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Not Okay
My name is Marvin May and I am okay.
I am not a thief or a pervert, and the crimes of my youth are behind me.
I go to church on Sundays when I remember and ask God for forgiveness when I don’t.
I’m okay.
I probably have an anger problem, but who doesn’t? I’ve never hit anyone, or anything.
I promise, I’m fine.
I live in a little house in a small town and keep to myself. I’m only one payment behind on my credit card, and the doctor says I could lose a few pounds. I’m just like everyone else.
But there is something I should mention. I have this one little issue.
One tiny problem I can’t seem to fix.
One itch I can’t seem to scratch…
I want to kill my wife.
Hi, my name is Marvin May … and I am not okay.
I am not a thief or a pervert, and the crimes of my youth are behind me.
I go to church on Sundays when I remember and ask God for forgiveness when I don’t.
I’m okay.
I probably have an anger problem, but who doesn’t? I’ve never hit anyone, or anything.
I promise, I’m fine.
I live in a little house in a small town and keep to myself. I’m only one payment behind on my credit card, and the doctor says I could lose a few pounds. I’m just like everyone else.
But there is something I should mention. I have this one little issue.
One tiny problem I can’t seem to fix.
One itch I can’t seem to scratch…
I want to kill my wife.
Hi, my name is Marvin May … and I am not okay.
166 pages, Paperback
Published October 31, 2022
11 people are currently reading
159 people want to read
About the author
David Viergutz
29 books189 followersDavid Viergutz is a disabled Army veteran, a law enforcement veteran, a husband and a proud father. He's also a storyteller, an author of thrillers and horror novels that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
As a teenager, David would often be found dragging a backpack full of books to class, leaving his textbooks behind. He was always captivated by the worlds that authors like Nix, Tolkien, King and Patterson created, and he dreamed of one day creating his own.
Years went by and David found himself serving his country in the military, and later in law enforcement. The experiences he had during those years were both thrilling and terrifying, and they left a deep impression on him.
One day his wife sat him down and gave him the confidence he needed to start putting his imagination on paper. From then on, his creativity knew no bounds and he poured his heart and soul into his writing.
Now, David weaves tales of pulse-pounding realism and nightmare-inducing horror where his years in uniform have given him an unparalleled understanding of the criminal mind. Take the plunge and start reading David’s thrilling crime novels and terrifying horror adventures.
As a teenager, David would often be found dragging a backpack full of books to class, leaving his textbooks behind. He was always captivated by the worlds that authors like Nix, Tolkien, King and Patterson created, and he dreamed of one day creating his own.
Years went by and David found himself serving his country in the military, and later in law enforcement. The experiences he had during those years were both thrilling and terrifying, and they left a deep impression on him.
One day his wife sat him down and gave him the confidence he needed to start putting his imagination on paper. From then on, his creativity knew no bounds and he poured his heart and soul into his writing.
Now, David weaves tales of pulse-pounding realism and nightmare-inducing horror where his years in uniform have given him an unparalleled understanding of the criminal mind. Take the plunge and start reading David’s thrilling crime novels and terrifying horror adventures.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
May 7, 2025
DNF at 47%. I had a very hard time getting into this story. I don’t think it was written badly, nor was it a bad concept, but it wasn’t for me. Marvin May is suffering from an unknown issue that leaves him losing track of time, passing out random and having very vivid nightmares, and basically being completely unaware of what’s real versus what’s being dreamed. So for the half of the book that I read, you can’t keep track of anything, as there is just uncertainty surrounding everything. And that was the desired effect, which I understand, but it made me unable to really care about Marvin and his plight, because I couldn’t get a lock on him. And his dynamics with Emma also were very fuzzy for that same reason. I’m sure that things were clarified further and made total sense by the end, but I just could not get there. Whether it was some sinister unlying mechanism, or Marvin just having symptoms of extreme sleep deprivation, or depression from being unable to become a published author, or whatever else. So again, I mean absolutely no disrespect to the author and his efforts or fans of this particular story, but this was not to my particular liking.
November 19, 2022
“Reality is a fickle thing once you’ve lived outside of it”. This is a story of a man named Marvin May. He had it all until he lost his job and eventually himself. He is an aspiring author who can’t write, sleep or keep up with time. He wants to be Okay but he’s definitely Not Okay. This story kept me guessing the entire time what’s reality here?! I would classify this more as thriller than horror. Either way it was a guessing game and an enjoyable read.
