Live Long and What I Learned Along the Way Reviews

Content alarm: Suicide ideation, depression, infertility

Later the year that we've all had, Leesa Cross-Smith'southwardThis Close to Okay delivers an important reminder that it's alright to struggle. And, more importantly, equally i #ReadWithMC reviewer noted, the book "promises you're never too far away from the warmth of the dominicus, or a One Direction jam sesh, or a hug from someone you love."

This Close to Okay

The novel centers on two strangers—Tallie and Emmett—who spend an emotional weekend together afterward Tallie, a licensed therapist, finds Emmett attempting to take his life on a bridge. Every bit they both come to terms with their pasts, Cross-Smith illustrates two circuitous characters who share their vulnerabilities, dreams, grief, and, ultimately, compassion with each other that left a lot of readers feeling seen every bit they navigate their own mental health throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Find out exactly what the #ReadWithMC community loved (and what they would take liked more of!) nighMarie Claire's March book club pick, below.

"Yous know those books that admittedly WRECK you lot, just in the most cute style? That was this volume for me.

I want to outset with a serious content alert. This volume covers heavy topics, including suicide ideation, death, and severe mental illness.

This Close to Okay is a book nearly two strangers who form a beautiful bond: Tallie, a recently divorced therapist, and Emmett, a man standing at the edge of a span. The volume takes place primarily over one weekend when Tallie provides a home for Emmett after she finds him on the bridge. While it is a beautiful and warm weekend, it is also a time charged with secrets, as they inch closer to the truth of what brought Emmett to the bridge, equally well as struggles that Tallie hasn't fully addressed since her divorce.

While the content is incredibly heartbreaking, I idea Cross-Smith did a wonderful job of however creating an uplifting and cozy novel.

I also ❤️ a book that switches back and forth between graphic symbol perspectives, particularly when y'all can sense each graphic symbol's unique personality and mode through the pages—the author did this well.

Finally, I capeesh how this book highlights existent intricacies associated with mental affliction and relationships. Sometimes multiple relationships spill over one another. And often the difficulties of grief, depression, and anxiety are not the same for more than than one person...and they don't magically disappear after 1 cathartic therapy session (as is then-often portrayed by the media).

While 'Tallie was the kind of person to brand [Emmett] believe in Monday morning time,' this book was the kind of story that makes me believe in man connection.

I definitely could come acrossThis Close to Okay beingness one of the best books of the year." —@and_thats_the_tay

"'After love, forgiveness is the strongest glue property every family unit together.'

On a rainy night, Tallie Clark pulls her machine over when she sees a man poised to jump in the murky waters off the bridge. As cars and trucks whiz by, oblivious and indifferent, she convinces him to come down and have a loving cup of coffee with her.

Emmett reluctantly agrees. Tallie, as a licensed therapist, decides to take it a step farther and break every existing ethical rule to invite Emmett to stay with her temporarily. To both their surprise, he agrees.

Both Tallie and Emmett are reeling in their ain personal tragedies. Tallie still hasn't recovered from a painful divorce and failed attempts to get pregnant—although her ex-husband has already remarried and had a child. And Emmett is hiding huge secrets of his own. Their chance encounter could accept the power to heal both their hearts and transform their lives forever.

Leesa Cantankerous-Smith has written a powerful novel near the intersection of dear and forgiveness. In her author's annotation, she extoles [sic] the beauty of 'looking for the light' and 'pocket-sized mercies.'

Mental health has come up at a premium and is one of the frequently overlooked casualties of the pandemic—the isolation, the breach from family unit and friends and even from work and the essence of routine has proven to be exceedingly painful and challenging. As Leesa states in her annotation: 'You are not alone. Yous matter. You are so loved.'

This novel is a powerful reminder that nosotros belong to each other." —@suzylew_bookreview

"'To listen. To ask the right questions. To listen and enquire the right questions some more.'

