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Closer to Okay
Weaving culinary delights with an honest, appraising look at how we deal with the world when it becomes too much, Closer to Okay is the comfort food we all need in these, well, crazy times.
Kyle Davies is doing fine. She has her routine, after all, ingrained in her from years of working as a baker: wake up, make breakfast, prep the dough, make lunch, work the dough, make dinner, bake dessert, go to bed. Wash, rinse, repeat. It's a good routine. Comforting. Almost enough to help her forget the scars on her wrist, still healing from when she slit it a few weeks ago; that she lost her job at the bakery when she checked herself in as an inpatient at Hope House; then signed away all decisions about her life, medical care, and wellbeing to Dr. Booth (who may or may not be a hack). So, yeah, Kyle's doing just fine.
Except that a new item's been added to her daily to-do list recently: stare out her window at the coffee shop (named, well...The Coffee Shop) across the street, and its hot owner, Jackson. It's healthy to have eye candy when you're locked in the psych ward, right? Something low risk to keep yourself distracted. So when Dr. Booth allows Kyle to leave the facility--two hours a day to go wherever she wants--she decides to up the stakes a little more. Why not visit? Why not see what Jackson's like in person?
Turns out that Jackson's a jerk with a heart of gold, a deadly combination that Kyle finds herself drawn to more than she should be. (Aren't we all?) At a time when Dr. Booth delivers near-constant warnings about the dangers of romantic entanglements, Kyle is pulled further and further into Jackson's orbit. At first, the feeling of being truly taken care of is bliss, like floating on a wave. But at a time when Kyle is barely managing her own problems, she finds herself suddenly thrown into the deep end of someone else's. Dr. Booth may have been right after all: falling in love may be the thing that sends Kyle into a backslide she might never be able to crawl out of. Is Jackson too much for her to handle? Does love come at the cost of sanity?
Kyle Davies is doing fine. She has her routine, after all, ingrained in her from years of working as a baker: wake up, make breakfast, prep the dough, make lunch, work the dough, make dinner, bake dessert, go to bed. Wash, rinse, repeat. It's a good routine. Comforting. Almost enough to help her forget the scars on her wrist, still healing from when she slit it a few weeks ago; that she lost her job at the bakery when she checked herself in as an inpatient at Hope House; then signed away all decisions about her life, medical care, and wellbeing to Dr. Booth (who may or may not be a hack). So, yeah, Kyle's doing just fine.
Except that a new item's been added to her daily to-do list recently: stare out her window at the coffee shop (named, well...The Coffee Shop) across the street, and its hot owner, Jackson. It's healthy to have eye candy when you're locked in the psych ward, right? Something low risk to keep yourself distracted. So when Dr. Booth allows Kyle to leave the facility--two hours a day to go wherever she wants--she decides to up the stakes a little more. Why not visit? Why not see what Jackson's like in person?
Turns out that Jackson's a jerk with a heart of gold, a deadly combination that Kyle finds herself drawn to more than she should be. (Aren't we all?) At a time when Dr. Booth delivers near-constant warnings about the dangers of romantic entanglements, Kyle is pulled further and further into Jackson's orbit. At first, the feeling of being truly taken care of is bliss, like floating on a wave. But at a time when Kyle is barely managing her own problems, she finds herself suddenly thrown into the deep end of someone else's. Dr. Booth may have been right after all: falling in love may be the thing that sends Kyle into a backslide she might never be able to crawl out of. Is Jackson too much for her to handle? Does love come at the cost of sanity?
304 pages, Paperback
Published October 11, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews
May 16, 2022
Such a powerful, realistic fiction has truly honest approach to mental health issues including angsty, emotional romance between main characters.
Kyle has a pure talent to create delicious sweets, rolling doughs into art pieces, working on kitchen shifts of Hope House: mental institution for troubled souls.
After her attempt to take her own life, she slowly learns to focus on her teenage years long depression more seriously. For a long time she rejected to admit that something wrong with herself, drowning in self-harm, insecurities. Now she’s having regular weekly seances with Dr. Booth: might a villain to make her life miserable but also he might be the one who can help her heal properly!
The characters of the institute symbolize the characters of One Flew Over Cuckoo’s Nest ( especially Nancy reminds us of Nurse Ratched) They suffer from psychosis, PTSD, OCD, anorexia. Their problems are realistically told. Some of them can heal and get out from the house to confront with outside world as some of them fail or become voluntarily indefinite residents of the institution.
Kyle uses privilege to spend time at outside for limited time: she starts hanging out at the Coffee Shop, spying on brooding, charismatic coffee maker Jackson who is famous politician’s son. He’s an introvert, hiding behind a shield, keeping everything inside.
Both of them are emotionally unavailable but that doesn’t prevent them form an intimate relationship.
I found Kyle and Jackson’s achy, angsty, heart wrenching love story a little too agitated. I even thought maybe it make more sense for them stay away from each other but conclusion of their story was so logical and promising.
Overall: even though it was way too much sad, dark, depressing story, it was real, honest and well written. I have to congratulate the author for handling all those triggering subjects with so much care.
Special thanks to NetGalley and Alcove Press for sharing this amazing digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest thoughts.
Kyle has a pure talent to create delicious sweets, rolling doughs into art pieces, working on kitchen shifts of Hope House: mental institution for troubled souls.
After her attempt to take her own life, she slowly learns to focus on her teenage years long depression more seriously. For a long time she rejected to admit that something wrong with herself, drowning in self-harm, insecurities. Now she’s having regular weekly seances with Dr. Booth: might a villain to make her life miserable but also he might be the one who can help her heal properly!
The characters of the institute symbolize the characters of One Flew Over Cuckoo’s Nest ( especially Nancy reminds us of Nurse Ratched) They suffer from psychosis, PTSD, OCD, anorexia. Their problems are realistically told. Some of them can heal and get out from the house to confront with outside world as some of them fail or become voluntarily indefinite residents of the institution.
Kyle uses privilege to spend time at outside for limited time: she starts hanging out at the Coffee Shop, spying on brooding, charismatic coffee maker Jackson who is famous politician’s son. He’s an introvert, hiding behind a shield, keeping everything inside.
Both of them are emotionally unavailable but that doesn’t prevent them form an intimate relationship.
I found Kyle and Jackson’s achy, angsty, heart wrenching love story a little too agitated. I even thought maybe it make more sense for them stay away from each other but conclusion of their story was so logical and promising.
Overall: even though it was way too much sad, dark, depressing story, it was real, honest and well written. I have to congratulate the author for handling all those triggering subjects with so much care.
Special thanks to NetGalley and Alcove Press for sharing this amazing digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest thoughts.
September 23, 2022
Please note that I received this book via NetGalley. This did not affect my rating or review.
Trigger warning: Book gives a lengthy (and much appreciated) trigger warning for suicide and mental health.
Not to much to say here. I liked the ideas behind this book much more than the actual book. The first 30 pages had me excited and then it just turned into a not so cohesive romance novel. I think if Watson had either just decided to just do a straight up women’s fiction book, maybe that would have worked better for her. Trying to center the romance in this one just didn’t make sense, and a few times I was like this feels manipulative as anything. I just wish we had focused on Kyle’s journey to deal with her depression. Also I have to say parts of the book did not feel very realistic at all. And I don’t know, I just started getting annoyed with Kyle’s character because I started to find her just as manipulative as others in this book. I also couldn’t even tell you her age because sometimes she feels like a middle aged woman, and other times it’s like she just came out of high school. I dithered between 2 and 3 stars, but honestly couldn’t justify the 3 stars in my own head.
“Closer to Okay” follows Kyle Davies who is currently an inpatient at a mental health facility called Hope House. Kyle has her routine and gets up and makes meals for the other three patients (Joey, Mary, and Eddie) and finds herself watching the coffee shop across the road. During one of her day passes, she goes to the coffee shop (called The Coffee Shop) and finds herself drinking the best cup of flat white she has ever had. And she starts to dream about baking again and doing something else. When she starts to go to the shop more regularly, she gets to know the worker/owners there Jamie and Jackson. Kyle is still in recovery though and has to deal with the warnings from not only herself, but also her doctor, Dr. Booth about developing romantic feelings for Jackson and how it could wreck her recovery.
As I said at the top, I still don’t know how old Kyle is. At one point she mentions going to culinary school and she was trained as a pastry chef. But I am still confused. The book doesn’t do a great job of letting us know her backstory (which was a mistake). We find out in fits and starts about her mother and grandmother. And we find out what caused her to end up at Hope House. But I just didn’t get what was going on with her because things with her constantly change. And I don’t even know why she had “feelings” for Jackson. And it makes zero sense when we get an info depth about her past “relationships” so I was like what is going on here? I don’t know, I think Watson wanted to play both sides of showing that Kyle wasn’t ready for a relationship yet, but LOVE or something.
Dr. Booth is written as a villain, but I am really confused what Watson was thinking of when writing this character. At times he seems quite malevolent and I think it was being set up that he had darker intentions, but then nope not at all. I was just wondering if she meant to write him as a mini-tyrant or what. He’s all encompassing at one point in the story and then he just fizzles out. I also have questions about how he can decide where a patient works and keeps their cash, but I decided to just let that part go.
Jackson didn’t work for me at all. Probably because he’s written one way and all of a sudden he’s just so drawn to Kyle. It didn’t make sense to me. And then when he’s realizing that hey maybe starting a relationship with someone who tried to commit suicide and is still having PTSD over it is not a good idea, he’s treated like a bad person. I don’t know. I just shook my head. The subplot with his shop and father just took away too much of the main story.