November 23, 2022
Marvin May is an angry man. He loses time in weird ways and sleep is something that aludes him most nights. Not all is bad however as he has a beautiful wife who he adores and is way out of his league. He works the nightshift at a gas station which is run down and deserted. He despises this job. It does give him time to pursue his passion for writing in the down time however a chance encounter with a young gypsy woman changed everything he thought he knew about what was going on with him and now he must fight to regain his life.
Not okay it a fun novela by an indie author who I have heard about before but never read until this. It keeps you guessing on what is really happening to Marvin, is he mentally ill? Or is it something more sinister? The descriptions of places such as the old service station and what occurs in the last chapter were well done. Its on kindle unlimited as well for those that want to check it out.
Its is definately fun, engaging and worth your time reading but it didnt blow me away as something really special deserving of a higher rating.
Not okay it a fun novela by an indie author who I have heard about before but never read until this. It keeps you guessing on what is really happening to Marvin, is he mentally ill? Or is it something more sinister? The descriptions of places such as the old service station and what occurs in the last chapter were well done. Its on kindle unlimited as well for those that want to check it out.
Its is definately fun, engaging and worth your time reading but it didnt blow me away as something really special deserving of a higher rating.
November 5, 2022
Not Okay will keep you guessing from the first page until the last as to what is really going on in Marvin May’s mind. It will have you wondering if what Marvin is seeing is real or not. Not Okay will have you wondering if what you are reading is real or if it is all in Marvin’s mind.
I know it kept me hanging on page after page trying to figure it all out. I had so many questions page after page. I will have to say it kept me in the dark right up until the end as to what was really happening. It kept me guessing as to what in a way only a horror novel can do.
The suspense alone is enough to keep you glued to the pages not being able to flip them fast enough pulling you in deeper and deeper the more you read. The more you read the more you want to read.
Not Okay is told from Marvin May’s point of view. Not Okay gives us a deep insight into Marvin’s mind and what goes on there. Not Okay is very well written. Stephen King good, I must say.
I would recommend Not Okay to all horror fans! Grab your copy of Not Okay today!
I know it kept me hanging on page after page trying to figure it all out. I had so many questions page after page. I will have to say it kept me in the dark right up until the end as to what was really happening. It kept me guessing as to what in a way only a horror novel can do.
The suspense alone is enough to keep you glued to the pages not being able to flip them fast enough pulling you in deeper and deeper the more you read. The more you read the more you want to read.
Not Okay is told from Marvin May’s point of view. Not Okay gives us a deep insight into Marvin’s mind and what goes on there. Not Okay is very well written. Stephen King good, I must say.
I would recommend Not Okay to all horror fans! Grab your copy of Not Okay today!
November 6, 2022
An intensely unsettling creepy story!
I can’t tell you anything about what happens, because you really have to find out for yourself.
But, it kept me reading at night, all the way to the end, with complete disregard of the time my alarm would go off the next day.
And after that, I had a little trouble sleeping.
Brilliant !
I can’t tell you anything about what happens, because you really have to find out for yourself.
But, it kept me reading at night, all the way to the end, with complete disregard of the time my alarm would go off the next day.
And after that, I had a little trouble sleeping.
Brilliant !
November 2, 2022
3 1/2 STARS
I am not quite sure how I feel about this book. As the title suggests, Marvin May is NOT okay. Reading this one left me feeling rather like a voyeur peeking into the head of a person rapidly spiralling out of control. I won't add too much to that as I do not want to add any spoilers. The author did warn that this was a disturbing read, he did not exaggerate.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and this is my honest and unbiased opinion of the tale.
I am not quite sure how I feel about this book. As the title suggests, Marvin May is NOT okay. Reading this one left me feeling rather like a voyeur peeking into the head of a person rapidly spiralling out of control. I won't add too much to that as I do not want to add any spoilers. The author did warn that this was a disturbing read, he did not exaggerate.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and this is my honest and unbiased opinion of the tale.
November 7, 2022
Haunting
Marvin May is not OK. He is losing time and his temper. Marvin has a job he despise's he dreams of being a writer. Things are falling apart for Marvin. Can he find a way to change things.
