This Close to Okay: A Novel

3.5 stars! This was a good audiobook! Two people who randomly come together and help each other heal from their past while forming a close bond. It was a sweet story, the only reason I'm not rating it higher is because some parts of the book just felt a little weird (for lack of a better term) to me. The plot is a bit heavy, so please check trigger warnings if you are planning on reading!

This book made me feel like I lived along with the characters. There's something beautiful about two hurt people helping each other find themselves. I liked the ending, it felt like a good closure.

If you like reading cozy, beautifully-written novels about good people supporting each other through difficult times, you have to check this author out. I loved this novel! Sweet, evocative, sexy, sad and yet somehow fun, too. I had high expectations for this one after loving Cross-Smith’s first novel and her short story collections, and I loved it!

On her blog, the author has an accompanying playlist that really sets the mood. Many of the songs and artists were referenced in the book.

I do have to mention that people experiencing suicidal ideation should tread carefully with this one. But the treatment of people struggling with mental illness was very loving and spot on (I say this as someone who has struggled with depression and anxiety throughout my life).

This close to okay is a love story of two strangers who meet on the Ohio river bridge in not so favourable circumstances and end up spending an entire weekend together. As much as I loved this book, there were parts that fell flat for me as well. Let me begin with the positives first: I loved the story line. Loved the characters. I could relate to them every easily. Loved the conversation between Emmett and Tallie. Though, Tallie was in her 40's but behaved like a teenager, it was completely fine coz who wouldn't feel like a young teenager if you have a handsome guy in your home for a weekend minus his past who could cook you a good steak and thereafter clean the dishes for you.😁 The story however was a success in conveying the message that the author was trying to put forward I.e However difficult life may get, always remember you are never alone and can always reach out for help. Now coming to the negatives: First, I didn't quite liked how the ending panned out. Tallie coming to know Emmett's truth in the hospital from her ex husband went a little off for me. Second, Tallie sleeping with Nico after Emmett left was quite bizarre. I just felt it tarnished Tallie image and portrayed her as some one who moved on from her past relationships very easily plus I felt sad for Nico too, he was just being used.Third, the adopted child part at the end was unwanted and could have happened when Emmett was back in Tallie's life, which indeed would have seemed more romantic. Fourth, I found parts of the book to be too descriptive, which could be avoided so that the reader wouldn't lose track of the story or their conversations. My finally thoughts about this book is that I enjoyed reading it and was completely hooked on till the end, despite its positives and negatives and yes I ll definitely recommend this book to others as well.

A great story about mental health and loving strangers. Finished this one so quickly!