Jackson’s dad was another character written as a villain with zero depth.
We also get characters like Mary, Joey, Eddie, Trace, etc. that we don’t spend much time with. They just felt like plot devices after a while and that made me sad. I think if the romance had been nixed then maybe Watson could have spent more time making every character feel “real.”
The writing in the book at times was quite lyrical. Watson will describe a cup of coffee that Kyle is having and I wanted to find this mythical shop and set up with a book and a blanket. It sounded like a dream. But then that’s it. The rest of the book falls flat. I don’t even know what Kyle looks like. I just realized that. There’s no description of her, or really anyone else. I just realized that I went back and forth on Eddie’s race (still no idea) and that’s what was bugging me while reading. I could not picture anyone so just went back and forth on what people looked like.
The flow was pretty bad. The book just stop and starts. And when we get to a key point in Kyle’s recovery the book just goes on and on and it just seems like it’s moving in a different direction, but nope.
The setting of the book takes place mostly at Hope House and The Coffee Shop. They are not that interesting unfortunately. I realized after the fact that the city this is taking place in is Chicago. There’s the mention of the El so that was the only thing that clued me in. I stupidly thought at one point maybe this was taking place in London.
The ending of the book just kind of ends. I don’t even know what to say. I thought maybe my ARC was missing pages, but nope, the book just stops.
Trigger warning: Book gives a lengthy (and much appreciated) trigger warning for suicide and mental health.
Not to much to say here. I liked the ideas behind this book much more than the actual book. The first 30 pages had me excited and then it just turned into a not so cohesive romance novel. I think if Watson had either just decided to just do a straight up women’s fiction book, maybe that would have worked better for her. Trying to center the romance in this one just didn’t make sense, and a few times I was like this feels manipulative as anything. I just wish we had focused on Kyle’s journey to deal with her depression. Also I have to say parts of the book did not feel very realistic at all. And I don’t know, I just started getting annoyed with Kyle’s character because I started to find her just as manipulative as others in this book. I also couldn’t even tell you her age because sometimes she feels like a middle aged woman, and other times it’s like she just came out of high school. I dithered between 2 and 3 stars, but honestly couldn’t justify the 3 stars in my own head.
“Closer to Okay” follows Kyle Davies who is currently an inpatient at a mental health facility called Hope House. Kyle has her routine and gets up and makes meals for the other three patients (Joey, Mary, and Eddie) and finds herself watching the coffee shop across the road. During one of her day passes, she goes to the coffee shop (called The Coffee Shop) and finds herself drinking the best cup of flat white she has ever had. And she starts to dream about baking again and doing something else. When she starts to go to the shop more regularly, she gets to know the worker/owners there Jamie and Jackson. Kyle is still in recovery though and has to deal with the warnings from not only herself, but also her doctor, Dr. Booth about developing romantic feelings for Jackson and how it could wreck her recovery.
As I said at the top, I still don’t know how old Kyle is. At one point she mentions going to culinary school and she was trained as a pastry chef. But I am still confused. The book doesn’t do a great job of letting us know her backstory (which was a mistake). We find out in fits and starts about her mother and grandmother. And we find out what caused her to end up at Hope House. But I just didn’t get what was going on with her because things with her constantly change. And I don’t even know why she had “feelings” for Jackson. And it makes zero sense when we get an info depth about her past “relationships” so I was like what is going on here? I don’t know, I think Watson wanted to play both sides of showing that Kyle wasn’t ready for a relationship yet, but LOVE or something.
Dr. Booth is written as a villain, but I am really confused what Watson was thinking of when writing this character. At times he seems quite malevolent and I think it was being set up that he had darker intentions, but then nope not at all. I was just wondering if she meant to write him as a mini-tyrant or what. He’s all encompassing at one point in the story and then he just fizzles out. I also have questions about how he can decide where a patient works and keeps their cash, but I decided to just let that part go.
Jackson didn’t work for me at all. Probably because he’s written one way and all of a sudden he’s just so drawn to Kyle. It didn’t make sense to me. And then when he’s realizing that hey maybe starting a relationship with someone who tried to commit suicide and is still having PTSD over it is not a good idea, he’s treated like a bad person. I don’t know. I just shook my head. The subplot with his shop and father just took away too much of the main story.
Jackson’s dad was another character written as a villain with zero depth.
We also get characters like Mary, Joey, Eddie, Trace, etc. that we don’t spend much time with. They just felt like plot devices after a while and that made me sad. I think if the romance had been nixed then maybe Watson could have spent more time making every character feel “real.”
The writing in the book at times was quite lyrical. Watson will describe a cup of coffee that Kyle is having and I wanted to find this mythical shop and set up with a book and a blanket. It sounded like a dream. But then that’s it. The rest of the book falls flat. I don’t even know what Kyle looks like. I just realized that. There’s no description of her, or really anyone else. I just realized that I went back and forth on Eddie’s race (still no idea) and that’s what was bugging me while reading. I could not picture anyone so just went back and forth on what people looked like.
The flow was pretty bad. The book just stop and starts. And when we get to a key point in Kyle’s recovery the book just goes on and on and it just seems like it’s moving in a different direction, but nope.
The setting of the book takes place mostly at Hope House and The Coffee Shop. They are not that interesting unfortunately. I realized after the fact that the city this is taking place in is Chicago. There’s the mention of the El so that was the only thing that clued me in. I stupidly thought at one point maybe this was taking place in London.
The ending of the book just kind of ends. I don’t even know what to say. I thought maybe my ARC was missing pages, but nope, the book just stops.
September 19, 2022
2 ⭐️
I'll try and write a coherent review, please note that I received an e-arc from the publisher, all opinions are my own an not influenced by that in any way. This might contain spoilers so keep that in mind before reading.
TW/CW:
I was very intrigued with the synopsis of the book when I first found it on NetGalley, hoping for a book with a more serious introspective view into mental health. And while I did enjoy the first couple of chapters, I very quickly became confused. We had very little backstory on Kyle and what led her to this moment in life, and I had a hard time picturing her - is she middle-aged, is she in her twenties, is she in her thirties - I felt like there were a lot of very juvenile moments in this story.
Which leads me to the other characters in the book. Was the Doctor supposed to be a villain? Because he is certainly portrayed as incompetent in Kyle's eyes, pushing patients past their limits, leading to one of them ending his own life. He also plays a massive part in Kyle's story, having medical power of decision over her, being this big looming presence controlling her life and supposedly still needing to see Kyle after she leaves the house before he deems her capable. But then that didn't end up happening and he just doesn't show up to the court date and she gets her medical proxy back, it was honestly very confusing. There's also the fact that he got her a job, and she apparently always has cash on her for coffee and stuff, but also doesn't know how she's getting paid, there's just a lot of loose ends in this one.
Onto the romance, I was extremely confused here - she has only ever met the guys from the Coffee Shop across the road maybe twice when she randomly runs up behind Jackson on the street and hugs the guy, and ends up walking with him holding hands. After seeing that she's already late for curfew, they decide to go to his apartment, and she doesn't find it ironical in the least when she says: "(...) seeing as we've just established ourselves as friends an hour ago, I don't think I'm ready for the whole 'meet the family' scene yet." - but hugging and holding hands and going to a strangers apartment is okay. They end up admitting to liking each other very quickly, despite hardly knowing one another, and then dramatically have a fight immediately after. There's also a scene where she has a panic attack because of a razor in the bathroom and then they're making out on the couch like an hour later. Jackson's dad was another character I had no idea what to do with, because once again it made him seem like a villain and that just ended up not leading anywhere, again.
Their relationship felt very co-dependent and unhealthy despite the book ending with them together and happy.
At one point, it's her first full day out of the House, she gets late to work, goes out for drinks with her coworker after their shift, and then ends up kissing him. That also ends up not leading anywhere except for one awkward conversation.
There's also this weird moment where she apologizes for hurting the two coffee shop guys and Fiona (also known as the girl she met once while drinking coffee, and once again briefly at a concert), this girl, woman, who knows, was worried about having hurt Fiona when the book only mentions them interacting twice, much like with Jackson I think there were some very serious attachment issues going on that never got addressed.
I was completely lost on the timing of moments most of the book, at one point Jackson says they've know each other for 10 months and I was completely confused, like when did that happen? And then the story just ends, very abruptly, just turned the page and over.
Hope this made any sense, I'm really sad this didn't work for me. I was waiting for Kyle to actually get a baking job and end up doing something she loved at the coffee shop and that didn't happen. I think that the idea of getting professional help was both recommended but also criticized, seeing as Dr. Booth was a horrible character that only made his patients worse, and discharged Kyle while she was clearly not doing okay, but then she mentally thanks him for all his work in the end. Overall I think the book needed a little more editing, maybe some more indicators of time so that the timeline is better understood.
I'll try and write a coherent review, please note that I received an e-arc from the publisher, all opinions are my own an not influenced by that in any way. This might contain spoilers so keep that in mind before reading.
TW/CW:
I was very intrigued with the synopsis of the book when I first found it on NetGalley, hoping for a book with a more serious introspective view into mental health. And while I did enjoy the first couple of chapters, I very quickly became confused. We had very little backstory on Kyle and what led her to this moment in life, and I had a hard time picturing her - is she middle-aged, is she in her twenties, is she in her thirties - I felt like there were a lot of very juvenile moments in this story.
