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ihateprozac's review against another edition
4.0
Claire Kann is really out here writing books fighting CompHet and we LOVE TO SEE IT. This book wins so many points from me for showing a queer polyamorous relationship between teens, including one partner who is aro+ace. This book would've been so valuable to me as a teenager!
This book wins even more points for how it discusses fatphobia and toxic familial relationships. Winnie directly calls out fatphobia to her doctor and she addresses toxic diet culture and bodyshaming within her family. It made my heart sooooooar to see this in YA lit!
While there is a cute small-town romance at the centre of this story, I hesitate to categorise this as a romance because for me it's more impactful as a contemporary drama. Winnie struggles with a grandmother who treats her poorly, and Winnie is learning that just because someone is a family member and your elder doesn't necessarily mean they're deserving of your respect, nor should you have to minimise yourself to make them love you. I loooooved how Claire Kann showed that even as a teen you should have agency over who you spend time with, and you shouldn't feel bad for cutting out someone who is actively harming you.
I love the messages in this book so much, I just want to give Winnie and Claire Kann the biggest hug ;______;
The only reason this is a 4-star rather than a 5-star was that there's a steep uphill battle to get into the narrative style and this large cast of characters. Once you're past the first 80 or so pages, you're sweet.
This book wins even more points for how it discusses fatphobia and toxic familial relationships. Winnie directly calls out fatphobia to her doctor and she addresses toxic diet culture and bodyshaming within her family. It made my heart sooooooar to see this in YA lit!
While there is a cute small-town romance at the centre of this story, I hesitate to categorise this as a romance because for me it's more impactful as a contemporary drama. Winnie struggles with a grandmother who treats her poorly, and Winnie is learning that just because someone is a family member and your elder doesn't necessarily mean they're deserving of your respect, nor should you have to minimise yourself to make them love you. I loooooved how Claire Kann showed that even as a teen you should have agency over who you spend time with, and you shouldn't feel bad for cutting out someone who is actively harming you.
I love the messages in this book so much, I just want to give Winnie and Claire Kann the biggest hug ;______;
The only reason this is a 4-star rather than a 5-star was that there's a steep uphill battle to get into the narrative style and this large cast of characters. Once you're past the first 80 or so pages, you're sweet.
kamitsukasero's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
3.75
Definitely gets bonus points for good representation/aspec representation that I personally found very on point and endearing. I had trouble getting started with the story but quickly grew attached to the main character. The pacing isn't always at its best, some of the plot points feels strangely rushed or, at times, too forced in terms of exposition, but the audio book really makes it a good experience, I applaud the narrator's performance
ceena's review against another edition
4.0
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
3.5 stars
This is my second book by this author and I have to say, so far I'm willing to read anything they write.
This book is cute, fun, sweet and bubbly. It is a great summer read. At the same time, there are some harsh moments and themes present that make this book real. See, this book starts off about this Winnie and her love for the diner she is helping her grandma run during the summer. There is a contest or two thrown into the mix and we think it is coming to be all roses and sunshine, until people start in on Winnie about her weight and there is also some familial emotional/mental abuse.
Winnie is adorable and I love her. I was rooting for her and wanting her to find her happiness the entire time. She knows what she wants for her future and she is a take charge type of person, even if she has a hard time in front of cameras or groups of people. She is willing to do anything for those she loves. Winston, her brother, is great. He is such a younger brother and their relationship felt so, so real and great. Sam is Winnie's cousin who is sweet, naive, and slightly clueless. Sam didn't win me over.
It should also be mentioned that Winnie has a queerplatonic relationship with Kara and is slowly falling for Dallas. The whole relationship aspect of the book is handled so well. I don't think I've ever read a YA book-- or maybe any book ever, with this much open communication. Winnie is always open to talk and wanting to get those she is in relationships with to talk to her so that they understand each other and are on the same page. Every time she stepped up to ask for communication I shouted with joy. COMMUNICATION IS SO IMPORTANT!
While the relationship are part of the story, they aren't the biggest part. This book is a love letter to being body positive and living your best life. Fatphobia is dealt with in this book. I really liked how Winnie is comfortable with who she is. She knows her body, she's dealt with people "trying to help her with her weight" all her life and understands what they are about. How she deals with everything (mostly) is amazing and total goals.
The living your best life aspect comes from dealing with toxic people in her life: learning how to move on and be comfortable doing things that aren't traditionally what we are supposed to do. Winnie is such a strong character and watching her blossom is a treat.
Truly, I should stop my review here because I swear I'm so close to giving away spoilers. My last thoughts-- for as much gushing over this book as I'm doing, I am only rating it a 3.5/5. This is because there were times when I was bored reading it. I wasn't always hooked into the story, but my love for Winnie and wanting to see if she would overcome the obstacles in her path kept me reading to the end.
I recommend this one to anyone looking for sweet read with a not often written about relationship structure. 3 cheers for Winnie! I look forward to Claire Kann's next book.
