We Are Okay

We Are Okay by Nina Lacour is a short but amazing glimpse into the world of grief, acceptance, and hope. The story is about Marin who is away at college in upstate New York and starting her winter break where she will be the only remaining student living in the dorms over break. As her roommate Hannah reluctantly leaves Marin behind, encouraging her to visit her in New York City, you get the sense from the fragile way that she speaks to Marin that something is wrong.

It turns out that Marin hasn’t spoken to anyone from her old life in California since the day she left everything behind. No one knows the truth about those final weeks. Not even her best friend, Mabel. (“The trouble with denial is that when the truth comes, you aren’t ready.” )  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 don’t want to give too much away, but this book makes you feel loss and pain so much more than other books. I found myself relating to Marin in many ways, mainly her chosen solitude in the face of the heartbreak and ache of loss.This story is so beautifully written and although it is “sad” it also is uplifting and poignant.