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Her Own Happiness
It’s never too late to come of age in this compassionate and refreshing novel about friendship, self-discovery, and moving on by the author of The Bennet Women. Maya Davis is living in paradise until her apartment, her career, and her dreams fall away in a horrible and dramatic fashion. Suddenly she’s packing her life into two suitcases and heading back to her parents’ home in Maryland, scrambling for a plan B. Happy thirty-first birthday, Maya. Right beside her is Ant, Maya’s best friend. While she’s returning home, Ant’s leaving his for the first time. Even though he moved away to start his own adventure, Ant can’t seem to separate himself from Maya—and he’s not sure he wants to. Thinking practically for once, Maya makes her top priority finding a career—or at least a job with health insurance. But when she’s drawn into the orbit of Emme Vivant, the influential girlboss decides Maya has potential. Suddenly there are new contacts, new clothes, and the possibility of a shiny new future that could make this move home worthwhile. But is Maya finally in control of her life, or is she losing it? Just as Ant’s platonic feelings for Maya deepen, his best friend in the world seems to be moving on without him. In this tender and vibrant novel, Maya learns that finding the right path might not matter as much as finding herself—and who’s beside her on the journey.
308 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 5, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
July 1, 2023
”She remained in bed, feeling every part of her great loss: her home, her career, the life she'd rebuilt for herself over seven years-all gone in a matter of weeks. Sleeping or waking, she was constantly buffeted by memories.”
This was an interesting read for me.
I really liked the synopsis, so even though cutesy slice of life stories aren’t my absolute favorite genre I had confidence in this one. I was partially right; it was a comforting, relaxing read that I didn’t have to worry about. I knew that in the end Maya and Ant would be okay, no matter what conspired. That’s partly why I like these cute contemporary stories a majority of the time: they don’t stress me out! It’s almost like the book equivalent of a sit-com.
What made this book stand out though, was the real time setting. This book was meant to take place in the year 2021, during the height of Covid for a lot of people, especially those in the USA. I haven’t read any other novels that so boldly embraced the Covid timeline; most recently published books I’ve read seem to have fully immersed themselves in an alternate reality where Covid was never a thing. Neither are a bad thing, it’s simply an observation. But it was something that made me want to check this story out.
This isn’t criticism either, but I find that in many contemporary fiction (especially those with romance in them, targeted towards a young adult audience) novels written by a minority, when it comes to cultural things we often have to over-explain ourselves. Because to pander to a wider audience, or perhaps just for the ease of the reader, we can’t make references if we aren’t sure people will get it. This sort of over-explanation often feels suffocating too, like when someone doesn’t get a joke so it has to be explained aloud and it sort of loses its humor. I’m not saying that this book felt preachy in any way, it’s an observation across several books I’ve read. If anything, this book did a better job than most at having great, fluid transitions between “explanations” and references.
The characters themselves gave me mixed emotions too. While I really liked Maya and Ant in the beginning of the book, I started liking them less as the story went on. I’m not sure why, but they started becoming way more annoying as the story progressed, especially when they started making digs at Gen Z and younger people. It just came out of nowhere and kind of destroyed the two characters I was starting to like.
Something else that gave me mixed emotions was the actual structure of the book. The chapters have alternating perspectives, between Maya and Ant. While I could have appreciated this flip-flop style, it just didn’t feel well-done. Maya and Ant’s voices seemed to blend together a lot when it came to their internal dialogue, and I felt like the same story could have occurred if we had a point of view from one character throughout the whole book.
One note though, this might be genius if it was intended for them to sound similar—when Ant and Maya get into that big fight, people mention (especially to Ant) that they need to make new friends and stop relying so much on each other because it’s starting to sound like a co-dependent relationship. If they’re so co-dependent that even their narration sounds alike, that’s some genius writing. If not, then… it’s not my favorite and I wish the story could have stuck to just one perspective. I feel like I could have gotten into the story much quicker if this were the case too; it took me about 100 pages to get with it.
Something that I did really appreciate in this writing though, was when Maya mentioned hating pining and lack of communication in K-Dramas and TV. And then she and Ant proceed to do something so wonderful and actually communicate and talk to each other like people should do. It was a really sly and well-placed dig at romance novels and other main characters, and I appreciated this a lot. It really highlighted Maya and Ant’s actions too, when it came to it.
Lastly, this is just me being nit-picky, but I thought that the texting format was annoying and unnecessary. It was hard to read through (maybe it was just like that on the e-copy though?) and I wished it was just formatted normally.
This was a fun summery (okay, summery until the latter half of the book) read, and I really enjoyed this book. It was really easy to see Maya and Ant as real people, and it felt realistic, quirky, and fun. This is how slice of life should be done.
Thank you to Netgalley, Montlake, and Eden Appiah-Kubi for the ARC!
This was an interesting read for me.
I really liked the synopsis, so even though cutesy slice of life stories aren’t my absolute favorite genre I had confidence in this one. I was partially right; it was a comforting, relaxing read that I didn’t have to worry about. I knew that in the end Maya and Ant would be okay, no matter what conspired. That’s partly why I like these cute contemporary stories a majority of the time: they don’t stress me out! It’s almost like the book equivalent of a sit-com.
What made this book stand out though, was the real time setting. This book was meant to take place in the year 2021, during the height of Covid for a lot of people, especially those in the USA. I haven’t read any other novels that so boldly embraced the Covid timeline; most recently published books I’ve read seem to have fully immersed themselves in an alternate reality where Covid was never a thing. Neither are a bad thing, it’s simply an observation. But it was something that made me want to check this story out.
This isn’t criticism either, but I find that in many contemporary fiction (especially those with romance in them, targeted towards a young adult audience) novels written by a minority, when it comes to cultural things we often have to over-explain ourselves. Because to pander to a wider audience, or perhaps just for the ease of the reader, we can’t make references if we aren’t sure people will get it. This sort of over-explanation often feels suffocating too, like when someone doesn’t get a joke so it has to be explained aloud and it sort of loses its humor. I’m not saying that this book felt preachy in any way, it’s an observation across several books I’ve read. If anything, this book did a better job than most at having great, fluid transitions between “explanations” and references.
The characters themselves gave me mixed emotions too. While I really liked Maya and Ant in the beginning of the book, I started liking them less as the story went on. I’m not sure why, but they started becoming way more annoying as the story progressed, especially when they started making digs at Gen Z and younger people. It just came out of nowhere and kind of destroyed the two characters I was starting to like.
Something else that gave me mixed emotions was the actual structure of the book. The chapters have alternating perspectives, between Maya and Ant. While I could have appreciated this flip-flop style, it just didn’t feel well-done. Maya and Ant’s voices seemed to blend together a lot when it came to their internal dialogue, and I felt like the same story could have occurred if we had a point of view from one character throughout the whole book.