Which leads me to the other characters in the book. Was the Doctor supposed to be a villain? Because he is certainly portrayed as incompetent in Kyle's eyes, pushing patients past their limits, leading to one of them ending his own life. He also plays a massive part in Kyle's story, having medical power of decision over her, being this big looming presence controlling her life and supposedly still needing to see Kyle after she leaves the house before he deems her capable. But then that didn't end up happening and he just doesn't show up to the court date and she gets her medical proxy back, it was honestly very confusing. There's also the fact that he got her a job, and she apparently always has cash on her for coffee and stuff, but also doesn't know how she's getting paid, there's just a lot of loose ends in this one.
Onto the romance, I was extremely confused here - she has only ever met the guys from the Coffee Shop across the road maybe twice when she randomly runs up behind Jackson on the street and hugs the guy, and ends up walking with him holding hands. After seeing that she's already late for curfew, they decide to go to his apartment, and she doesn't find it ironical in the least when she says: "(...) seeing as we've just established ourselves as friends an hour ago, I don't think I'm ready for the whole 'meet the family' scene yet." - but hugging and holding hands and going to a strangers apartment is okay. They end up admitting to liking each other very quickly, despite hardly knowing one another, and then dramatically have a fight immediately after. There's also a scene where she has a panic attack because of a razor in the bathroom and then they're making out on the couch like an hour later. Jackson's dad was another character I had no idea what to do with, because once again it made him seem like a villain and that just ended up not leading anywhere, again.
Their relationship felt very co-dependent and unhealthy despite the book ending with them together and happy.
At one point, it's her first full day out of the House, she gets late to work, goes out for drinks with her coworker after their shift, and then ends up kissing him. That also ends up not leading anywhere except for one awkward conversation.
There's also this weird moment where she apologizes for hurting the two coffee shop guys and Fiona (also known as the girl she met once while drinking coffee, and once again briefly at a concert), this girl, woman, who knows, was worried about having hurt Fiona when the book only mentions them interacting twice, much like with Jackson I think there were some very serious attachment issues going on that never got addressed.
I was completely lost on the timing of moments most of the book, at one point Jackson says they've know each other for 10 months and I was completely confused, like when did that happen? And then the story just ends, very abruptly, just turned the page and over.
Hope this made any sense, I'm really sad this didn't work for me. I was waiting for Kyle to actually get a baking job and end up doing something she loved at the coffee shop and that didn't happen. I think that the idea of getting professional help was both recommended but also criticized, seeing as Dr. Booth was a horrible character that only made his patients worse, and discharged Kyle while she was clearly not doing okay, but then she mentally thanks him for all his work in the end. Overall I think the book needed a little more editing, maybe some more indicators of time so that the timeline is better understood.
March 21, 2022
"I didn’t know it then, but looking back I must have been blind. How did I not realize you needed your armor as much as I needed mine?"
This book opens up to Kyle Davies- a professional Baker trying to get her life back in order after falling into depression by being lonely. For that she admits herself into Hope House to get treatment but months of being confined in her room, she starts to grow bored. Just then a surly coffee shop owner catches her attention. She starts to observe Jackson and when she finally gets the liberty to wander around, she lands up straight on his cofee shop's doorstep. Jackson was just such a cute grumpy bear, whenever Kyle hugged him, it just made me smile so wide! I really loved Kylie & Jackson's relationship. A harmless one sided crush that blossomed into friendship and then made my heart flip! The first half however was slow, emotional and dealt with some pretty heavy, sensitive subjects that were really sad. The last half picked up pace and Kyle was starting to get her life back on track. The last few chapters were just so cute and it's a bummer that the book didn't have an epilogue because I would've loved to see how things worked out between Kyle & Jackson in the future. There were some things that I feel were left unresolved which is why I'm a bit disappointed with the abrupt ending. Regardless, it was a good, emotional, soul wrenching and real book with side characters who had their own little stories and it would stay with me for a while! It's a must read for those who can relate with the core theme of the book.
Thank you Netgalley & Alcove Press for this ARC
This book opens up to Kyle Davies- a professional Baker trying to get her life back in order after falling into depression by being lonely. For that she admits herself into Hope House to get treatment but months of being confined in her room, she starts to grow bored. Just then a surly coffee shop owner catches her attention. She starts to observe Jackson and when she finally gets the liberty to wander around, she lands up straight on his cofee shop's doorstep. Jackson was just such a cute grumpy bear, whenever Kyle hugged him, it just made me smile so wide! I really loved Kylie & Jackson's relationship. A harmless one sided crush that blossomed into friendship and then made my heart flip! The first half however was slow, emotional and dealt with some pretty heavy, sensitive subjects that were really sad. The last half picked up pace and Kyle was starting to get her life back on track. The last few chapters were just so cute and it's a bummer that the book didn't have an epilogue because I would've loved to see how things worked out between Kyle & Jackson in the future. There were some things that I feel were left unresolved which is why I'm a bit disappointed with the abrupt ending. Regardless, it was a good, emotional, soul wrenching and real book with side characters who had their own little stories and it would stay with me for a while! It's a must read for those who can relate with the core theme of the book.
Thank you Netgalley & Alcove Press for this ARC
September 26, 2022
Thanks to NetGalley & Alcove Press for an eARC of this book. The following review is my honest reflection on the text provided.
Closer to Okay is an honest portrayal of mental illness and the struggle to forge a new life after a suicide attempt.
It is very easy to connect to Kyle; she wants to do everything right, to commit to feeling and getting better, but it can be difficult to trust that others are looking out for her. Which, in this case, is fair; Dr Booth is a very untrustworthy person with a lot of control over Kyle and the other residents of Hope House. Every decree of his made my skin crawl, and I felt so sorry for all these residents under his rule. Regardless of how cruel or seemingly pointless his decisions are, Kyle follows them to the best of her ability, all in an attempt to earn back her independence.
Is there a better match than a baker and a coffee shop owner? I loved the chemistry between Kyle and Jackson. From day one, Jackson is very understanding of Kyle's situation. Unfortunately, he pushes a little too far too fast, and Kyle - with a lot of pressure from Dr Booth - has to put her recovery first. I have a lot of respect for Kyle submitting to the process, even when it was questionable - it's definitely not something I would be able to do.
Complicated and messy, Closer to Okay addresses formerly taboo subjects with candour. One story could never represent everyone's experience with mental illness, but this narrative does a good job of broadening the discussion.
Review originally posted here on Britt's Book Blurbs.
Closer to Okay is an honest portrayal of mental illness and the struggle to forge a new life after a suicide attempt.
It is very easy to connect to Kyle; she wants to do everything right, to commit to feeling and getting better, but it can be difficult to trust that others are looking out for her. Which, in this case, is fair; Dr Booth is a very untrustworthy person with a lot of control over Kyle and the other residents of Hope House. Every decree of his made my skin crawl, and I felt so sorry for all these residents under his rule. Regardless of how cruel or seemingly pointless his decisions are, Kyle follows them to the best of her ability, all in an attempt to earn back her independence.
Is there a better match than a baker and a coffee shop owner? I loved the chemistry between Kyle and Jackson. From day one, Jackson is very understanding of Kyle's situation. Unfortunately, he pushes a little too far too fast, and Kyle - with a lot of pressure from Dr Booth - has to put her recovery first. I have a lot of respect for Kyle submitting to the process, even when it was questionable - it's definitely not something I would be able to do.
Complicated and messy, Closer to Okay addresses formerly taboo subjects with candour. One story could never represent everyone's experience with mental illness, but this narrative does a good job of broadening the discussion.
Review originally posted here on Britt's Book Blurbs.
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March 6, 2022
3.5 stars//
Thank you Netgalley for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!
𝗖𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗼 𝗢𝗸𝗮𝘆 follows Kyle Davies, a pastry chef who has been admitted to a mental health facility after struggling with depression for a long time. Across from Kyle's window in the facility is The Coffee Shop where we meet our love interest, Jackson Turner. This book is heavily character-driven and deals with multiple aspects of different mental illnesses. We go through Kyle's ups and downs as she recovers from depression and anxiety, while making new friends, going out of her comfort zone, and rediscovering her passion for baking. Although it is mainly focused on Kyle and her recovery, we get to see her relationship with Jackson evolve as well.
Now onto my personal opinion on this book; it was definitely a fun read. Is it one of the best? No. Would I still recommend it to younger readers? Yes. It approaches the topic of mental illness both lightly and realistically, making it easy to relate to, but not too heavy at the same time. It could still be triggering for some readers (TWs at the end of the review). I LOVED reading about the different coffees and pastries; that concept of the book gave it a cozy feel. Jamie was an adorable side character I wish we got to know more, as well as Fiona.
I do feel like the writing and characters were a bit immature, though. I feel like there was potential for Kyle to be a much deeper character, and more so Jackson!! The misunderstanding trope wasn't done well in my opinion, which could've been why these characters came off as shallow or childish to me. The pacing of events also could have been more organized because I felt like I was jumping between timelines, and in every other chapter a whole new conflict comes up before the previous one is resolved. I don't know if Dr. Booth was meant to be sort of toxic, but I feel like he caused everyone in the facility to regress instead of progress mentally. Because of that, I don't think Kyle ultimately "got better" by the end of the book. I think if the therapist was more accepting or professional and provided healthier coping mechanisms, it would have even put the idea of getting professional help in a more positive light instead of a negative one.
Nevertheless, this was definitely a wholesome read that I was able to relate to and enjoy thoroughly. I'd recommend this if you enjoy Kathleen Glasgow's writing style except it's definitely a lot lighter!
