Book: This Close To Okay
Author: Leesa Cross-Smith
Genre: Contemporary, Young Adult, Mental Health
Pages: 321 (Kindle)
Release Date: 2nd February 2021 (UK)
My Rating:
Today’s post is a book review of This Close To Okay by Leesa Cross-Smith. Enjoy!
Trigger Warning(s): Attempted suicide, brief mentions of SH and loss of a loved one.
Review
This Close To Okay is a new sweet read from Leesa Cross-Smith. It begins when recently divorced therapist Tallie Clark is driving home, and she spots a man standing on the edge of a bridge. Tallie quickly rushes to his aid and asks him to join her for a cup of coffee. He agrees. Over the course of the weekend, Tallie persuades the man to reveal his name (Emmett) and to talk about his life and his circumstances. Little do they know that they are both hiding secrets from one another, and as the weekend comes to a close, their new-found friendship is put to the test.
From the beginning, I knew I’d enjoy this book. Leesa Cross-Smith has both an engaging and warming writing style, which quickly draws you in. The chapters alternate between Tallie and Emmett’s perspective and the sections are split into days. Through this, Cross-Smith describes their journey slowly and sweetly, enabling the warmth to just radiate from the book. This was aided further by the mouth-watering descriptions of food and hot coffee each morning. It’s honestly such an incredibly homely read, that it almost feels like you’re invading Tallie’s house yourself!
The relationship between Tallie and Emmett almost had The FlatShare vibes to it. The honest, understanding, and at times awkward, relationship between the two was lovely. As expected, there are mentions of suicidal thoughts and intent, depression and grief, which some readers may find difficult to read. Yet Tallie shows such understanding, and as she presses Emmett for answers, she begins talking herself – resulting in a cathartic weekend for them both.
There’s only a little that I can share with you, as it’s a short book at just over 300 pages. I don’t want to drop any spoilers! But this book does stay true to its synopsis, so if you like the sound of it, then I say absolutely give it a go! There are some elements of this book that readers may find difficult and/or triggering to read. These include suicidal thoughts and intent, mentions of SH, depression, a panic attack, loss of a loved one and grief. If you would like further details on any potential triggers, feel free to contact me and I’ll do what I can to help.
Overall, I rate this book four out of five stars. I took a while debating between the four and five mark, but I wanted something more at the end, which unfortunately just wasn’t there. Again, I can’t go into too much detail because of spoilers. I’m glad I found a new author in Leesa Cross-Smith and will be checking out her other books too. If you’d like to stay up-to-date with my reading progress, feel free to add me on Goodreads.
Have you read Leesa Cross-Smith’s This Close To Okay?
Will you be adding it to your TBR?
Take care and stay safe,
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I read this and enjoyed it too! I also struggled with 4 or 5 stars but ended up going with 4 as the pace was a little off and as you said, the ending wasn’t the best. Still worth the read though. Lovely review!
Anika | chaptersofmay.com
Aw, I’m glad you agree. Thank you! x
Great post! I love it when a book is good enough to give it 4 stars, and this sounds like an interesting short novel 🙂 thank you for sharing Sophie x
Thanks Eleanor! x
I’ve been hearing such wonderful things about this book and I’m really looking forward to reading it myself. I added it to my TBR the moment I first read about it (which was when I was writing up my post about new book releases)! Thanks for sharing your review 🙂
I hope you enjoy it Stephanie! x
This has been on my list since it came out! Really can’t wait to pick this up as the synopsis really intrigues me and after reading this I will put it up next on my reads! Thank you for sharing x
Thanks Cristina! I hope you enjoy it! x
I have not read this book, but the cover combined with your review are making it a to-read selection. I love understanding and honest people, even if there is a little awkwardness and secrecy mixed in. It is the revealing of those secrets that really show you who the other person is on how they handle them.
Love that this was not a perfect read; I like room to dream.
Thanks for sharing!
I’m so glad to hear my review has inspired you to read it! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did x
Oooh I’m definitely adding this to my Goodreads as I love the sound of the synopsis – excited to give it a go. Thanks for sharing your review.
Tash – A Girl with a View
Thanks Tash, I hope you enjoy it! 🙂
I haven’t heard of this book before but I will put it on my list. This sounds like a book I would enjoy.. Thank you for sharing this review.
goalofhappiness.com
Thanks, I hope you enjoy reading it! 🙂
This book sounds right up my street and definitely the kind of thing I would love. I’m glad you enjoyed it – fab review x
Thank you! x
I haven’t read this book and from your review, this is kinda my book to read! I add this to my TBR. Thank you for sharing x
Thank you, I hope you enjoy it! x
It sounds absolutely wonderful! I’m always looking to expand my reading across different genres, and have been really intrigued recently by compelling human characters. I’m in the process of reading one book I’ve been putting off for ages but once it’s done, I’ll try this!
Thanks Tom, I hope you enjoy it! 🙂
I haven’t heard of this book before. Thank you for sharing your experience and honest thoughts!
Haven’t read this but your review makes it sound so special, like it’s a common but true love between two characters. Lovely review, keep them coming for the other bookworms out there!
http://www.lifebeginsattwenty.com
Aw that’s so kind, thank you! x
Haven’t heard of this book. It seems lovely and homey seeing your review. Would love to check it out!
Thank you x
The review sounds intriguing, esecially the division of chapters by dates. I will put it on my list. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you! I hope you enjoy reading it 🙂
This sounds like a great book! I love when an author can make you feel like you’re really in the same space as the characters! Thanks for the review!
Thank you! 🙂
Fantastic review. This sounds like a really delightful read, even if the ending wasn’t quite what you wanted. Thanks for the recommendation!
Thank you! 🙂
I didn’t know this book and sounds really interesting 💙
Thanks for sharing, your reviews are always nice 👍🏻
Aw, that’s so kind – thank you! x