Tugs at your heart strings. A chilling story because anyone could be Marvin. Will terrify you to your core.
Marvin May is not OK. He is losing time and his temper. Marvin has a job he despise's he dreams of being a writer. Things are falling apart for Marvin. Can he find a way to change things.
Tugs at your heart strings. A chilling story because anyone could be Marvin. Will terrify you to your core.
November 7, 2022
This book was skillfully written to reveal small bits of information, like an IV drip. The facts will come together at different times for different readers. It is dark, but I found myself glued to it. Not a traditional horror book, but a horrific tale on something that could happen. Enough said - to know more, you’ll just have to read it.
November 8, 2022
This is a twisted and gripping read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuously.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuously.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
November 20, 2022
Okay here's the deal - I had a feeling that I might not be okay when I started this book - BUT I'M NOT OKAY - and neither is Marvin May!
David Viergutz has truly set forth a harrowing horror tale with "Not Okay." This is a fast paced story that offers a lot to readers. For those readers that like to guess how it's going to end, this book will keep you guessing even if you might have the right theory for how it ends. For readers who love to get immersed in the story, get ready to lose chunks of time with the main character and maybe (just maybe) start feeling as "off" as the main character.
I really enjoyed this story and I think you will too! Check it out!!
David Viergutz has truly set forth a harrowing horror tale with "Not Okay." This is a fast paced story that offers a lot to readers. For those readers that like to guess how it's going to end, this book will keep you guessing even if you might have the right theory for how it ends. For readers who love to get immersed in the story, get ready to lose chunks of time with the main character and maybe (just maybe) start feeling as "off" as the main character.
I really enjoyed this story and I think you will too! Check it out!!
November 5, 2022
Mental Illness is something we all get touched by one time or another in our lives. Marvin May is not okay. This book opens your eyes to what it's like when your mind is going places that aren't real. I felt sorry for Marvin, but I was rooting for his HEA, but we don't all get that in real life, do we?
You will be kept guessing to what's really going on to the last page really. The last chapter brings it all together, and what a mind bending it ends up being. I can't say enough how much this book needs to be read by the masses. It's okay to not be okay, but if you need help, ask someone, call someone, and let's help each other to maybe one day, be okay.
You will be kept guessing to what's really going on to the last page really. The last chapter brings it all together, and what a mind bending it ends up being. I can't say enough how much this book needs to be read by the masses. It's okay to not be okay, but if you need help, ask someone, call someone, and let's help each other to maybe one day, be okay.
November 7, 2022
Marvin May is frustrated with his mundane job at a gas station. Marvin May has a dream of becoming a successful author as he wants a better life for himself and his wife. Success eludes him and his life becomes more horrifying day by day as he cannot separate reality from illusion. A well written plot which aptly describes the protagonist's turmoil and struggle with reality.
November 4, 2022
This book really sheds light on how mental illness can affect a person. This author has a way of writing that has the reader completely engulfed in the story. I was reading along feeling very sorry for Marvin. He was definitely suffering from some kind of psychotic break. It took reading the entire book before the reason for his disturbing behavior becomes clear. And let me just say, this is one messed up book. Let’s just say “I’m not okay”.
July 25, 2023
Marvin May is a regular guy with a boring job living in Plainview, Texas. He’s got the perfect wife and is an aspiring writer. Suddenly he starts struggling with time loss and anger issues. His life soon begins to dissolve and strange things are happening to him. Is it the paranormal or is Marvin mentally ill?
This book is an excellent read if you enjoy surreality & unreliable narrators! The whole time reading I was left wondering what on earth was actually happening and then at the end everything is tied up in a gnarly little bow. This book doesn’t end the way you think it will & I loved the sad but also grotesque twist it took.
As someone that struggles with mental illness and psychosis, I really enjoyed the way it was presented in this book. The author did do research and portrays the darker side of mental illness and grief well. There are a lot of books that paint an very inaccurate portrayal of the topic, but I personally don’t believe this is one of them.
This psychological horror book was a fantastic read and I look forward to reading more of Viergutz’s books in the future!