TW// attempted suicide, death of loved ones, self-harm, PTSD, violence, depressive thoughts
Thank you Netgalley for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!
𝗖𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗼 𝗢𝗸𝗮𝘆 follows Kyle Davies, a pastry chef who has been admitted to a mental health facility after struggling with depression for a long time. Across from Kyle's window in the facility is The Coffee Shop where we meet our love interest, Jackson Turner. This book is heavily character-driven and deals with multiple aspects of different mental illnesses. We go through Kyle's ups and downs as she recovers from depression and anxiety, while making new friends, going out of her comfort zone, and rediscovering her passion for baking. Although it is mainly focused on Kyle and her recovery, we get to see her relationship with Jackson evolve as well.
Now onto my personal opinion on this book; it was definitely a fun read. Is it one of the best? No. Would I still recommend it to younger readers? Yes. It approaches the topic of mental illness both lightly and realistically, making it easy to relate to, but not too heavy at the same time. It could still be triggering for some readers (TWs at the end of the review). I LOVED reading about the different coffees and pastries; that concept of the book gave it a cozy feel. Jamie was an adorable side character I wish we got to know more, as well as Fiona.
I do feel like the writing and characters were a bit immature, though. I feel like there was potential for Kyle to be a much deeper character, and more so Jackson!! The misunderstanding trope wasn't done well in my opinion, which could've been why these characters came off as shallow or childish to me. The pacing of events also could have been more organized because I felt like I was jumping between timelines, and in every other chapter a whole new conflict comes up before the previous one is resolved. I don't know if Dr. Booth was meant to be sort of toxic, but I feel like he caused everyone in the facility to regress instead of progress mentally. Because of that, I don't think Kyle ultimately "got better" by the end of the book. I think if the therapist was more accepting or professional and provided healthier coping mechanisms, it would have even put the idea of getting professional help in a more positive light instead of a negative one.
Nevertheless, this was definitely a wholesome read that I was able to relate to and enjoy thoroughly. I'd recommend this if you enjoy Kathleen Glasgow's writing style except it's definitely a lot lighter!
TW// attempted suicide, death of loved ones, self-harm, PTSD, violence, depressive thoughts
April 10, 2022
I loved this book so much. This story is about Kyle, a professional baker, who’s currently residing at Hope House, a home for those who are currently having life struggles. Kyle attempted suicide recently. She has had a tough life stemming from childhood abandonment, depression, and struggling with loneliness and it has taken a toll on her. During her hospital stay, she turns over complete medical control to the Hope House doctor, Dr. Booth. Kyle wonders during her sessions with him if Dr. Booth has her best interest in mind or if he’s really an egotistical quack, which I grew to question as a I read.
Kyle sits by her window each morning looking at the coffee shop across the street and when she’s granted a 2 hour leave each day she finds herself visiting the shop where she meets snarky but loveable coffee house owner Jackson. Jackson soon becomes an important part of Kyle’s life as she gets to know him and they began to spend a lot of time together.
Each character had a unique story which I enjoyed reading when it was touched on briefly. Kyle and Jackson’s relationship was a joy to watch develop and the complexity in their lives were relatable. There were some definite tough reads in the book so the reader should be weary of this. I cried at some of the moments, many tore my heart up to read. Overall this was such a delightful story to read and I want to hug this book
This was a 5 * read. Thank you to Alcove Press and NetGalley for the EArc and the chance to review it!
Kyle sits by her window each morning looking at the coffee shop across the street and when she’s granted a 2 hour leave each day she finds herself visiting the shop where she meets snarky but loveable coffee house owner Jackson. Jackson soon becomes an important part of Kyle’s life as she gets to know him and they began to spend a lot of time together.
Each character had a unique story which I enjoyed reading when it was touched on briefly. Kyle and Jackson’s relationship was a joy to watch develop and the complexity in their lives were relatable. There were some definite tough reads in the book so the reader should be weary of this. I cried at some of the moments, many tore my heart up to read. Overall this was such a delightful story to read and I want to hug this book
This was a 5 * read. Thank you to Alcove Press and NetGalley for the EArc and the chance to review it!
October 14, 2024
3.5 stars
The premise was really good, however I would've preferred that it focused on Kyle's recovery from depression and a suicide attempt with the romance being a subplot, but no, it turned out to be a romance novel with the battle against depression as the main side plot.
I liked Kyle's evolution and how she got better throughout the book, but around 50/60 ish percent of the book her relationship with Jackson started to become tiresome, they supposedly understood each other but they were making many things worse for the other, it really stressed me out. And when we reached the end of the book that ending felt so abrupt, I didn't got a sense of closure of this story or these characters.
Taking all that aside, I think this is a really good book to start introducing people to anxiety, suicide, depression and mental facilities in a non-judgemental way. Watson reflected very well this reality that we sometimes try to pretend it doesn't exist or isn't that common or we even romanticize (yes, TikTok and Tumblr, I'm talking about you). I hope she makes more books surrounding these themes in the future and makes the romance more of a subplot than the main plot.
Thanks to NetGalley and Alcove Press for the e-arc. All thoughts are on my own.
The premise was really good, however I would've preferred that it focused on Kyle's recovery from depression and a suicide attempt with the romance being a subplot, but no, it turned out to be a romance novel with the battle against depression as the main side plot.
I liked Kyle's evolution and how she got better throughout the book, but around 50/60 ish percent of the book her relationship with Jackson started to become tiresome, they supposedly understood each other but they were making many things worse for the other, it really stressed me out. And when we reached the end of the book that ending felt so abrupt, I didn't got a sense of closure of this story or these characters.
Taking all that aside, I think this is a really good book to start introducing people to anxiety, suicide, depression and mental facilities in a non-judgemental way. Watson reflected very well this reality that we sometimes try to pretend it doesn't exist or isn't that common or we even romanticize (yes, TikTok and Tumblr, I'm talking about you). I hope she makes more books surrounding these themes in the future and makes the romance more of a subplot than the main plot.
Thanks to NetGalley and Alcove Press for the e-arc. All thoughts are on my own.
May 10, 2022
I received and arc from NetGalley for this book.
I wasn't planning on finishing this book today. In fact, I planned to read about a chapter a day. I read two yesterday, and ended up finishing the rest of the book today. It's way too late, and I'm lucky I have the day off tomorrow, because I would have continued reading this book whether I had to work tomorrow or not.
This is the best fictional book about mental health I've read in English. The only books that come close are the (semi-fiction) books by Torey L. Hayden.
I'm struggling to find the words to review this book. The title and the cover were what got me interested in this book. The description helped as well.
I have some experience with mental health issues (and physical health issues. I just got all the health issues). I have autism, and have struggled with depression as long as I can remember. Got that from my dad, who struggled with depression and alcoholism. My dad has been in mental institutions multiple times, and because I was young, and he avoided contact with us I'm not sure if it was voluntarily or not. If he did well, he'd want to see us. If he got worse, he didn't. I can't blame him, because I know how depression makes you feel like a burden. I've never personally been institutionalised. But I have considered it and discussed it with my mother, back when I was in elementary school. I was just a little autistic girl trying to understand how the world worked, and constantly failing. My mum talked about what it would be like, the therapy, talking, group sessions, and I distinctly remember asking if I couldn't just be put in solitary confinement for a while. When I was told that wasn't likely, I gave up on the idea, and reading this book, I know I made the right choice, because it would have done me a whole lot of bad. Thankfully my mum was amazing and without her I wouldn't have been able to function at all.
This author understands depression. I wasn't surprised when I read she based this book on some of her own experiences on her author page. It's so obvious when reading, and that's exactly what makes this book so relatable. The only other author I've found so far with a similar understanding is 三秋縋who is my favourite Japanese author.
Some examples:
I haven’t rewired that part of my brain yet, the one that lets me ask for help
I wake up crying. Everything I’ve ever loved has gone away
This is depression exhaustion, when nothing can override the need for escapist sleep.
My depression cycles through its favorite topics on shuffle: I’m alone forever, not good at anything, not worth anything, there’s no point in keeping going, there’s no point in anything
This book is both the story of Kyle trying to work on getting "better" and a romance. The focus is more on the first, though the latter plays a part. The romance does not cure her depression, like in so many other books.
Reading about Kyle's time in the mental institution, and especially about her doctor, was frustrating. This book, this doctor perfectly illustrates all the issues I have with health care. Doctor's with God Complexes who think they know best. And who would NEVER admit they were wrong. Not all doctors are this way, of course. But too many are. In mental and physical health. Dismissive of patients complaints/needs, because if the doctor thinks something it's definitely right.that's how more than 10 hospitals with even more doctors managed to miss I had a neck hernia. Took them 10 years to find out, always telling me "nothing was wrong" so I "couldn't be in pain." Even more fun was the doctor who said that "while I definitely had a hernia, and a hernia could result in the pain I had, he still thought it was unrelated and I actually didn't have pain at all. .
I mean, doctor Booth says things like:
Nancy noted in your records that you’re not sleeping properly. I’m unhappy with that, Kyle. If you’re not sleeping during my prescribed hours, you’re not doing what is being asked of you. If you’re not open with me, I can’t help you.
Like we can sleep on command? I can't. Can you? If someone tells you to sleep from x to x, can you do that? I think not.
Or when he pushes a patient far past his limits and things end badly, and he takes no accountability.
“Why didn’t someone stop this?” I spin around and point at Booth. “Why didn’t you stop this? You knew how fragile he was, and you kept pushing him and pushing him! This is your fault!”
