The Oks Are Not OK

Gr 8 Up–Elena Ok, an influencer with a mastery at curating her image, strives to be noticed by her entrepreneurial parents who have her business-bound college brother Gavin on a pedestal. But when the Oks’ fashion empire goes bankrupt overnight, Elena’s family is forced to move from LA to the one property they still own: an old farmhouse in the small town of Blaire, CA, which also happens to be a National Radio Quiet Zone. Cut off from “normal” society, the Oks reclaim their familial farming roots as they uncover all the little gems Blaire must offer. What begins as a horror story for ­Elena turns into a healing journey for her d­isconnected family. Shim delivers a comical, yet sincere story ­centered on ­rediscovering the heart of home: family. Elena and Gavin are fleshed-out, flawed siblings whose fractured relationship ­explores how self-worth and familial expectation impact their characters. Taking away outside noise gives the Oks time to confront insecurities, learn a little ­humility, and agree that perceived success should never be at the cost of loved ones. Though the ending wraps up swiftly, readers will enjoy the fun ride of rooting for Elena and her family. The Oks are ­Korean American.