The exact opposite of okay by Laura Steven is a YA contemporary mastering in feminism which if I have anything to say about it will change the world. We follow high school student, Izzy O'Neill as she battles her way through life in the centre of a national sex scandal and see how she copes with her life being on display for everyone to see.
The characters are so well developed with individual back stories and development arcs that its almost difficult to believe that they aren't real people. While reading I found myself completely believing everything that happened due to the realistic characters and how every conversation felt like it could be one that happens every day. As for Izzy herself she was probably the most realistic teenager I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. The roller coaster of her emotions, self-doubt and apprehension for the future was so relatable and I couldn't help seeing myself in her. She is hilarious which adds hugely to her character as we get to see how her humour starts to falter which is such an integral part of her being that we really get to see the effects of a scandal like this on an innocent teenager.
Betty, Izzy's grandmother and guardian since her parents passed, represents the bite back attitude of the older generation to the T and shows that they aren't done fighting yet. She isn't afraid to say what she thinks about absolutely everything which gives us insight into Izzy's character and helps us to understand the value of family relationships. There was not a second where I didn't also adore Ajita (Izzy's best friend) and her protectiveness over Izzy. Everyone should try and find a friend like her. Carson, one of Izzy's potential love interests is so down to earth and believable as a character that you just want to give him hug for being so supportive the whole way through.
The ending for me was just right, not everything was completely resolved which I loved because again adds to the realism and shows that things like this just don't go away. It also shows how she is fighting for what she believes in and is trying to make a difference for other people who may be in a similar position, giving them a voice to be able to stand up and fight too.
In some places the pacing seems fast but coming from the perspective of blog posts it makes sense as were being retold things after they've already happened which adds to the flair and character of the story as in a lot of cases were given abbreviated versions where Izzy adds hilarious quips and purposefully adds extra lines of dialogue from other characters to show how she personally views them and the encounters. I'll admit that the first time reading I was a little thrown off by the writing style because it’s so different from anything I've read before but it didn't take me long to fall in love and see how the style was also working towards showing a completely different view on things which most people are scared to comment on much like people are too scared to use a writing style that's more out there in fear of it being rejected. Laura Steven builds on this and lets the reader know time and time again that her story isn't to please people but to change minds which I’m 100% on board with.
Not only does this book discuss sexism, feminism, toxic masculinity and slut shaming in the most perfectly unapologetic way but it also deals with issues of racism, sexuality, grief, broken homes, teenage pressure and the pressure put onto elderly people to continue working. In other words, this book is the perfect blend of highlighting everything wrong in our society while simultaneously showing the hope of the new generation with their willingness to take no crap and fight back to reclaim everything anyone has ever tried to take away. I've said it before and I'll say it again, this book is going to help change the world.