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More Happy Than Not

by Adam SILVERA

7 CDs. 7:07 hrs. Brilliance. 2015. $24.99. ISBN 9781501215889.

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Gr 9 Up—Aaron Soto shares a one-bedroom apartment in the Bronx with his mother and brother, his father committed suicide, and his friends aren't the greatest. The bright spot in his life is his girlfriend, Genevieve, but she's away for a month-long art retreat. Aaron begins spending time with Thomas, a new boy who doesn't quite fit in with his group of friends, and soon discovers he's happier than he's ever been before. Maybe too happy. Before long, Aaron realizes he's romantically interested in Thomas, but Thomas doesn't reciprocate, and his friends won't tolerate having a gay friend. Aaron turns to the Leteo Institute, known for their memory-relief procedures, to try to get his life on track. Ramon de Ocampo voices the myriad characters and brings Silvera's tale to life.

VERDICT Tackling issues including race, class, and sexuality, this book is fitting for mature teens. ["A gripping read—Silvera skillfully weaves together many divergent young adult themes within an engrossing, intense narrative": SLJ 5/15 starred review of the Soho Teen book.]

Reviewed by Amanda Stern, Northwest Village School, Plainville, CT , Jan 01, 2016

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