Reviews

This Close to Okay by Leesa Cross-Smith

kaitlizcolby's review against another edition

2.0

So I don’t like putting down books before I finish, but I’m forcing myself to DNF this one. There’s enough mystery in it to keep me mildly interested, but I’m just not enjoying it. The writing is super clunky, especially the dialogue and the weird stage directions that totally interrupt the prose. I need to stop taking a chance on contemporary fiction for my BOTM picks. I’m always disappointed!

gothdess's review against another edition

emotional hopeful sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

jennrid's review against another edition

emotional reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Suicide, Child death, and Suicide attempt

k_lenn's review against another edition

2.0

I'm rating this a whole two stars (instead of just one) simply because

Spoiler

they don't end up together at the end.

Brilliant decision from the author IMO.

Licensed therapist Tallie makes several unprofessional and unethical choices in This Close to Okay, and male lead Emmett (though I don't believe he should be held to the same standards as a mental health professional) was frustrating sometimes too. Huuuuge lack of boundaries and common decency on both sides.

I can forgive Tallie inviting somebody in a crisis into her home. While unprofessional and very risky, therapists aren't perfect and I definitely know extremely empathetic people who'd do the same. What I can't forgive, however, is everything else:

Spoiler

a mental health professional going through a stranger's pockets and stealing his personal letters after "rescuing" him, taking him to a Halloween party instead of a hospital for professional evaluation, having sex with somebody clearly in a crisis and using him so her family "gossips positively" about her, leaving a very suicidal man alone (after promising to drive him to the bridge he had his last suicide attempt on),

, etc. A single unprofessional or unethical choice is one thing, but several is another.

Also, I feel like the author/editor/publisher knew what criticism was coming and made an attempt at covering their bases. When Tallie lusts after a suicidal man, the book proclaims that depression isn't sexy... and then portrays Emmett as a tragically-broken-but-perfect dream guy. Later, Emmett insists she didn't take advantage of him because he's a "grown man". Remember- Tallie is a licensed mental health professional who took him home in a state of vulnerability after talking him down from suicide, lied about her profession,

Spoiler

and then slept with him.

How is that not taking advantage?

And also... "lilac puff energy", "lesbian half the time,".... I won't even get myself started on those two.

I personally didn't find this book helpful or inspiring- I struggle with my mental health and definitely wouldn't appreciate being in Emmett's shoes. But if this book helped YOU in any way, I'm very glad for its existence.

kangaruthie's review against another edition

4.0

Gosh, I did really love this book. Reading it felt like curling up with a mug of tea. The author creates a nice, cozy world for you to jump into and get to know the characters. There is a great plot twist that was unexpected and had me quickly turning pages. However, I have to give it 4 stars instead of 5 because the ending felt rushed and I was dissatisfied with the conclusion. I still think this book is worth your time, though.

smtvash's review against another edition

3.0

More akin to a 3.5.
Mental health and relationships are interesting topics and Leesa Cross-Smith tackled them in a unique way that felt human.
For me, though, This Close to Okay starts to collapse during its third act. The very personal built up of a relationship (platonic or otherwise) between the two main characters I really feel was betrayed by having it entangled in situations and characters not really explored earlier nor as interesting.
I much more enjoyed the complex nature of the first two thirds.

radiant_lex's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful informative mysterious reflective 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? Yes

5.0

This book is extremely well written! The flow of the novel, the writing style of the author, the character development, and the ability to connect with the characters is impeccable! This is a book that will forever be engraved in my mind. It’s so touching. 

bethe1306's review against another edition

emotional reflective tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.75

pixiepages's review against another edition

4.0

This was an amazing read about mental health. Starts off when a guy (Emmett) is about to jump off a bridge and is looking for a sign to not jump and along comes Tallie. She convinces him to get down and she takes him out for coffee. This was a great story about two people helping each other out.

wve_eunice's review against another edition

emotional hopeful sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes

4.0