This book is an excellent read if you enjoy surreality & unreliable narrators! The whole time reading I was left wondering what on earth was actually happening and then at the end everything is tied up in a gnarly little bow. This book doesn’t end the way you think it will & I loved the sad but also grotesque twist it took.
As someone that struggles with mental illness and psychosis, I really enjoyed the way it was presented in this book. The author did do research and portrays the darker side of mental illness and grief well. There are a lot of books that paint an very inaccurate portrayal of the topic, but I personally don’t believe this is one of them.
This psychological horror book was a fantastic read and I look forward to reading more of Viergutz’s books in the future!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 21, 2022
Book hit close to the heart as I know how damaging mental health disease can be if left untreated. Left me unsettled and..uneasy.
December 22, 2024
Not Okay does a fabulous job of messing with you.
It follows the story of Marvin May, who recently got laid off from his job and is working nights at a gas station. He’s got a wonderful wife that he loves dearly. He’s got an okay life until it starts to spiral out of control.
I found this book hard to put down. Marvin’s an extremely well-written character and you��re constantly second-guessing yourself as you try to figure him out, and trying to decide what’s real and what’s not.
It follows the story of Marvin May, who recently got laid off from his job and is working nights at a gas station. He’s got a wonderful wife that he loves dearly. He’s got an okay life until it starts to spiral out of control.
I found this book hard to put down. Marvin’s an extremely well-written character and you��re constantly second-guessing yourself as you try to figure him out, and trying to decide what’s real and what’s not.
June 8, 2023
This book was a wild ride from start to finish! Totally did my head in and gave me the creeps. The twist ending was disturbing and well done.
November 10, 2022
Yes, I must agree, Marvin May is definitely not okay! He is a man spiraling out of control. With his life in disarray and time continually slipping through his fingers.
Marvin had me hanging on his every word wondering all the while what was real for him and what was fiction. And I don’t think Marvin even knew how to determine the two. The things he kept seeing, the continual loss of time throughout his days, plus the weird interactions with his wife had me scratching my head wondering what the hell was going on with this guy. I had my suspicions and with every turn of the page things just kept getting creepier and creepier.
This was one story that had me gripping my kindle tightly, questioning everything I was reading and shocked at the strange occurrences that kept happening with Marvin. I never knew what Marvin was going to throw at us next or how his story was going to unfold in the end.
Really well written horror story that was filled with chilling suspense and a creepiness that oozed off the pages and gave me goosebumps. The ending had me all shook up with it’s twistedness and disturbing conclusion.
Loved this story.
Marvin had me hanging on his every word wondering all the while what was real for him and what was fiction. And I don’t think Marvin even knew how to determine the two. The things he kept seeing, the continual loss of time throughout his days, plus the weird interactions with his wife had me scratching my head wondering what the hell was going on with this guy. I had my suspicions and with every turn of the page things just kept getting creepier and creepier.
This was one story that had me gripping my kindle tightly, questioning everything I was reading and shocked at the strange occurrences that kept happening with Marvin. I never knew what Marvin was going to throw at us next or how his story was going to unfold in the end.
Really well written horror story that was filled with chilling suspense and a creepiness that oozed off the pages and gave me goosebumps. The ending had me all shook up with it’s twistedness and disturbing conclusion.
Loved this story.
November 27, 2022
Not Okay is a book that is so deeply routed in psychology that the story progression even gets into the reader's head. Marvin May is having a rough go of things, with losing time, working a job he doesn't like much, and trying to keep his wife happy. His writing passion is also slow-going, which causes him to develop a bit of an anger issue because life is not where he wants it.
As the reader, I felt that Marvin May was very relatable. I could feel that despair and mental health through the pages as his life unfolded. David Viergutz has a way of making his characters so dynamic that each one feels like he was writing about a real-life situation.
If you like intense and slow burn psychological thrillers with shocking endings, this is the book to read. This book wraps its claws in your head and doesn't let go even after the book is finished!
As the reader, I felt that Marvin May was very relatable. I could feel that despair and mental health through the pages as his life unfolded. David Viergutz has a way of making his characters so dynamic that each one feels like he was writing about a real-life situation.
If you like intense and slow burn psychological thrillers with shocking endings, this is the book to read. This book wraps its claws in your head and doesn't let go even after the book is finished!
November 8, 2022
I received a review copy in exchange for an honest opinion.