3.5 stars
This is my second book by this author and I have to say, so far I'm willing to read anything they write.
This book is cute, fun, sweet and bubbly. It is a great summer read. At the same time, there are some harsh moments and themes present that make this book real. See, this book starts off about this Winnie and her love for the diner she is helping her grandma run during the summer. There is a contest or two thrown into the mix and we think it is coming to be all roses and sunshine, until people start in on Winnie about her weight and there is also some familial emotional/mental abuse.
Winnie is adorable and I love her. I was rooting for her and wanting her to find her happiness the entire time. She knows what she wants for her future and she is a take charge type of person, even if she has a hard time in front of cameras or groups of people. She is willing to do anything for those she loves. Winston, her brother, is great. He is such a younger brother and their relationship felt so, so real and great. Sam is Winnie's cousin who is sweet, naive, and slightly clueless. Sam didn't win me over.
It should also be mentioned that Winnie has a queerplatonic relationship with Kara and is slowly falling for Dallas. The whole relationship aspect of the book is handled so well. I don't think I've ever read a YA book-- or maybe any book ever, with this much open communication. Winnie is always open to talk and wanting to get those she is in relationships with to talk to her so that they understand each other and are on the same page. Every time she stepped up to ask for communication I shouted with joy. COMMUNICATION IS SO IMPORTANT!
While the relationship are part of the story, they aren't the biggest part. This book is a love letter to being body positive and living your best life. Fatphobia is dealt with in this book. I really liked how Winnie is comfortable with who she is. She knows her body, she's dealt with people "trying to help her with her weight" all her life and understands what they are about. How she deals with everything (mostly) is amazing and total goals.
The living your best life aspect comes from dealing with toxic people in her life: learning how to move on and be comfortable doing things that aren't traditionally what we are supposed to do. Winnie is such a strong character and watching her blossom is a treat.
Truly, I should stop my review here because I swear I'm so close to giving away spoilers. My last thoughts-- for as much gushing over this book as I'm doing, I am only rating it a 3.5/5. This is because there were times when I was bored reading it. I wasn't always hooked into the story, but my love for Winnie and wanting to see if she would overcome the obstacles in her path kept me reading to the end.
I recommend this one to anyone looking for sweet read with a not often written about relationship structure. 3 cheers for Winnie! I look forward to Claire Kann's next book.
littlebookterror's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
4.0
The contemporary novel packs a lot in between its pages. Not all of the plot points are my favourite but I loved all of the commentary that Kann offers whilst giving our protagonist Winnie an unforgettable summer.
First up, we get a queer polyamorous main character! Winnie already has a queerplatonic partner ("ungirlfriend"), Kara who has taken center stage in her life so far. It was so refreshing that these two had talked about what that commitment meant for them and how it would look like. They sadly don't get much page time together and when Dallas comes into the picture, you can prettily easily tell where that plot thread is going but I still appreciated that Winnie did not hide that aspect of her life just for a chance of romantic love.
There is also some excellent commentary in how society perceives fat bodies and the politics surrounding that. Winnie is comfortable in her body and unlike her grandmother, the rest of her family is as well. We learn that she often feels compelled to be nice and approachable (doubly so because of her Blackness), she is unafraid to advocate for herself in a medical setting (maybe a bit more rudely than necessary), and we see her try out running (mainly to make her cousin happy). With her gluten intolerance and the diner setting, there is also a focus on food but the narrative does not enforce the idea of dietary restriction, weight loss, or exercise being necessary when you are fat.
Family is another big thing. The relationship with her grandmother is at the forefront but her brother and cousin also get their parts. It's certainly not an easy situation to be in, her grandmother sometimes means well but also oversteps and crosses boundaries Winnie had previously established. Yet there are also many scenes where Winnie takes it to far and behaves like the teenager she is. At least the book does not try to tell us all that is okay, but offers solution to such problems (even if our protagonist does not always take the high road; not that I need that from her). The sibling relationship was precious, however.
There also these little moments with Dallas and Winston that highlight how toxic masculinity can fuck up your relationships and I loved where they both end up in the finale of the book.
Now, the rest of the actual plot was not totally for me. I know many people love small town settings where everyone is up in each other's business, and the charm that comes with local summer festival/pageantry/thing but it was a bit much for me.
Also a new favourite quote, I love this so much.
First up, we get a queer polyamorous main character! Winnie already has a queerplatonic partner ("ungirlfriend"), Kara who has taken center stage in her life so far. It was so refreshing that these two had talked about what that commitment meant for them and how it would look like. They sadly don't get much page time together and when Dallas comes into the picture, you can prettily easily tell where that plot thread is going but I still appreciated that Winnie did not hide that aspect of her life just for a chance of romantic love.
