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by Robin Sharma
Okay for Now summary
Brief summary
Okay for Now by Gary D. Schmidt is a heartwarming coming-of-age story about a boy named Doug who discovers his own strength and resilience through his love for art and the support of unexpected friendships.
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Okay for Now
Summary of key ideas
Discovering the Power of Art and Friendship
In Okay for Now by Gary D. Schmidt, we meet Doug Swieteck, a fourteen-year-old boy who moves with his family to a small town in upstate New York. Doug's life is anything but easy; his father is abusive, his brother is a bully, and he is struggling with the family's reputation as troublemakers. Despite his tough exterior, Doug is a good-hearted and intelligent boy, but he has learned to hide his true self from the world.
Things start to change when Doug gets a job delivering groceries for the local deli. He meets Lil Spicer, a girl his age who works at the library. Lil is a unique and artistic girl who sees the world differently than Doug. She introduces him to the world of art, showing him how to see beauty in everyday things. She also helps him understand that he is more than the sum of his family's troubles.
Overcoming Difficulties and Discovering Talents
As Doug navigates his new life, he faces many challenges. He is forced to deal with his brother's increasingly violent behavior, his father's alcoholism, and his own anger and frustration. However, he also discovers his love for drawing, a talent he never knew he had. With Lil's encouragement, he starts to see a future for himself beyond his troubled family and his small town.
One of the turning points in Doug's life comes when he becomes friends with Mr. Powell, a disabled veteran who runs a local paper store. Mr. Powell recognizes Doug's artistic talent and teaches him how to draw using the Audubon bird prints. He also introduces Doug to the world of birdwatching, which becomes a source of solace and inspiration for him.
Redemption and Hope
As the story progresses, Doug's family situation deteriorates further. His brother is sent to Vietnam, and his father's abusive behavior escalates. Despite these challenges, Doug continues to grow and change. He learns to stand up for himself and others, and he discovers the power of forgiveness and empathy.
By the end of the novel, Doug has come a long way from the angry, troubled boy we met at the beginning. He has developed a deep appreciation for art, nature, and the people around him. He has also learned to accept his past and look forward to a brighter future. In the end, Okay for Now is a story of redemption and hope, showing us that even in the darkest of times, it is possible to find light.
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What is Okay for Now about?
Okay for Now is a novel by Gary D. Schmidt that tells the story of a young boy named Doug Swieteck who moves to a new town and struggles to find his place. Despite facing numerous challenges and family issues, Doug discovers his passion for art and begins to see the world in a new light. Through friendship and determination, he learns to overcome adversity and find hope for the future.
Okay for Now Review
Okay for Now (2011) follows Doug Swieteck as he navigates challenges and discovers hope through unexpected friendships. Here's why this book is worth your time:
- Explores themes of resilience and redemption, showing how individuals can overcome adversity and find light in darkness.
- Offers a heartfelt exploration of family dynamics, highlighting the power of love and understanding in even the toughest of circumstances.
- With its engaging characters and poignant storytelling, the book captures the reader's attention from start to finish, ensuring a memorable reading experience.
Who should read Okay for Now?
Readers who enjoy coming-of-age stories
People who appreciate realistic and relatable characters
Those who are interested in exploring themes of resilience and personal growth
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Book summaries like Okay for Now
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Okay for Now FAQs
What is the main message of Okay for Now?
Discover the power of resilience and redemption in challenging circumstances.
How long does it take to read Okay for Now?
Reading time varies, with the Blinkist summary available for a quick overview.
Is Okay for Now a good book? Is it worth reading?
Okay for Now is a heartwarming story that inspires empathy and showcases the transformative impact of art.
Who is the author of Okay for Now?
Gary D. Schmidt is the author of Okay for Now.
What to read after Okay for Now?
If you're wondering what to read next after Okay for Now, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- A Canticle for Leibowitz by Walter M. Miller
- The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne
- Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder
- Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys, Judith L. Raiskin
- Just After Sunset by Stephen King
- Whereabouts by Jhumpa Lahiri
- Hearts in Darkness by Laura Kaye
- Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire
- The Curious Case of Benjamin Button by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Nunzio DeFilippis
- Side Jobs by Jim Butcher