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lysssav's review against another edition
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
booktreasuresau's review
5.0
I absolutely adore the simplicity of this cover. It’s simply perfect - not overwhelming and not distracting at all.
I highly enjoyed the author’s writing style. Amy Watson has an incredible way with using words to make the reader understand and feel. This story shows the reader in a very straightforward way how the main character Kyle is affected by her depression and how she handles living with it.
I also couldn’t imagine any better characters for this story! They all play a very important and realistic role for the reader to understand what is happening. Their reactions and emotions are reliable and easy to grasp, even though I wanted to shake some of them at times.
All up, I can highly recommend this book to everybody. Pick up this book and get carried away by its intensity.
I highly enjoyed the author’s writing style. Amy Watson has an incredible way with using words to make the reader understand and feel. This story shows the reader in a very straightforward way how the main character Kyle is affected by her depression and how she handles living with it.
I also couldn’t imagine any better characters for this story! They all play a very important and realistic role for the reader to understand what is happening. Their reactions and emotions are reliable and easy to grasp, even though I wanted to shake some of them at times.
All up, I can highly recommend this book to everybody. Pick up this book and get carried away by its intensity.
ainun_farhan_zahra's review
4.0
Thank you so much Netgalley for the review copy in exchange of honest opinion.
Closer to Okay is a perfectly imperfect book, just like the characters it features - Kyle, Jackson, Jamie, Joey and so on. What I love the most about it is it portrays raw emotions and harsh reality without romanticising depression or mental health issues. It also isn't a 'Boy saves the girl' story, rather it shows how all of us are dealing with shits in our own life. I found myself tearing up a lot because the emotions are so intense that you can't help but feel what they feel. The words flowed easily and captivated me from the very beginning with the intriguing start. Highly recommended!
Closer to Okay is a perfectly imperfect book, just like the characters it features - Kyle, Jackson, Jamie, Joey and so on. What I love the most about it is it portrays raw emotions and harsh reality without romanticising depression or mental health issues. It also isn't a 'Boy saves the girl' story, rather it shows how all of us are dealing with shits in our own life. I found myself tearing up a lot because the emotions are so intense that you can't help but feel what they feel. The words flowed easily and captivated me from the very beginning with the intriguing start. Highly recommended!
verybooksessed's review
3.0
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Kyle Davies is a pastry chef admitted in a mental health facility, where she’s joined by other fellow patients struggling with various mental issues. Dealing with depression, Kyle experiences a myriad of turbulences during her stay and tries to navigate through her emotions and anxiety whilst desperately searching for her life passion. When she visits The Coffee Shop, a coffee shop just across the facility that Kyle peers at from her window, she meets its owners, Jamie and Jackson. As Kyle slowly begins to form a potentially deep connection with Jackson, her recovery journey puts her through some difficult situations that would help her grow as a person.
I liked this book for a number of reasons.
First, I really liked the light shone on mental issues and its honest approach. It provides more insight into how people go through these ups and downs during their recovery journey, and how their mental illnesses get the best of them.
I really think that this realistic portrayal truly helps to spread more awareness on this issue and the social stigma that is attached to mental health issues.
Second, the book being very character-driven is a yes from me. Kyle’s relationship with each patient in the facility is painted in such a compassionate and sincere way.
It just goes to show how in such difficult times, they understand one another and never hesitate to provide emotional support despite the struggles they individually face. We get a glimpse into each patient, shining a light on various mental issues and their effect on a person’s mental state of mind.
Also, Kyle’s relationship with Jackson is really sweet and endearing. However, I don’t feel like the miscommunication trope was properly captured, and the pacing was kind of all over the place so I had difficulty in keeping up with their story.
I feel like we could’ve gotten more context on the foundation of their relationship, because personally, it lacked character, and it happened way too fast. Like there was so much to unpack but it was just brushed off. That’s just me.
And I wasn’t a big fan of Kyle’s “angry child-like stomping” behavior to Jackson. I cringed. Not for me.
For a much younger audience, the writing would be considered most appropriate, but it felt just a little bit immature and simple.
Still, the message behind the book is a strong and necessary one, which deserves the 3 stars.
Kyle Davies is a pastry chef admitted in a mental health facility, where she’s joined by other fellow patients struggling with various mental issues. Dealing with depression, Kyle experiences a myriad of turbulences during her stay and tries to navigate through her emotions and anxiety whilst desperately searching for her life passion. When she visits The Coffee Shop, a coffee shop just across the facility that Kyle peers at from her window, she meets its owners, Jamie and Jackson. As Kyle slowly begins to form a potentially deep connection with Jackson, her recovery journey puts her through some difficult situations that would help her grow as a person.
I liked this book for a number of reasons.
First, I really liked the light shone on mental issues and its honest approach. It provides more insight into how people go through these ups and downs during their recovery journey, and how their mental illnesses get the best of them.
I really think that this realistic portrayal truly helps to spread more awareness on this issue and the social stigma that is attached to mental health issues.
