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The Oks Are Not OK
A contemporary young adult novel by Grace K. Shim that mixes the humor of Schitt’s Creek with the heritage and heart of Minari.
Seventeen-year-old Elena Ok (pronounced Oak) has mastered the art of being both a Los Angeles party girl and financially savvy influencer, but her family doesn’t see the brilliance behind her carefully curated image. Instead, they endlessly praise her older brother Gavin, whose most impressive achievement is consistently forgetting his homework. All of Elena’s hard work and social clout disintegrates when the Oks, founders of the wildly popular (and now bankrupt) fast fashion brand It’s Ok! (pronounced “OKAY”), lose their fortune overnight.
With their empire crumbling and an investigation underway, the Oks flee to Blaire, CA—a farming town that’s as glamourous as Temu. Mr. Ok, a now disgraced retail mogul, and Mrs. Ok, a now also disgraced fashion-forward matriarch, realize they’ve spent decades perfecting their public personas at the expense of actually knowing their kids. Meanwhile, Elena and Gavin are stuck in the middle of nowhere, with nothing to distract them from their family’s unraveling dynamics—or each other’s annoying habits.
But life in Blaire isn’t all bad. As the family reconnects with their Korean farming heritage, Elena discovers a hidden the Blaire Fair, the local market brimming with untapped potential. Applying her business savvy, she helps the small-town vendors thrive and sees how they put their profits back into the community. For the first time, Elena begins to question her own definition of success.
The Oks are Not OK offers humor and drama to tell a story about family, self-discovery, and the fine line between building a brand and building a life.
Seventeen-year-old Elena Ok (pronounced Oak) has mastered the art of being both a Los Angeles party girl and financially savvy influencer, but her family doesn’t see the brilliance behind her carefully curated image. Instead, they endlessly praise her older brother Gavin, whose most impressive achievement is consistently forgetting his homework. All of Elena’s hard work and social clout disintegrates when the Oks, founders of the wildly popular (and now bankrupt) fast fashion brand It’s Ok! (pronounced “OKAY”), lose their fortune overnight.
With their empire crumbling and an investigation underway, the Oks flee to Blaire, CA—a farming town that’s as glamourous as Temu. Mr. Ok, a now disgraced retail mogul, and Mrs. Ok, a now also disgraced fashion-forward matriarch, realize they’ve spent decades perfecting their public personas at the expense of actually knowing their kids. Meanwhile, Elena and Gavin are stuck in the middle of nowhere, with nothing to distract them from their family’s unraveling dynamics—or each other’s annoying habits.
But life in Blaire isn’t all bad. As the family reconnects with their Korean farming heritage, Elena discovers a hidden the Blaire Fair, the local market brimming with untapped potential. Applying her business savvy, she helps the small-town vendors thrive and sees how they put their profits back into the community. For the first time, Elena begins to question her own definition of success.
The Oks are Not OK offers humor and drama to tell a story about family, self-discovery, and the fine line between building a brand and building a life.
351 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 3, 2026
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2026
December 1, 2025ANHPI TBR
📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Kokila
📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Kokila
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November 30, 2025pre-read
the oks are not ok and neither am i. :D
the oks are not ok and neither am i. :D
April 10, 2026
I was so surprised by how much I liked this book!
At the start, the main character is A LOT. She's very self-centered and honestly pretty frustrating for a good portion of the book. But at the same time...I still liked her?!?! Or maybe I just liked who she was becoming...Her growth throughout the story felt real to me. She didn't magically turn into a completely different person, but you can clearly see her starting to care more about other people around her and less about herself and I loved that!
My FAVORITE thing about this book was the family aspect! Watching this family reconnect, communicate and find their way back to each other was sooooo heartwarming! Every relationship had its own little arc, and it all made my heart so happy! This book definitely leaned more into feel-good and hopeful rather than emotionally devastating (which is what I usually expect when I read Family genre books).
I really loved seeing how different life became for Elena between her influencer lifestyle to the small-town setting. The slower pace and the close-knit community vibes gave this book a cozy feel even though the main character isn't your typical "cozy" personality. The social media/influencer parts felt a little over the top at times, but it felt intentional and it made me laugh so much!
This book was so fun, and I loved all the characters. It was such a great story about growth, family, and rediscovering what matters most in life! It's not the deepest or most emotional family book but it totally works here! It still had a lot of heart, hopefulness and it was seriously a good time!
At the start, the main character is A LOT. She's very self-centered and honestly pretty frustrating for a good portion of the book. But at the same time...I still liked her?!?! Or maybe I just liked who she was becoming...Her growth throughout the story felt real to me. She didn't magically turn into a completely different person, but you can clearly see her starting to care more about other people around her and less about herself and I loved that!