“Now, calm down, Kyle. I understand you’re upset. We’re all upset. Joey was a very sick young man, and I know you need to blame someone.”
It is his fault. 100%. Everyone knew he was going to far. Everyone. Yet he still continued and continued and ends up blaming the patient, because of course there's no way the doctor would make a mistake, right?
Or when he act like Kyle doesn't want to get better and she replies:
No one wants me to get out of this place more than me.
Booth can keep me here as long as he wants. Until he deems me competent. Until I’m compliant
Or how he wants control over everything and gives no information about important things. It's a power trip.
Of course he’s reminding me he’s the one in control, even as I earn my freedom. That fucker.
And then there's this little gem:
It’s trite, but you have to love yourself before you can love someone else, Kyle.
Which made me go: please read Fruits Basket, Vol. 1 sir, because that scene where Tohru talks about how sometimes having someone else care about you giving you the strength to love yourself is just way more powerful than this bullshit.
I hate doctors. Not my current one, he is great, but like 98% of them. I have a lot experience with doctors, and most of them negative, and this book's doctor Booth felt like an accurate description of many of the doctors I have encountered.
Jackson and Kyle are both great characters. They're complex and multi-faceted and while the romance progressed rather quickly (yet at the same time not at all...) they were a cute couple. I also really enjoyed all the side characters, who were complex and interesting and different too. The characters go through a lot of development throughout this book, in a realistic way. They move forward, and backward, and forward again. It's not smooth, but it feels real.
I feel like I can't really bring under words how much I love this book. This is such a good representation of mental illness, in a way that doesn't romanticise it, nor villainizes it. It's just treated as the illness it is. The characters feel real, and the setting is well-developed and (while enraging) also feels very real. It made me learn more about mental health institutes, and gave me some super relatable characters. It was well-written and well-paced, and messy. The messy ending felt perfect for me, because you can't just instantly fix mental health problems.
I wasn't planning on finishing this book today. In fact, I planned to read about a chapter a day. I read two yesterday, and ended up finishing the rest of the book today. It's way too late, and I'm lucky I have the day off tomorrow, because I would have continued reading this book whether I had to work tomorrow or not.
This is the best fictional book about mental health I've read in English. The only books that come close are the (semi-fiction) books by Torey L. Hayden.
I'm struggling to find the words to review this book. The title and the cover were what got me interested in this book. The description helped as well.
I have some experience with mental health issues (and physical health issues. I just got all the health issues). I have autism, and have struggled with depression as long as I can remember. Got that from my dad, who struggled with depression and alcoholism. My dad has been in mental institutions multiple times, and because I was young, and he avoided contact with us I'm not sure if it was voluntarily or not. If he did well, he'd want to see us. If he got worse, he didn't. I can't blame him, because I know how depression makes you feel like a burden. I've never personally been institutionalised. But I have considered it and discussed it with my mother, back when I was in elementary school. I was just a little autistic girl trying to understand how the world worked, and constantly failing. My mum talked about what it would be like, the therapy, talking, group sessions, and I distinctly remember asking if I couldn't just be put in solitary confinement for a while. When I was told that wasn't likely, I gave up on the idea, and reading this book, I know I made the right choice, because it would have done me a whole lot of bad. Thankfully my mum was amazing and without her I wouldn't have been able to function at all.
This author understands depression. I wasn't surprised when I read she based this book on some of her own experiences on her author page. It's so obvious when reading, and that's exactly what makes this book so relatable. The only other author I've found so far with a similar understanding is 三秋縋who is my favourite Japanese author.
Some examples:
I haven’t rewired that part of my brain yet, the one that lets me ask for help
I wake up crying. Everything I’ve ever loved has gone away
This is depression exhaustion, when nothing can override the need for escapist sleep.
My depression cycles through its favorite topics on shuffle: I’m alone forever, not good at anything, not worth anything, there’s no point in keeping going, there’s no point in anything
This book is both the story of Kyle trying to work on getting "better" and a romance. The focus is more on the first, though the latter plays a part. The romance does not cure her depression, like in so many other books.
Reading about Kyle's time in the mental institution, and especially about her doctor, was frustrating. This book, this doctor perfectly illustrates all the issues I have with health care. Doctor's with God Complexes who think they know best. And who would NEVER admit they were wrong. Not all doctors are this way, of course. But too many are. In mental and physical health. Dismissive of patients complaints/needs, because if the doctor thinks something it's definitely right.
I mean, doctor Booth says things like:
Nancy noted in your records that you’re not sleeping properly. I’m unhappy with that, Kyle. If you’re not sleeping during my prescribed hours, you’re not doing what is being asked of you. If you’re not open with me, I can’t help you.
Like we can sleep on command? I can't. Can you? If someone tells you to sleep from x to x, can you do that? I think not.
Or when he pushes a patient far past his limits and things end badly, and he takes no accountability.
“Why didn’t someone stop this?” I spin around and point at Booth. “Why didn’t you stop this? You knew how fragile he was, and you kept pushing him and pushing him! This is your fault!”
“Now, calm down, Kyle. I understand you’re upset. We’re all upset. Joey was a very sick young man, and I know you need to blame someone.”
It is his fault. 100%. Everyone knew he was going to far. Everyone. Yet he still continued and continued and ends up blaming the patient, because of course there's no way the doctor would make a mistake, right?
Or when he act like Kyle doesn't want to get better and she replies:
No one wants me to get out of this place more than me.
Booth can keep me here as long as he wants. Until he deems me competent. Until I’m compliant
Or how he wants control over everything and gives no information about important things. It's a power trip.
Of course he’s reminding me he’s the one in control, even as I earn my freedom. That fucker.
And then there's this little gem:
It’s trite, but you have to love yourself before you can love someone else, Kyle.
Which made me go: please read Fruits Basket, Vol. 1 sir, because that scene where Tohru talks about how sometimes having someone else care about you giving you the strength to love yourself is just way more powerful than this bullshit.
I hate doctors. Not my current one, he is great, but like 98% of them. I have a lot experience with doctors, and most of them negative, and this book's doctor Booth felt like an accurate description of many of the doctors I have encountered.
Jackson and Kyle are both great characters. They're complex and multi-faceted and while the romance progressed rather quickly (yet at the same time not at all...) they were a cute couple. I also really enjoyed all the side characters, who were complex and interesting and different too. The characters go through a lot of development throughout this book, in a realistic way. They move forward, and backward, and forward again. It's not smooth, but it feels real.
I feel like I can't really bring under words how much I love this book. This is such a good representation of mental illness, in a way that doesn't romanticise it, nor villainizes it. It's just treated as the illness it is. The characters feel real, and the setting is well-developed and (while enraging) also feels very real. It made me learn more about mental health institutes, and gave me some super relatable characters. It was well-written and well-paced, and messy. The messy ending felt perfect for me, because you can't just instantly fix mental health problems.
May 19, 2022
If you, like me, are a sucker for vivid characters that pop off the page—characters you’d love to hang out with in real life—Closer To Okay is for you. Kyle is as charming, lovable, and talented as she is broken, and her hero as swoon-worthy as he is enigmatic.
Amy Watson invites us inside the experience of depression and shows us the hope that we all would like to find there. No neat and tidy endings here; Watson leaves all the messy frayed edges intact… but shows us the beauty, too. And we are better for it.
Amy Watson invites us inside the experience of depression and shows us the hope that we all would like to find there. No neat and tidy endings here; Watson leaves all the messy frayed edges intact… but shows us the beauty, too. And we are better for it.
February 21, 2023
Four complete strangers each one suffering from their own mental illness. To Kyle this place was her jail cell. After being transferred from the hospital to Hope House, this mental institution would assist in the start to healing her depression, anxiety, self doubt, With her daily walks to the coffee shop and acquainting Jackson, Kyle tries to restore her old life just better.
The storyline was deep and emotional, however I feel that the story could have been more cohesive. I loved the MC and her relationship with the barista, I also feel that it had a few gaps in it too.
The storyline was deep and emotional, however I feel that the story could have been more cohesive. I loved the MC and her relationship with the barista, I also feel that it had a few gaps in it too.
May 16, 2022
This was a lovely and compassionate story that touches on mental health struggles and how there is hope and the possibilities of moving forward in life when dealing with them. I absolutely loved how Kyle was portrayed and how realistically and sensitively her journey was handled. While I also really enjoyed the relationship between Kyle and grumpy Jacksons, there just wasn't enough of it there for me to buy into it and completely feel that connection. I just needed a bit more with them.
April 25, 2022
3.5 stars
It was an enjoyable reading.
I like the way people are represented in Hope House and the way the author told Kyle's story. The mental health rep in the book was really good. I loved all the characters.
I felt like Kyle's story with Jackson was missing something. I like the fact that they got together at the end, but still I felt like I was missing some chemistry between the two.
Still, the book was good and I would definitely recommend it.
Thank you NetGalley and Alcove Press for the ARC!
It was an enjoyable reading.
I like the way people are represented in Hope House and the way the author told Kyle's story. The mental health rep in the book was really good. I loved all the characters.
I felt like Kyle's story with Jackson was missing something. I like the fact that they got together at the end, but still I felt like I was missing some chemistry between the two.
Still, the book was good and I would definitely recommend it.