One note though, this might be genius if it was intended for them to sound similar—when Ant and Maya get into that big fight, people mention (especially to Ant) that they need to make new friends and stop relying so much on each other because it’s starting to sound like a co-dependent relationship. If they’re so co-dependent that even their narration sounds alike, that’s some genius writing. If not, then… it’s not my favorite and I wish the story could have stuck to just one perspective. I feel like I could have gotten into the story much quicker if this were the case too; it took me about 100 pages to get with it.
Something that I did really appreciate in this writing though, was when Maya mentioned hating pining and lack of communication in K-Dramas and TV. And then she and Ant proceed to do something so wonderful and actually communicate and talk to each other like people should do. It was a really sly and well-placed dig at romance novels and other main characters, and I appreciated this a lot. It really highlighted Maya and Ant’s actions too, when it came to it.
Lastly, this is just me being nit-picky, but I thought that the texting format was annoying and unnecessary. It was hard to read through (maybe it was just like that on the e-copy though?) and I wished it was just formatted normally.
This was a fun summery (okay, summery until the latter half of the book) read, and I really enjoyed this book. It was really easy to see Maya and Ant as real people, and it felt realistic, quirky, and fun. This is how slice of life should be done.
Thank you to Netgalley, Montlake, and Eden Appiah-Kubi for the ARC!
August 17, 2023
I wish I loved the book but it wasn't for me.
What I liked:
1) The cover.
2) Dual POV.
3) Representation of their sexual identities and mental health.
What I didn't like:
1) To keep it all the way real, I barely remember much of what happened. Very low intrigue, investment and bored for most of it. Breezed through resolving plot points. Everyone was so dull and the tone of each POV felt one note.
2) I am someone who can visualize a whole movie playing as I read. The fact that there were big chunks where things were going blank is a sign that the book wasn't giving descriptions that stick. Normally, I'd at least be able to pick out actors but it wasn't working out. 😕 I still don't even know what Ant looks like. If it wasn’t for the cover then it would’ve been the same for Maya.
3) Maya and Ant felt like misplaced YA or New Adult characters cosplaying as 30+yr old adults. Almost like the energy of two teenagers working at a summer camp or theme park. lol I couldn't even take Ant serious bc whenever something good or bad happened, he'd connect it to astrology un-ironically. My eyes would glaze over.
4) I didn't believe for a second that a romance made sense between Maya and Ant so I just didn't care about any of those developments. I mean, they have as much romantic chemistry as a slice of bread in a bucket full of water. Their dynamic was better when they were simply friends. Maya’s journey without the romance aspect would’ve been better.
Just a heads up: If you're very particular about the amount of pop culture references being mentioned in your books then I wouldn't suggest picking this up. There were excessive amounts of them. They generally don't bother me too much but it got to the point that even I couldn't stand it. If you don’t want to be reminded continuously (felt like every other page) that the story takes place during the pandemic then I’d say pass.
Thanks to NetGalley and Montlake for providing a copy for an honest review.
September 23, 2023
I enjoyed this authors previous book, so I was happy to read this book also. Unfortunately I didn't enjoy this one quite as much.
Her Own Happiness follows Maya, a 31 year old who has to move from Hawaii to Maryland, back in with her parents. Her best friend Ant decides to move with her, but while Maya is befriending a famous 'girlboss' and trying to make contacts for her career, Ant is realising he may have feelings for her.
The synopsis of this book had me excited. I love books following characters in their 30's going through a life change. Unfortunately, while Maya is described as being 31, she doesn't act like it. To me she came across incredibly immature. Firstly, her reason for having to move from Hawaii to her parents house is due to a fire. This is obviously unfortunate timing, as a month before this book was released the Maui wildfires happened, killing 100 people and burning thousands of acres of land. Obviously the current fire is unrelated to the fictional one in the story, but I couldn't help see Maya as being fairly self-centred in her thoughts about the situation. She acting as if the fire at the Ohana Center she worked at was a huge inconvenience to her, but her boss, a Hawaii native, lost her home in the fire. She also fails to put any thought towards any of the children who will be affected by the loss of the Center. She complains that she was "preparing for a very specific life that is gone" and "I earned my degree in December, and they’re mailing it out here" she says that "If the Ohana Center was still standing, I would have slid right into an assistant director position" Her sister points out that their parents still had her college fund sitting around and would help with room and board if she were in school. So she, has a safe place to live, she already has a degree, and her parents are able to fund her going back to school for a second degree if she chose to... but she is acting as though a fire that destroyed her boss' home, and the Center that was probably a safe space for many local youth has only ruined HER life, while completely ignoring her own privilege. I do understand that her mental health played a HUGE part of her mental state at this time, but it all came across to me as very immature, and something that a freshly 18 year old would act like.
Unfortunately this is not the only selfish display by Maya. As my other example happens later in the book, I'll avoid spoilers, but a friend is dealing with a scary and difficult situation, and Maya is AGAIN only thinking about herself. She literally even says "I’m trying not to be a bitch, but I’ve made two professional contacts..." and continues on to list things that other people are going through that is preventing her from advancing in her career...one of which being a medical emergency.
At the 25% mark, she finally acknowledges that living in a safe home with her parents wasn't exactly the worst thing in the world: "Finally, there was another big point of clarity: Her situation wasn’t unique. Many people had been forced to move in with their parents in the last year or so, and many more folks had been forced to let go of their carefully made plans. Something kept happening when she told an old family friend, or church member, or longtime neighbor why she was home: the other person inevitably had their own story of loss. Some had lost loved ones in the past year—not only to COVID but to new addictions or despair. Her aunt was getting a divorce. A high school acquaintance she’d run into had lost a job she loved after her day care center closed. A friend of Ella’s had moved home to help a parent with long COVID. Cousin Gigi had thought she had a minor case of COVID until she lost her sense of taste for six months (and counting). Lots of people were swimming in the same sea of confusion and pain." but as I mentioned, she acts selfishly at later parts of the novel regardless of having this inner thought. The inclusion of COVID in the novel was interesting, I had not read many books that are set during the very real pandemic, so it was definitely something different. I'm honestly not sure that I enjoyed it, and the authors note at the beginning says "This novel is not about the pandemic" and explains that it is merely set in 2021 during the real world...however I would argue that it IS in fact about the pandemic. I do appreciate the authors note to warm readers before going in, but the pandemic is mentioned SO MUCH.
To move onto some more positive points, something I loved in this authors previous novel that this also had, was the amazing amount of diversity and representation. Maya is an openly queer, plus-sized, black woman, and the book touched on each of these things many times throughout. The other main character, Ant, is asexual, and his sexuality is discussed at length throughout. While I can't speak to how well the representation is done, I really appreciated the ways in which it was discussed. I think it was explained enough for anyone who didn't have much knowledge of asexuality to understand, but not in a way that is tiresome for readers who already have an understanding. eg "Crushes that were very real at the time, which was probably why it took him extra long to figure out his orientation. He did feel butterflies when a woman took his breath away. He caught the spark of attraction in the middle of a conversation—the kind you move from the couch to the back porch at a party. He could distinguish between a pretty he admired and a pretty he desired. It was just that his desire didn’t involve sex. For the longest time he’d thought that meant he couldn’t be asexual—turned out he just wasn’t aromantic and asexual."