My FAVORITE thing about this book was the family aspect! Watching this family reconnect, communicate and find their way back to each other was sooooo heartwarming! Every relationship had its own little arc, and it all made my heart so happy! This book definitely leaned more into feel-good and hopeful rather than emotionally devastating (which is what I usually expect when I read Family genre books).
I really loved seeing how different life became for Elena between her influencer lifestyle to the small-town setting. The slower pace and the close-knit community vibes gave this book a cozy feel even though the main character isn't your typical "cozy" personality. The social media/influencer parts felt a little over the top at times, but it felt intentional and it made me laugh so much!
This book was so fun, and I loved all the characters. It was such a great story about growth, family, and rediscovering what matters most in life! It's not the deepest or most emotional family book but it totally works here! It still had a lot of heart, hopefulness and it was seriously a good time!
March 7, 2026
3 Stars
The concept was better than the execution here, unfortunately. I loved the ideas, but I couldn't love reading this. I was irritated, frustrated, and underwhelmed. It did come together at the end, though not enough to save my overall opinion of this book.
What didn't quite click here for me? Well, I won't be divulging that now. But I'll have that all in my full review, publishing March 20, 2026 over at Gateway Reviews. Stop by if you feel so inclined!
Note: I was provided with an ARC by the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions here are my own.
The concept was better than the execution here, unfortunately. I loved the ideas, but I couldn't love reading this. I was irritated, frustrated, and underwhelmed. It did come together at the end, though not enough to save my overall opinion of this book.
What didn't quite click here for me? Well, I won't be divulging that now. But I'll have that all in my full review, publishing March 20, 2026 over at Gateway Reviews. Stop by if you feel so inclined!
Note: I was provided with an ARC by the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions here are my own.
March 13, 2026
Excellent book -definitely inspired by Schitt’s Creek, but a great story with a happy ending. Excellent for MG and YA shelves-a few notes of underage drinking but it is cautionary not celebratory. Coming of age not romance which I appreciated.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
《 3.75 stars 》a coming-of-age story that revolves around two socialite siblings, told through the eyes of the younger sister. its chaotic, hilarious and an absolute mess as you get first class seats to a dysfunctional family in the backdrop of a no-name small town.
thank you to kokila books and netgalley for the eARC! this does not affect my thoughts about the book in any way! out on march 03, 2026 ^^
elena is thoroughly a seventeen year old person that had access to fame and media's scrutiny from a very young age. and knowing that helps understand her choices even if they are wild and bizarre at times. ngl i paused reading a lot of times because of how elena looks at the world, her priorities and her actions 😅 but getting to see her character development was very precious 🥹✨️
elena and her brother, gavin are honestly the main characters in this novel. the story revolves around them and the evolution of their relationship through these hard times. in a way gavin fits the perfect ya main character archetype because of how his character arc goes (read and find out lol) seeing them both adapt to life in blaire was such a joy! especially elena and her starting to make friends in the town 💗
overall, the oks are not ok is a fun read that keeps family at its core. it explores what it is like to be an immigrant and how your culture is always a part of you. the writing is easy to read and keeps you engaged throughout the journey (*^^*)
thank you to kokila books and netgalley for the eARC! this does not affect my thoughts about the book in any way! out on march 03, 2026 ^^
elena is thoroughly a seventeen year old person that had access to fame and media's scrutiny from a very young age. and knowing that helps understand her choices even if they are wild and bizarre at times. ngl i paused reading a lot of times because of how elena looks at the world, her priorities and her actions 😅 but getting to see her character development was very precious 🥹✨️
elena and her brother, gavin are honestly the main characters in this novel. the story revolves around them and the evolution of their relationship through these hard times. in a way gavin fits the perfect ya main character archetype because of how his character arc goes (read and find out lol) seeing them both adapt to life in blaire was such a joy! especially elena and her starting to make friends in the town 💗
overall, the oks are not ok is a fun read that keeps family at its core. it explores what it is like to be an immigrant and how your culture is always a part of you. the writing is easy to read and keeps you engaged throughout the journey (*^^*)
January 9, 2026
The Oks Are Not OK was such a fun and quick read, but even though it’s a short book, it still left me with a few frustrations, especially toward the end. Going in, I expected some level of rushing or slight inconclusiveness simply because of the length, but I didn’t think it would be so noticeable in the final 20% of the story. That’s where things started to feel brushed aside.
The story follows the Ok family, a wealthy family that owns a massive retail company (think Macy’s or Nordstrom). After a sudden financial collapse, they’re forced to leave their lavish lifestyle behind and move to Blaire, a small farming town with no internet, TV, or modern technology due to a nearby telescope that can’t risk interference. The family settles into a farm their parents own while their lawyer attempts to fix the situation. The premise is genuinely entertaining and sets up a strong fish-out-of-water dynamic that works well for most of the book.