Second, the book being very character-driven is a yes from me. Kyle’s relationship with each patient in the facility is painted in such a compassionate and sincere way.
It just goes to show how in such difficult times, they understand one another and never hesitate to provide emotional support despite the struggles they individually face. We get a glimpse into each patient, shining a light on various mental issues and their effect on a person’s mental state of mind.
Also, Kyle’s relationship with Jackson is really sweet and endearing. However, I don’t feel like the miscommunication trope was properly captured, and the pacing was kind of all over the place so I had difficulty in keeping up with their story.
I feel like we could’ve gotten more context on the foundation of their relationship, because personally, it lacked character, and it happened way too fast. Like there was so much to unpack but it was just brushed off. That’s just me.
And I wasn’t a big fan of Kyle’s “angry child-like stomping” behavior to Jackson. I cringed. Not for me.
For a much younger audience, the writing would be considered most appropriate, but it felt just a little bit immature and simple.
Still, the message behind the book is a strong and necessary one, which deserves the 3 stars.
kennnabearrr's review
5.0
I ate this book up. It was worth an entire day of reading. I can relate to this book completely. So many beautiful quotes. This could certainly be triggering for those who have suicidal thoughts mixed with depression, but the story behind it.. beautifully written. I myself have been suicidal, so seeing someone articulate it so well, made me cry. Thank you for giving me a voice.
10/10 would recommend!
10/10 would recommend!
sogladtoreadyou's review
5.0
i received an ARC of amy’s watson’s “closer to okay.” this cover really peaked my interest and after reading this book, the cover makes a lot of sense.
kyle, the main character, is in a facility to help her with her mental health. she is really lucky to know that baking is her outlet. she has the privilege to go outside for 2 hours and when she finally decides to go out, she goes across the street to a coffee shop where she meets jackson.
a sweet relationship sparks between them and he is constantly there for kyle, even through the tough times. every relationship has its ups and downs and you can definitely relate to theirs. you so desperately want kyle to get better and you want their relationship to work where they are a part of each other’s lives.
this book does state the reasons as to why kyle is mentally unwell. i do wish they dove a little more into her recovery as it is a lot of hard work to manage life.
i also want to say that i really love the flow of this book. it made me really look forward to reading this book and also rooting for kyle.
kyle, the main character, is in a facility to help her with her mental health. she is really lucky to know that baking is her outlet. she has the privilege to go outside for 2 hours and when she finally decides to go out, she goes across the street to a coffee shop where she meets jackson.
a sweet relationship sparks between them and he is constantly there for kyle, even through the tough times. every relationship has its ups and downs and you can definitely relate to theirs. you so desperately want kyle to get better and you want their relationship to work where they are a part of each other’s lives.
this book does state the reasons as to why kyle is mentally unwell. i do wish they dove a little more into her recovery as it is a lot of hard work to manage life.
i also want to say that i really love the flow of this book. it made me really look forward to reading this book and also rooting for kyle.
ebartsch85's review
3.0
I was hooked on this book in the beginning. I loved the care and understanding put into Kyle's depression and journey. I truly felt that the author had a deep connection with this character. I remember falling in love with Kyle when she was describing the coffee shop and watching the milk change the color of the espresso. It was such a beautiful scene. However, the book lost some of its strength for me where the relationship portions were. I didn't believe their love story and connection, and it felt as if we didn't have enough time with these characters together to truly feel them fall in love. I believe this book would have been stronger with Kyle on her own navigating depression and her life without the addition of Jackson.
Thank you Netgalley for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Thank you Netgalley for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!
marniefaith's review
4.0
I received an e-arc from NetGalley. in exchange for a fair and honest review.
The initial concept of this book really intrigued me, and I'm glad to say I wasn't disappointed!
Every aspect of this book felt so authentic - Kyle's experience is one that I could find myself relating to a lot. I was hesitant when Jackson was introduced, as I really don't like the idea of male love interests being the saving grace of mental illness. However, I believe their relationship and communication throughout the book was genuinely authentic to real life experience. I loved how well they were able to communicate, even when times were difficult. They both were realistic in their expectations, and it didn't feel as though Kyle put her recovery on the backburner in the name of romance.
I loved the side characters, even Eddie. Every side character brought something different; Mary was a maternal source for Kyle. Joey was a genuine friend and Eddie was someone who, in his own way, would keep Kyle grounded. However, I really did not like Dr Booth. I felt that his approach of 'this is what's best for you even if you can't see it' was very ill-delivered. I know personally, I do not react well to mental health professionals who pose their treatments that way. However, I believe that was down to personal preference.
I thought the ending way slightly anti-climatic. The book up until the final chapter felt so harrowing and fast-paced, only for it to trail off at the ending. I was glad Kyle found her happiness however. The thought processes of Kyle struggling to go into the kitchen once she'd returned home really struck at me, and I thought that was executed beautifully.
Overall, a book I really enjoyed. I think checking trigger warnings prior to reading is essential, however the way to book explored mental illness recovery was realistic and really interesting to read about.
