A review by half_bloodreader
More Happy Than Not by Adam Silvera
dark
sad
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
Written in 1st person, present tense. Divided into 5 parts
Toxic masculinity is real in this one.
This is not only a sad book, it's also really hard to go through. I advise against reading this when you are going through a depressive episode.
It's not a feel good story, and most of the characters are pretty hateful. Thomas -who's pretty flawed himself- keeps calling these guys he knows from childhood his "friends", when they're nothing but! He also looks for his happiness in others which is an awful message and he's super entitled.
The book is pretty short, but Part 1 is boring. The pacing's inconsistent.
The premise is interesting, but it didn't feel explored to its potential.
I appreciate the diversity. Not only in race and sexuality, but in social class. Poverty isn't addressed enough, unless it's for the same plot we all know. But poverty has many faces.
I don't appreciate Aaron's transphobic wording about the character Nate (especially when he wants to be accepted). Or how he hurts the people who truly care about him again and again. And how he decides who someone is and labels them. You don't get to tell someone hoe they identify or attribute a label! You can give them resources, support, discuss such subjects, and let them figure it out!!
I don't like how there's a message that a boy liking girl characters, girl action figures and girl pop singers equals being gay. The mc himself says these traits were hints of his sexuality! That is such patriarchal heteronormative bs, and it's actually part of a bigger issue: men must want women, but they can't respect them, while respecting and looking for the approval of other men, but keeping a distance.
If I took a shot every time "no homo" was said, I'd have liver failure! Just. Stop.
Just what even was the point of this book? If it was: embrace past hardships & traumas, so you can overcome and move on, then I personally don't think it was handled right.
I loved They Both Die at the End, but this one wasn't it.
Toxic masculinity is real in this one.
This is not only a sad book, it's also really hard to go through. I advise against reading this when you are going through a depressive episode.
It's not a feel good story, and most of the characters are pretty hateful. Thomas -who's pretty flawed himself- keeps calling these guys he knows from childhood his "friends", when they're nothing but! He also looks for his happiness in others which is an awful message and he's super entitled.
The book is pretty short, but Part 1 is boring. The pacing's inconsistent.
The premise is interesting, but it didn't feel explored to its potential.
I appreciate the diversity. Not only in race and sexuality, but in social class. Poverty isn't addressed enough, unless it's for the same plot we all know. But poverty has many faces.
I don't appreciate Aaron's transphobic wording about the character Nate (especially when he wants to be accepted). Or how he hurts the people who truly care about him again and again. And how he decides who someone is and labels them. You don't get to tell someone hoe they identify or attribute a label! You can give them resources, support, discuss such subjects, and let them figure it out!!
I don't like how there's a message that a boy liking girl characters, girl action figures and girl pop singers equals being gay. The mc himself says these traits were hints of his sexuality! That is such patriarchal heteronormative bs, and it's actually part of a bigger issue: men must want women, but they can't respect them, while respecting and looking for the approval of other men, but keeping a distance.
If I took a shot every time "no homo" was said, I'd have liver failure! Just. Stop.
Just what even was the point of this book? If it was: embrace past hardships & traumas, so you can overcome and move on, then I personally don't think it was handled right.
I loved They Both Die at the End, but this one wasn't it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Homophobia, and Physical abuse
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Suicide attempt and Transphobia