One of the strongest aspects of the story is the family dynamic. Despite being related, the Oks barely know each other, and being forced to live together becomes a chance for them to truly connect. I liked this storyline a lot, even though some of their actions and dialogue occasionally annoyed me. Elena Ok, in particular, stood out as an interesting protagonist. As an influencer, she quickly learns that once her status disappears, so do her “friends,” leaving her isolated and forced to confront who she really is without the validation of social media. While her character development was satisfying, it came quite late, around 70% into the book, and I wish her growth had started earlier and been given more room to fully land.
My biggest issue, though, was the financial conflict that drives the entire story. What exactly happened? Did it just… disappear? Once the characters begin to grow and settle into their new lives, the problem that brought them to Blaire in the first place fades completely into the background and is never truly addressed. It felt like a major loose thread, especially since it was such a central part of the setup.
Overall, The Oks Are Not OK is a fun, light, and easy read with humor, moments of growth, and a storyline that clearly draws Schitt’s Creek comparisons. While it succeeds in charm and character interactions, it struggles to fully follow through on some plotlines, and the romance feels underdeveloped and rushed. Still, it’s an enjoyable contemporary YA with heart just one that could have benefited from a stronger, more cohesive ending.
The story follows the Ok family, a wealthy family that owns a massive retail company (think Macy’s or Nordstrom). After a sudden financial collapse, they’re forced to leave their lavish lifestyle behind and move to Blaire, a small farming town with no internet, TV, or modern technology due to a nearby telescope that can’t risk interference. The family settles into a farm their parents own while their lawyer attempts to fix the situation. The premise is genuinely entertaining and sets up a strong fish-out-of-water dynamic that works well for most of the book.
One of the strongest aspects of the story is the family dynamic. Despite being related, the Oks barely know each other, and being forced to live together becomes a chance for them to truly connect. I liked this storyline a lot, even though some of their actions and dialogue occasionally annoyed me. Elena Ok, in particular, stood out as an interesting protagonist. As an influencer, she quickly learns that once her status disappears, so do her “friends,” leaving her isolated and forced to confront who she really is without the validation of social media. While her character development was satisfying, it came quite late, around 70% into the book, and I wish her growth had started earlier and been given more room to fully land.
My biggest issue, though, was the financial conflict that drives the entire story. What exactly happened? Did it just… disappear? Once the characters begin to grow and settle into their new lives, the problem that brought them to Blaire in the first place fades completely into the background and is never truly addressed. It felt like a major loose thread, especially since it was such a central part of the setup.
Overall, The Oks Are Not OK is a fun, light, and easy read with humor, moments of growth, and a storyline that clearly draws Schitt’s Creek comparisons. While it succeeds in charm and character interactions, it struggles to fully follow through on some plotlines, and the romance feels underdeveloped and rushed. Still, it’s an enjoyable contemporary YA with heart just one that could have benefited from a stronger, more cohesive ending.
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April 5, 2026Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy
The Oks Are Not OK by Grace K. Shim is a first person-POV YA contemporary. The Ok family has achieved the American Dream: financial success in a single generation. Elena and her older brother Gavin are the children of Korean immigrants and have chosen their own paths to continue that success: Gavin as his father's protege and Elena as an influencer. But when disaster strikes and their family loses everything due to their father’s poor business decision, the family of four is forced to live in the home the elder Oks bought years ago in Blaire, a radio-free city with a population of 150. Elena will do anything to return to her previous life in the limelight and get out of the countryside.
The second I saw ‘Schitt’s Creek’ in the blurb on NetGalley, I requested this. I'm a huge fan of the show and I do think that the comparison is quite apt. Besides the basic premise, the biggest similarity is how Elena is an Alexis and the whole book being in her POV somewhat mirrors Alexis' own journey. Gavin is not a David and I would say that Gloria, the mother, is not even remotely a Moira. The dad, Dale, is kind of like Johnny, but more in terms of them coming from very little rather than in terms of personality. In other words, there are a lot of key differences in the characters even if the Alexis comparisons are quite strong.
I really enjoyed how Elena's journey was not only her reconnecting with and rediscovering her family, but also how her previous relationships were ones built on social clout rather than genuine care for Elena. More and more, I see a lot of people saying that we don't owe each other anything, and while that is true in some ways, it's not a way to live. We owe each other respect and care and if the people in your life cannot provide it, then maybe they aren't a quality support system. I'm not surprised Elena had to learn that lesson because a lot of people are having to learn it every day.
I would say that this is more character-driven rather than plot-driven or world-driven. There are parts and pieces moving, such as the efforts by the family lawyer to return them to their family life and the Blaire beautification project run by Callie, Elena's friend and Gavin’s crush, but the real thrust of the narrative is Elena’s goal of getting back her old life as well as how she changes as a person. It's a character study of an influencer who is so disconnected from her family's background as farmers in Korea that she struggles a lot while her parents and older brother are able to adapt easier and how that confuses and irks her.