Subsequently reading the premise and reviews of this book, I knew I had to read information technology. Information technology helped that I didn't go in with the expectation of getting a mental health thesis. This book was incredibly sad, heavy on the bug of mental health, but as someone who has been on both sides of the couch myself, I appreciate that the author did not make this a crash form in a fiction novel.

We got to run across 2 beautiful characters in all their vulnerability, fragility, bareness, grief, despair. Ane is a suicidal man and the other is a therapist who spend an unexpected weekend healing each other. I guess that's why I started this review with that quote; a lot of getting to know someone is letting go of your ain agenda and listening to the other person, then asking the correct questions and listening some more than. We didn't always get that in this novel, I sometimes felt like Tallie was pushy, but information technology helped to pare away the layers of so much that is suppressed on the regular.

Racism, bipolar disorder, PTSD, incarceration, and infertility just scratches the surfaces of what remains unseen to the outside world...both Tallie and Emmitt showed u.s.a. incredible patience and love in their about vulnerable and heartbreaking moments, trying and sometimes failing to become past these issues. Two seemingly perfect all-American families who had their lives upended in the blink of an eye. And this novel constantly reminded me, life is so so very fragile and fleeting.

There's a fine line between content and tolerance. Grief is complicated, cluttered, and multifaceted. The twisted turn of events from these characters frequently made me as aroused and empathic. The characters are intertwined in means that made this a solid page turner equally the story evolves, written with candor and compassion. I did not get the bow tie wrap up I anticipated in the finish, merely sometimes that'south the point in life, things don't always turn out the fashion we expect. Notwithstanding I LOVED this novel." —@jamaicangirlreads

"Wow! I really enjoyed this one! My favorite genre is usually mystery/suspense but wow! Kamali Minter and Zeno Robinson did excellent with the narrations of the chief characters, Tallie and Emmett. I loved Zeno's narration ofBlack Buck. When I saw he was one of the narrators for this novel, I knew I had to download it right abroad! Afterward listening, I am as well now a fan of Kamali's narrations.

Leesa Cross-Smith did well on keeping me on edge and wanting me to mind more. The whole setting mainly revolves around one entire weekend. Leesa did well describing the emotions and intimacy of the characters. I appreciated that many real-life bug of depression, mental illness, suicide, insecurity, jealousy, family, relationships, loss of faith, infertility, and infidelity were embedded throughout this novel. The catastrophe was not predictable for me and I was happy that information technology ended on a positive note. I have not decided if I was happy with the novel catastrophe the way it did or if I would have liked to mind to more. I cannot get into depth nearly my thoughts on the ending without any spoilers, then I will hold off.

I exercise think if the novel went on to be longer, the catastrophe would have likely been anticipated. I highly recommend this book/audiobook. Proceed in heed it may non be for anybody, especially with triggers (mental illness, low, suicide, infidelity, and infertility)." —@mae.rox.wanders

"Sometimes in that location is a book that gives a refreshing perspective of how beautiful the earth could be if we all focused on caring and understanding versus judging. This was a beautiful story about two strangers who cross paths and forever change their lives. We need some more Tallie's in this globe. Her outlook on life, ability to love, and lack of judgement made me experience there is good like this that is out there. She starts out yelling, 'Hey! I see you! You don't know me, but I care about you!' ...I mean, how many lives tin can exist saved with these words told to someone going through a difficult time?! This was a beautiful story on the act of forgiveness: the forgiveness of others and of oneself. I wanted a little more in the end, but overall, great book!" —@afterthoughtsbookreviews

"TRIGGER WARNINGS: Suicidal ideation, depression, anxiety, racism, racial classism and injustice, infertility, bipolar disorder, expiry.

This story has so many powerful messages. Some that I am constantly trying to explicate to others, and some that I am still learning myself. It talks a lot about therapy, and where that may exist a touchy subject area for some information technology'south also extremely helpful to others. Nosotros all know therapy is way too expensive for the benefit of helping someone, merely if you can I encourage y'all to seek it. I know a lot of people information technology has helped, and I'm own my own journeying of finding the 1 for me. If not, information technology's important to talk to someone—not merely anyone, realize who has your best interests at heart. Talk to people you feel actually care.