There is also some excellent commentary in how society perceives fat bodies and the politics surrounding that. Winnie is comfortable in her body and unlike her grandmother, the rest of her family is as well. We learn that she often feels compelled to be nice and approachable (doubly so because of her Blackness), she is unafraid to advocate for herself in a medical setting (maybe a bit more rudely than necessary), and we see her try out running (mainly to make her cousin happy). With her gluten intolerance and the diner setting, there is also a focus on food but the narrative does not enforce the idea of dietary restriction, weight loss, or exercise being necessary when you are fat.
Family is another big thing. The relationship with her grandmother is at the forefront but her brother and cousin also get their parts. It's certainly not an easy situation to be in, her grandmother sometimes means well but also oversteps and crosses boundaries Winnie had previously established. Yet there are also many scenes where Winnie takes it to far and behaves like the teenager she is. At least the book does not try to tell us all that is okay, but offers solution to such problems (even if our protagonist does not always take the high road; not that I need that from her). The sibling relationship was precious, however.
There also these little moments with Dallas and Winston that highlight how toxic masculinity can fuck up your relationships and I loved where they both end up in the finale of the book.
Now, the rest of the actual plot was not totally for me. I know many people love small town settings where everyone is up in each other's business, and the charm that comes with local summer festival/pageantry/thing but it was a bit much for me.
Also a new favourite quote, I love this so much.
Calling myself queer felt like standing under a kind stranger's umbrella in an unexpected rainstorm. I might not use it forever, but at the moment, it was exactly what I needed.
fireweed15's review
4.0
This was a charming read! I like how Winnie's personality just shines through the pages, and how the narration feels like a conversation-- Winnie is someone I would have happily been friends with. I love how the book goes out of its way to remind readers that fat ≠ unhealthy, and that's coming from a fat kid with health issues. I also appreciate the complexity of Winnie's relationship with her grandmother. Families and intrafamily relationships are complicated, and sometimes we don't get neat happy endings... and that's okay, and it was nice that the book reflected that. What I wasn't as fond of was the relationship drama. I appreciate good queer rep as much as the next guy, but at times it was petty at best, and slowed the story down at worst, forcing me to knock off a few points in the review.
mirandacasuga's review against another edition
i really tried so hard to get through this book but maybe it’s just not for me. it was SUCH a shame because i loved claire janna other books, so i thought i would love this one the same, especially since it’s YA and that’s the majority of what i read. i just thought the characters were so unlikeable, and the plot didn’t interest me. nothing really stuck out to me besides the main character. i really did like the main character winnie, she felt so realistic, which is probably why reading this was so much harder, i wish she had a more interesting story. there were some elements that i understood were intentional, like her grandma being manipulative and stuck up, and her cousin sam just.. idk being herself… but i felt like kara was just like everything i hate seeing in a best friend character and dallas was just like an *insert love interest here* idk. i never dnf books so this is such a shame😭
moh's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars
There are so many things I loved about If It Makes You Happy. For starters, it's an own-voices YA adult novel with a bi-romantic, ace, fat, Black protagonist, set in a quirky small town. I also just adored seeing the MC negotiate feelings and boundaries in a poly relationship, while staying true to the characters' age (18), and I loved how important each of her family members were to her and that we got a strong sense of these individual relationships. I did think some of the transitions between scenes were a little confusing, but overall this was a pleasure to read, and I very much look forward to reading more by Claire Kann.
There are so many things I loved about If It Makes You Happy. For starters, it's an own-voices YA adult novel with a bi-romantic, ace, fat, Black protagonist, set in a quirky small town. I also just adored seeing the MC negotiate feelings and boundaries in a poly relationship, while staying true to the characters' age (18), and I loved how important each of her family members were to her and that we got a strong sense of these individual relationships. I did think some of the transitions between scenes were a little confusing, but overall this was a pleasure to read, and I very much look forward to reading more by Claire Kann.
tillyjournals's review against another edition
3.5
Winnie is getting ready to go to college in the fall. But before that she's going to spend her summer working at her Granny's diner and a lot unravels from her, the relationship that means the most to her, the guy she hates, her relationship with Granny and her dreams to own Granny's diner one day.
This is a decent coming of age story, but honestly, it kinda dragged for me. There is a heck of a lot of fatphobia, and no real acceptance in the end and that really annoyed me. Winnie's Granny is actually the worse sort of person, and Kara reallllly annoyed me at times.
I did love the representation not only of a black fat queer heroine, but of a lot of other things too. Overall it was good, but it had so much more potential then came out of it.
This is a decent coming of age story, but honestly, it kinda dragged for me. There is a heck of a lot of fatphobia, and no real acceptance in the end and that really annoyed me. Winnie's Granny is actually the worse sort of person, and Kara reallllly annoyed me at times.
I did love the representation not only of a black fat queer heroine, but of a lot of other things too. Overall it was good, but it had so much more potential then came out of it.
amanda_bookdragon's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
slow-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
4.5
psistillreadyou's review against another edition
There are too many subplots. The fatphobia is triggering. The romance seems like it will be an annoying love triangle which I'm not in the mood for.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fatphobia
Moderate: Medical content
Minor: Infidelity