Despite the line "It's better if it's complicated," this story felt simple in a refreshing way. Limited cast of characters, very contained plot and setting, and yet it is so very evocative. I can't quite explain the feeling — it reminds me of how I feel about We Were Liars, though they're distinct novels: something about the disillusionment and loneliness and imperfect families. However, We Are Okay feels more quietly optimistic (as one might guess from the title) in a very lovely and realistic way: the kind of story that lights up a little corner of the literary universe.