I would recommend this to fans of Schitt’s Creek who are open to YA contemporary and early teen readers who are struggling to see the difference between quality relationships and clout chasers
The Oks Are Not OK by Grace K. Shim is a first person-POV YA contemporary. The Ok family has achieved the American Dream: financial success in a single generation. Elena and her older brother Gavin are the children of Korean immigrants and have chosen their own paths to continue that success: Gavin as his father's protege and Elena as an influencer. But when disaster strikes and their family loses everything due to their father’s poor business decision, the family of four is forced to live in the home the elder Oks bought years ago in Blaire, a radio-free city with a population of 150. Elena will do anything to return to her previous life in the limelight and get out of the countryside.
The second I saw ‘Schitt’s Creek’ in the blurb on NetGalley, I requested this. I'm a huge fan of the show and I do think that the comparison is quite apt. Besides the basic premise, the biggest similarity is how Elena is an Alexis and the whole book being in her POV somewhat mirrors Alexis' own journey. Gavin is not a David and I would say that Gloria, the mother, is not even remotely a Moira. The dad, Dale, is kind of like Johnny, but more in terms of them coming from very little rather than in terms of personality. In other words, there are a lot of key differences in the characters even if the Alexis comparisons are quite strong.
I really enjoyed how Elena's journey was not only her reconnecting with and rediscovering her family, but also how her previous relationships were ones built on social clout rather than genuine care for Elena. More and more, I see a lot of people saying that we don't owe each other anything, and while that is true in some ways, it's not a way to live. We owe each other respect and care and if the people in your life cannot provide it, then maybe they aren't a quality support system. I'm not surprised Elena had to learn that lesson because a lot of people are having to learn it every day.
I would say that this is more character-driven rather than plot-driven or world-driven. There are parts and pieces moving, such as the efforts by the family lawyer to return them to their family life and the Blaire beautification project run by Callie, Elena's friend and Gavin’s crush, but the real thrust of the narrative is Elena’s goal of getting back her old life as well as how she changes as a person. It's a character study of an influencer who is so disconnected from her family's background as farmers in Korea that she struggles a lot while her parents and older brother are able to adapt easier and how that confuses and irks her.
I would recommend this to fans of Schitt’s Creek who are open to YA contemporary and early teen readers who are struggling to see the difference between quality relationships and clout chasers
April 14, 2026
I am thankful to have received a complimentary audiobook from PRH Audio via their influencer program, which gave me the opportunity to share my voluntary thoughts.
3.5⭐️
Okay, I have some mixed feelings on this one.
On one hand, I definitely laughed and had fun with it—but that was equally matched with a fair amount of eye rolls and a stretch of repetition that dragged things down a bit for me.
This feels like one of those books that’s walking a very fine line. It’s clearly heavily influenced by Schitt’s Creek, and while you can tell the author tried to bring something original to the table, I’m not convinced it ever fully got there. At times, it felt more like an echo than something new.
Because of that, I think reactions will really depend on the reader. Fans of the show might either love getting more of that familiar vibe—or feel like it leans a little too close and doesn’t stand on its own. As someone who wasn’t personally a fan of the show (just not my thing), I found myself right in the middle.
All that said, it was fun, a little quirky, and easy to get through, even if it didn’t completely win me over.
3.5⭐️
Okay, I have some mixed feelings on this one.
On one hand, I definitely laughed and had fun with it—but that was equally matched with a fair amount of eye rolls and a stretch of repetition that dragged things down a bit for me.
This feels like one of those books that’s walking a very fine line. It’s clearly heavily influenced by Schitt’s Creek, and while you can tell the author tried to bring something original to the table, I’m not convinced it ever fully got there. At times, it felt more like an echo than something new.
Because of that, I think reactions will really depend on the reader. Fans of the show might either love getting more of that familiar vibe—or feel like it leans a little too close and doesn’t stand on its own. As someone who wasn’t personally a fan of the show (just not my thing), I found myself right in the middle.
All that said, it was fun, a little quirky, and easy to get through, even if it didn’t completely win me over.
April 21, 2026
I wasn’t sure I would like this book, but it had so many great lessons about true friendship, selflessness, and how to build good family relationships, all wrapped up in an entertaining contemporary YA, a clean read adds the cherry on top.
March 7, 2026
This was a short and funny read. I picked it up because it kept being compared to Schitt’s Creek and I absolutely love that series!
The OKs (pronounced ohhks) are a very wealthy family that suddenly lose their fortune and are forced out of LA and into an unknown middle of nowhere town to live. The brother/sister dynamics are hysterical. Elena is so over the top and so dramatic, it was hard not to love her! Very entertaining book. I did the audio which made it even more fun to listen to!
