A review by davidbythebay
More Happy Than Not by Adam Silvera

dark emotional inspiring reflective sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I anticipated more of a gay romance set in a harsher Outsiders scenario. With Pony Boy translated to the Bronx and a queer element to the story. What I got was more of a hard hitting emotional ride into what makes a person a person, the dangers of denying who you are, toxic masculinity, and depression. There are some moments that speak out to me now that I have completed and sat with the story. I felt a lot of those emotions on my coming out process and was glad to see the raw emotions here. 

The original ending was fine and good. But did feel a little bleak. To take that journey and end that way was just unsatisfying. But the newly added epilogue brought that refreshing light to the end of a dark story. Even Romeo and Juliette end in some positivity with the two families realizing they can't sustain this hatred forever. 

I do think I'd benefit from a second reading of this book as it hid some many more details and explorations than I gathered this first time around. Overall, a great novel. 
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