I've noticed that the book is tagged as romance first. I'm not sure I felt as if it was while reading. In fact it did feel like an interesting blend of genres. While the synopsis mentions Ant discovering his feelings for Maya, it didn't feel like the main part of the plot. I think maybe the book could've just been a coming of age fiction novel following the two characters. I also felt like when the character Emme was introduced, the book started to allude that she was maybe up to something, or some sort of reveal was going to happen, but it all sort of fizzled out. Maybe I was imagining there being a build up to something, who knows. That storyline just felt like it was going somewhere bigger.
I'm sad that I didn't enjoy this as much as Eden Appiah-Kubi's previous book, but I hope that this book can fall into the hands of the type of reader who will enjoy it much more than I did. Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with the arc.
Her Own Happiness follows Maya, a 31 year old who has to move from Hawaii to Maryland, back in with her parents. Her best friend Ant decides to move with her, but while Maya is befriending a famous 'girlboss' and trying to make contacts for her career, Ant is realising he may have feelings for her.
The synopsis of this book had me excited. I love books following characters in their 30's going through a life change. Unfortunately, while Maya is described as being 31, she doesn't act like it. To me she came across incredibly immature. Firstly, her reason for having to move from Hawaii to her parents house is due to a fire. This is obviously unfortunate timing, as a month before this book was released the Maui wildfires happened, killing 100 people and burning thousands of acres of land. Obviously the current fire is unrelated to the fictional one in the story, but I couldn't help see Maya as being fairly self-centred in her thoughts about the situation. She acting as if the fire at the Ohana Center she worked at was a huge inconvenience to her, but her boss, a Hawaii native, lost her home in the fire. She also fails to put any thought towards any of the children who will be affected by the loss of the Center. She complains that she was "preparing for a very specific life that is gone" and "I earned my degree in December, and they’re mailing it out here" she says that "If the Ohana Center was still standing, I would have slid right into an assistant director position" Her sister points out that their parents still had her college fund sitting around and would help with room and board if she were in school. So she, has a safe place to live, she already has a degree, and her parents are able to fund her going back to school for a second degree if she chose to... but she is acting as though a fire that destroyed her boss' home, and the Center that was probably a safe space for many local youth has only ruined HER life, while completely ignoring her own privilege. I do understand that her mental health played a HUGE part of her mental state at this time, but it all came across to me as very immature, and something that a freshly 18 year old would act like.
Unfortunately this is not the only selfish display by Maya. As my other example happens later in the book, I'll avoid spoilers, but a friend is dealing with a scary and difficult situation, and Maya is AGAIN only thinking about herself. She literally even says "I’m trying not to be a bitch, but I’ve made two professional contacts..." and continues on to list things that other people are going through that is preventing her from advancing in her career...one of which being a medical emergency.
At the 25% mark, she finally acknowledges that living in a safe home with her parents wasn't exactly the worst thing in the world: "Finally, there was another big point of clarity: Her situation wasn’t unique. Many people had been forced to move in with their parents in the last year or so, and many more folks had been forced to let go of their carefully made plans. Something kept happening when she told an old family friend, or church member, or longtime neighbor why she was home: the other person inevitably had their own story of loss. Some had lost loved ones in the past year—not only to COVID but to new addictions or despair. Her aunt was getting a divorce. A high school acquaintance she’d run into had lost a job she loved after her day care center closed. A friend of Ella’s had moved home to help a parent with long COVID. Cousin Gigi had thought she had a minor case of COVID until she lost her sense of taste for six months (and counting). Lots of people were swimming in the same sea of confusion and pain." but as I mentioned, she acts selfishly at later parts of the novel regardless of having this inner thought. The inclusion of COVID in the novel was interesting, I had not read many books that are set during the very real pandemic, so it was definitely something different. I'm honestly not sure that I enjoyed it, and the authors note at the beginning says "This novel is not about the pandemic" and explains that it is merely set in 2021 during the real world...however I would argue that it IS in fact about the pandemic. I do appreciate the authors note to warm readers before going in, but the pandemic is mentioned SO MUCH.
To move onto some more positive points, something I loved in this authors previous novel that this also had, was the amazing amount of diversity and representation. Maya is an openly queer, plus-sized, black woman, and the book touched on each of these things many times throughout. The other main character, Ant, is asexual, and his sexuality is discussed at length throughout. While I can't speak to how well the representation is done, I really appreciated the ways in which it was discussed. I think it was explained enough for anyone who didn't have much knowledge of asexuality to understand, but not in a way that is tiresome for readers who already have an understanding. eg "Crushes that were very real at the time, which was probably why it took him extra long to figure out his orientation. He did feel butterflies when a woman took his breath away. He caught the spark of attraction in the middle of a conversation—the kind you move from the couch to the back porch at a party. He could distinguish between a pretty he admired and a pretty he desired. It was just that his desire didn’t involve sex. For the longest time he’d thought that meant he couldn’t be asexual—turned out he just wasn’t aromantic and asexual."
I've noticed that the book is tagged as romance first. I'm not sure I felt as if it was while reading. In fact it did feel like an interesting blend of genres. While the synopsis mentions Ant discovering his feelings for Maya, it didn't feel like the main part of the plot. I think maybe the book could've just been a coming of age fiction novel following the two characters. I also felt like when the character Emme was introduced, the book started to allude that she was maybe up to something, or some sort of reveal was going to happen, but it all sort of fizzled out. Maybe I was imagining there being a build up to something, who knows. That storyline just felt like it was going somewhere bigger.
I'm sad that I didn't enjoy this as much as Eden Appiah-Kubi's previous book, but I hope that this book can fall into the hands of the type of reader who will enjoy it much more than I did. Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with the arc.
August 12, 2025
I really enjoyed this story about two queer, Black friends in their early 30s trying to figure out life during the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. When the lockdown throws her life into chaos, Maya, a fat, queer, woman decides to move back home to DC and not willing to lose her friendship, her ace friend Ant follows, leaving his homeland of Hawaii for the first time.
This book is set solidly in during the height of the pandemic in 2021 with all the anxieties, Zoom calls, isolation and mental fatigue that came along with that time. It may be too soon for some but others may find solace reading about others who struggled, especially young Black millennials.
Aside from the growing pains of resetting your life in a crazy time, the story also focuses on the the friendship between Maya and Ant as Ant starts to develop more than platonic feelings for Maya and they explore what an allo/ace relationship might look like.
This was my first book by Eden Appiah-Kubi and I'm excited to go and read her debut, The Bennet women next. It was also good on audio narrated by Tamika Katon-Donegal. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!