The OKs (pronounced ohhks) are a very wealthy family that suddenly lose their fortune and are forced out of LA and into an unknown middle of nowhere town to live. The brother/sister dynamics are hysterical. Elena is so over the top and so dramatic, it was hard not to love her! Very entertaining book. I did the audio which made it even more fun to listen to!
April 17, 2026
I wanted to like this but it's basically just an underdeveloped Schitt's Creek. I thought it wasn't very well written and the relationships/character development were pretty one dimensional.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
The Oks are Not OK is the YA version of the 1960s television show Green Acres, but better. It's a classic fish-out-of-water tale that is like none other!
The Ok (pronounced Oak) family are the founders of the wildly popular fashion brand It's Ok! Seventeen year old Elena Ok has used her family's business as a starting point to bolster her career as an LA socialite and financially savvy influencer, but her family doesn't see how hard she has worked to carefully cultivate her brand. Instead, they just see her as a "party girl," while her older brother Gavin is endlessly praised and brought into all of the ins and outs of It's OK!.
When a scandal strikes, the Oks lose their fortune overnight, have to file bankruptcy, and are forced to move to Blaire, CA - a tiny farming town that also happens to be a Radio Quiet Zone. Translation - they are living in the middle of nowhere, in a run down house, with no WIFI or cell phone service, and nothing to do. Being forced together for the first time in a long time, Mr. and Mrs. Ok begin to realize they don't really know their children at all, and Elena and Gavin are struggling to get along.
Despite their unraveling family dynamics, they soon discover that life in Blaire isn't as bad as they thought it would be. Mr. and Mrs. Ok reconnect with their Korean farming heritage while Elena and Gavin quickly make friends with some of the locals. Elena uses her business savvy to help the small-town vendors thrive and put profits back into the community. By doing so, she begins to discover that there are more important things in life than building a brand and always being in the lime light.
The Oks are Not Ok is both a humorous and drama filled story. Watching the Oks go from living a life of luxury with a full staff to do everything for them, to "slumming it" in a farm town with a population of 150 people, is quite entertaining. But at it's heart, this is a story about self-discovery that challenges family values, how people want to be viewed, and emphasizes what is really important in life.
Fantastic book!
The Ok (pronounced Oak) family are the founders of the wildly popular fashion brand It's Ok! Seventeen year old Elena Ok has used her family's business as a starting point to bolster her career as an LA socialite and financially savvy influencer, but her family doesn't see how hard she has worked to carefully cultivate her brand. Instead, they just see her as a "party girl," while her older brother Gavin is endlessly praised and brought into all of the ins and outs of It's OK!.
When a scandal strikes, the Oks lose their fortune overnight, have to file bankruptcy, and are forced to move to Blaire, CA - a tiny farming town that also happens to be a Radio Quiet Zone. Translation - they are living in the middle of nowhere, in a run down house, with no WIFI or cell phone service, and nothing to do. Being forced together for the first time in a long time, Mr. and Mrs. Ok begin to realize they don't really know their children at all, and Elena and Gavin are struggling to get along.
Despite their unraveling family dynamics, they soon discover that life in Blaire isn't as bad as they thought it would be. Mr. and Mrs. Ok reconnect with their Korean farming heritage while Elena and Gavin quickly make friends with some of the locals. Elena uses her business savvy to help the small-town vendors thrive and put profits back into the community. By doing so, she begins to discover that there are more important things in life than building a brand and always being in the lime light.
The Oks are Not Ok is both a humorous and drama filled story. Watching the Oks go from living a life of luxury with a full staff to do everything for them, to "slumming it" in a farm town with a population of 150 people, is quite entertaining. But at it's heart, this is a story about self-discovery that challenges family values, how people want to be viewed, and emphasizes what is really important in life.
Fantastic book!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The OKs Are Not Okay was a short read yet I felt somewhat unfilled by how it ended. The story highlights the Ok (pronounced Oak) family to have a successful business in which they can live a lavish lifestyle. However, the company faces a financial crisis. This leads the Ok family to relocate to a small town called Blaire due to buying their forgotten “retirement” home. In this town, there is no wifi or modern technology due to their town’s telescope/observatory. During this time, the family transitions from being lavish to now farmer/small town. Family members, Dale (Company Owner), Gloria (Was a Co-Owner), Gavin (Works under Father), and Elena (Mainstream Social Media Influencer) realize living together in this small town uncovers their true feelings, new love (Gavin & Elena?), and a better understanding of what they want to accomplish in their lives.
Personally, I felt this story has so much more potential. When I started reading, the pacing of the plot was a tad bit slow, however, it does pick up when the family transitions to Blaire and getting to know the community. Yet, in the last couple chapters, I felt the ending was rushed involving how the scandal ends or how it was handled and honestly I am happy for Gavin yet, leaving Elena out of romance was sad for me.
