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A review by dsnyder23
Happiness for Beginners by Katherine Center
adventurous
challenging
funny
inspiring
reflective
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? Yes
4.0
Helen is newly divorced and ready to re-invent herself. In order to do so, she signs up for a wilderness survival course in Wyoming, in which she will spend 3 weeks in the woods with a group of people. What she doesn't anticipate is her younger brother's annoying friend Jake going as well, with the promise from her brother that he can ride with Helen.
Helen soon realizes she is attracted to Jake and vice versa. Turns out, he has had a crush on her for years, but kept it secret since she was married. The pair keep things platonic for the most part and soon find themselves surrounded by woods with strangers. Jake, a typical extrovert and in the same age range as majority of their peers, immediately makes friends with basically everyone. Helen, who is much older and nowhere near the physical form needed for hiking, ignores the targeted snide remarks and focuses on surviving the trip.
Over the next 3 weeks, Helen learns new things about herself she never imagined, including her own personal strength and resilience. She makes new friends, is given a cool nickname, and becomes a pro at reading maps. Turns out, this adventure is exactly what she needed.
Another great book from Katherine. The character growth in this book and life lessons (don't take life for granted, you're never too old to try something new, etc) are impactful and beautiful. I love how the characters are written, and that Jake let Helen figure herself out on her own instead of forcing something between them. I love how resilient Helen is, never letting the negativity sway her overall journey.
Helen soon realizes she is attracted to Jake and vice versa. Turns out, he has had a crush on her for years, but kept it secret since she was married. The pair keep things platonic for the most part and soon find themselves surrounded by woods with strangers. Jake, a typical extrovert and in the same age range as majority of their peers, immediately makes friends with basically everyone. Helen, who is much older and nowhere near the physical form needed for hiking, ignores the targeted snide remarks and focuses on surviving the trip.
Over the next 3 weeks, Helen learns new things about herself she never imagined, including her own personal strength and resilience. She makes new friends, is given a cool nickname, and becomes a pro at reading maps. Turns out, this adventure is exactly what she needed.
Another great book from Katherine. The character growth in this book and life lessons (don't take life for granted, you're never too old to try something new, etc) are impactful and beautiful. I love how the characters are written, and that Jake let Helen figure herself out on her own instead of forcing something between them. I love how resilient Helen is, never letting the negativity sway her overall journey.