This book is set solidly in during the height of the pandemic in 2021 with all the anxieties, Zoom calls, isolation and mental fatigue that came along with that time. It may be too soon for some but others may find solace reading about others who struggled, especially young Black millennials.
Aside from the growing pains of resetting your life in a crazy time, the story also focuses on the the friendship between Maya and Ant as Ant starts to develop more than platonic feelings for Maya and they explore what an allo/ace relationship might look like.
This was my first book by Eden Appiah-Kubi and I'm excited to go and read her debut, The Bennet women next. It was also good on audio narrated by Tamika Katon-Donegal. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!
September 22, 2023
The cover is beautiful!
I am a plus sized woman in my 30s. I decided to read this book because I thought it would be relatable. While I could relate to several things in the book, I felt like something was missing. It was uneventful and kind of dull to me.
I wanted to love this book. I decided to stop reading at 70%.
I am a plus sized woman in my 30s. I decided to read this book because I thought it would be relatable. While I could relate to several things in the book, I felt like something was missing. It was uneventful and kind of dull to me.
I wanted to love this book. I decided to stop reading at 70%.
October 15, 2023
This was a disappointment for me. If the characters were straight out of high school and this was labeled as young adult, the story may have gone over better. But as a 30+ year old, black woman (like our main character) the overall story was unrelatable. It was choppy, underwhelming, and underdeveloped.
This really missed the mark for me.
This really missed the mark for me.
February 7, 2024
First and foremost, I want to make it very clear that this book has exceptional fat and queer representation. Like seriously so so good. Both MCs are Fat and queer, one pansexual and one asexual.
It hurts me a little bit to say that this isn't a favorite but after I've sat with it for a minute the reason it's not a favorite is because of the marketing and not because of the book. This book is not a romance. It was recommended to me as an adult romance and so that's what I expected going in. I don't do my own research because I have issues and so I didn't read any other reviews or synopses or anything. I just went for it. I knew it had fat representation and asexual representation and I was obviously going to read it. But unfortunately for me that meant that I spent the entirety of this book waiting for these two characters to figure their shit out and technically they kind of do but this isn't a romance.
This is an adult coming of age. We have characters in their 30s figuring their shit out in a world right after 2020. Despite it now being 2024, I haven't read many books with COVID in them. I don't use the term post pandemic because the pandemic is not over. It might be over for seemingly able-bodied healthy individuals but COVID is very much still a real and dangerous and life-threatening thing and we should still be masking. Anyway, I haven't read very many books that actually address COVID and what life was like during the lockdown portion of 2020 and 2021.
The vast majority of the chapter POVs are from our FMC who moves from Hawaii back to live with her parents and she struggles a lot to find her own path and her own way forward. She gets kind of caught up in this girl boss mentality and allows herself to be molded into someone that she isn't necessarily. And then we have maybe a quarter of the chapters from her best friends POV where he moved to be with her and his perspectives are more about him figuring out that he's in love with her even though he's asexual and figuring out what that means for both himself and their future as friends and potential partners.
I wish we got more of his perspective but that's mostly just because I really need more fat asexual men in my life. We have more ace representation than we ever have had before but our representation is still very white and mostly women. I really lived for his chapters and perspective on being a fat BIPOC asexual man.
All in all, this is a book that I think that more people should read and has a very widespread audience. I do think it's really important to note that this is not a romance and to get your expectations in line before starting. That being said I really do look forward to reading more of this author's books.
It hurts me a little bit to say that this isn't a favorite but after I've sat with it for a minute the reason it's not a favorite is because of the marketing and not because of the book. This book is not a romance. It was recommended to me as an adult romance and so that's what I expected going in. I don't do my own research because I have issues and so I didn't read any other reviews or synopses or anything. I just went for it. I knew it had fat representation and asexual representation and I was obviously going to read it. But unfortunately for me that meant that I spent the entirety of this book waiting for these two characters to figure their shit out and technically they kind of do but this isn't a romance.
This is an adult coming of age. We have characters in their 30s figuring their shit out in a world right after 2020. Despite it now being 2024, I haven't read many books with COVID in them. I don't use the term post pandemic because the pandemic is not over. It might be over for seemingly able-bodied healthy individuals but COVID is very much still a real and dangerous and life-threatening thing and we should still be masking. Anyway, I haven't read very many books that actually address COVID and what life was like during the lockdown portion of 2020 and 2021.
The vast majority of the chapter POVs are from our FMC who moves from Hawaii back to live with her parents and she struggles a lot to find her own path and her own way forward. She gets kind of caught up in this girl boss mentality and allows herself to be molded into someone that she isn't necessarily. And then we have maybe a quarter of the chapters from her best friends POV where he moved to be with her and his perspectives are more about him figuring out that he's in love with her even though he's asexual and figuring out what that means for both himself and their future as friends and potential partners.
I wish we got more of his perspective but that's mostly just because I really need more fat asexual men in my life. We have more ace representation than we ever have had before but our representation is still very white and mostly women. I really lived for his chapters and perspective on being a fat BIPOC asexual man.
All in all, this is a book that I think that more people should read and has a very widespread audience. I do think it's really important to note that this is not a romance and to get your expectations in line before starting. That being said I really do look forward to reading more of this author's books.
October 14, 2023
This was an okay read for me but at certain points I found the book to be rather bland. Nothing about it really stands out besides the plus-size and sexuality representation. The characters have vulnerabilities but lack actual depth. I wasn’t fond of the ending either but the author takes us on a journey with Maya as she struggles to rediscover herself and find her footing in the world amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
We’re given a dual POV from Maya and Ant which gives readers a better insight into their friendship and what both characters think of each other. It didn’t really give romance to me because I didn’t feel any real chemistry between the characters. The romantic aspects were really a sub-plot in the novel. Maya and Ant’s relationship was bound by codependency which was really on Ant’s part. The way the dialogue was written I felt they’d just been friends for so long that after awhile one of them grew feelings. But it was never anything strong enough to build a romantic relationship. Which we kind of see that in one part of the novel where Ant gets rejected by Maya.
Overall, this was decent some readers may find it very relatable. The flow and pacing were really slow so I found myself a little bored at times. This wasn’t a total fav for me but you might enjoy it. Special thanks to the author & #Montlake @amazonpublishing for my gifted copy!!!
Rating: 3.5/5⭐️
We’re given a dual POV from Maya and Ant which gives readers a better insight into their friendship and what both characters think of each other. It didn’t really give romance to me because I didn’t feel any real chemistry between the characters. The romantic aspects were really a sub-plot in the novel. Maya and Ant’s relationship was bound by codependency which was really on Ant’s part. The way the dialogue was written I felt they’d just been friends for so long that after awhile one of them grew feelings. But it was never anything strong enough to build a romantic relationship. Which we kind of see that in one part of the novel where Ant gets rejected by Maya.
Overall, this was decent some readers may find it very relatable. The flow and pacing were really slow so I found myself a little bored at times. This wasn’t a total fav for me but you might enjoy it. Special thanks to the author & #Montlake @amazonpublishing for my gifted copy!!!