Overall, I generally enjoyed the family aspect of how parental upbringing can influence values/morals which can make or break a family. It was awesome of how Grace K. Shim portrays the Ok family to navigate through these tough conversations. I do wish for more of a conclusion of the scandal and its impact to the family. In addition, I would love to have more romance for Gavin and Elena (if possible). I still feel like it was a great YA read!
Personally, I felt this story has so much more potential. When I started reading, the pacing of the plot was a tad bit slow, however, it does pick up when the family transitions to Blaire and getting to know the community. Yet, in the last couple chapters, I felt the ending was rushed involving how the scandal ends or how it was handled and honestly I am happy for Gavin yet, leaving Elena out of romance was sad for me.
Overall, I generally enjoyed the family aspect of how parental upbringing can influence values/morals which can make or break a family. It was awesome of how Grace K. Shim portrays the Ok family to navigate through these tough conversations. I do wish for more of a conclusion of the scandal and its impact to the family. In addition, I would love to have more romance for Gavin and Elena (if possible). I still feel like it was a great YA read!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5 stars! Such a heartfelt book, I really enjoyed reading it! I loved the drama/glamour of Elena's life as an influencer, and enjoyed seeing her getting back in touch with reality and the fish out of water situation she was in. But the real treasure of the book was the character development. It's easy to understand why people wouldn't like Elena or would become frustrated with the Oks, but I was easily rooting for her and the family as a whole. And the ending gave me the best warm fuzzy feelings, it was such a treat to read. If you're looking for a book that's mostly focused on character development, this is the one for you. I especially liked how Elena and Gavin's relationship developed as they actually began understanding and spending time with each other, rather than working off of judgement and assumptions. My biggest complaint, though, was that I thought the character development maybe started a little too late, ~50% of the way through the book. But overall, I really enjoyed reading this book and would recommend. It's got the glamour only unapologetically out of touch characters can give, a fish out of water background that spurred satisfying character development, and a cozy setting that made me want to disconnect from the internet. Would recommend!
Thank you NetGalley and the publishers, Penguin Young Readers Group, for providing me with an eARC.
Thank you NetGalley and the publishers, Penguin Young Readers Group, for providing me with an eARC.
March 22, 2026
I wish I had bought this book instead of borrowing it from the library! It was so good!
If you loved Schitt’s Creek, you will love this book. I have no doubt in my mind.
Elena is the youngest of the Ok family.
She’s a teenager who reminded me of a young Paris Hilton. She’s someone that was trying to make a name for herself. She’s a bit like Cher in Clueless too. Shes young and pretty and rich and she is definitely underestimated. She is definitely underestimated by both the public and her parents.
When a potential Ponzi scheme association causes the Ok family to lose access to their wealth and their home, they wind up in a small town. The town has weird and strict rules that result in no cell phone usage. This means Elena immediately loses touch with all her old friends.
Along with their parents, Elena’s college age brother Gavin is moving into the house too.
This is a house their parents purchased with plans for farming in their retirement. It’s nothing like what their kids are used to.
After a window of being bored out of their minds, they start looking for things to do in their temporary home. They make friends that bring them into the farmer’s market and other local activities.
I loved the people who live in the town. I appreciate the reason why the town had strict rules. And above everything, I enjoyed watching Elena and her family getting to know each other for real. I enjoyed Elena and Gavin’s relationship most of all.
Loved this! Funny and sweet. Full of heart.
If you loved Schitt’s Creek, you will love this book. I have no doubt in my mind.
Elena is the youngest of the Ok family.
She’s a teenager who reminded me of a young Paris Hilton. She’s someone that was trying to make a name for herself. She’s a bit like Cher in Clueless too. Shes young and pretty and rich and she is definitely underestimated. She is definitely underestimated by both the public and her parents.
When a potential Ponzi scheme association causes the Ok family to lose access to their wealth and their home, they wind up in a small town. The town has weird and strict rules that result in no cell phone usage. This means Elena immediately loses touch with all her old friends.
Along with their parents, Elena’s college age brother Gavin is moving into the house too.
This is a house their parents purchased with plans for farming in their retirement. It’s nothing like what their kids are used to.
After a window of being bored out of their minds, they start looking for things to do in their temporary home. They make friends that bring them into the farmer’s market and other local activities.
I loved the people who live in the town. I appreciate the reason why the town had strict rules. And above everything, I enjoyed watching Elena and her family getting to know each other for real. I enjoyed Elena and Gavin’s relationship most of all.
Loved this! Funny and sweet. Full of heart.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved the movie Minari and I love fish-out-of-water comedies, so I had so much fun reading this book, with a setting I don't think I've seen anywhere else. Narrator Elena's fashion-forward, self-involved influencer lifestyle is on a collision course with the humble agricultural town of Blaire, which doesn't even allow Wi-Fi (for excellent scientific reasons!). And something's gotta give.
