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A review by librarybonanza
Okay for Now by Gary D. Schmidt
5.0
Age: Middle School
Historical time period: Vietnam
"Okay For Now, his latest novel, explores another seemingly improbable alliance, this one between new outsider in town Doug Swieteck and Lil Spicer, the savvy spitfire daughter of his deli owner boss. With her challenging assistance, Doug discovers new sides of himself. Along the way, he also readjusts his relationship with his abusive father, his school peers, and his older brother, a newly returned war victim of Vietnam" (Goodreads feature review).
This novel provides a swirling mix of pubescent sarcasm, being a newcomer in a small town, emerging artistic participation (drawing Audubon birds, acting onstage), tough veteran reintroduction, young love, being outcast as a result of family ties, admiring an athletic hero (Yankees' Joe Pepitone), and an unexpected onset of cancer. Although my only concern was too much drama packed in to one story, this was an exciting, funny, brilliant lesson on embracing your talents and carpe dieming the shiz outta life.
Although originally I gave this 4 stars, I added one more for the spectacular writing of Schmidt, especially the oddly satisfying ending. Even though Liz is still in the hospital, all is "okay for now." Furthermore, Schmidt excels at layering the storyline (especially the integration of Audubon birds) and connecting everything into one cohesive whole. His characters are completely believable. Even though Doug grew up in an abusive household and is sarcastic to the T, his romance is believable because he loves his mother and oftentimes regrets his awkward affrontedness.
Not a good e-read due to the bird pictures (hard to scroll back and forth between pages)
Historical time period: Vietnam
"Okay For Now, his latest novel, explores another seemingly improbable alliance, this one between new outsider in town Doug Swieteck and Lil Spicer, the savvy spitfire daughter of his deli owner boss. With her challenging assistance, Doug discovers new sides of himself. Along the way, he also readjusts his relationship with his abusive father, his school peers, and his older brother, a newly returned war victim of Vietnam" (Goodreads feature review).
This novel provides a swirling mix of pubescent sarcasm, being a newcomer in a small town, emerging artistic participation (drawing Audubon birds, acting onstage), tough veteran reintroduction, young love, being outcast as a result of family ties, admiring an athletic hero (Yankees' Joe Pepitone), and an unexpected onset of cancer. Although my only concern was too much drama packed in to one story, this was an exciting, funny, brilliant lesson on embracing your talents and carpe dieming the shiz outta life.
Although originally I gave this 4 stars, I added one more for the spectacular writing of Schmidt, especially the oddly satisfying ending. Even though Liz is still in the hospital, all is "okay for now." Furthermore, Schmidt excels at layering the storyline (especially the integration of Audubon birds) and connecting everything into one cohesive whole. His characters are completely believable. Even though Doug grew up in an abusive household and is sarcastic to the T, his romance is believable because he loves his mother and oftentimes regrets his awkward affrontedness.
Not a good e-read due to the bird pictures (hard to scroll back and forth between pages)