We Are Okay by Nina LaCour

Printz Winner or Honor Book

Evaluation of Book

Marin is a college freshman running from her old life in San Francisco. The death of her grandfather caused her to leave for college in New York early taking only her phone, her wallet and a picture of her mother. We Are Okay is a coming of age novel about Marin and her friend Mabel. Friendship, romance, grief, sexuality and grandfathers are all addressed in this young adult story.

LaCour alternates chapters between the past and the present to tell this story. It helps the reader to understand the story by providing how past events in Marin’s life have affected her decisions and her future. It also helps to provide a timeline of all the events in Marin’s life that have contributed to her current situation.

The author also uses ghost symbols throughout the story. References to the novel, Jane Eyre, are made by Marin throughout the story as it is one of her favorite books. She is also haunted by the ghost of her grandfather while she was staying at the hotel. His ghost represented all of the things she didn’t want to think about her past.

Response

Parts of this book reminded me of what life was like when I first went off to college. It’s at that time that young adults begin to realize that their security net is gone. It can be a time of deep loneliness and soul searching for some individuals. I liked the title chosen for the book because I think we often tell ourselves that we are okay during these times in an effort to convince ourselves.

Despite the fact that we know Marin is struggling with this loneliness and grief the author brings our attention to some small but hopeful details. There is a focus on some yellow bowls that Marin has bought at a pottery shop that seem to bring her joy. Marin is also thrilled that her potted plant continues to thrive and probably needs a larger container. All of these details lead us to believe that there is hope for Marin and everything will work out.

Conclusion

This story has a happy ending but there are many ups and downs faced by the main character along the way. Prepare to be delighted by this coming of age book. I recommend it for older readers.

Citation

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/91wcaTodC6L.jpg

LaCour, N. (2017). We are okay. New York: Penguin Books.