Dont Ask If Im Okay

(Hardback)

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Description

A year ago, Gage survived a car accident that killed his best friend, Hunter. Now all Gage wants is to move on. Gage's biological father convinces him that ignoring his feelings altogether is the best way forward. So when his stepdad shows him a job opening in one of his idol's restaurants, Gage knows this is his chance to convince everyone that he is okay. He applies for the job, asks out a crush, and volunteers to host a memorial for Hunter. But the longer Gage ignores his grief, the more it warps from sadness into uncontrollable anger that undermines everything he is trying to do and to be. 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.

Reviews

"This poignant, character-driven novel meditates on themes of grief, loss, trauma, masculinity, vulnerability, and healing . . . A tender and honest coming-of-age tale."
--Kirkus Reviews

"Gage's growth and journey of healing are marked by empathetic and engaging characters and a solid plot that will have readers cheering for Gage and his friends."
--Booklist

"Stunning and beautifully written, Don't Ask If I'm Okay explores the complexities of love, loss, and grief, as we follow one young man on a poignant journey of self-discovery, and ultimately, healing. Vulnerable, real, and relatable, this is a book that will stay with you long after you've turned the last page."
--Amber Smith, New York Times bestselling author of The Way I Used to Be

"Wise, gentle, funny, and incisive all at once, this is an absolutely enthralling book that tackles grief, friendship, male vulnerability, and the many unpredictable ways we move on after tragedy. Don't miss this beautiful book, though be sure to have tissues and perhaps some lembas bread on hand while reading."
--Jamie Pacton, author of The Vermilion Emporium, Lucky Girl, and The Life and (Medieval) Times of Kit Sweetly

"Don't Ask If I'm Okay is a tender story about a teen boy's struggle with grief and vulnerability. Jessica Kara's thoughtful, nuanced writing is like a warm hug for the reader as she gently guides them towards a powerful, heartfelt resolution."
--Tobias Madden, author of Anything But Fine and Take a Bow, Noah Mitchell

"Don't Ask If I'm Okay deftly explores guilt and grief, hope and healing, forgiveness and found family. Evocative and heartbreaking, readers should have a box of tissues nearby!"
--Becky Wallace, author of Far From Normal and Stealing Home

Author Bio

Jessica Kara is the author of A Furry Faux Paw. 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 lives in Whitefish, Montana.