More Happy Than Not by Adam Silvera

More Happy Than Not 

by Adam Silvera

Released: June 2, 2015
Publisher: Soho Teen
Page Amount: 293, US Hardback
POV: 1st Person (Aaron)
Buy it here: Barnes & Noble•Amazon

OVERALL:

Plot-18/20
Characters-19/20

Creativity-20/20

Writing-20/20

Pace-9/10

Ending-9/10

= 95/100 A

★★★★★/5

SUMMARY:

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?-Goodreads.com

REViEW:
This book has been on my wishlist ever since I first heard of this book. I was immediately intrigued by the plot because although the book is almost entirely realistic fiction, it still has a sci-fi element to it because of the Leteo Institute's memory removing procedures. I loved the fact that that element did not detract from the realism of the novel but rather enhanced its meaning on sexuality. I do not want to explain too much of the plot because I believe this is one of the books that you just have to experience for yourself. I can say, however, that this book's plot shifts throughout the novel as more revelations occur to Aaron. I absolutely loved this because it kept me guessing throughout the novel. Just when I thought I had figured it all out, I turned the page and realized I was wrong on absolutely everything, and I love that! Not only was I shocked at some of the turns this novel took, but I also was completely sucked into the characters, writing, and plot of this book. I couldn't help but stay up all night to finish it because I had to know what was going to happen to Aaron and all of the fleshed out secondary characters. 

All of the characters in this book were amazing. I loved how Silvera really developed an entire community of characters within less than 300 pages. The main character and narrator, Aaron, had to be my favorite because his voice was distinct, raw, and honest. Aaron is an interesting character because he doesn't always see things as they really are, which lets the reader have some fun figuring out what's true and what's not. I was also blown away by how much I could identify with and get to know so many of the supporting characters. I loved reading about Tyler, Genevieve, and Aaron's mother. Each of them brought an entirely new perspective to Aaron and his situation, which was nice because it allowed me to sympathize with an array of different characters. These characters challenged me to think like a friend as well as a mother about sexuality and memory. The many perspectives that this book explores really made this novel something unique and truly special

The ending of this book was also terrific. I really don't think that Silvera could have ended this novel any other way because this ending was so fitting for the plot and the characters that were developed throughout the book. I, for one, was very happy with the ending and was left speechless and in awe once I closed the book. I am absolutely blown away by Silvera's debut novel, and I cannot wait to read more of his books in to future. 

My Favorite Part: I loved being shocked by the twists and turns and seeing how the sci-fi elements intertwined with the realistic to create deeper meaning. I also really enjoyed how tastefully the issue of sexuality was handled.


ALL iN ALL:
Do I recommend this book? Yes, I really truly do! I especially recommend it to people who are searching for a great LGBTQ+ read! This book has become one of my all-time favorites.

It's a Book Thing
Review by Macy ♥