WE ARE OKAY

Narrator Jorjeana Marie's depiction of Marin has a haunted quality--for reasons that become evident as this story unfolds. Marie quickly conveys Marin's total adoration of her beloved grandfather, who has been her sole caregiver since the age of three. Marie also transitions smoothly between Marin's memories and her lonely winter break after her first semester of college. Over break, Marin has ignored countless calls and texts from Mabel, her best friend from her youth, who recently became her lover. Marie represents equally well the complex feelings of angry, undaunted Mabel, who refuses these rejections and is determined to understand Marin's grief. As the author gradually reveals Marin's heartache and the secrets that emerged after her grandfather's death, Marie skillfully portrays the deep emotions of both heroines--and, finally, the resilience of enduring love. S.W. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2017, Portland, Maine [Published: MARCH 2017]