Watching Elena mature from a bratty diva into a mature, responsible woman gave this book a weight and relevance beyond its initial sitcom setup. I especially liked her evolving relationships with her family, as she and her brother, Gavin, got beyond their bickering banter and learned to embrace what they had in common. The scenes of making kimchi with her mom, who tells her about its significance in Korean culture, were an education for me. As someone who lives in a rural area where many urban professionals have settled and started farming, I really related to the themes of this sweet and funny gem of a book! Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy.
Watching Elena mature from a bratty diva into a mature, responsible woman gave this book a weight and relevance beyond its initial sitcom setup. I especially liked her evolving relationships with her family, as she and her brother, Gavin, got beyond their bickering banter and learned to embrace what they had in common. The scenes of making kimchi with her mom, who tells her about its significance in Korean culture, were an education for me. As someone who lives in a rural area where many urban professionals have settled and started farming, I really related to the themes of this sweet and funny gem of a book! Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy.
March 22, 2026
Seventeen year old Elena’s family owns the fabulously successful It’s OK clothing company, older brother Gavin is being groomed to take it over from her workaholic father, and Elena fills her need for connection and recognition by making considerable money as an influencer. When a scandal sends the company into bankruptcy, the family has no place to go but a tiny home they had purchased in Blaire, a rural California town that is within the National Radio Quiet Zone so there is no internet. What could have been a predictable riches to rags tale includes some helpful nuance; mom and dad come from subsistence farming in Korea and Gavin has secretly been pursuing training as a chef since he does not want to go into the family business. Their time in Blaire is a revelation on all counts, and there’s a pleasantly humorous undertone as well, provided by the cranky store keeper and their only motor vehicle, a tractor. Earc from Edelweiss.
March 9, 2026
3.75 stars
I really enjoyed this story. While it first starts off very satirical and humourous, with a focus on everyone being in on the joke of how snobby the main characters are except for themselves. But, it slowly morphs into a story about family, resilience, and personal growth. I enjoyed seeing the slow shift in Elena, from her being very self involved and snobbish, to her realizing her strengths and finding enjoyment in genuine philanthropy.
The only reason I'm not giving this story a higher rating is because I didn't feel a good connection to the characters. They still felt distant to me, and felt like fictional characters in the end. A huge thank you to Penguin Young Readers Group and Netgalley for this ARC!
I really enjoyed this story. While it first starts off very satirical and humourous, with a focus on everyone being in on the joke of how snobby the main characters are except for themselves. But, it slowly morphs into a story about family, resilience, and personal growth. I enjoyed seeing the slow shift in Elena, from her being very self involved and snobbish, to her realizing her strengths and finding enjoyment in genuine philanthropy.
The only reason I'm not giving this story a higher rating is because I didn't feel a good connection to the characters. They still felt distant to me, and felt like fictional characters in the end. A huge thank you to Penguin Young Readers Group and Netgalley for this ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Elena Ok has it all. Well, she did until her father's poor financial decisions bankrupt his company and leave her a social pariah. No longer is she the "it girl" hired for parties and ad campaigns. Instead, she, her brother, Gavin, and her parents are stuck in the small town of Blaire with no connection to the outside world. When no one knows who she is (or her famous catchphrase), Elena must decide who she wants to be.
This story was both heartwarming and humorous. I especially loved the sibling relationship between Gavin and Elena. This will be a great choice for upper middle grade and high school libraries!
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC!
This story was both heartwarming and humorous. I especially loved the sibling relationship between Gavin and Elena. This will be a great choice for upper middle grade and high school libraries!
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to Netgalley and Kokila for the ARC!
After the ultra-wealthy and famous Ok family's financial collapse, they are forced to relocate to the tiny town of Blaire, where their parents bought some farm land to settle down on when they retire. Not only is this small farm town, not what siblings Elena and Gavin are used to, it's also a National Radio Quiet Zone which means no wifi or cell phones allowed!
A quick, engaging YA read that feels like a charming mashup of Schitt’s Creek and Green Acres. I loved watching Elena’s growth and the authentic evolution of the family dynamics as everyone moved from merely living together to truly knowing and supporting one another.
After the ultra-wealthy and famous Ok family's financial collapse, they are forced to relocate to the tiny town of Blaire, where their parents bought some farm land to settle down on when they retire. Not only is this small farm town, not what siblings Elena and Gavin are used to, it's also a National Radio Quiet Zone which means no wifi or cell phones allowed!
