A heartbreaking yet heartwarming story of love, loss, and the family we call our own.

This is probably one of the most beautifully heartbreaking books I’ve ever read. I don’t know much about the kind of grief that Marin went through, but this book helps me understand it a little more. I would recommend it to anyone who either wants an interesting story or is going through grief and wants someone to relate to.

When Marin suddenly flees her southern California home for college in New York, she leaves behind everything but her phone, her wallet, and a picture of her mother. Her best friend, Mabel, is even left in the dust - Marin won't answer her texts or calls. Over winter break, Marin stays alone in her college dorm, awaiting Mabel's arrival for a three-day visit. A lonely tale of grief and love, "We Are Okay" tests the limits of familial bonds and explores what it takes to start over. A stunning, compact volume featuring queer romance and parallels to "Jane Eyre" - definitely worth a read.

“I was okay just a moment ago. I will learn how to be okay again.”
This book is slow in pace, but I loved that it was written slowly, in the middle of winter, set in a nearly empty campus in a dorm room. It adds to the lonely, isolated, and desolate feelings that Marin is grappling with. One day Marin gets up and leaves her current life behind and starts over at a college in California, not having spoken to anyone from her former life in N.Y. She's alone in her dorm and awaiting a visit from her best friend Mabel, to finally confront her past. This is a beautifully woven story of grief, acceptance, and learning how to move on. Be prepared to read something light to lift your spirits after the heaviness of this beautiful story.

3.97

This is a slow moving, character driven book which only takes place over a few days, with flashbacks. It's all about the emotional turmoil the main character is going through, which is slowly revealed throughout the story. I really empathized with the main character; her struggles are presented in such an honest way. I don't normally like YA fiction but to me, this book isn't limited to teens only. Also the cover art is amazing; I actually thought it was a graphic novel.

Beautifully written and very powerful. Emotionally complex.

I chose this book initially for its beautiful cover art. Although I don't gravitate towards contemporary fiction, this breathtakingly, beautifully written book about love, loss, friendship, and loneliness, grabbed me from the start and would not let go until the end of time. If you enjoy books that are character driven and heartfelt, this is a good book for you. This is a very quiet written YA novel and It builds slowly, giving you only slivers of information to pull you along to give you the bigger picture. Morin's story is one of a person suffering from grief, which is something I know I can personally connect with. Her story is one of isolation, and mournful, but also hopeful. Nina LaCour is such a brilliant writer and this book feels so realistic and raw with emotion. "We Are Okay" is a fantastic read for those who love tougher topics in their YA novels and in this one, the story reveals itself slowly, page by page, just as the character emerges from the grief that envelopes her, the reader learns bit by bit what has brought her to this point. By the end, I couldn't tear myself away. Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
@PocketFullOfBooks22 of the Teen Review Board at the Hamilton Public Library

We Are Okay is the story of Marin's old best friend, Mabel, coming to visit her. Honestly, I didn't like the story. I thought it was boring. The pace of the book is very slow. It's mostly character-driven. I tend to prefer books that contain more adventure. But there were a few parts I did enjoy about it. Seeing the story of Mabel's grandpa unfold seemed interesting to me. Other than that, it wasn't that appealing to me. It was quite emotional at times, but I didn't really feel it. Other people might enjoy this story a lot, but I personally didn't. Just not my style. 2.5/5 stars
@endoplasmicreticulum of the Teen Review Board at the Hamilton Public Library

This is a short book that is all about emotion. There is no action. It's slow moving and takes place over 3 days with some flashbacks. It really made me sad listening to it. No one should go through that kind of loneliness and heartache.

A lovely character-driven exploration of grief. While this isn't the book every teen will want to read...the right reader will find the journey magical.