Okay for Now

By: Gary D. Schmidt

Narrated by: Lincoln Hoppe

Length: 9 hrs and 16 mins

Publisher's Summary

As a 14-year-old who just moved to a new town, with no friends and a louse for an older brother, Doug Swieteck has all the stats stacked against him. So begins a coming-of-age masterwork full of equal parts comedy and tragedy from Newbery Honor winner Gary D. Schmidt.

As Doug struggles to be more than the skinny thug that his teachers and the police think him to be, he finds an unlikely ally in Lil Spicer, a fiery young lady who smelled like daisies would smell if they were growing in a big field under a clearing sky after a rain. In Lil, Doug finds the strength to endure an abusive father, the suspicions of a whole town, and the return of his oldest brother, forever scarred, from Vietnam. Together, they find a safe haven in the local library, inspiration in learning about the plates of John James Audubons birds, and a hilarious adventure on a Broadway stage.

In this stunning novel, Schmidt expertly weaves multiple themes of loss and recovery in a story teeming with distinctive, unusual characters and invaluable lessons about love, creativity, and survival.

©2011 Gary D. Schmidt (P)2011 Listening Library

Life is good even when its not...

Loved Schmidt's book Wednesday's Wars and was not disappointed in this book which continues the life of the main character's best friend.

Book is intended for teens - but crosses the adult divide and makes for a nice lite listen. Lincoln is a great reader and perfect match for the central character.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Fantastic

Loved every minute! I feel like I loved in the small town and went to school there.

Great

This was a very enjoyable listen. My first book from this author so I'll be back for more.

Awesome story and Awesome Narration!

The story was beautifully written. The narrator brought each of the characters to life. The arc If the story and the growth of the main character gives each of us hope for the future that everything will be okay.

The narrator made all the difference

I could not wait to drive to work just so I could get back to this story! It was light enough to listen to that it didn't distract from driving, but still incredibly engageing. The narrator was fantastic and really held my attention.

So good!

The narrator was incredible. He made this book stand out. But the story was so good too. It is one that will stick with me for a long time. Incredibly written, Gary Schmidt has such a talent for speaking to the soul. I am a better person after this book.

The Book You've Been Longing For

What did you love best about Okay for Now?

Reading Ok for Now is like catching that home run baseball which went over the stands. It is the crowd going wild and wishing they could re-live the entire game again for the first time. It is shaking hands with your favorite player.

Ok for Now is what I have longed to read in a book for some time.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Okay for Now?

I refuse to give spoilers.

Which scene was your favorite?

...Again, I refuse to give things away- it would be rude and unfair.
Instead I will note that the reader, Lincoln Hoppe, was so intensely engaging. He was by every means the perfect pick for this story. He will draw you into the flame and you will become one with the main character. The writing was brilliant and deserved someone as talented as Lincoln to read this tale. Perfect Choice!

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I can only think of a few books that have brought me to tears. Ok for Now is not only added to the list of "books so great it brought me to tears", but ALSO managed to span the spectrum of doing so by being funny, endearing, and painful. It made me feel like a kid drinking a soda so fast and having all the fizz gravitate up my nose- then making me need to belch. ...yet, it also made me want to take my mom flowers and tell her things will be ok. ..Ok for now at least.

Any additional comments?

The ONLY book I can somehow compare Ok for Now too is Because of Winn Dixie. You follow a young fella who is new in town and feel for him as he tries to understand the complex world around him. Complexity. People are not simple. They have souls, history, families, and memories whether good or bad. Fortunately, there is good in most people if you look hard enough and are willing to dig.

Longer than it needs to be, but a good story.

A good story, but not really one you get "hooked on". The narrator does a good job.

Great book

Loved it all! The narration and ending, so good. I highly recommend this great book.

Outstanding!

“Okay For Now” is by far one of the best treasures you will ever find. The story and characters (especially Doug) that Gary Schmidt shares with readers...well, I honestly didn’t want to leave them as the book closed. Lincoln Hoppe’s narration couldn’t have been more perfect; he renders each character with such extraordinary love and care. Gentlemen, thank you for this gem!