We Are Okay by Nina LaCour
Title = totally misleading, because I don’t think I’m okay after reading this book? I actively avoided this book due to the hype, but I spotted it at the library and I’m like, well, FINE, I’ll read it; I’m clearly forced now *rolls eyes* But wow, this really blew me away.
You go through life thinking there’s so much you need…
Until you leave with only your phone, your wallet, and a picture of your mother.
Marin hasn’t spoken to anyone from her old life since the day she left everything behind. No one knows the truth about those final weeks. Not even her best friend, Mabel. But even thousands of miles away from the California coast, at college in New York, Marin still feels the pull of the life and tragedy she’s tried to outrun. Now, months later, alone in an emptied dorm for winter break, Marin waits. Mabel is coming to visit, and Marin will be forced to face everything that’s been left unsaid and finally confront the loneliness that has made a home in her heart.
I think this is the kind of story that you should know nothing about it before going in. I really had no clue about anything that was going to happen or anything about what is was about because I was all like AHHHHH SCARY HYPE. Therefore, I was shocked by the twists and turns, and it left me with such a bigger of an impact.
Here’s some things that you should know:
The writing is stunning. I mean, stunningly beautiful. There are little lines that just hit you with their beauty. It sucks you in and leaves you in a vortex of never wanting to come out again. Wow, I will definitely be picking up any of her books in the future.
The pace is slow, but the writing and story is so emotional that it doesn’t matter. There will be some people that go, WHOA, NO, FAR TOO SLOW (yes, I’m usually one of these people), but the story is so character driven and done so beautifully, I couldn’t care less if they were running in the snow or literally eating a bowl of chili. I was enthralled.
I loved the characters. Mabel and Marin have a super complex history, and their twists and turns had my feels aching for them. I loved them both dearly, and even the side characters were super interesting. Marin was a wonderful narrator, and goodness, I loved her and her journey.
My only issue is the big reveal. I didn’t quite…I don’t know, but I guess I expected something more? I mean, it makes sense, but I really just expecting something gasp worthy. I had already called the main idea of what was going to happen, and I had come up with more melodramatic ones, but I just thought…it was going to be something else. That’s why it went down a crown for me.
Overall, this was such an interesting read, and I’m so glad that I forgot about the hype for once. It really did live up to it, but I could see where it might be a bit slow for some people. You have to really connect with the characters, and I really think so many people will – I did and I love them. 4 crowns and an Ariel rating although with all the freezing snow, it really should be Elsa even though it’s not a special snowflake for me. 😉
Check it out:
Honestly, I haven’t seen this book very much yet but your review is so… vague and motivating and intriguing that I just really want to read it write now.. As if I don’t have enough books to read already?! Haha, no. Thank you! [I’m adding this to my TBR as soon as I hit “send”.]
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Ahahahaha, sorry, but also kind of not sorry because it’s a beautiful book. 😉 But really, going in vague really makes it that much better, but it’s so worth the read (and addition the TBR mountain). XD Hope you enjoy!! 😀
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Ohh I’ve seen this one floating around but know absolutely nothing about it. But it sounds so good and now you have me totally intrigued!
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I did the same with it – constantly seeing it floating around but knew literally nothing about it. But it’s well worth picking it up, because it’s so good. ❤
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Im reading it atm and youre right about the writing!
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Yes! She has some of the prettiest writing! ❤
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I’m currently listening to the audio for this and I totally agree with you. The reveal felt weird… But the rest of this book is so amazing. I’m feeling so many feels. And the writing is just so lyrical. I love it.
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YES. Gosh, I can imagine it would be super pretty as an audiobook. But I super agree – the reveal was the only thing that felt off to me. Can’t wait to see your final thoughts on it!
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I really loved this one! I adore Nina’s writing. I totally see what you’re saying about the big reveal though. I’m just not sure if that made me like it less or more. LOL. Conflicted.
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Yes! ❤ I'm so going to have to pick up her other books because it was so ridiculously good. But ik! I mean, it felt right, but it also kind of felt off? Like I don't know what to do with it. XD
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I need to read her other books still too! I’ve read her book with David, but not the others! I need to get on it! More for the TBR monster. I totally understand what you mean. Like I expected it to be bigger, but at the same time, I’m glad it was what it was because it felt so raw and real?
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Oooooh, gotcha. For sure. XD How was her book with David btw? And true, that is a super brilliant way to look at it.
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WONDERFUL. I love anything by David, and I also loved We Are Okay, so it was definitely a perfect writing duo for me!
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*quickly adding to my TBR then*
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Yes! High fives!!! 🙂
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I haven’t read this, but I’ve seen it around. Maybe I’ll look into it sometime soon.
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I was super hesitant to pick it up, Clara, but it was definitely worth a look! 😉
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I loved this book! The writing is phenomenal and the characters are so complex and well-developed. I just loved reading how Marin thought and felt about her situation and I think the author did a fantastic job in creating unique relationships among the characters. I agree that the reveal was a bit underwhelming, but it kind of fit with the slow pacing and grounded reality of Marin’s journey. It was still a little weird though haha. Great review! 😀
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Yes! I sooooo agree. I’m so glad that she moved at such a slow pace so we could really see the complexities and dynamics of them. All of the relationships were so hauntingly beautiful. And totally agree about the reveal. I do agree it fit, but just felt a bit off. Thanks so much, Azia! 🙂
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I keep seeing the book around, but know nothing about it. If you liked it though, I’ll definitely have to put it on my TBR.
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That was totally me, because I was like, okay, I keep seeing it, I might have to dive in. It was really pretty and haunting, though, and I think you would enjoy!
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I just read this and finished it yesterday and I really liked it. I pretty much agree with everything you’ve said here, haha. I loved how beautiful LaCour’s writing was and it absolutely makes me want to pick up more books by her!
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Ooooh, super glad that you enjoyed, Kourtni! Her writing was just so beautiful, and I’m totally the same way – I need to find the rest of them ASAP. XD
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I’ve not read this but it sounds neat! Though the lack of a more gasp-worthy reveal makes me question…perhaps one day in the future when I can sit through some more contemporaries! Awesome review Mandy!
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Yes! It was quite interesting, but the reveal was kind of like…oh. Huh. XD But yes, maybe one day! 😀 If not, that’s good as well. 😀 But thankies, Rendz! ❤
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I haven’t read this book, I’m trying to stay away from hyped books because I have been hugely disappointed in one of the most hyped books in the community.
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I do agree! I mostly stay away from overhyped books for that reason as well! They never seem to go well. D:
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