Okay for Now
Beloved author Gary D. Schmidt expertly blends comedy and tragedy in the story of Doug Swieteck, an unhappy "teenage thug" first introduced in The Wednesday Wars, who finds consolation and a sense of possibility in friendship and art.
At once heartbreaking and hopeful, this absorbing novel centers on Doug, 14, who has an abusive father, a bully for a brother, a bad reputation, and shameful secrets to keep. Teachers and police and his relatives think he's worthless, and he believes them, holding others at arm's length. Newly arrived in town, he starts out on the same path--antagonizing other kids, mouthing off to teachers, contemptuous of everything intimidating or unfamiliar. Who would have thought that the public library would turn out to be a refuge and an inspiration, that a snooty librarian might be a friend, or that snarky redheaded Lil would like him--really like him? With more than his share of pain, including the return of his oldest brother from the Vietnam War, shattered and angry, will Doug find anything better than "okay for now"?BUY THE BOOK
Community Reviews
I loved this book too. Usually companion books to the original story, in this case The Wednesday Wars, are not as good or even horrible. Also a National Book Finalist like the original, this book stood on its own as a great novel. There is less emphasis on literature but Jane Eyre is brought into the story as well as art/drawing, science and geography. It is set in the 1968-1969 in the era of the Vietnam War and the Apollo 11 mission to the moon. The main character Doug, moves with his very poor family from NYC to a small town so his drunk abusive father can find work. Starting out as an outcast due to his family's financial situation and his brother and father's criminal reputation, Doug is taken under the wing of a few citizens of Maryville like the town librarian, his science teacher, and the grocer's daughter who see him as his own person, a good person with talents and intelligence that no one has tried to nurture and grow until now. They help him get through the abuse and neglect he has to endure as well the town suspicion of his family for the store robberies occurring around town and his older brother coming home from the war with life-changing physical and mental injuries. This was also written as a children's book but as an adult I still thoroughly enjoyed it.
I LOVED this book. I actually listened to it on audio & enjoyed every minute of it. I loved that it was set in upstate New York where I did most of my growing up. It's definitely a boy's book, but Jane Eyre is featured prominently in the storyline & structure of the book and let's face it, a friend of Jane's is a friend of mine.Can't say enough good things about it.
Reread 2025
This book gets me every single time! How can a book be both a sucker punch and a sweet melody?? S!chmidt accomplishes this exact thing!
Doug has a rough home life on top of moving away from his friends. Yet little by little we see him change as he grows to understand Marysville.
So many great moments: The Jacket, changing light bulbs, Jane Eyre, Clarence, and horseshoes. All these moments were so impactful and the end brought tears to my eyes, despite knowing what would happen.
Sweet coming of age, set in the 60s. Doesn't shy from tough topics, but done in a delicate way.
Personally, I'd recommend it to anyone
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