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dinipandareads's review
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I put off reading this for years because it gave such sad read vibes that I knew I had to be emotionally prepared for it. But seeing as January 2024 seems to have me in my sad read era, I finally picked it up and yep, we are not okay, Nina LaCour. š„² That is, this book was beautiful, sad, touching and healing and I'm so glad that I finally read it.
This was a short, well-paced and fast read. It's a character-driven story and it focuses on Marin's journey of acceptance and the beginning of her healing. Despite being incredibly heartbreaking, profoundly sad and achingly lonely, there is hope at the end of this book and it is much needed after the last 15% hits you with all the emotions. There's nothing particularly special about the writing but LaCour infuses this deep sense of quiet stillness and grief in her very simple words that set the atmosphere well. We're not distracted from the pain by pretty overly philosophical words, it simply is what it is.
The author steadily builds up our curiosity (and admittedly dread) as to what happened with Gramps and how Marin got to where she is today, separated and alone from everyone she loves. Although the incoming sadness is often alluded to in various flashbacks and as Marin unveils the tale to Mabel, we don't find out everything until the very end. While flashbacks aren't necessarily my favourite, in this, we don't go back years only months and I thought it was well done to illustrate the difference in Marin before and after. As an emotional reader, of course, I cried buckets of tears at the end and my heart hurt for her so badly. But I think anyone who has had to deal with grief, loss, and heartache in some form, will be able to relate to this story and our characters' emotions.
This was a short, well-paced and fast read. It's a character-driven story and it focuses on Marin's journey of acceptance and the beginning of her healing. Despite being incredibly heartbreaking, profoundly sad and achingly lonely, there is hope at the end of this book and it is much needed after the last 15% hits you with all the emotions. There's nothing particularly special about the writing but LaCour infuses this deep sense of quiet stillness and grief in her very simple words that set the atmosphere well. We're not distracted from the pain by pretty overly philosophical words, it simply is what it is.
The author steadily builds up our curiosity (and admittedly dread) as to what happened with Gramps and how Marin got to where she is today, separated and alone from everyone she loves. Although the incoming sadness is often alluded to in various flashbacks and as Marin unveils the tale to Mabel, we don't find out everything until the very end. While flashbacks aren't necessarily my favourite, in this, we don't go back years only months and I thought it was well done to illustrate the difference in Marin before and after. As an emotional reader, of course, I cried buckets of tears at the end and my heart hurt for her so badly. But I think anyone who has had to deal with grief, loss, and heartache in some form, will be able to relate to this story and our characters' emotions.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Terminal illness, Mental illness, and Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Death and Death of parent
bugbatsy's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I enjoyed this book, it was very sad and emotional. I wasn't expecting this to also be LGBT+, but I'm not upset whatsoever from it. I think the both things with her friend and her grandfather were good, just keep switching back and forth and wasn't sure which was supposed to be the main conflict. Either way, a good short read, recommend.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief
Moderate: Death
dopestitches's review against another edition
reflective
sad
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicide and Grief
irisolympe's review
emotional
5.0
we are not okay
i think it's the first time that i actually cried while reading a book
i think it's the first time that i actually cried while reading a book
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief
epeolatrist's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Death, and Death of parent
Moderate: Suicide and Mental illness
rafacolog's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Grief, Death of parent, and Mental illness
historyoftape's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Reading this was like wiping down a fogged-up window, more and more darkness and chaos being revealed outside, making the light and warmth of the inside all the more noticable. The more I learned about her grandfather the less I liked him, the more I learned about her the more I just wanted her to be able to heal. And that is what I really liked here- is being able to grow with the MC, and feel with her not just for her.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent and Grief
Moderate: Chronic illness, Mental illness, Suicide, and Terminal illness
smleeth93's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Terminal illness, Alcohol, Death, and Grief
jessie_b's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I inhaled this in a single day, and then sent a message to someone I'd not spoken to in decades. Very much that sort of book. Very good.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief
alequitos's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
"We Are Okay" is such a heartwarming book! It skillfully touches on our human emotions - grief, loneliness, and healing. The story unravels gently, but authentically, making it easy for us to connect to the themes it explores.
The characters in this book are wonderfully crafted. Each one contributes a unique flavor to the storyline, thanks to their distinct backgrounds and personalities. They come alive in the pages!
The author has a knack for clear and expressive writing. The story flows effortlessly from one scene to the next, making it a pleasure to read. It's a four-star book that will leave an indelible mark on your heart.
The protagonist, Marin, is someone you'll find yourself rooting for. The title "We Are Okay" takes on a poignant significance once you've finished the book. Marin may not be okay right now, but she's on her way there. It takes her a while to come to this realization, but when she does, it infuses the narrative with hope.
I actually cried in the end. I was angry at Marinās grandfather, at his lies, at his obsession with āBirdieā and specially how he kept Marinās own mother from her, the memories, everything, just like she was, but in the end, things were going to be okay, she was going to be okay.
I actually cried in the end. I was angry at Marinās grandfather, at his lies, at his obsession with āBirdieā and specially how he kept Marinās own mother from her, the memories, everything, just like she was, but in the end, things were going to be okay, she was going to be okay.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Death of parent, and Grief
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts and Mental illness