This book is about a adult female named Tallie who sees a man (Emmett) ready to spring off of a bridge. She does everything in her power to save him, and convince him to go out with her. The whole time he agrees, there'due south notwithstanding a programme to return to the bridge and finish the job. Throughout the story, Tallie and Emmett go to know each other in ways some of your closet family and friends don't even know. In that location's too betrayal, and love. The biggest takeaway is while Tallie is a professional therapist (in secret)—she believes she's helping Emmett, without realizing he is as well helping her.

I adored this book. Something that I learned to love over time was how the author's writing style actually marched to the beat of her ain pulsate. I feel like Leesa was able to be sensitive towards the subject while writing the manner she felt. Often when reading a book, I feel similar I've read information technology before—due to the fashion of writing and content. With this book I feel like nosotros had our ain hugger-mugger language. This volume was very reflective to me, and I appreciated feeling seen and attacked." —@loveonpages

"This Close to Okay follows Tallie and Emmett. Two people who have met past chance and circumstance. Tallie is driving on a span and sees Emmett about to leap and she can't but walk away. Emmett and Tallie both have their inner demons and this story is how they become This Close to Okay.

What could take been ameliorate? Some parts of what was going on in the relationship with Tallie and Emmett. Equally a mental health provider parts of it didn't sit well with me.

What I liked? The presentation of flawed and relatable characters.

The word surrounding mental health and the grounding/therapeutic techniques that are interwoven within the story. They were both accurate and I experience like they could help others.

The constant reminder that it is OKAY to non be okay. Feel how y'all need to feel, experience it completely. At that place is no timeline on healing. In that location is no timeline on grief. There is no timeline on getting yourself where you need to be. Everyone handles things in their ain time.

The idea that kindness goes a long way. That someone, somewhere cares and that there's help out there.

Here are my two favorite quotes: 'Depression was a vacuum that sucked out everything—leaving zilch behind except the burdening of nothingness.'

'You're human and have to reconcile that with yourself somehow, forgive yourself. Allow yourself to feel everything securely, to grow and learn.'

This book was, overall, a good read. One that I appreciate more the more I sit down away from it." —@biblio.jordyn

"CW: attempted suicide, suicidal ideation, depression, grief, feet, panic assail, coping with divorce, infertility.

This Close to Okayis a lovely, emotional, character-driven story virtually 2 strangers who meet when one convinces the other non to jump from a span. They end upward forming a unique bail over 1 weekend that changes their lives. It's as well nearly grief, coping, moving forward, trust, forgiveness, healing, and, above all, man connection.

Though I felt that the dialogue could've flowed better at some parts, I would likewise attribute some of that to the characters feeling awkward and non knowing each other that well. Leesa Cantankerous-Smith is a talented author who delves deep into these characters, their pasts, their pain, their hopes, and dreams. At that place is also a sense of mystery propelling the book frontwards as we as readers discover the characters' secrets and learn more about them as their connectedness develops and as their layers obscuring their truths are gradually peeled away.

While not for everyone due to the content matter and focus on mental wellness, I felt thatThis Shut to Okay was a thoughtful and touching read. As I'm re-visiting and reflecting more securely on this book, I'm finding that I like it fifty-fifty more than I did right after I read it, peculiarly the message that everyone deserves the support, help, and love they need.

'After honey, forgiveness is the strongest glue holding every family together.'" —@read.review.repeat__

"On an October dark in Kentucky, recently divorced therapist Tallie Clark is on her fashion home from piece of work when she spots a man standing at the edge of a bridge. Without a second thought, Tallie pulls over and jumps out of the auto into the pouring rain. She convinces the man to bring together her for a loving cup of coffee, and he eventually agrees to come back to her house, where he finally shares his name: Emmett. Over the course of the weekend that follows, Tallie makes information technology her mission to provide a safe infinite for Emmett, though she hesitates to confess that this is likewise her solar day job. They both are keeping secrets and demand their own kinds of healing. Alternate between Tallie and Emmett's perspectives as they move closer to the truth of what brought them together that fateful night.