A quick, engaging YA read that feels like a charming mashup of Schitt’s Creek and Green Acres. I loved watching Elena’s growth and the authentic evolution of the family dynamics as everyone moved from merely living together to truly knowing and supporting one another.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Oks are not ok is a coming-of-age book about navigating family dynamics and finding who you are. The story navigates complicated family relationships, learning about your heritage, and figuring out who you are through making mistakes. I really liked Elena’s character development throughout the book, and I was rooting for her the whole time. I think that the ending fell a little flat for me, but overall, I really liked the book. I think this book is great for fans of Schitt's Creek and anyone who has navigated complicated relationships with their family.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I loved this story of heritage, family & finding yourself.
The family dynamics in this are EVERYTHING! I enjoyed following Eleanas character arc as I found her highly entertaining & easy to root for. I loved seeing her & her relationships grow.
The ending did feel a little rushed as I wanted more but was still satisfying with the year on epilogue.
Would highly recommend for fans of Schitts Creek like me!
The family dynamics in this are EVERYTHING! I enjoyed following Eleanas character arc as I found her highly entertaining & easy to root for. I loved seeing her & her relationships grow.
The ending did feel a little rushed as I wanted more but was still satisfying with the year on epilogue.
Would highly recommend for fans of Schitts Creek like me!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was 3.5 stars. I felt a bit disconnected from the beginning because it felt an unrealistic but after they end up in the small town the story took on more shape. It looked at difficult subjects and allowed Elena and her entire family to come into their own. It was a cute story that had some areas that were lacking. The game time in the story felt the most impactful to me.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc
April 11, 2026
I know a lot of YA readers will like this. I didn't, mainly because I really didn't like the main character in the beginning and only partially warmed up to her by the end. I did enjoy the premise of a modern influencer forced to live off grid. The plot was rather predictable but with some fun moments. Good if you want a light YA read with glitzy Hollywood sensibilities bumping against rural America.
April 18, 2026
The Oks Are Not OK is a coming-of-age novel that follows Elena as she navigates complicated family dynamics, explores her cultural heritage, and discovers who she is through her mistakes. I really enjoyed her character development and found myself rooting for her the whole way through. Although the ending fell a bit flat for me, I still really liked the book overall. I’d recommend it to fans of Schitt’s Creek and anyone who relates to messy, complicated family relationships.
March 16, 2026
A Korean American LA family finds themselves bankrupt and forced to get back to basics as they live on the only property they have left - a farm in a remote town where there's no wifi. Schitt's Creek meets The simple life in this funny YA coming of age story. I loved seeing the Oks relearn how to be a family and appreciate the simpler things in life. Good on audio and just a fun read!
April 3, 2026
Pretty fun. You still find moments where you feel for Elena—it’s a little like the vibe you feel with Jane Austen’s Emma. And I get Gavin’s social awkwardness. And I like Callie.
I’m glad that things worked out between the Oks. I like the message at the end of Chapter 27. The parents’ backgrounds were really interesting. I knew it about Brennan! Some of the Oks’ commentary while playing Life sounds like my family, haha. “Suit yourself” in Chapter 29 is a pun. If you do Dale’s name with the last name first, that kind of is, too! Yes: too high of a work ethic can definitely be bad. But I also know what Gloria means about it meaning that much more.
And you know, funny enough, this book also gave me a birthday present idea for my scent-loving brother!
*Spoiler: Aww, Blaire was awesome at the end! *end of spoiler*
twenty one pilots: “Intentions are everything.” (:
“Calm down?!…Not today, Satan.”
“…You can make all the right moves and still end up with nothing.” (I needed to hear this right now!)
I’m glad that things worked out between the Oks. I like the message at the end of Chapter 27. The parents’ backgrounds were really interesting. I knew it about Brennan! Some of the Oks’ commentary while playing Life sounds like my family, haha. “Suit yourself” in Chapter 29 is a pun. If you do Dale’s name with the last name first, that kind of is, too! Yes: too high of a work ethic can definitely be bad. But I also know what Gloria means about it meaning that much more.
And you know, funny enough, this book also gave me a birthday present idea for my scent-loving brother!
*Spoiler: Aww, Blaire was awesome at the end! *end of spoiler*
twenty one pilots: “Intentions are everything.” (:
“Calm down?!…Not today, Satan.”
“…You can make all the right moves and still end up with nothing.” (I needed to hear this right now!)
March 27, 2026
3.5 stars
This was cute! An overall enjoyable read, and you can definitely see the Schitt's Creek influence on the story. The ending did feel a little rushed, but I enjoyed my time getting there. Elena definitely reminded me of a younger version of Alexis, which is fun! If you're looking for something quick and family focused, definitely pck this one up.
This was cute! An overall enjoyable read, and you can definitely see the Schitt's Creek influence on the story. The ending did feel a little rushed, but I enjoyed my time getting there. Elena definitely reminded me of a younger version of Alexis, which is fun! If you're looking for something quick and family focused, definitely pck this one up.
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