Genre: Young Adult Contemporary
Publisher: Page Street Kids (Macmillan Publishers)
Publishing Date: May 16, 2023
Synopsis:
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 still
hurting. 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.
Content Warning: Loss of friend, PTSD, toxic masculinity
My REVIEW:
It usually takes me at least three chapters to get into a story. However, with this book, I was captivated from the very first chapter, and that’s when I knew this book would hold a special place in my heart.
Gage lost his cousin/brother/best friend, Hunter, in a car accident. It’s been a year, and Gage was still trying to move on. I felt connected to him in many situations. The pain of losing his best friend was all over the pages, and I teared up every time he remembered Hunter. It felt so real. The author’s exceptional writing made me genuinely feel sorry for Gabe.
I love how Gabe took care of Justine, Hunter’s 10-year-old sister. He became the brother of Justine and the son of Hunter’s mom. The bond between him and Justine was so heartwarming. I am so in love with the author’s writing. Justine is definitely my favourite character in the book.
Gage’s friends were an extensive support system for him. His struggle with PTSD (Post-traumatic stress disorder) was expressed so well. I loved how gradually the healing process was described. It doesn’t feel forced or unreal.
This book is a beautiful and touching story that explores the experience of grief in a heartfelt manner.
My rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you TBR and Beyond Tours for providing me with the arc of this book.
Click here for Tour schedule to see more reviews.
Book links:
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound
About the author:
Jessica Kara is a professional author and artist. With a BFA in technical theatre, she worked as a stage manager for eight years in regional theatres and on several national tours. Eventually she left the business to focus on writing, which has always called. She has served as President of her local writing organization, Authors of the Flathead, and is a member of the Society for Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators. She frequently speaks at local conferences, schools, and college classes, striving to inspire a new generation of writers to pursue their passions.
Jess has indie-published a young adult fantasy series featuring gryfon characters, and is excited to now dive into the pool of contemporary young adult fiction. She currently resides in northwest Montana with her husband, spends her time staring at the mountains, drinking a lot of coffee, dreaming up things and people, and chirping back at birds.
Her stories, whether fantastic or contemporary, are “noblebright” at their core, woven with a spirit of determined hope, belief in the power of kindness, and the faith that good will overcome.
Deepireads 
2 thoughts on “Don’t Ask If I’m Okay by Jessica Kara|Blog tour”