hannahwalt 's review for:

This Close to Okay by Leesa Cross-Smith

5.0

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This book is extremely well written and equal parts heartwarming and heartbreaking. Tallie and Emmett are both such lovable characters and their conversations and witty banter truly popped off the page. The chapters alternate perspectives which I think added to the depth of the story, and there is some mystery to Emmett that makes his character especially intriguing. I could have done without some of the things that happen between Tallie and Emmett (don’t want to say and give it away :) ) but in the end, their relationship was unexpected and beautiful and showed the power of human connection. Cross-Smith seamlessly dives into the complexities of mental health, forgiveness, and honesty while also subtly exploring racism in America which makes it a very powerful read. This book is a story of hope and new beginnings after heartbreak and I would HIGHLY recommend it to start out 2021!

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5