Rating: 3.5/5⭐️
October 21, 2023
This is a heartwarming journey of self-discovery and friendship complicated by shifting emotions. Maya grapples with the daunting task of rebuilding her world from scratch after her dreams come crashing down. At the core of the story is the endearing friendship between Maya and Ant, a friendship with unwavering support in the face of life's uncertainties. Appiah-Kubi beautifully captures the genuine warmth and emotional depth of their relationship.
Delving into themes of mental health, the story delicately and authentically addresses the challenges of grappling with depression. There is also a lovely representation of an asexual relationship in all of its facets, offering a refreshing and much-needed portrayal of diverse identities within the realm of contemporary romance.
Appiah-Kubi's sensitive and thoughtful storytelling fosters a deep sense of connection with the characters and the end leaves readers with a renewed sense of hope and optimism for the journey ahead. Loved it!
Thank you to the author and Montlake for the eARC! This is an honest review.
Delving into themes of mental health, the story delicately and authentically addresses the challenges of grappling with depression. There is also a lovely representation of an asexual relationship in all of its facets, offering a refreshing and much-needed portrayal of diverse identities within the realm of contemporary romance.
Appiah-Kubi's sensitive and thoughtful storytelling fosters a deep sense of connection with the characters and the end leaves readers with a renewed sense of hope and optimism for the journey ahead. Loved it!
Thank you to the author and Montlake for the eARC! This is an honest review.
February 25, 2024
I adored The Bennet Women, so when I found out about Her Own Happiness two weeks ago, I had to buy it and read it immediately. And of course I loved it!
Given that The Bennet Women is a loose P&P retelling, I strongly suspected Her Own Happiness was also Austen-inspired. I enjoyed the hunt for clues of which Austen story it might be and the moment 27% in when I finally spotted it. The parallels become increasingly obvious (at one point explicit) as the book progresses, but it’s definitely a sideways take on Austen and a thought-provoking look at how her characters might exist in 2021 North America.
Like The Bennet Women, this book is not a typical romance. It’s more of a coming-of-age, a slice-of-life, with a queer, slow-burn, friends-to-maybe-more relationship at its heart. It’s a quiet, character-driven book. It’s a time capsule of 2021 – and although the content note at the beginning declares it is not really about the pandemic, I would argue that it is, very much, about the pandemic.
Maya is a thirty-one-year-old fat queer Black woman whose life and plans burn down and she’s forced to return to her parents’ house and start from scratch. Ant is a twenty-five-year-old asexual Black man who would rather move five thousand miles across the globe to follow his best friend Maya than figure out how to be on his own. Maya is struggling with depression and to be frank, I, like Ant and Maya herself, didn’t really acknowledge it until right at the end of the book. I definitely finished this with a lump in my throat.
Amid Maya and Ant’s endings and beginnings is a large cast of characters who are also going through their own life changes. Maya’s parents’ fridge is now full of meal kits and reality shows are playing on their telly. Ant’s mom is struggling with the mental load of her healthcare work. Many of the characters are immunocompromised, or at least conscious of masking and meeting outdoors. Even the rich Emme Vivant has her own pandemic struggles, showing the levelling effect of illness and how it can affect anyone…however, due to her money and resources, she can handle it in ways our main characters cannot.
Eden Appiah-Kubi is excellent at working in those small details that immerse you in a world and time. This gives the twin effects of a slowish pace and many unresolved questions, but this book is true to life, as a web of interlinking conflicts and journeys, and leaves you satisfied enough that Maya and Ant have reached a place where they can take it from here.
This book is well worth the read. But do take care; it will hit close to home.
Given that The Bennet Women is a loose P&P retelling, I strongly suspected Her Own Happiness was also Austen-inspired. I enjoyed the hunt for clues of which Austen story it might be and the moment 27% in when I finally spotted it. The parallels become increasingly obvious (at one point explicit) as the book progresses, but it’s definitely a sideways take on Austen and a thought-provoking look at how her characters might exist in 2021 North America.
Like The Bennet Women, this book is not a typical romance. It’s more of a coming-of-age, a slice-of-life, with a queer, slow-burn, friends-to-maybe-more relationship at its heart. It’s a quiet, character-driven book. It’s a time capsule of 2021 – and although the content note at the beginning declares it is not really about the pandemic, I would argue that it is, very much, about the pandemic.
Maya is a thirty-one-year-old fat queer Black woman whose life and plans burn down and she’s forced to return to her parents’ house and start from scratch. Ant is a twenty-five-year-old asexual Black man who would rather move five thousand miles across the globe to follow his best friend Maya than figure out how to be on his own. Maya is struggling with depression and to be frank, I, like Ant and Maya herself, didn’t really acknowledge it until right at the end of the book. I definitely finished this with a lump in my throat.
Amid Maya and Ant’s endings and beginnings is a large cast of characters who are also going through their own life changes. Maya’s parents’ fridge is now full of meal kits and reality shows are playing on their telly. Ant’s mom is struggling with the mental load of her healthcare work. Many of the characters are immunocompromised, or at least conscious of masking and meeting outdoors. Even the rich Emme Vivant has her own pandemic struggles, showing the levelling effect of illness and how it can affect anyone…however, due to her money and resources, she can handle it in ways our main characters cannot.
Eden Appiah-Kubi is excellent at working in those small details that immerse you in a world and time. This gives the twin effects of a slowish pace and many unresolved questions, but this book is true to life, as a web of interlinking conflicts and journeys, and leaves you satisfied enough that Maya and Ant have reached a place where they can take it from here.
This book is well worth the read. But do take care; it will hit close to home.
September 3, 2023
In Eden Appiah-Kubi's heartwarming novel, "Her Own Happiness," readers are taken on a journey of self-discovery, friendship, and the beauty of coming of age, no matter how old you may be. Set against the backdrop of life's unexpected twists and turns, this compassionate and refreshing tale introduces us to Maya Davis, a woman whose life takes a dramatic turn on her thirty-first birthday.
Maya's life appears to be nothing short of paradise until a series of unfortunate events shatter her apartment, her career, and her dreams in the most dramatic fashion possible. Suddenly, she finds herself packing her life into two suitcases and heading back to her parents' home in Maryland, desperately searching for a plan B. It's not exactly the birthday celebration she had in mind.
Right by her side throughout this tumultuous transition is Ant, Maya's best friend. While she's returning home, Ant is embarking on his own adventure, leaving home for the very first time. Despite the physical distance between them, Ant can't seem to separate himself from Maya—and he's not entirely sure he wants to.
As Maya settles into her new life back in Maryland, she sets her top priority as finding a career, or at least a job with health insurance. However, fate has a funny way of intervening when she crosses paths with Emme Vivant, an influential "girlboss" who believes Maya has untapped potential. Suddenly, Maya's life is filled with new contacts, new clothes, and the prospect of a brighter future that just might make her return home worthwhile. But in the midst of this newfound opportunity, Maya must grapple with the question: Is she finally in control of her life, or is she losing herself in the process?