This is my first read by the author and I'm not sure what to make of it. We meet Marvin may and he suffers from mental illness, although I believe he's not aware of it. During the story, he has episodes of what's real or illusions. It's a great read and had enough to keep me reading till the end which wrapped up Marvin's story, although disturbingly.
I finished it a few days ago and still think about it. As I said, it was my first read by the author and maybe not the best introduction to his works, but it won't deter me from reading his other works.
This is my first read by the author and I'm not sure what to make of it. We meet Marvin may and he suffers from mental illness, although I believe he's not aware of it. During the story, he has episodes of what's real or illusions. It's a great read and had enough to keep me reading till the end which wrapped up Marvin's story, although disturbingly.
I finished it a few days ago and still think about it. As I said, it was my first read by the author and maybe not the best introduction to his works, but it won't deter me from reading his other works.
April 6, 2023
This story was really fun. It kept my interest. I loved some of the techniques used in this book for the loss of time and I thought the ending, while a bit confusing, was absolutely stellar once I gave it more thought. It was a twist I really didn't see coming. Loved the main character. For those of you who like traditional horror (as opposed to extreme or splatterpunk) this is a book I highly recommend for you. I don't really recall any gore. Its more just a spooky, twisted tale with a really cool ending. No rape. No animal torture. Just good old-fashioned horror!
March 6, 2024
Riveting and spiraling way to depict madness. I won't spoil the ending, but it's worth the read. Dark enough that I wanted to put it down at one point but so glad I didn't.
Metaphors abound in this book and I'm a metaphor junkie so it sat well with me.
Mental health spiral depicted horribly (meaning horror not badly), and the utter destruction of a psyche. Wrenching and yet beautiful...especially for those of us who have had a brush with mental health struggle irl.
Metaphors abound in this book and I'm a metaphor junkie so it sat well with me.
Mental health spiral depicted horribly (meaning horror not badly), and the utter destruction of a psyche. Wrenching and yet beautiful...especially for those of us who have had a brush with mental health struggle irl.
November 9, 2022
This book hits you right in the guts! So many relatable things in poor Marvin's life. He's struggling working night shift at a gas station after losing his job as a mason, and things aren't going well. E tries to take care of his wife, but he's having trouble separating delusion & reality. Strange things are happening. Things finally come to a head and the ending...was just devastating.
February 8, 2023
This book hit very close to home, knowing someone close to me who has suffered from psychosis and psychotic breaks. Seeing monsters when the only real monster is their broken mind. But reading it as they're actually seeing it is very disquieting. David Viergutz is a writer I will definitely be seeking more of.
April 6, 2023
Mysterious, unsettling, and well written. Kept my interest throughout and totally shocked me with the horrific and emotional ending. This less than 200 page book packed quite a punch!! The core of the story to me, is how realistically mental health and grief can manipulate you in messed up ways and keep you searching for peace. Wow.
November 28, 2025
I really enjoyed this story which follows Marvin, an aspiring author. Through sleep deprivation, a dead end job and a wife with a heart condition, Marvin loses the sense of reality. The book starts out strong and as I was reading, the middle seemed to move slowly. However, after reading the ending the middle makes sense and is needed to show Marvin's mental state.
November 5, 2022
I was told this would be a love-it-or-hate-it book. I loved it. The story is compelling and wraps you up as the main character descends into madness. The brief interludes of lucidity make it even more gripping.
November 9, 2022
I thought it was good, well-written and heart-felt. The finality of realising why Marvin behaved in a confusing and unpredictable way, brings home the reason why he was 'Not Ok'. A good story with a horrific ending which filled me with sadness and compassion towards Marvin.
November 10, 2022
This little book packs a big punch.
Well written book. My first by this author and I will read more of his work. I loved the final line and I wish I knew how it all worked out for Marvin.
Well written book. My first by this author and I will read more of his work. I loved the final line and I wish I knew how it all worked out for Marvin.
November 14, 2022
confusing at times
This was confusing at times and I finished it just to see what actually happened to the people in the story. It finally made sense when it all came together at the end. All in all a good story and the characters were believable
This was confusing at times and I finished it just to see what actually happened to the people in the story. It finally made sense when it all came together at the end. All in all a good story and the characters were believable
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews