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emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
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
Title: Happyish
Author: Jeanette Escudero
Genre: Fiction
Rating: 3.50
Pub Date: September 20, 2022
I received a complimentary eARC from Lake Union Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. #Gifted #Ad
T H R E E • W O R D S
Lighthearted • Refreshing • Thoughtful
📖 S Y N O P S I S
It was supposed to be a good day.
On the one-year anniversary of her divorce, Alex Martinez is getting closure—and margaritas with her two best friends. But just before the celebratory meetup, Alex is clobbered by life once again. Damping the cheer is the diagnosis of a brain tumor she can’t pronounce, a procedure she’d rather postpone, and the prospect of what to say to an already heartbroken mother. Not that Alex plans to tell her anything anytime soon.
Going from blissful to blindsided in one afternoon, Alex has other plans: to be impulsive and embark on an adventure she’ll never forget. Expected destinations: the Grand Canyon, Puerto Rico, and zip-lining through Costa Rica. Unexpected companion: a hiker named David who’s found a woman after his own heart. But no matter how enriching the journey, how long can Alex keep running?
💭 T H O U G H T S
Books centering around grief and death have quickly become a subgenre I gravitate towards given my own grief journey. When I saw Happyish I was immediately intrigued and knew I would want to pick it up at some point. Although it has taken me quite some time to get to, it was one of those books that happened at the right time.
Although it is definitely on the light-hearted side (despite dealing with heavy content), I really enjoyed Alex's journey. Written in a wise and comical manner, I was allowed into Alex's life as she journey's from frantic life-alternating news through the uncertainty of what to do and finally coming to terms with her own life. While I understand the concern surrounding Alex not immediately seeking care, however, I also see the flip side of being given such a diagnosis and just not knowing what to do with it.
I adored the road trip aspect and how the author interweaves the memory of her sister into the narrative, so I got to know Amy on a different level. It was one of books with many moments for pause and reflection. A constant reminder that life can change at any moment. While I would have liked a little more emotional depth, I completely understand the intent of keeping it on the lighter side.
Happyish was one of those lighthearted books that reminds the reader of the importance of living in the present and never taking life for granted. One that left me feeling satisfied. It was an enjoyable journey, and I'd consider picking up more of Jeanette Escudero's work in the future.
📚 R E C O M M E N D • T O
• anyone looking for something light
• readers in need of a reminder about the importance of living
🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S
"And it’s okay to fall apart once in a while. And it’s okay to inconvenience people, and it’s okay to feel your feelings. The people who love you will still love you."
Author: Jeanette Escudero
Genre: Fiction
Rating: 3.50
Pub Date: September 20, 2022
I received a complimentary eARC from Lake Union Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. #Gifted #Ad
T H R E E • W O R D S
Lighthearted • Refreshing • Thoughtful
📖 S Y N O P S I S
It was supposed to be a good day.
On the one-year anniversary of her divorce, Alex Martinez is getting closure—and margaritas with her two best friends. But just before the celebratory meetup, Alex is clobbered by life once again. Damping the cheer is the diagnosis of a brain tumor she can’t pronounce, a procedure she’d rather postpone, and the prospect of what to say to an already heartbroken mother. Not that Alex plans to tell her anything anytime soon.
Going from blissful to blindsided in one afternoon, Alex has other plans: to be impulsive and embark on an adventure she’ll never forget. Expected destinations: the Grand Canyon, Puerto Rico, and zip-lining through Costa Rica. Unexpected companion: a hiker named David who’s found a woman after his own heart. But no matter how enriching the journey, how long can Alex keep running?
💭 T H O U G H T S
Books centering around grief and death have quickly become a subgenre I gravitate towards given my own grief journey. When I saw Happyish I was immediately intrigued and knew I would want to pick it up at some point. Although it has taken me quite some time to get to, it was one of those books that happened at the right time.
Although it is definitely on the light-hearted side (despite dealing with heavy content), I really enjoyed Alex's journey. Written in a wise and comical manner, I was allowed into Alex's life as she journey's from frantic life-alternating news through the uncertainty of what to do and finally coming to terms with her own life. While I understand the concern surrounding Alex not immediately seeking care, however, I also see the flip side of being given such a diagnosis and just not knowing what to do with it.
I adored the road trip aspect and how the author interweaves the memory of her sister into the narrative, so I got to know Amy on a different level. It was one of books with many moments for pause and reflection. A constant reminder that life can change at any moment. While I would have liked a little more emotional depth, I completely understand the intent of keeping it on the lighter side.
Happyish was one of those lighthearted books that reminds the reader of the importance of living in the present and never taking life for granted. One that left me feeling satisfied. It was an enjoyable journey, and I'd consider picking up more of Jeanette Escudero's work in the future.
📚 R E C O M M E N D • T O
• anyone looking for something light
• readers in need of a reminder about the importance of living
🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S
"And it’s okay to fall apart once in a while. And it’s okay to inconvenience people, and it’s okay to feel your feelings. The people who love you will still love you."
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cancer, Medical content, Grief
Minor: Death, Terminal illness
sibling death, divorce