Some Kind of Happiness

Title: Some Kind of Happiness

Author: Claire Legrand

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books For Young Reader

Year: 2016

Pages: 374 (Hardcover)

Rating: 5/5

"Once there was a great, sprawling forest called the Everwood."

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How are you neither hooked nor intrigued if that's the first phrase of the book? Because. THIS BOOK IS FUCKING STUNNING IF THAT IS POSSIBLE FOR A BOOK AND VERY GLORIOUS MY HEART PRAISES EVERY WORD WRITTEN IN THIS MESMERIZING BOOK. Okay that was an overly-adjective-using phrase. But seriouSLY let's go back to the real business. I have always loved middle grade books. It lacks of unnecessary romance and more centered on family case...mostly. Great middle grade books could successfully spin my brain and suck me in their adventure-full actions. It's a fantastic experience. You bet my ass it's including this book. THIS BOOK. Is a fucking hidden gem, I cannot even begin to vent how y'all should order or buy this book and gulp it down. I cried at like 11 p.m and the sensation was very nice. Where do I start? Everything is so painful. The story is told rather slowly and alluring instead of deftly and stumbling, and I guarantee you will enjoy every glorious moment of reading this book. Finley Hart's narrative is brutally honest I could barely hold myself altogether. The source of her intelligence is very reasonable. Her story about Everwood almost made me mistaken this book as a magical realism book. It's just so good that way. And of you love the work of Stephanie Kuehn, Charms & Strange, Some Kind of Happiness is a less dark version of that book. Less abusive, too. But equally painful.

Let me sum the story up for you: Finley is sent by both of her parents during the summer to her father's mother, which she never visited before. This mystery keeps on haunting her. Why now? Why dad never told me about his family? Finley is sent to her grandparents' house, so that both of her parents could discover the answer they need. Finley knows it deep down that they're getting a divorce. Instead of burying it down, she tries to face the truth, she just doesn't speak it out. Finley finally meets her cousins: Gretchen (11, the same age as Fin), Kennedy (12), Ruth and Dex (8 years old twins), and Avery (17). She introduces them all about Everwood, the orphan girl, and another humans and creatures live around the woods. At first, Finley is scared shitless of Avery, but eventually they work things out together. Saint, this book's twist explodes before my face like a bubblegum. It was very heartbreaking to see Finley feeling like being a Hart is some kind of burden yet a grace, she cannot see the separating line. She loves her grandma who always keeps everything hidden even to her own children but she also hates her for lying. She loves her grandpa that would take her driving along the quiet road but also hates him for losing himself because his grandchildren are playing with Bailey boys (Jack, Cole, and Bennett) that aren't supposed to be near with Fin and her cousins. The mysteries keep on adding, and Finley cannot get rid of her 'blue days' where she can't move from the bed or when she suddenly feels so empty and sad she either has to pull back the tears or puke her guts out.

However, Finley is a very strong and caring character. She knows what secrets she has to keep and which statements she has to bring up. She is 11 yet so mature. I am in real adoration. My next favorite would be Avery. She's described very realistic as a teenager. She can be a pain but then eventually she opens up about herself and tries to be friendly with Finley. It's so heartwarming to see your family you have never met could accept you that way. It's almost overwhelming. The point is, this book worth the money you've been saving (but don't forget to save your money again after buying this), and this book is worth the tears you barely produce.

#BookTalk #5