Thank you NetGalley and Alcove Press for the ARC!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 25, 2022
3.5 ⭐️
Closer to Okay is the author's debut novel, and reads as a very emotional and raw story, portraying an honest look at depression
i was truly invested in the story of Kyle Davies, her current time at Hope House; a mental institution, and her developing feelings towards Jackson, all while trying to live with her depression and anxiety
do i approve of Kyle and Jackson's relationship? Of course... but I'm honest in saying that i kind of wish they would've found each other again on a different path...one wherein both were in a good emotional and mental place. for instance, i feel that Kyle didn't rightfully "recover" as she kept falling into a depressive state because of Jackson's absence. and because of that (aswell as Jackson not ending up doing something he loves) i wasn't 100% satisfied with the ending but it still showed a promising future for them together
i also did NOT enjoy the doctor's "healing mechanisms"... i feel that it painted psychology in a rather negative light because of that character...
but i also do think that the author did an excellent job in writing about these disorders/situations in a tactful way
but i mean yet again, i was hooked on the story and i couldn't wait to see how it played out. i finished it in one day, and even though not the best ending... it was a bittersweet one :)
*𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘳, 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘨𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘈𝘭𝘤𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘗𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘳𝘤 𝘪𝘯-𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸*
Closer to Okay is the author's debut novel, and reads as a very emotional and raw story, portraying an honest look at depression
i was truly invested in the story of Kyle Davies, her current time at Hope House; a mental institution, and her developing feelings towards Jackson, all while trying to live with her depression and anxiety
do i approve of Kyle and Jackson's relationship? Of course... but I'm honest in saying that i kind of wish they would've found each other again on a different path...one wherein both were in a good emotional and mental place. for instance, i feel that Kyle didn't rightfully "recover" as she kept falling into a depressive state because of Jackson's absence. and because of that (aswell as Jackson not ending up doing something he loves) i wasn't 100% satisfied with the ending but it still showed a promising future for them together
i also did NOT enjoy the doctor's "healing mechanisms"... i feel that it painted psychology in a rather negative light because of that character...
but i also do think that the author did an excellent job in writing about these disorders/situations in a tactful way
but i mean yet again, i was hooked on the story and i couldn't wait to see how it played out. i finished it in one day, and even though not the best ending... it was a bittersweet one :)
*𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘳, 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘨𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘈𝘭𝘤𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘗𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘳𝘤 𝘪𝘯-𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸*
March 17, 2022
5/5⭐️
0.5/5🌶
I received this copy from Net Galley for an honest review.
Closer to Okay was the best book I've read this year, possibly in a long while. Once I started reading I couldn't stop, and I was finished before I even realized it.
I think Kyle's struggles are relatable to any reader who has experienced any sort of mental illness. I enjoyed reading through Kyle finding herself again, working through the struggles and the setbacks mentally. I overall just want to rave so much about this book, I hope everyone reads it and loves it as much as I do.
0.5/5🌶
I received this copy from Net Galley for an honest review.
Closer to Okay was the best book I've read this year, possibly in a long while. Once I started reading I couldn't stop, and I was finished before I even realized it.
I think Kyle's struggles are relatable to any reader who has experienced any sort of mental illness. I enjoyed reading through Kyle finding herself again, working through the struggles and the setbacks mentally. I overall just want to rave so much about this book, I hope everyone reads it and loves it as much as I do.
December 9, 2022
Why I chose this book: I thought this book might be a comparable title to a book I've written since they have similar themes.
Brief summary: Kyle is living in a mental health facility after her suicide attempt. Her window is across the street from The Coffee Shop where she finally works up the nerve to go. There, she meets the owner, Jackson, whose demeanor puts her off at first, but in a moment of vulnerability, she reaches out to him and his warm response draws her closer. The treatment plan at her facility discourages romantic relationships, so Kyle pulls away when she realizes how much she likes Jackson, which causes her depression to flare up. Will Kyle be able to figure out a balance between tending to her mental health and having a romantic relationship?
What I didn't like about this book: The behaviors exhibited by the both the love interests, Kyle and Jackson, are confusing. The stakes in this book primarily come from the relationship, but there isn't any one big stake, there are lots of little ones, leading to a very dramatic and tumultuous relationship. Kyle is often upset at Jackson for reasons that don't make sense. While Jackson is more even-keeled, his wishy-washiness about whether or not being in a relationship with Kyle is a good idea because of her illness is frustrating. He says it's a bad idea, and Kyle gets mad, but then when Kyle wants to engage in the relationship, he thinks it'd be a good idea. When Kyle turns him down for a business proposition at The Coffee Shop, he pulls away from the relationship again. The interactions between them are such a roller coaster that it's hard to stay invested in their success as a couple. Additionally, the doctor at the treatment facility is characterized as an authoritarian while at the same time being largely absent from Kyle's treatment other than occasional appointments where he offers no wisdom or insight, but tells Kyle what she should and shouldn't be doing. Kyle describes him a few times as "creepy," and calls him a douche bag. She describes being "under his thumb," while she's living at the facility, and even upon release. I don't understand the doctor's role in this book. He's written as a domineering antagonist, but Kyle still credits her time at the facility for helping her heal.
What I like about this book: Kyle is a trained pastry chef and Jackson is a coffee connoisseur. I love the literary moments that happen when Kyle is baking or drinking Jackson's fancy coffee at The Coffee Shop. Kyle also comes up with a really great metaphor for her mental health as she is healing about how taking care of herself is like baking, such that there is a recipe and ingredients that balance each other out. Despite my frustrations with the relationship between Kyle and Jackson and my frustrations with the doctor, I like that their characterizations got me engaged with the book.
Brief summary: Kyle is living in a mental health facility after her suicide attempt. Her window is across the street from The Coffee Shop where she finally works up the nerve to go. There, she meets the owner, Jackson, whose demeanor puts her off at first, but in a moment of vulnerability, she reaches out to him and his warm response draws her closer. The treatment plan at her facility discourages romantic relationships, so Kyle pulls away when she realizes how much she likes Jackson, which causes her depression to flare up. Will Kyle be able to figure out a balance between tending to her mental health and having a romantic relationship?
What I didn't like about this book: The behaviors exhibited by the both the love interests, Kyle and Jackson, are confusing. The stakes in this book primarily come from the relationship, but there isn't any one big stake, there are lots of little ones, leading to a very dramatic and tumultuous relationship. Kyle is often upset at Jackson for reasons that don't make sense. While Jackson is more even-keeled, his wishy-washiness about whether or not being in a relationship with Kyle is a good idea because of her illness is frustrating. He says it's a bad idea, and Kyle gets mad, but then when Kyle wants to engage in the relationship, he thinks it'd be a good idea. When Kyle turns him down for a business proposition at The Coffee Shop, he pulls away from the relationship again. The interactions between them are such a roller coaster that it's hard to stay invested in their success as a couple. Additionally, the doctor at the treatment facility is characterized as an authoritarian while at the same time being largely absent from Kyle's treatment other than occasional appointments where he offers no wisdom or insight, but tells Kyle what she should and shouldn't be doing. Kyle describes him a few times as "creepy," and calls him a douche bag. She describes being "under his thumb," while she's living at the facility, and even upon release. I don't understand the doctor's role in this book. He's written as a domineering antagonist, but Kyle still credits her time at the facility for helping her heal.
What I like about this book: Kyle is a trained pastry chef and Jackson is a coffee connoisseur. I love the literary moments that happen when Kyle is baking or drinking Jackson's fancy coffee at The Coffee Shop. Kyle also comes up with a really great metaphor for her mental health as she is healing about how taking care of herself is like baking, such that there is a recipe and ingredients that balance each other out. Despite my frustrations with the relationship between Kyle and Jackson and my frustrations with the doctor, I like that their characterizations got me engaged with the book.
April 11, 2022
I will start this review with some trigger warnings., please keep these triggers in your mind before picking up this book:
Trigger Warnings include Self-Harm, Suicide, panic attacks, ptsd , drug abuse and so much more.
I will start off and say I was very intrigued when I saw the synopsis because I can relate to some of the trigger warnings that I have mentioned. The one thing that kind of through me for a loop was when the whole love aspect began.
Kyle and Jackson relationship as a whole kind of felt a bit rushed in my opinion.
Another thing was Dr. Booth I felt like he was just not fitting for me. He was too impatient and just didn’t go well.
Overall; this is a book worth checking out but once again watch for trigger warnings:
Thank you Net Galley for providing an eARC in return for a review.
Trigger Warnings include Self-Harm, Suicide, panic attacks, ptsd , drug abuse and so much more.
I will start off and say I was very intrigued when I saw the synopsis because I can relate to some of the trigger warnings that I have mentioned. The one thing that kind of through me for a loop was when the whole love aspect began.
Kyle and Jackson relationship as a whole kind of felt a bit rushed in my opinion.
Another thing was Dr. Booth I felt like he was just not fitting for me. He was too impatient and just didn’t go well.
Overall; this is a book worth checking out but once again watch for trigger warnings:
Thank you Net Galley for providing an eARC in return for a review.
October 15, 2022
I can't express how disappointing this book was. To start off, I thought this book was about mental health. No, this is a romance where its quirky touch was serious mental illnesses and conditions. None of the comedy landed and nobody spoke like actual human beings. The mental illness representation was an absolute joke and truly horrendous, boiling everyone down to stereotypes with a one size fits all recovery plan. The romance was unrealistic in every way possible. First off, no matter how you put it, falling in love while at a mental institution is terrifying and a massive red flag. The love interest was so accepting to the point where he lost all "aww thats so sweet" undertones and it just felt cartoonish and ridiculous. The writing really got on my nerves. What's great about writing about mental illness is you can show the readers what it's like to have those thought processes. Instead what this book does is tell you everything. We are told that the main character feels tired, feels depressed, feels drunk, but we are never shown what it's like as she goes through those motions. It really took me out of the story that mental illness was such a side piece of the story, which is messed up in so many ways because she is staying in a mental institution. Don't even get me started on the doctor or nurses. None of the jokes land. None of the deep and emotional moments hit you at all. And the happy moments feel so unearned since all other elements go totally underdeveloped. I'm rating this book two stars because I kept thinking it could have been a lot worse, but it got on my nerves too much to warrant 3 stars. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this book. There are way better ones out there that achieve what this book set out to accomplish way better.
