Tell Me It’s Right, by Katie Wismer, is a contemporary romance novel that captures the complexity of love, identity, and the struggles of life's transitions. Wismer, who has carved out a niche for herself with her introspective and emotional writing style, continues to push the envelope in this latest work, presenting a story that is at once heartwarming and heart-wrenching. This review dissects the various elements of the book, noting the strengths, weaknesses, and overall impact of Wismer's narrative.

The book centers on the lives of Zoey and Dean, both of whom are at pivotal crossroads personally and professionally. Zoey, a graphic designer, faces the daunting world post-college, grappling with the realities of job hunts and adult responsibilities. Dean, a more elusive and veiled character, deals with personal demons and secrets that unfold throughout the novel. Their paths cross at a time when both are questioning what they want from life and love, leading to a turbulent yet magnetic relationship.

Wismer’s portrayal of Zoey is detailed and resonant. She paints a vivid picture of a young woman whose external composure hides her inner turmoil and insecurities. Zoey’s journey is depicted with a richness that allows readers to connect deeply; her anxieties about the future and her desires are palpable, making her a relatable protagonist for anyone who has faced the uncertainty that comes with life’s big changes. On the other hand, Dean’s character is more enigmatic. Wismer skillfully reveals layers of his personality and past incrementally, which keeps the readers engaged and empathetic towards his situations, despite his flaws.

The dynamics between Zoey and Dean are one of the highlights of Tell Me It’s Right. Wismer explores the raw and often messy facets of their relationship with a candidness that is refreshing. The dialogue between the characters is crisp, realistic, and reflects the genuine highs and lows of modern relationships. The emotional bandwidth Wismer navigates—from silent understandings and unspoken tensions to the fiery outpourings of heartache—illustrates her adeptness at character-driven storytelling. The romance does not shy away from the hard questions and the uncomfortable answers, making it feel all the more authentic.

However, while the primary narrative arc is engaging, some subplots seem underdeveloped and provide little to the overall story. For instance, secondary characters such as Zoey's friends and family members at times feel only superficially sketched and intermittently pop up into the narrative, which somewhat dilutes the central story’s potency. Moreover, certain conflicts, particularly surrounding the protagonists’ professional lives, could have been explored to a deeper extent to give the novel a more rounded feel.

The writing style is another strength of this novel. Wismer’s prose is eloquent yet accessible, with a lyrical quality that elevates the everyday experiences of her characters into something poetic. Her ability to capture moments—the stillness of a morning, the tentative touches between people, the stormy crescendos of arguments—is remarkable and arguably the backbone of the book’s appeal. Nonetheless, there are moments when the descriptive passages stall the pacing, which can disrupt the otherwise smooth flow of events.

In discussing themes, Tell Me It’s Right does not limit itself to the exploration of romantic love. It delves into themes such as self-discovery, resilience, and the courage to pursue one's true path in life. These are woven seamlessly throughout the narrative, giving the story a layered and contemporary feel that speaks to the ethos of the modern young adult audience.

In conclusion, Tell Me It’s Right by Katie Wismer is a compelling narrative rich with emotional depth and complexity. While it navigates through certain cliches and the occasional slow pace, the verisimilitude of its characters and the mature handling of thematic elements create a relatable and resonant story. It speaks not only to the romantics but also to anyone grappling with the inherent messiness of young adulthood. This book can be a reassuring companion, echoing that the struggles and uncertainties of love and life, while often painfully intricate, can lead to profound personal growth and understanding.