While Maya navigates the twists and turns of her life, Ant's platonic feelings for her begin to deepen. He watches as his best friend seems to be moving forward without him. It's a poignant and relatable exploration of how friendships can evolve and change over time.
"Her Own Happiness" is a tender and vibrant novel that teaches us that finding the right path in life may not matter as much as finding ourselves and those who walk beside us on our journey. Eden Appiah-Kubi's writing is both heartfelt and relatable, making it easy for readers to connect with Maya and Ant's stories. The characters are beautifully developed, and their growth throughout the novel is both inspiring and authentic.
One of the standout features of the book is its exploration of the themes of friendship and self-discovery. It reminds us that it's never too late to come of age and discover our true selves, no matter how old we are. Maya's journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of personal growth.
In "Her Own Happiness," Eden Appiah-Kubi has crafted a story that will resonate with readers of all ages. It's a tale of hope, second chances, and the enduring bonds of friendship. So, if you're looking for a compassionate and refreshing read that will tug at your heartstrings and leave you with a smile, "Her Own Happiness" is a must-read. Grab a copy, settle in, and let Maya and Ant's journey inspire you to embrace life's unexpected twists with an open heart and an unwavering spirit.
Maya's life appears to be nothing short of paradise until a series of unfortunate events shatter her apartment, her career, and her dreams in the most dramatic fashion possible. Suddenly, she finds herself packing her life into two suitcases and heading back to her parents' home in Maryland, desperately searching for a plan B. It's not exactly the birthday celebration she had in mind.
Right by her side throughout this tumultuous transition is Ant, Maya's best friend. While she's returning home, Ant is embarking on his own adventure, leaving home for the very first time. Despite the physical distance between them, Ant can't seem to separate himself from Maya—and he's not entirely sure he wants to.
As Maya settles into her new life back in Maryland, she sets her top priority as finding a career, or at least a job with health insurance. However, fate has a funny way of intervening when she crosses paths with Emme Vivant, an influential "girlboss" who believes Maya has untapped potential. Suddenly, Maya's life is filled with new contacts, new clothes, and the prospect of a brighter future that just might make her return home worthwhile. But in the midst of this newfound opportunity, Maya must grapple with the question: Is she finally in control of her life, or is she losing herself in the process?
While Maya navigates the twists and turns of her life, Ant's platonic feelings for her begin to deepen. He watches as his best friend seems to be moving forward without him. It's a poignant and relatable exploration of how friendships can evolve and change over time.
"Her Own Happiness" is a tender and vibrant novel that teaches us that finding the right path in life may not matter as much as finding ourselves and those who walk beside us on our journey. Eden Appiah-Kubi's writing is both heartfelt and relatable, making it easy for readers to connect with Maya and Ant's stories. The characters are beautifully developed, and their growth throughout the novel is both inspiring and authentic.
One of the standout features of the book is its exploration of the themes of friendship and self-discovery. It reminds us that it's never too late to come of age and discover our true selves, no matter how old we are. Maya's journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of personal growth.
In "Her Own Happiness," Eden Appiah-Kubi has crafted a story that will resonate with readers of all ages. It's a tale of hope, second chances, and the enduring bonds of friendship. So, if you're looking for a compassionate and refreshing read that will tug at your heartstrings and leave you with a smile, "Her Own Happiness" is a must-read. Grab a copy, settle in, and let Maya and Ant's journey inspire you to embrace life's unexpected twists with an open heart and an unwavering spirit.
October 3, 2023
I adored this compassionate and compelling story from start to finish! Her Own Happiness by Eden Appiah-Kubi is an escape into friendship, self-discovery, and coming-of-age (no matter your age). I found this story to be a love letter to open hearts and unwavering spirits.
Meet Maya Davis. Her life took a turn on her thirty-first birthday. She finds herself packing her life into two suitcases and moving back to her parents’ home to formulate a plan. Happy Birthday, right? Will Maya be able to keep from losing herself as she tries to find her way? Meet Ant. He’s leaving home for the first time. Just as his best friend is moving home. Will the distance be too much for their friendship, or will feelings deepen?
I found this story to be a relatable exploration of how friendships can evolve and change over time. A tender read, I found myself really loving the message and relating to it. Basically, finding the “right” path in life isn’t as important as the people who walk with you, and don’t leave your side. I also was here for the representation Appiah-Kubi wove into the story.
Featuring a plus-sized, queer Black female main character and a plus-sized, asexual Afro-Latino male main character, this story was everything I wanted and didn’t know I needed. I highly recommend this if you’re looking for something to get you all up in your feels, it’s beautifully written and is deep with meaning.
Meet Maya Davis. Her life took a turn on her thirty-first birthday. She finds herself packing her life into two suitcases and moving back to her parents’ home to formulate a plan. Happy Birthday, right? Will Maya be able to keep from losing herself as she tries to find her way? Meet Ant. He’s leaving home for the first time. Just as his best friend is moving home. Will the distance be too much for their friendship, or will feelings deepen?
I found this story to be a relatable exploration of how friendships can evolve and change over time. A tender read, I found myself really loving the message and relating to it. Basically, finding the “right” path in life isn’t as important as the people who walk with you, and don’t leave your side. I also was here for the representation Appiah-Kubi wove into the story.
Featuring a plus-sized, queer Black female main character and a plus-sized, asexual Afro-Latino male main character, this story was everything I wanted and didn’t know I needed. I highly recommend this if you’re looking for something to get you all up in your feels, it’s beautifully written and is deep with meaning.
October 8, 2023
I probably would have DNF'd this book if it hadn't been for the audiobook because it just really wasn't for me. Although, at the end, it has this truly fantastic line referencing Lexapro, which I like to joke is a medication that should make me a sponsor because I literally will not shut up about how it changed my life. So loved that. The book got a whole bonus half star for it. Essentially, Her Own Happiness follows a woman whose life is falling apart and she's having to move home and in wit her parents, who live in the DC area. Her best friend decides to move with her because he's... well, he's in love with her, but he's ace and so he thinks that it is just a deep platonic love. The two of them then proceed to have their own solo journeys to self-actualization with the romance taking not even a back seat, but like stowed away in the trunk. And the solo journeys are not equal, with our FMC's taking much more space. And that is, I think, where my issues arose. Because what was this book trying to be? It didn't feel like a romance because the romance was not at all a focus beyond the two of them thinking about one another a good amount. But the page time they share? Limited. And how can you have an only one bed trope where I still feel like I got no page time with the two of them together?? I truly cannot explain how this book did not work for me because on the one hand, it seems like it should have and on the other hand, I was desperately bored. Anyway, if occasional talk of religion (Christianity specifically), trying to sort out your career after everything has fallen apart, and family dynamics are things that interest you, give this one a shot.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the e-ARC.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the e-ARC.
