- Book Tour hosted by Soho Press.
- More Happy Than Not
- Adam Silvera
- Publisher: Soho Teen (June 2, 2015)
- ISBN-13: 978-1616955601
- Genre: Contemporary YA
- Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Nobles
- Source: Review copy was sent free of charge via Soho Teen.
- Thank you Meredith.
Synopsis: The Leteo Institute's revolutionary memory-relief procedure seems too good to be true to Aaron Soto -- miracle cure-alls don't tend to pop up in the Bronx projects. But Aaron can't forget how he's grown up poor or how his friends aren't always there for him. Like after his father committed suicide in their one bedroom apartment. Aaron has the support of his patient girlfriend, if not necessarily his distant brother and overworked mother, but it's not enough. Then Thomas shows up. He has a sweet movie-watching setup on his roof, and he doesn't mind Aaron's obsession with a popular fantasy series. There are nicknames, inside jokes. Most importantly, Thomas doesn't mind talking about Aaron's past. But Aaron's newfound happiness isn't welcome on his block. Since he's can't stay away from Thomas or suddenly stop being gay, Aaron must turn to Leteo to straighten himself out, even if it means forgetting who he is. Adam Silvera's extraordinary debut novel offers a unique confrontation of race, class and sexuality during one charged near-future summer in the Bronx.
- More Happy Than not is a debut novel about sexuality, coming of age, and friendship. The Leteo Institute promises memory-relief procedures which seems too good to be true to Aaron Soto. He can't forget how he has grown up poor. Aaron's father has commuted suicide, and Aaron used to be suicidal himself. His girlfriend is supportive, but soon Thomas shows up. Now, Aaron is questioning himself and his realization that he is actually gay. He turns to the Leteo institute to provide relief and "fix" him even if it means forgetting who he is. I wasn't the biggest fan of this cover, until I just noticed the smiley face two seconds ago. That's actually cute, but the smiley face has a horrifying meaning in the book. More Happy Than Not is a fantastic debut novel, it is a diverse book which almost everyone should read. There are not many books about gay's, lesbian's, bisexuals or even transsexuals so it's always intriguing to learn about them. I don't support homosexuality or gay marriage because of my religious beliefs, but I can support an amazing story that is realistic. At the end of the day, the main character Aaron is a human being and of course, homophobia is ridiculous. It's not fair when others try to shove down their beliefs in someone's throat. This novel is also about depression and love.
- Aaron is a refreshing character in the young adult genre, he's hilarious, strong, and also quite vulnerable. His voice needs to be heard. Many people can relate to his character and have the same feelings he is going through. There is a love story in this novel, but it's not at all a cute and fluffy romance. The love story is much more deeper, and it's great that the relationship started out with a genuine friendship. It's always great if you can find a friend in your partner.
- It did take me a few chapters to get into this novel though, some parts slowed down for me.. Ultimately, this is a realistic novel about teens.. beings teens. They curse, fight, argue, and ultimately, they're confused. The novel has a great balance of actually having a good plot and a romance. This book helps people be more open minded and see homosexuals in a different light, regardless if you support homosexuality or not. This is one novel most people will be unable to forget.
Recommended for fans of Simon vs. The Homo sapiens, and Rainbow Boys.
Thank you for reading this! Have an amazing month of June - Leave your blog links in the comments & I'll be sure to check them out & drop by :) Stay in tuned pretty creatures..
“Above all, be the heroine of your life, not the victim.” —Nora Ephron
The idea of Leteo is a bit of a crazy one and it makes me wonder who I know would take it if they could. Releasing all those memories and starting over would definitely be something... I'm not sure how to process the idea! Although this does sound like a great one, I can see it is not for me. Good review though!
ReplyDeleteThank you for dropping by Olivia :)
DeleteThis does sound like it has a crazy concept but a good one in the message department as well. Great review!
ReplyDeleteThank you for dropping by ♥
DeleteKinda freaky, but I'm very intrigued. I haven't read many LGBT books even though I'm pro LGBT, so I'm curious to read this. :) Great review, Benish! :D
ReplyDeleteBlessie @ Mischievous Reads
Yes, there's not many LGBT books out there. I hope you enjoy it though ♥ Thank you Blessie :)
DeleteFirst review of this book I have seen so I was super curious to see what you thought! It sounds like something I would really enjoy. I like that the romance here isn't light and fluffy - Great review!
