frantic_vampire 's review for:

If It Makes You Happy by Claire Kann

5.0

emotional hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

---

I loved this book. This is one that I desperately wish had been around when I was in high school. I’m also infinitely grateful to have read it now. I don’t know how many times I came close to tears because of this book. This book is about friendship and family, love, hope, forgiveness, and loving yourself enough to walk away from a toxic situation. Please read this book!

Winnie is one of the most awesome and relatable characters I’ve ever read. She’s fat, confident, and unapologetically herself. I loved her inner dialogue! It was so funny and real and relatable. Honestly, a lot of the passages about being fat hit home in ways that I can’t even begin to explain. And Winnie being able to voice so many of those things was just awesome.

Another thing I loved about this book was the focus on family and friendships. I loved that Winnie is the best big sister to both her brother and her cousin. She takes being a big sister seriously, and I love that. The friendship/queer platonic relationship/ungirlfriend thing between Winnie and Kara is just amazing. I wish that there were more relationships like this one in books. I also loved the way that this book dealt with racism. It wasn’t the main focus, but it really packed a punch.

If it isn’t clear by the time you’ve read all of that, I loved this book. This is one that everyone should read. If you’re plus sized, if you’re a sibling, if you love diners, if you small towns and all the quirky things that happen in them, this is the book for you. This is getting a solid five stars.