October 19, 2023
Meh
This was an okay read for me. There were a lot of relatable moments. I think the uncertainty and the heightened caution of the pandemic was illustrated well. It felt like the author tried too hard to be inclusive and to address as many social issues as possible. It came off as awkward and preachy. The storyline of the “girlboss” taking Maya under her wing was creepy. I just wanted that part to end. The angst between asexual Ant and lesbian Maya felt so forced. Their dynamic went from weird to weirder as the story went on. There was a potential for a good story, but it got lost in the delivery.
This was an okay read for me. There were a lot of relatable moments. I think the uncertainty and the heightened caution of the pandemic was illustrated well. It felt like the author tried too hard to be inclusive and to address as many social issues as possible. It came off as awkward and preachy. The storyline of the “girlboss” taking Maya under her wing was creepy. I just wanted that part to end. The angst between asexual Ant and lesbian Maya felt so forced. Their dynamic went from weird to weirder as the story went on. There was a potential for a good story, but it got lost in the delivery.
August 8, 2023
I really enjoyed following Maya and Ant’s story and how they both had to find themselves after experiencing major changes in their lives. As they navigate through the changes this friendship of 6+ years founds themselves at a crossroad where they have to find who they truly are separately, Her Own Happiness also shows how it is-so easy for people to allow themselves to be the solid foundation for others that we forget that we need to lean on someone too and that it’s okay to admit “we are not okay.”
February 22, 2024
Rating 2.5.....I wanted to like it, but it bored me. I had to keep going back because I was forgetting what was happening. I'm going to try another book from this author. Maybe the next one will be better.
February 3, 2024
This was a great story or how life hit during COVID-19. it was especially hard for marginalized communities. Finding love in your best friend.
April 1, 2024
Rating: 3.75 stars.
More thoughts to come soon
More thoughts to come soon
May 27, 2024
3.5 ⭐️ rounding up. Full review to come. Ahhh I’m so behind on reviews. I will rectify that soon!
August 16, 2023
We follow the lives of two characters as they struggle to discover their place, their calling, and their happiness both within and outside of each other. These characters are Maya (who is fat, black and queer) and Ant (who is tall, black, and an asexual).
Maya’s life shutdown due to COVID and had to return home and live with her parents in Washington, DC, and Ant — her best friend of 7 years tagged along. Ant is hoping to get a Smithsonian internship and Maya meets a socialite billionaire who wants to make her her protégé and give her a full makeover. Just like that. Now the question is what’s the catch with the billionaire acquaintance and what’s gonna happen to Ant should he not get the internship after leaving everything behind to follow Maya because he does not want to not be around her?
The writing is simple and engaging. The character development is impeccable. The book is in dual POV which definitely offers dimensions to the narrative as we get to see both characters' perspectives. In dual POV stories I consistently observe that one character is intelligent while the other is foolish and inadvertently makes poor choices. At times I found both characters to be insufferable.
The author touches on topics like sexuality, friendships, self discovery, moving on and mental health, particularly the harm caused by COVID.
It took me a while to get into this book and once I did, I discovered that I really liked the cosy, endearing plot. The conclusion came quite quickly. Although I am aware that is the case with practically every book, this felt way too hurried.
If you're looking for representation, a palate cleanser or a book that embraces the COVID timeframe then I highly recommend this.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Maya’s life shutdown due to COVID and had to return home and live with her parents in Washington, DC, and Ant — her best friend of 7 years tagged along. Ant is hoping to get a Smithsonian internship and Maya meets a socialite billionaire who wants to make her her protégé and give her a full makeover. Just like that. Now the question is what’s the catch with the billionaire acquaintance and what’s gonna happen to Ant should he not get the internship after leaving everything behind to follow Maya because he does not want to not be around her?
The writing is simple and engaging. The character development is impeccable. The book is in dual POV which definitely offers dimensions to the narrative as we get to see both characters' perspectives. In dual POV stories I consistently observe that one character is intelligent while the other is foolish and inadvertently makes poor choices. At times I found both characters to be insufferable.
The author touches on topics like sexuality, friendships, self discovery, moving on and mental health, particularly the harm caused by COVID.
It took me a while to get into this book and once I did, I discovered that I really liked the cosy, endearing plot. The conclusion came quite quickly. Although I am aware that is the case with practically every book, this felt way too hurried.
If you're looking for representation, a palate cleanser or a book that embraces the COVID timeframe then I highly recommend this.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read
March 9, 2024DNF the main character is just a pick me whiny annoying person and I don’t want to read about that
October 6, 2023
Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with an E-Arc in exchange for an honest review.
CW: Depression
2 / 5 Stars
If anyone following my reviews is wondering as to why it took me ages - no really, months - to finish this, well, here's why:
The depression rep.
The way we included Maya's depression just for the book to depict her "recovery" from it in less than a chapter, less than half a chapter, less than 5% of a chapter even, was so ridiculous, I couldn't decide whether I should laugh, scream or cry. There are some nice one-liner quotes in it, but they don't really do it for me. I like to see my fellow mental health struggling folks struggling please. And no, a few self help, think positive:D, Youtube videos will not fix things. The whole book then proceeds to ignore the depression, besides one - max. two - blink and you'll miss it throwaway lines, just for the book to recall that "Oh yeah, MC was depressed" about 15 pages before the end. And then it has the audacity to claim that she was depressed all the time and of course she was and of course we should have seen that that was the case. The fact that the author suffered from depression and should therefore know how to not write depression rep, makes this even more sad.
The love story didnt do this book any favours either, given that it's not really developed and pushed into the back until the end where it comes kind of out of nowhere.
On top of that, I felt like Ant as a character was kind of underdevelopped, especially after his confession, when he figures that yeah, he might have been too clingy and needy, just for him to (maybe) get development off page.
The book is clearly trying, and I appreciate the inclusion & handling of the virus, but other than that, it's just lacking and missing and not quite where it wants to be.
I wanted to like this book so bad, since it features not one, but 2 fat queer MCs. One of them is even fat AND asexual. Which is something I've wanted - needed - in my life for a long while now. But alas, it wasn't meant to be.
Final Thoughts:
This was a rough read. And not one I particulary enjoyed.
CW: Depression
2 / 5 Stars
If anyone following my reviews is wondering as to why it took me ages - no really, months - to finish this, well, here's why:
The depression rep.
The way we included Maya's depression just for the book to depict her "recovery" from it in less than a chapter, less than half a chapter, less than 5% of a chapter even, was so ridiculous, I couldn't decide whether I should laugh, scream or cry. There are some nice one-liner quotes in it, but they don't really do it for me. I like to see my fellow mental health struggling folks struggling please. And no, a few self help, think positive:D, Youtube videos will not fix things. The whole book then proceeds to ignore the depression, besides one - max. two - blink and you'll miss it throwaway lines, just for the book to recall that "Oh yeah, MC was depressed" about 15 pages before the end. And then it has the audacity to claim that she was depressed all the time and of course she was and of course we should have seen that that was the case. The fact that the author suffered from depression and should therefore know how to not write depression rep, makes this even more sad.
