Books On Our Radar: Don’t Ask If I’m Okay by Jessica Kara

Instantly grabbed by the cover, I had to check out the synopsis. I love when authors explore the complexity of grief in a story – and Don’t Ask If I’m Okay has all of the elements to break me while adding it to my fav list for the year. If the complexity of grief interests you, it’s out May 16th!

Don’t Ask If I’m Okay

by Jessica Kara
Published by: Page Street Kids
on 5-16-23
Genres: Contemporary, Young Adult
Bookshop
Goodreads

Heartfelt and bittersweet, this coming-of age story explores the tender space of healing where grief meets love

A year ago, Gage survived a car accident that killed his best friend, Hunter. Without the person who always brought out the best in him, Gage doesn’t know who he is. He likes working as a fry cook and loves his small-town friends and family, but they weren’t in the wreck and he can’t tell them how much he’s stillhurting. He just wants to forget all his pain and move on.

So when his stepdad shows him a dream job opening in one of his idol’s restaurants, Gage knows this is his chance to convince everyone and himself that he’s fine. To try to push past his grief once and for all, Gage applies for the job, asks out a crush, and volunteers to host a memorial for Hunter.

But the more Gage tries to ignore his grief, the more volatile it becomes.

When his temper finally turns on the people he loves, Gage must decide what real strength is—holding in his grief until it destroys him, or asking for help and revealing his broken heart for all to see.