Okay for Now

Summary:

As a fourteen-year-old who just moved to a new town, with no friends, an abusive father, and a louse for an older brother, Doug Swieteck has all the stats stacked against him until he finds an ally in Lil Spicer--a fiery young lady. Together, they find a safe haven in the local library, inspiration in learning about the plates of John James Audubon's birds, and a hilarious adventure on a Broadway stage.

Staff Review:

I opened this book on a whim and three days later I hid myself away so I could savor the last chapter without interruptions. This book deserves quiet moments. Doug Swieteck, our honest if not always forthcoming narrator, writes about the year him, his abusive father, his jerk of an older brother, and his mother who does not smile enough move to a small town in upper state New York.
The new town sucks. Out of desperation, Doug goes to the library where in the upstairs room he discovers a display containing a book of John James Audubon’s bird paintings.
This is a story of the transformative power of art.
In the library, (well just outside it) he also meets Lil, the girl with beautiful eyes. Not that he tells her this of course, he is not a chump.
This is a story of friendship.
This is about a boy who tries to distance himself from his brother’s reputation as a thief and his father’s all too quick hands. Set against the backdrop of Vietnam and the Apollo 11 mission to the moon this is a story of a young boy who begins to find his way in a world determined to doubt him. I will resist revealing any more of the plot or describing the all too real characters. Some things should be discovered not told. All I can do is recommend this to anyone looking for a great book.

-- by Mollie H.