“Sometimes pain is so unmanageable that the idea of spending another day with it seems impossible. Other times pain acts as a compass to help you through the messier tunnels of growing up. But pain can only help you find happiness if you remember it.”
Title: More Happy Than Not
Series: standalone
Author: Adam Silvera
Published: 06/02/15
Edition: paperback
Pages: 300
My Rating: 4 / 5
Goodreads page
ATTENTION: This review is spoiler-free.
Synopsis
In his twisty, gritty, profoundly moving debut—called “mandatory reading” by the New York Times—Adam Silvera brings to life a charged, dangerous near-future summer in the Bronx.
In the months after his father’s suicide, it’s been tough for 16-year-old Aaron Soto to find happiness again–but he’s still gunning for it. With the support of his girlfriend Genevieve and his overworked mom, he’s slowly remembering what that might feel like. But grief and the smile-shaped scar on his wrist prevent him from forgetting completely.
When Genevieve leaves for a couple of weeks, Aaron spends all his time hanging out with this new guy, Thomas. Aaron’s crew notices, and they’re not exactly thrilled. But Aaron can’t deny the happiness Thomas brings or how Thomas makes him feel safe from himself, despite the tensions their friendship is stirring with his girlfriend and friends. Since Aaron can’t stay away from Thomas or turn off his newfound feelings for him, he considers turning to the Leteo Institute’s revolutionary memory-alteration procedure to straighten himself out, even if it means forgetting who he truly is.
Why does happiness have to be so hard?
(This synopsis is from Goodreads.)
Thoughts
I knew this book was going to be sad, but I didn’t think it was going to be THAT sad. The story starts off with a happy vibe. There’s Aaron, and he’s sort-of happy with the life he lives. Then that all changes and his mood goes downhill from there.
It was heartbreaking to read about how Aaron wanted to be “fixed”. It was all because the people who he surrounded himself with didn’t accept him for who he was. It also angered me to see people so ignorant of the effects that their words and actions had against Aaron.
The story made me realize how other people probably had gone through that in their childhood or is going through a similar situation now. Again, it broke my heart to think about how much pain and struggle the people are going through just because others are so stuck up in their beliefs that they won’t see past someone’s sexuality. Sexuality doesn’t define a person. Sure, it’s part of who they are, but that shouldn’t be the only thing you see about them. How does someone opening up to you about their sexuality change anything about them? They’re still the same person you knew. It’s a problem we face everyday. Yes, we are making improvements since 100 years ago, but there’s still a long way to go.
The book was an emotional ride, and it was indirectly personal to me. I live in a good community where most of the people support the LGBTQ community. This story made me realize that there are some places where people don’t have that same support and love.
Characters
Aaron Soto
I was somewhat in his position once. I understand where he’s coming from, and it pains me that I couldn’t do anything to help him.
Genevieve
She was just kind of there. That’s all I have to say about that.
Thomas
I genuinely thought that he was going to be different towards Aaron. I don’t want to say anything more because I’m bound to spoil something about Thomas’s role in the story.
Me Crazy
Is this the Neanderthal way of saying that he’s crazy? Like, you weirdo, me crazy.
Conclusion
I give this book 4 / 5 BBC Sherlock heads.
Until next time….
The Awkward Book Blogger 