The initial concept of this book really intrigued me, and I'm glad to say I wasn't disappointed!
Every aspect of this book felt so authentic - Kyle's experience is one that I could find myself relating to a lot. I was hesitant when Jackson was introduced, as I really don't like the idea of male love interests being the saving grace of mental illness. However, I believe their relationship and communication throughout the book was genuinely authentic to real life experience. I loved how well they were able to communicate, even when times were difficult. They both were realistic in their expectations, and it didn't feel as though Kyle put her recovery on the backburner in the name of romance.
I loved the side characters, even Eddie. Every side character brought something different; Mary was a maternal source for Kyle. Joey was a genuine friend and Eddie was someone who, in his own way, would keep Kyle grounded. However, I really did not like Dr Booth. I felt that his approach of 'this is what's best for you even if you can't see it' was very ill-delivered. I know personally, I do not react well to mental health professionals who pose their treatments that way. However, I believe that was down to personal preference.
I thought the ending way slightly anti-climatic. The book up until the final chapter felt so harrowing and fast-paced, only for it to trail off at the ending. I was glad Kyle found her happiness however. The thought processes of Kyle struggling to go into the kitchen once she'd returned home really struck at me, and I thought that was executed beautifully.
Overall, a book I really enjoyed. I think checking trigger warnings prior to reading is essential, however the way to book explored mental illness recovery was realistic and really interesting to read about.
chenita06's review
5.0
I loved this book so much. This story is about Kyle, a professional baker, who’s currently residing at Hope House, a home for those who are currently having life struggles. Kyle attempted suicide recently. She has had a tough life stemming from childhood abandonment, depression, and struggling with loneliness and it has taken a toll on her. During her hospital stay, she turns over complete medical control to the Hope House doctor, Dr. Booth. Kyle wonders during her sessions with him if Dr. Booth has her best interest in mind or if he’s really an egotistical quack, which I grew to question as a I read.
Kyle sits by her window each morning looking at the coffee shop across the street and when she’s granted a 2 hour leave each day she finds herself visiting the shop where she meets snarky but loveable coffee house owner Jackson. Jackson soon becomes an important part of Kyle’s life as she gets to know him and they began to spend a lot of time together.
Each character had a unique story which I enjoyed reading when it was touched on briefly. Kyle and Jackson’s relationship was a joy to watch develop and the complexity in their lives were relatable. There were some definite tough reads in the book so the reader should be weary of this. I cried at some of the moments, many tore my heart up to read. Overall this was such a delightful story to read and I want to hug this book
This was a 5 * read. Thank you to Alcove Press and NetGalley for the EArc and the chance to review it!
Kyle sits by her window each morning looking at the coffee shop across the street and when she’s granted a 2 hour leave each day she finds herself visiting the shop where she meets snarky but loveable coffee house owner Jackson. Jackson soon becomes an important part of Kyle’s life as she gets to know him and they began to spend a lot of time together.
Each character had a unique story which I enjoyed reading when it was touched on briefly. Kyle and Jackson’s relationship was a joy to watch develop and the complexity in their lives were relatable. There were some definite tough reads in the book so the reader should be weary of this. I cried at some of the moments, many tore my heart up to read. Overall this was such a delightful story to read and I want to hug this book
This was a 5 * read. Thank you to Alcove Press and NetGalley for the EArc and the chance to review it!
mamas_gotta_read's review
3.0
This book presented a pretty realistic commentary on mental health and live with depression. A lot of Kyle’s experiences were very similar to my own, so it was nice to have that representation. However, it did feel like this book carried undertones of humor in regards to mental health. Maybe it was just trying to lighten the mood, but for whatever reason, I didn’t appreciate that.
I appreciated that the book showed us characters living in a halfway house, but the depiction of Hope House felt like a caricature. Everything seemed a bit over the top and hard to believe. Dr. Booth especially came across as almost satirical and while it did show that not everyone knows or has your best interest in mind, I found his depiction a bit problematic. Not all doctors are that way, and I would hate for someone with mental health struggles to read this and not seek help when needed because of the way Dr. Booth was written.
Kyle and Jackson’s relationship, while very sweet, seemed to go from zero to codependent really quick. While I loved that Jackson was there to support and take care of Kyle, I didn’t generally love the way their relationship was portrayed.
I was given an ARC by NetGalley and Alcove Press. All opinions are my own.
I appreciated that the book showed us characters living in a halfway house, but the depiction of Hope House felt like a caricature. Everything seemed a bit over the top and hard to believe. Dr. Booth especially came across as almost satirical and while it did show that not everyone knows or has your best interest in mind, I found his depiction a bit problematic. Not all doctors are that way, and I would hate for someone with mental health struggles to read this and not seek help when needed because of the way Dr. Booth was written.
Kyle and Jackson’s relationship, while very sweet, seemed to go from zero to codependent really quick. While I loved that Jackson was there to support and take care of Kyle, I didn’t generally love the way their relationship was portrayed.
I was given an ARC by NetGalley and Alcove Press. All opinions are my own.