Today I am excited to be featuring the book Don’t Ask If I’m Okay by Jessica Kara on the Blog Tour hosted by TBR Book Tours! This post contains affiliate links, so if you use them and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission.
About The Book:
Title: Don’t Ask If I’m Okay
Author: Jessica Kara
Genre: YA Contemporary
Publisher: Page Street Kids, 5/16/23
Source: TBR Book Tours
Find it: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound
Book Description:
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
About Jessica Kara:
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.
Website | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | Facebook
My Review:
This book deals with grief. Gage lost his cousin and best friend in a car accident that he survived. He tries to be strong for his family, especially Hunter’s younger sister Justine, but by doing so, he internalizes his own hurt and denies that he needs help himself. His friends know he won’t go in cars, but don’t know that he experiences panic attacks when he tries to do so. I thought this book was well written and it showed the stages of grief quite well. I liked Gage’s friends and support system and was happy to see his growth throughout the book.
Tour Schedule:
You can find the rest of the tour schedule here!