Okay for Now is about a 13 year old boy named Doug Swieteck who moved to Maryland, New York. In the story we learn about his growing interest in art, and his hurting family. Along the way we experience the Vietnam War, broadway musicals, and cancer.



The age range for Okay for Now is around 10-14, or in middle school.The information is good; it’s not too much for the young reader.The plot was a little strong with the characters and their personalities but it fit in with the story and setting.Gary D. Schmidt showed some emotion in the character Doug, which changes the setting in how Doug’s life is at home and then his life outside of his family. Because Doug's father was an alcoholic and abusive, that really affect his family and the plot.Okay for Now was well planned. I was surprised on how much Doug's life differs from his social life to his life at home.I can relate to Doug and how his life is spinning and he’s trying to keep it under control.


I really liked this book because the author brought the characters to life.I could really understand the character’s and the hard situation they were faced with at the beginning. I couldn’t believe how Doug’s brother was so cruel, but he is a older brother and from my experience older brothers can be really mean.As I got further into the book, it really captured my attention.I didn't feel like Doug’s dad grew up until the end of the book.I felt that, because he would always stay out late and get drunk and he only cared about himself and not his family.Mr.Swieteck would always scream at his children and his wife; he was hurting his family and he didn’t even know how much that was affecting them. It was slowly tearing them apart, as a family, but most importantly as individuals.Lil seemed more like an individual.She would always ride her bike everywhere and would be by herself.It didn’t seem like Lil had many friends because of how much she was alone.Mrs.Windermere cought my attention the most because, she lived further away than most people and she had so many antiques in her house.Mrs.Windermere was lousy.She didn’t really care much about things, she had typewriters and a bunch of books in her house, her fridge had been always empty or it had barely any food.Lucas, Doug’s older brother, is a fascinating character. He is a Vietnam vet, who lost his legs and is blind.Lucas is a true role model for Doug.


Nobody is perfect, and that includes Doug and his family.The further I read, the more I realized how hard Doug has it and the harder it gets, the more reasonability you get.I think this was a good book, it was a hard topic that could have ended badly, but the author did an excellent job ending the book.I like how Lil got Doug to go to the library.It all started when Doug first moved to Marysville and when he first got there he saw Lil riding her bike to the library,the first time Doug laid his eyes on her, he knew he liked her.Doug followed her every where she went including the libary but he let herget her books and he went to draw some birds. After that day, everyday Doug went to the library to get away from his family and learn how to draw the birds.Everyone needs space away from reality.Doug got away by getting lost in the drawing.


I thought this book was written really well written and really capture my attention.The lesson I learned from reading this book was about growing up and learning responsibilities.Okay for Now is a really good book.I strongly recommend it.