This was a irksome burn novel and I almost put it down a few times only kept reading. It isn't too long and I pushed through. The concluding 1/4 of the book is where everything comes together and you are engrossed. This story is heartbreaking at times and deals with major problems. I felt like most of it was a therapy session. But the heartbreak turns hopeful and you care for these characters. Both main characters are very well developed. I liked the alternating viewpoints every bit well. CW: suicidal ideations." —@readresa

"Content warnings: suicide, infertility, loss of a spouse, loss of a child.

Therapist Tallie Clark is on her style home on a rainy night and spots a human at the edge of a span set to jump. She pulls over and convinces him to join her for a cup of coffee, setting in motion an emotionally-charged weekend.

I was hooked on the story from the kickoff, even if I wasn't sure where it was going to go. It'southward heartwarming and compassionate as you get to know Tallie and Emmett, 2 strangers who came into each other's lives under crazy circumstances but had so much to learn from one some other. Each character has some healing to do, but equally you uncover their stories you can't help but root for their success.

The ending lost a bit of momentum and I was hoping for a different outcome, but it's all the same a great story about the power of homo connexion and helping people." —@whatstephisreading

"This Close to Okay was...okay.

Quick synopsis: the story follows the 2 MCs Tallie and Emmett. While driving home from work Tallie, who is a therapist, finds Emmett on a bridge preparing to jump. She's able to coax him off the ledge and takes him back to her place where he spends the weekend. The two end upwards learning most and leaning on the other equally they both attempt to heal from their corresponding pasts.

I don't have much to say well-nigh this book, honestly. It wasn't bad past whatever means, merely it also wasn't very memorable for me either. I actually enjoyed the characters and the clear curtailed writing, but for some reason towards the finish of the story I was still left wanting a bit more from the book. The premise of the plot is actually interesting and there were then many unlike directions this story could accept went.

I'll always take a soft spot for books that tackle mental health bug/crisis and this book does and so nicely. Despite my few gripes with the story I would still recommend this volume to anyone." —@tatis.bookshelf

"TRIGGER WARNING: this volume talks extensively nigh su*cide and depression.

This Close to Okay is really something special considering it brings attention to the ugly, sad, and heartbreaking parts of life, merely does so in a way that promises you're never too far abroad from the warmth of the sun, or a One Direction jam sesh, or a hug from someone you honey.

Mental affliction and racial identity are two HUGE themes in this book that cannot be underestimated in terms of their telescopic, magnitude, and relevance in 2021 America.

I Promise EVERYONE READS THIS Book. It had me writing in the dorsum, scribbling in the margins, and underlining like crazy. (I realize this practice is very off-limits to a lot of people, but it's how I engage with the books I read. I find information technology extremely helpful to be able to see what I was thinking, or what quotes stood out to me, when I render to books I've read in the past.) I am and then excited to make my way through the rest of Cross-Smith'southward work." —@proseandpinotnoir

"This book was such a beautiful read. I fell completely head over heels for Tallie and Emmett and really felt by the end that I knew them. They were so real to me. I loved hearing both of their perspectives in alternating chapters and learning along the way the secrets they shared and kept hidden. I know their story will stick with me for a long while.

It's hard to put into words how I feel about this book and even harder to rate it. It made me feel then much. I had one rating in listen for the majority of the read and a different rating in mind upon finishing. The ending of the book was not exactly what I was hoping for. It wasn't bad! Maybe just bittersweet for me. And perchance that was on purpose. I can see the author's point. Non everything is wrapped up perfectly in the end. Sometimes we remain a work in progress. Y'all shift, you adapt, y'all motility forrard.

Personally, I love a book that leaves yous thinking at the finish. Don't get me wrong, I also love a perfect happy catastrophe, but sometimes the complex, unfinished endings are the ones that really stick with you lot." —@ericaslittlelibrary

Missed out on our March volume order option? In April, nosotros're readingThe Dating Planpast Sara Desai. Read an excerpt from the book here.

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