More Happy Than Not

By: Adam Silvera

Narrated by: Ramon de Ocampo

Happiness shouldn't be this hard...

When it first gets announced, the Leteo Institute's memory-alteration procedure seems too good to be true to Aaron Soto; miracle cure-alls don't tend to pop up in the Bronx projects. Aaron can't forget how he's grown up poor, how his friends all seem to shrug him off, and how his father committed suicide in their one-bedroom apartment. He has the support of his patient girlfriend, if not necessarily his distant brother and overworked mother, but it's not enough.

Then Thomas shows up. He doesn't mind Aaron's obsession over the Scorpius Hawthorne books and has a sweet movie setup on his roof. There are nicknames. Aaron's not only able to be himself, but happiness feels easy with Thomas. The love Aaron discovers may cost him what's left of his life. But since Aaron can't suddenly stop being gay, Leteo may be the only way out.

©2015 Adam Silvera (P)2015 Recorded Books

surprisingly good

I wasn't sure what to expect and when I read the summary again I wasn't sure why I bought it. But this is a very well told sensitive story about finding out, and the journey to accept who you are. Helped along by a little sci-fi device. It is about teenage characters and is probably YA, but is written with an adult story line and dialogue.

No closure. So unsatisfying.

This is my second book by Adam Silvera (I just finished ‘They both die at the end’) and the feeling is the same - the endings are so unsatisfying which is a shame because the writing is mostly great. I’m not asking for super-happy or ridiculous miracles, but better closure after investing the time to read/listen.

Could have gone without

Let me preface this the fact that I love adam silvera- in fact he’s one of my all time favorite authors. “History is all you left me” will forever be one of my favorite books and i cannot wait for the movie of “they both die in the end”. That being said this book hit a little different. In typical adam silvera style its relatable and genuine while also being deep and difficult. However, this story was very , very heavy. I don’t want to necessarily discourage (or encourage) anyone from listening to/ reading this story; I just want to make it clear that this is a very heavy, sad, and emotional story that may effect someone in a different way than Adam’s other books.

Ready to refund, then bawling eyes out.

Without spoiling anything, you may either cry tears of joy or utter despair at the end. This is NOT a coming out gay trashy romance novel like I thought it was going to be from start to at least two thirds in. It gets real, and the protagonist's sexuality plays not only a convincing role, but one that I feel does it justice in a way.
You will probably have to sit through half of it before it actually gets going, but it is definitely worth it. It was definitely worth more than the sale price I bought it for.

4.5

I really enjoyed the book. It, I believe, accurately reflects the thoughts and attitudes of 15-16 year old boys (minus social media). So, that means you’re going to have lots of references to sex, lots of profanity, and the like. I’m a high school English teacher so I’m used to it. Very unique story and I really liked it.