Reviews

Happiness Falls by Angie Kim

jmicweber's review against another edition

emotional funny inspiring mysterious reflective sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

This is everything I've ever wanted in a book

karolinaw's review against another edition

challenging emotional hopeful informative mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

alexis_hope_reads's review against another edition

emotional mysterious 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

5.0

suzanneruth's review against another edition

emotional mysterious reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

lindsay_loves_literature's review against another edition

4.0

When Mia's father doesn't return from a hike her family isn't too concerned at first. Until her younger brother Eugene, who was joining her father in the hike, returns home covered in blood.  Eugene is nonverbal and unable to share what happened to their father. This is a  unique take on a missing person story! The story tackles topics, such as race, neurodiversity, communication, and immigration. It's philosophical and analytical, but also has heart!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy.

kolson687's review against another edition

3.0

Having read and loved Miracle Creek by Angie Kim, I was excited to read her second novel. Unfortunately it was not nearly as good. I found the science and math parts about the happiness quotient to slow down and distract from the plot. Eugene was a great character and I appreciated how Angie Kim portrayed his disability and limitations.

mirandalikesbooks's review against another edition

challenging emotional informative mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Enjoyed this a lot! It's a mystery that took me through a whole range of feelings about the narrator and her father. It also has some insightful commentary about privilege and abelism. 

In parts I felt like it could have used an edit. The main character used the word inane/inanity often enough that it was noticeable. I also thought some of the footnotes could have been cut. All in all though would recommend!

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Ableism

Moderate: Blood, Death of parent, Medical content, Grief, Infidelity, Car accident, Xenophobia, Cursing, and Death

Minor: Cancer, Terminal illness, Pandemic/Epidemic, Rape, and War

sarahcothron's review against another edition

challenging emotional informative mysterious reflective sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

darbz's review against another edition

emotional mysterious slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

_margaret_'s review against another edition

challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.25