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A review by beckyyreadss
More Happy Than Not by Adam Silvera
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I wanted to read this book because I've been wanting to read more of Adam Silvera’s work since I enjoyed Death-Cast series and his collab with Becky Albertalli and decided to start with his first book. It was mind-bending and weird.
This book is based on Aaron Soto and in the months after his father’s suicide, he is finding it tough to find happiness but with the support of his girlfriend Genevieve, he is slowly remembering what that might feel like. When Genevieve leaves for a couple of weeks, Aaron starts hanging out with a new guy, Thomas. Aaron’s friends 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. 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 means forgetting who he truly is.
I liked the idea of being able to repress your memories if something happened like his father’s suicide and as someone who has lost someone very dear to me from suicide, I understand wanting to get rid of those memories. But I love that Adam basically discussed the repercussions and that you aren’t living yourself if you aren’t getting through those troubles and coming out of the other side stronger. I still adore Adam’s writing style when it comes to mental health and grief. He makes it feel like he is inside my head.
The chapter balance was throwing me off especially when Aaron whacked his head and then we got the full round up from Aaron’s gay awakening to now. Aaron’s dad is a dick, and I wanted to smack him if he hadn’t had passed. I think this was the first story as well where I don’t feel content with the ending especially because it was making it seem that every man wants a lavender relationship, and the gay relations are toxic which they aren’t. The insta-love with how quickly Aaron fell in love with Thomas was just slightly annoying, his girlfriend had been gone for three weeks and before she comes back – he has had a gay awakening.
I was just wanting more and was slightly rooting for Aaron and Genevieve rather than Aaron and Thomas.
Graphic: Homophobia, Suicide, and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, and Violence
Minor: Domestic abuse, Drug use, and Pregnancy