This Close to Okay A Novel

Like the writing style and it kept me going, but the plot feels unethical at times, absurd at others and really not much happens. Came close to a 2 but by the end i give it a 3

** spoiler alert ** I felt really weird about a lot of things that happened. Tallie was very unprofessional to me. I understand that Emmett/Rye isn’t her client, but she kept referring to him as one in her head. Despite this, she still kiss him and had small intimate moments with him. That’s really gross and weird to me. This book was really well-written, though. Cross-Smith wrote a heavy and beautiful story. Tallie was just weird.

I loved this book!

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

I really liked the writing in this book as well as the concept and set-up, but the characters were...weird? I was never quite 100% sold on their actions or dialogue and often found myself wondering “Would people really act like this in real life?” It didn’t bother me as much as it could’ve, probably because I knew to expect it going in, but it was odd as hell. Also I often felt uncomfortable while reading, which would be fine if that was the author’s intent, but I’m not sure it was, so. That said, I did actually like the characters themselves. 2.5 stars.

I have several issues with this book. As a clinician in training, I found this book to be extremely unrealistic and troublesome. It was not at all what I expected when I picked it out from the bookstore. I was anticipating a story that dived deep into the horrors that comes with suicide and the struggles of coping with poor mental health. However, what I received was a therapist that, instead of helping this man, quickly begins to fantasize over him when she brings him into her house to stay—immediately after talking him down from a very real suicide attempt. Unfortunately, this book romanticized suicide in the worst way possible, was very predictable, and quite boring. I’m disappointed as this was the perfect opportunity to make an insightful and educational story of the struggles of suicide, but instead we got a love story that was, in my opinion, written in very poor taste. I promise you, if this were a real life story, Emmett would’ve likely been violent and in need of immediate help, and Tallie would’ve immediately supplied him with the proper resources. Her actions as a therapist were highly unethical and unrealistic. I recommend avoiding this book if you are looking for a realistic depiction of the horrors of suicide and other common mental health issues.

*highly recommend checking content warnings before reading* 4.5⭐ This novel was beautiful and poignant. It was cathartic to watch the characters work through their struggles and finally address the things they've been running from. There were some not completely expected twists that really built this piece up, my only personal preference would be to have a little bit stronger of an ending. I like seeing things wrapped up with a bow and while this did not necessarily scratch that itch, I did appreciate the possibility that was left open.

** spoiler alert ** *contains SPOILERS* Was it good? Yes? Did I read the last half of the book in one sitting after midnight because I couldn’t put it down? Also yes. This was a really enjoyable heartfelt read. The characters felt real and the dialogue felt genuine even though there were times that a less skilled writer definitely would of made it feel stilted. The only thing that kept this from being a 5 star for me was the ending. I really felt that this could of been cut by 30 pages or so. Ending felt forced to me. I wish the author had left us at Tallie dropping Rye at his parents home. Not a fan of “bow tie” endings like this but over all was a very enjoyable read.

This story was amazing. The lies and the secrets were crazy but once you find out the truth you'd rather just listen to the lies because the truth is a lot of hurt. The ending just seemed a little too rushed for me.

If you're into Hallmark Channel's idea of a therapist, Christian propaganda, average writing and boring plots then this is the book for you.

I gave this book 3.5 stars. Its such a good story about dealing with mentle health and finding help and kindness from a stranger. For someone who deals with mentle health I found this book to have been done well. The characters are really likeable and it's a really nice/emotbaila quick read

One Thursday night, Tallie spots Emmett, who is minutes away from jumping into the Ohio River. She puts her therapy training to practise, and talks him down to the ledge, before eventually convincing him to take shelter from the rain in her home. This unique story then explores the new and untainted relationship between two strangers, and the secrets that may just stain it. Leesa Cross-Smith has a winsome writing style that I found to be the most engaging component of this book. There were moments where the plot dipped, but her way of describing deep human anxiety, estrangement, and heartache is captivatingly moving. It’s interesting to me how this book is so unbelievably unrealistic, but still quite enjoyable. The chances of a woman stumbling across a troubled man about to jump, talking him down, and hiding that she’s a therapist before bringing him home are implausibly slim. But the way they talk, loosen, learn, and bond is where this book shines. Despite being trained to understand how the mind works, Tallie has a human nervousness to her that makes her appealing. She's a bit of an over-thinker, and still finding her feet after her divorce. Emmett is quite the mystery in the beginning, but Tallie slowly begins to pull him out of his shell. I love that both the characters have a weightless to them through their new and budding friendship, but are heavy with insecurity, grief, longing and depression. As interesting as the lives of the characters are, there are moments where I struggled to connect. Their trials and their secrets seemed real, but didn't come together to make a personality that seemed real. A lot of the decisions and admissions they made seemed unexpected, and at times just bizarre. However, the dialogue is a big win. Because the characters begin as strangers, their conversations reminded me of The 36 Questions That Lead to Love series. They're bold, straight-forward, and provocative. That element is absorbing to read, and I like the way it played out between two people in desperate need of healing. Although the plot isn’t the strongest in this book, Cross-Smith’s writing is therapeutic and uplifting. The journey the characters go on in just a few days is refreshingly cathartic. And despite its substantially heavy themes, This Close to Okay is an emotionally liberating read. For more book reviews and posts, check out my blog or follow along on Instagram 📚✨

This Close to Okay was one of many highly anticipated books of 2021 for me and it did not disappoint! Quick synopsis: On her way home from work, recently divorced therapist Tallie sees Emmett attempting to take his own life and immediately stops to help. She convinces Emmett to grab a coffee with her and talk - what follows is a long weekend spent together at her house and the unraveling of both Tallie and Emmett’s own heartbreaks and joys (plus the unveiling of a few secrets they’re both keeping). Told alternating between both Tallie and Emmett’s POV, this was probably the fastest-paced character-driven novel I’ve ever read and I absolutely loved it. I savored this book but also devoured it at the exact same time. The ending wasn’t what I was expecting or wanting, but I think there was also a lot of beauty in that for me. The emphasis on mental health was strong and was a huge selling point for me! So, what was the point? My takeaway was the love and connection between humans, even strangers - it was incredibly humanizing. It was absolutely beautiful and heartbreaking wrapped up with a perfectly imperfect little bow. There’s a lot more I could say, but I think that everyone should do themselves a favor and grab this book for all the feels. I highly recommend it! I am so grateful for @grandcentral for this #gifted copy.