Smiling Through the Cracks by Ade Oluokun

First Impression: A warm, cozy, easy-going read for the young romantic at heart. A satisfying story, definitely worth a try.

In the interest of transparency, I offer heartfelt thanks to Ade Oluokun for the gift of this book in exchange for an honest review. It is because of her generosity that I discovered this book and am able to bring this critique for you.

Told through passages alternating between flashbacks and present day, Smiling Through the Cracks by Ade Oluokun, wastes no time in introducing the reader to a wealth of characters in the first chapter. Although these characters are predominantly secondary characters, they do make appearances throughout the book and help steer the story by being friends to confide in. They might have been stronger developed but the fact that they are not possibly lends itself to spin off stories. As Smiling through the Cracks progresses, the cast only gets bigger as we are introduced to characters from the past that ultimately define the person the protagonist has come to be. Again, books that tell these individual stories would make a welcome addition to what could become a series. As for the main hero and heroine of the book, they are developed well and readily lovable. It is easy to root for them regardless of their situation.

Having been hurt, Amira makes the rash decision to upend her life, leaving behind her rich folks and her college course to head back to the only other area she has ever really known. Arriving in the town where she attended High School, Amira wastes no time finding a job at a local diner amongst peers she had attended school with, although never really associated with. Seemingly a shadow of her former self, Amira is rude, sarcastic, insolent, and frustrating to be around. It is amazing she has found a friendship group at all. As the story progresses, it is clear that the quirky misfits are a family of sorts.

A bit of a slow burn, especially in the beginning. The flashbacks, although aloof in content, do a great job of piquing the imagination and pondering over the connection between them and Amira’s current demeanor. The synopsis and first few flashbacks make it clear there is some heartache involved but does not give much away to allow the reader to work out quite why. The revelation comes as a shock that appears out of nowhere with very little context, but do persevere, every little detail gets wrapped up at some point.

With the occasional F-bomb and a few other choice curse words, there is mild profanity, but nothing that would shock the intended young adult audience or greatly offend Gen X and younger. The language is used realistically to convey mood in a book where the protagonist deals with love, heartache, betrayal, loss, and tragedy. Additionally, the book covers friendship, jealousy, drugs, and inappropriate sexual conduct. Although a trivial read, there are some heart wrenching moments that may draw a tear or two – both happy and sad. A definite read for suckers for love. It will probably appeal more to mid-teens to mid-twenties, with the main cast being aged somewhere in between.

Quick Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ / PG-13

Have your say: What are your experiences of first love? Are you still enjoying it? Do you look back with a sense of nostalgia? Or is it too long ago to remember? Drop the Papergirl Community some recommendations in the comments below.

Disclaimer: Clicking on links may direct you to Papergirl branded products, or Papergirl endorsed items for which there is an affiliation. It will not affect your purchases or prices in any way, but it may mean that Papergirl earns a small commission from any successful sales.

Wondering what to review next, consider:

• Knocktopia, Secret of the Mother Lode by Hunter Malone
• Papa Can Fix It! by Lee Alfred II
• The Book on Parenting: 22 Principles for Raising Sucessful Children by Giovanni Yarabek