April 23, 2022
Thanks to NetGalley I got to read this book for free and write an honest review!
I picked up this book because of the description; essentially it’s about a girl trying to navigate her mental illness and relationships. I loved the idea because I felt as though I could relate. Overall it was a good book! At times, though, I felt as though the characters weren’t fully developed and a bit immature. Being that they are college aged characters, I would expect a little more depth and understanding for one another.
I would recommend!
I picked up this book because of the description; essentially it’s about a girl trying to navigate her mental illness and relationships. I loved the idea because I felt as though I could relate. Overall it was a good book! At times, though, I felt as though the characters weren’t fully developed and a bit immature. Being that they are college aged characters, I would expect a little more depth and understanding for one another.
I would recommend!
October 12, 2022
Kyle is fascinated about the man at the coffee shop across the street who never smiles. He makes fantastic coffee ☕️. His passion for coffee reminds Kyle of her passion for baking. 🥧🍪🥮
Closer to Okay combines contemporary romance with the reality of mental health and the importance of self-care and self-love. It is a powerful novel! There are so many astonishing moments. Throughout the novel, I was left awestruck and breathless at times. I found myself glued to this book and completely invested in the lives of the characters.
The characters are fully fleshed out and well-written in this novel. Amy Watson pulls on my heartstrings quite a few times. She presents thought-provoking viewpoints on mental health concerning a need for destigmatizing mental illness.
Read Closer to Okay if you enjoy:
* Grumpy / Sunshine
* Contemporary Romances
* Slow burn
* Strangers to Friends to Lovers
* Baking and coffee ☕️ 😋
Please keep in mind that this book has trigger warnings: suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts, mental illnesses, and death in adults and children.
4.75🌟/5
Closer to Okay combines contemporary romance with the reality of mental health and the importance of self-care and self-love. It is a powerful novel! There are so many astonishing moments. Throughout the novel, I was left awestruck and breathless at times. I found myself glued to this book and completely invested in the lives of the characters.
The characters are fully fleshed out and well-written in this novel. Amy Watson pulls on my heartstrings quite a few times. She presents thought-provoking viewpoints on mental health concerning a need for destigmatizing mental illness.
Read Closer to Okay if you enjoy:
* Grumpy / Sunshine
* Contemporary Romances
* Slow burn
* Strangers to Friends to Lovers
* Baking and coffee ☕️ 😋
Please keep in mind that this book has trigger warnings: suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts, mental illnesses, and death in adults and children.
4.75🌟/5
April 20, 2022
Thank you, NetGalley, Amy Watson, and Alcove Press for this ARC.
Unfortunately, I couldn't get into this book. It took me far longer to read than usual and, upon finishing, I felt unaffected. In short, I didn't feel as if enough had been put into building character or strategically pacing the story to impact me as a reader. Dialogue is on the more simplistic side and characterization feels a little one-dimensional.
I did appreciate the several strong descriptions of coffee at the beginning of the book and wish that level of vibrancy continued whenever food was mentioned. I also appreciated the thread of hopefulness throughout however, without feeling connected to the main character's hopelessness and depression, it wasn't satisfying enough to keep me engaged.
There are many more positive reviews of this book than there are negative or neutral so, please, give it a try if you are curious. I hope you like it. Unfortunately, it wasn't the right fit for me. 2 Stars.
Unfortunately, I couldn't get into this book. It took me far longer to read than usual and, upon finishing, I felt unaffected. In short, I didn't feel as if enough had been put into building character or strategically pacing the story to impact me as a reader. Dialogue is on the more simplistic side and characterization feels a little one-dimensional.
I did appreciate the several strong descriptions of coffee at the beginning of the book and wish that level of vibrancy continued whenever food was mentioned. I also appreciated the thread of hopefulness throughout however, without feeling connected to the main character's hopelessness and depression, it wasn't satisfying enough to keep me engaged.
There are many more positive reviews of this book than there are negative or neutral so, please, give it a try if you are curious. I hope you like it. Unfortunately, it wasn't the right fit for me. 2 Stars.
August 7, 2022
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts, Mental illness, Cursing, Forced institutionalization, Panic attacks/disorders, and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Abandonment
The premise of “Closer to Okay” by Amy Watson sounded interesting but unfortunately I was disappointed. I felt that some parts of the novel were disjointed or random. For some reason I also found myself wanting a little more background about Kyle’s life with her grandmother. I did appreciate that the author included a note at the beginning talking about how this story may be triggering for some people. I think that is important because even as someone without a history like Kyle’s, I found the book difficult to read at times.
Thank you to NetGalley and Alcove Press for this advanced reader copy. The opinions expressed are mine alone.
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts, Mental illness, Cursing, Forced institutionalization, Panic attacks/disorders, and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Abandonment
The premise of “Closer to Okay” by Amy Watson sounded interesting but unfortunately I was disappointed. I felt that some parts of the novel were disjointed or random. For some reason I also found myself wanting a little more background about Kyle’s life with her grandmother. I did appreciate that the author included a note at the beginning talking about how this story may be triggering for some people. I think that is important because even as someone without a history like Kyle’s, I found the book difficult to read at times.
Thank you to NetGalley and Alcove Press for this advanced reader copy. The opinions expressed are mine alone.
March 28, 2022
Thank you for the ARC @netgalley , in exchange for an honest review:
Unfortunately, this book didn’t hit for me. The dialogue was oversimplified, the characters without any depth, the relationships bland. I really wanted to like Kyle but could never form a true connection with her character.
Even more concerning than the writing was the lack of appropriate response to [extremely serious] mental health issues. The therapeutic technique used by the onsite physician was appalling (or should I say the lack of therapeutic technique …. ) and I found myself feeling extremely frustrated while reading.
This book could have been a winner if the author had applied more depth to her story. We need more background on each character, and more research into treatment of mental health disorders!
Unfortunately, this book didn’t hit for me. The dialogue was oversimplified, the characters without any depth, the relationships bland. I really wanted to like Kyle but could never form a true connection with her character.
Even more concerning than the writing was the lack of appropriate response to [extremely serious] mental health issues. The therapeutic technique used by the onsite physician was appalling (or should I say the lack of therapeutic technique …. ) and I found myself feeling extremely frustrated while reading.
This book could have been a winner if the author had applied more depth to her story. We need more background on each character, and more research into treatment of mental health disorders!
May 23, 2022
huge thank you to netgalley for allowing me to read this ARC!
i think the author approached the subject of mental health illnesses very realistically while it not being too harsh/dark to overshadow the pace of the book. i do wish there was more depth to the male main character so we saw more of what he was struggling with, but while some may feel like the relationship between the main characters was lacking or not written well, i think the author hit it on the spot as to handling a relationship while struggling with internal battles. overall a great read!
i think the author approached the subject of mental health illnesses very realistically while it not being too harsh/dark to overshadow the pace of the book. i do wish there was more depth to the male main character so we saw more of what he was struggling with, but while some may feel like the relationship between the main characters was lacking or not written well, i think the author hit it on the spot as to handling a relationship while struggling with internal battles. overall a great read!
April 15, 2024
I ate this book up. It was worth an entire day of reading. I can relate to this book completely. So many beautiful quotes. This could certainly be triggering for those who have suicidal thoughts mixed with depression, but the story behind it.. beautifully written. I myself have been suicidal, so seeing someone articulate it so well, made me cry. Thank you for giving me a voice.
10/10 would recommend!
10/10 would recommend!
June 15, 2023
4.5 stars! Another great one. A million thanks to Netgalley for such a great collection of reads lately.
August 23, 2022
Esta historia nos cuenta la historia de Kyle, una chica que se encuentra internada en Hope House, que es un hospital psiquiátrico. En el vemos como evoluciona su enfermedad tras intentar suicidarse. Uno de sus privilegios allí es poder salir dos horas todos los días. Allí es cuando conoce la cafetería que veía a través de su ventana todos los días, al igual que conoce a su dueño Jackson.
Con Jackson desde el primer momento ve algo en él, que le da una confianza enorme para contarle las cosas que le han pasado en la vida y también al revés. Esto los convertirá un poco inseparables, hasta que alguien se mete de por medio. ¿Será su amor más fuerte que ese impedimento?
En este libro vemos una historia de superación a muchos rasgos, tanto física como psicológica de nuestra protagonista. Ya que el libro es su evolución desde que entra en el hospital hasta unos meses después de salir y como rehace su vida, después de todo lo que pasado en su vida.
Vemos también lo complicado que es para la propia persona ser consciente que tiene una enfermedad y como afrontarla, ya que hay a veces que es muy difícil desde fuera entender a una persona que sufre cierta enfermedad, ya que no sabes como ayudarla para que mejoré.
Es un libro que me ha gustado mucho leer, por el trasfondo que lleva todo. Como trata una enfermedad tan importante y sobre todo conocer de primera mano siempre, lo que esta pensando la protagonista que la sufre.
