take a journey that will resonate with you long after you've turned the final one.
The story centers around two strangers, Tallie Clark and Emmett, who meet by chance one rainy evening on a bridge. Tallie, a therapist, spots Emmett on the edge and reaches out to offer him a lifeline, inviting him into her home to ensure his safety. What unfolds over the course of a few intense days is a deeply affecting tale of friendship, healing, and the complexities of the human heart.
Cross-Smith's prose is exquisite. Her writing flows effortlessly, drawing you into the inner worlds of the characters with stunning emotional depth. Through alternating perspectives, we witness the vulnerabilities, regrets, and hopes of both Tallie and Emmett. Their stories are woven together with remarkable precision, as their encounters challenge them to confront their pasts and find solace in the present.
What truly sets this book apart is the raw emotion it evokes. Cross-Smith delves into the depths of grief, trauma, and the search for redemption with such honesty and tenderness that it feels as though you are experiencing the characters' emotions firsthand. The way she captures the complexity of human emotions is nothing short of masterful.
Moreover, the characters in "This Close to Okay" are beautifully rendered and utterly relatable. Tallie and Emmett are flawed, imperfect beings, which makes their struggles and triumphs all the more authentic. You'll find yourself rooting for them, empathizing with their pain, and celebrating their small victories.
This book also touches upon important themes such as mental health, the healing power of human connection, and the significance of reaching out to those in need. It challenges us to question our assumptions about others and reminds us of the transformative impact a simple act of kindness can have.
In conclusion, "This Close to Okay" is a literary masterpiece that will leave you emotionally stirred and deeply reflective. Lesa Cross-Smith's exquisite storytelling, coupled with her profound exploration of human emotions, makes this book an absolute must-read. Prepare to be captivated from the very first page and take a journey that will resonate with you long after you've turned the final one.
I can completely see where people are giving this book 4 and 5 stars. There are parts of it that are really well written, but I just could never get over the actual premise. I can’t help but think a read like this is really dangerous for people who struggle with savior complexes and co-dependency. Taking in a friend and giving them a safe space to process and get over a hard patch is a really beautiful thing to do. Bringing a stranger home who was literally about to jump off a bridge and sleeping with them in the same weekend is just wrong. Tallie is a bad therapist. Full stop. Whenever I read a book really fast it is easier for me to think it was really good. This sucked me in somewhere in the middle, and it got easier to swallow the whole premise, and for a moment it tricked me into thinking this is a good book. However, when I pictured handing it to a friend and telling them it was good literature all I could see was them handing the book back to me and saying I probably should call my therapist and talk to her about liking this book.