ReplyDeleteYes, the romance is more deeper, and the message of the book is empowering. Thank you Grace ♥
DeleteThis sounds like it would be an intense read. Aaron sounds like he gores through quite an emotional time. Great review.
ReplyDeleteNaomi @ Naomi’s Reading Palace
Thank you Naomi ♥
DeleteDefinitely something to add to my LGBT challenge this year. I'm severely lacking in that front. I think it's an important read, so thanks for the heads up!
ReplyDeleteYes, I haven't read too many LGBT books but I hope too soon ♥ Hope you enjoy this read :)
DeleteI do like diverse books that are open-minded and realistic about sexuality. I will have to check this one out.
ReplyDeleteMissie @ A Flurry of Ponderings
Hope you end up liking it Missie ♥
DeleteYay I'm glad you liked it! I loved how the book was realistic despite the addition of the Leteo Procedure. And the fact that love can be unrequited :(
ReplyDeleteYes, it's a pretty accurate novel on being yourself ♥
DeleteFreaky..you really have me curious about this dystopain.
ReplyDeleteIf you ever do read it, I look forward to reading your thoughts Kimba ♥
DeleteSounds a little bit like the movie Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. I've seen good things about this book though, so I'll definitely be giving it a go.
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen that movie, so can't comment on that but I do hope you enjoy this read :) ♥
DeleteThis book has gotten so many great reviews! Will it make me sad? I generally steer clear of books that make me sad or cry because goshdarnit, I want to have fun with what I read :D But I see the social importance and significance of this book - and Adam is such a great guy, I'm 100% sure he's an amazing writer as well. So glad you enjoyed this book, Benish!
ReplyDeleteAlyssa @ The Eater of Books!
It didn't make me cry, but I've read other reviews where it has made people cry. It is a saddening book and you do get to see the lifestyle of homosexuals and how they suffer internally for being themselves.♥
DeleteI'm glad to see someone who maybe doesn't support homosexuality because of religious beliefs, but also doesn't support hate. That is incredibly rare to find, and I find that inspirational, even if I am "pro-gay" (it's mostly just pro-being true to yourself). growing up in the south I've known two types of people: The super religious who is anti-anything liberal or the super liberal. I know this has nothing to do with your review, but I love how open you are, even if something doesn't fly with your religious beliefs. :)
ReplyDeleteAw thank you so much Sarah! ♥ I agree, if one doesn't support homosexuality or gay marriage it doesn't give me the right to abuse them or shame them either, their personal choices are between them and God.
DeleteI do support gay marriage (i was a huge thing over here the other year with the Law change) but I totally respect that you don't because of your religious beliefs, just like I respect churches that won't do gay marriages, because there are other churches out there that do. And glad you read it despite your beliefs, and exactly, homophobia is ridiculous, you don't have to support somebody's sexuality, but you don't have to hate on it, either, and I do hate when people do try to shove their beliefs down other people's throats. Definitely want to read this (even though it has been hyped) so glad it wasn't a total let down. :D
ReplyDeleteYes, I do agree with you ♥ Thank you Kristy! :) I was a bit hesitant to share my beliefs because everyone I know is pro-gay, but I don't hate gay people or anything like that. My co-worker is gay and I'm really close with him as well, I don't hate people's sexuality even though I might not support them :)
DeleteI enjoy stories about diverse and realistic characters characters! Growing up is hard enough, but then to also fight who you are must be so tough. Aaron sounds like a character I would love and feel sympathetic towards. Great Review Benish :)
ReplyDeleteLindy@ A Bookish Escape
Thank you Lindy & I agree growing up is tough especially when people around you aren't as open minded - hope you end up loving this book♥
DeleteGood on you for having the courage to speak out and say although the beliefs aren't quite your own, that this one managed to open your mind up about it. It sounds like a really important and relevant book! Lovely review Benish <3
ReplyDeleteThank you Jeann for stopping by, I do hope you enjoy this book since it's defo. worth experiencing :)
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