ENGLISH
This story tells us about Kyle's life, a girl that is a long-term patient in Hope House, a mental hospital. In this book, we see how her illness develops after she attempted suicide. One of her privileges is to get out of the hospital for two hours per day. There is when she entered the coffee shop, that she had been seeing through her window. That was the day when she met the owner of the coffee shop, Jackson.
The first time she saw Jackson, she knew they would have a lot of confidence between them to tell him all the things that she had been through in her life. This would make them inseparable until someone meddles in their relationship. ¿Is the love they have big enough to overcome this problem?
In this book, we read the story of the superation of our protagonist, including physical and mental health. Because the book is about the evolution of her status through the hospital and months later when she gets out. How she rebuild her life, after all the things she had been through.
We see how difficult is for the person that is suffering the illness, to be self-conscious about it and how to face the illness. Because some times is very complicated to understand the suffering of that person, and we don´t know how to help her.
Is a book that I like a lot reading, because of the backdrop that it has. How to deal with an illness of that magnitude and to know firsthand what the lead role is in thinking and suffering.
Con Jackson desde el primer momento ve algo en él, que le da una confianza enorme para contarle las cosas que le han pasado en la vida y también al revés. Esto los convertirá un poco inseparables, hasta que alguien se mete de por medio. ¿Será su amor más fuerte que ese impedimento?
En este libro vemos una historia de superación a muchos rasgos, tanto física como psicológica de nuestra protagonista. Ya que el libro es su evolución desde que entra en el hospital hasta unos meses después de salir y como rehace su vida, después de todo lo que pasado en su vida.
Vemos también lo complicado que es para la propia persona ser consciente que tiene una enfermedad y como afrontarla, ya que hay a veces que es muy difícil desde fuera entender a una persona que sufre cierta enfermedad, ya que no sabes como ayudarla para que mejoré.
Es un libro que me ha gustado mucho leer, por el trasfondo que lleva todo. Como trata una enfermedad tan importante y sobre todo conocer de primera mano siempre, lo que esta pensando la protagonista que la sufre.
ENGLISH
This story tells us about Kyle's life, a girl that is a long-term patient in Hope House, a mental hospital. In this book, we see how her illness develops after she attempted suicide. One of her privileges is to get out of the hospital for two hours per day. There is when she entered the coffee shop, that she had been seeing through her window. That was the day when she met the owner of the coffee shop, Jackson.
The first time she saw Jackson, she knew they would have a lot of confidence between them to tell him all the things that she had been through in her life. This would make them inseparable until someone meddles in their relationship. ¿Is the love they have big enough to overcome this problem?
In this book, we read the story of the superation of our protagonist, including physical and mental health. Because the book is about the evolution of her status through the hospital and months later when she gets out. How she rebuild her life, after all the things she had been through.
We see how difficult is for the person that is suffering the illness, to be self-conscious about it and how to face the illness. Because some times is very complicated to understand the suffering of that person, and we don´t know how to help her.
Is a book that I like a lot reading, because of the backdrop that it has. How to deal with an illness of that magnitude and to know firsthand what the lead role is in thinking and suffering.
April 24, 2022
"Mental health facilities offer a strange alternate reality where it's acceptable to wear pajamas all day, sometimes the same ones for days on end." Closer to Okay is quite a lovely book about depression. If that sounds like an oxymoron, it's not trying to be. Amy Watson's book quickly draws you into the life of Kyle Davies. Kyle is an inpatient at a mental health facility after a suicide attempt following a period of depression. The book follows her journey toward resuming life, including the changes that she makes toward accepting her illness as an illness, and ensure it is managed so the suicidal ideation she has had for as long as she can remember recede.
"That's one of the things about depression: you should care, but you just ... don't." Watson offers up some good insights about depression that go beyond the social understanding of it as feeling sad all the time. For example, Kyle hates telling people no, explaining that she dislikes being "anyone's source of disappointment." Kyle also assumed she wasn't sick, that with a traumatic childhood, she assumed "was just screwed up like everybody else" with the novel showing her progression toward accepting her illness as genuine.
What made me pick up the book was the integration of food and baking into the story. By and large this works, as baking is one area that provides Kyle with solace, despite her lack of self-belief in other life areas. Though at times the metaphor did get a bit tortured: "The flour is me—the foundation. The milk is my childhood—a building block. My depression is the sugar—too much and my mental cake sinks in the middle. My job is the baking powder—lifting me up in spite of all the sugar. The only thing missing is the eggs—the emulsifier. They bring the mixture together." By and large though, Closer to Okay illustrates how hard it is to go from a mental health facility back to your life still being affected by depression and not go straight back down the same path. The recipe seems to be connection, and that's a worthwhile message.
With thanks to NetGalley and Alcove Press for sending me a copy to read.
"That's one of the things about depression: you should care, but you just ... don't." Watson offers up some good insights about depression that go beyond the social understanding of it as feeling sad all the time. For example, Kyle hates telling people no, explaining that she dislikes being "anyone's source of disappointment." Kyle also assumed she wasn't sick, that with a traumatic childhood, she assumed "was just screwed up like everybody else" with the novel showing her progression toward accepting her illness as genuine.
What made me pick up the book was the integration of food and baking into the story. By and large this works, as baking is one area that provides Kyle with solace, despite her lack of self-belief in other life areas. Though at times the metaphor did get a bit tortured: "The flour is me—the foundation. The milk is my childhood—a building block. My depression is the sugar—too much and my mental cake sinks in the middle. My job is the baking powder—lifting me up in spite of all the sugar. The only thing missing is the eggs—the emulsifier. They bring the mixture together." By and large though, Closer to Okay illustrates how hard it is to go from a mental health facility back to your life still being affected by depression and not go straight back down the same path. The recipe seems to be connection, and that's a worthwhile message.
With thanks to NetGalley and Alcove Press for sending me a copy to read.
May 10, 2022
Closer to Okay follows the journey of a baker, Kyle who because of *reasons* has ended up in a psych ward called Hope House, where she is surrounded by other patients, nurses and a doctor who structures her daily routine. Adjacent to the Hope House is a cafe where 2 barestas (one whose always filtering with the customers and the other whose never been seen smiling) work. Guess who Kyle falls for when she walks into the cafe??? The one who never smiles aka Jackson who also has severe daddy issues. But will Jackson and Kyle ever allowed to be one with Jackson's overly influential politician father and Kyle's controlling doctor?? Pre-order your copy RIGHT NOW to find out 😌🤪
A tale on mental disorders, a grave topic was executed beautifully in a calm authentic manner. For someone like me who avoids reading 'dark' books this book felt like a cool breeze. I instantly fell in love with the characters and the various friendships in this book were like a warm hug in the middle of the night. ALSO JACKSON IS SUCH A GENTLEMAN NEW BOOK BF ALERT GUYYYYSSS. All the bakery related descriptions were testing my patience in Ramadan haha. The only part I didn't like was when Kyle cursed Dr. Booth beacuse as a psychology major I felt attacked even though I shouldn't have but reading from Kyle's perspective helped me in insight building and avoid Booth's mistakes when the time comes. The fluff in this book you guys is simply ADORABLE.
A tale on mental disorders, a grave topic was executed beautifully in a calm authentic manner. For someone like me who avoids reading 'dark' books this book felt like a cool breeze. I instantly fell in love with the characters and the various friendships in this book were like a warm hug in the middle of the night. ALSO JACKSON IS SUCH A GENTLEMAN NEW BOOK BF ALERT GUYYYYSSS. All the bakery related descriptions were testing my patience in Ramadan haha. The only part I didn't like was when Kyle cursed Dr. Booth beacuse as a psychology major I felt attacked even though I shouldn't have but reading from Kyle's perspective helped me in insight building and avoid Booth's mistakes when the time comes. The fluff in this book you guys is simply ADORABLE.
August 31, 2022
As a person who deals with severe mental illness, it always feels incredibly reassuring when a writer handles mental illness in a way that’s realistic and respectful.
Depression is spirit-crushing disease. It’s terrifying. It’s dangerous. It takes everything from you. Your joy. Your peace. Your confidence. Your appetite. Your hope. And fighting through all that to try and get better or at least cope with your illness feels like a never-ending mountain climb that feels unrealistic or just plain not worth it a lot of the time. And it’s also so rewarding when you start to make progress.
If you wanna read a book by an author that REALLY understands all that, I recommend this one.
Another reason I enjoy Amy’s writing is because she’s obviously skilled in writing realistic conversations and relationships between characters. It feels like real scenes playing out in my head.
If I didn’t already know this was the author’s debut model, I would have guessed this was written by a seasoned pro. Amy is excellent and I’m excited to see what she does with her storytelling skills in the future!
Also, no spoilers but JOEY!!!!!! JJJOOOOOOOEEEEYYY!!!!!
Depression is spirit-crushing disease. It’s terrifying. It’s dangerous. It takes everything from you. Your joy. Your peace. Your confidence. Your appetite. Your hope. And fighting through all that to try and get better or at least cope with your illness feels like a never-ending mountain climb that feels unrealistic or just plain not worth it a lot of the time. And it’s also so rewarding when you start to make progress.
If you wanna read a book by an author that REALLY understands all that, I recommend this one.
Another reason I enjoy Amy’s writing is because she’s obviously skilled in writing realistic conversations and relationships between characters. It feels like real scenes playing out in my head.
If I didn’t already know this was the author’s debut model, I would have guessed this was written by a seasoned pro. Amy is excellent and I’m excited to see what she does with her storytelling skills in the future!
Also, no spoilers but JOEY!!!!!! JJJOOOOOOOEEEEYYY!!!!!
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