The love story didnt do this book any favours either, given that it's not really developed and pushed into the back until the end where it comes kind of out of nowhere.
On top of that, I felt like Ant as a character was kind of underdevelopped, especially after his confession, when he figures that yeah, he might have been too clingy and needy, just for him to (maybe) get development off page.
The book is clearly trying, and I appreciate the inclusion & handling of the virus, but other than that, it's just lacking and missing and not quite where it wants to be.
I wanted to like this book so bad, since it features not one, but 2 fat queer MCs. One of them is even fat AND asexual. Which is something I've wanted - needed - in my life for a long while now. But alas, it wasn't meant to be.
Final Thoughts:
This was a rough read. And not one I particulary enjoyed.
Read
September 5, 2023A beautiful, life-affirming novel about identity, renewal, and having grace with oneself as well as others. Readers will see themselves in Maya’s inward and outward journey of self-discovery. HER OWN HAPPINESS is a delight! I loved Ant and Maya. Their friendship was lovely and I enjoyed seeing both ace and pan rep in this novel. There are so many different kinds of love, and it’s nice to see examples of that in media.
I also enjoyed the regional call-outs and the references to the pandemic and the aftereffects of lockdown. Maya and Ant’s worries and their masking—both literal and figurative—were all too recognizable and relatable. Still, the pandemic isn’t the main focus of this book, just an aspect that helps explain some of the choices Maya and Ant make.
A great, feel-good read that makes you think and will have you rooting for the characters!
I also enjoyed the regional call-outs and the references to the pandemic and the aftereffects of lockdown. Maya and Ant’s worries and their masking—both literal and figurative—were all too recognizable and relatable. Still, the pandemic isn’t the main focus of this book, just an aspect that helps explain some of the choices Maya and Ant make.
A great, feel-good read that makes you think and will have you rooting for the characters!
August 20, 2023
Her Own Happiness by Eden Appiah-Kubi is an exciting and thought-provoking novel about the challenges of self-discovery, friendship, and navigating life’s unexpected twists.
Set against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, the story follows Maya and Ant as they navigate the swirling world of uncertainty, each looking for their own path to happiness. Maya, a resilient and connected heroine, is torn from her comfortable life in Hawaii because of circumstances beyond her control. Her move back to her parents’ home in Maryland was the beginning of a remarkable transition. Together with her steadfast best friend Ant, whose unwavering support and platonic love provides a solid foundation, Maya faces the challenges of rebuilding her life with grit and grace.
The dual perspectives provided by the alternating perspectives of Maya and Ant add depth and richness to the story. They give the reader a front row seat to their inner struggles, hopes, and dreams. Meeting Maya with the mysterious Emme Vivant, an affable person with big plans, presents an exciting opportunity for a new future, but at what cost? The dynamics of this relationship and Maya’s growth make an intriguing and compelling story.
Maya's journey resonates greatly, reflecting the challenges many individuals face during the epidemic, while also providing a beacon of hope for those seeking their own happiness. Including diverse and LGBTQ+ characters add authenticity and connection, and it makes the story even richer.
The local and cultural references add a bit of familiarity to those familiar with the region, while the imagery of the COVID-19 era is a poignant reminder of shared experiences and humanity of resilience in difficult times.
Though the book takes a leisurely pace, allowing for character development and introspection, the exciting, feel-good twists and turns in the plot will more than make up for anything considered slow.
In a world where finding your identity and true happiness can be elusive, Her Own Happiness shines as a beacon of authenticity, empathy, and connection. The author has written a story with themes of strength, resilience and the power of real friendship making this book a must-read.
If you want to be swept away on a journey of self-discovery, laughter, and ultimately personal happiness, add this to your TBR.
Set against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, the story follows Maya and Ant as they navigate the swirling world of uncertainty, each looking for their own path to happiness. Maya, a resilient and connected heroine, is torn from her comfortable life in Hawaii because of circumstances beyond her control. Her move back to her parents’ home in Maryland was the beginning of a remarkable transition. Together with her steadfast best friend Ant, whose unwavering support and platonic love provides a solid foundation, Maya faces the challenges of rebuilding her life with grit and grace.
The dual perspectives provided by the alternating perspectives of Maya and Ant add depth and richness to the story. They give the reader a front row seat to their inner struggles, hopes, and dreams. Meeting Maya with the mysterious Emme Vivant, an affable person with big plans, presents an exciting opportunity for a new future, but at what cost? The dynamics of this relationship and Maya’s growth make an intriguing and compelling story.
Maya's journey resonates greatly, reflecting the challenges many individuals face during the epidemic, while also providing a beacon of hope for those seeking their own happiness. Including diverse and LGBTQ+ characters add authenticity and connection, and it makes the story even richer.
The local and cultural references add a bit of familiarity to those familiar with the region, while the imagery of the COVID-19 era is a poignant reminder of shared experiences and humanity of resilience in difficult times.
Though the book takes a leisurely pace, allowing for character development and introspection, the exciting, feel-good twists and turns in the plot will more than make up for anything considered slow.
In a world where finding your identity and true happiness can be elusive, Her Own Happiness shines as a beacon of authenticity, empathy, and connection. The author has written a story with themes of strength, resilience and the power of real friendship making this book a must-read.
If you want to be swept away on a journey of self-discovery, laughter, and ultimately personal happiness, add this to your TBR.
August 12, 2023
This was an emotional, heartfelt, raw, and beautiful story. I loved this authors first novel, The Bennet Women, and the way she blends the plot with complex and compelling diverse, LGBTQ+ character arcs. I really loved this book too even when it made me cry! The author managed to capture the weirdness, the fear of the future, the strange reality of isolation, the loss of love ones, and the hope for better days to come that was 2021 so well in these characters lives. This book brought me back to the days I was doing virtual speech services with my students and wondering what the future would look like and what our new normal would be. Of the fear I’d bring something home to my parents. Maya was a deeply compelling character. She had a huge heart, a whole lot of pain, and was trying to reinvent herself in the middle of a pandemic. Her story resonated deeply with me. Ant was sweet, smart, and just trying to figure out his place in the world. His struggles were so raw and honest. I loved the way Maya and Ant loved and supported each other. I felt for them when things got hard and scary. I struggled with Emme because at times she felt like a villain while other times she felt misunderstood. I loved the way Maya’s relationship with her parents grew and changed throughout the book. I loved the glimpses of Ella from The Bennet Women. The plot was paced perfectly, and it kept me invested. The ending was sort of magical and fitting. I would’ve loved a few more pages just to see how it all worked out for Maya and Ant but that’s just my selfish want not something that was necessary for the story to feel finished! This one publishes in September, make sure to look out for it! (And check the trigger warnings). Thank-you to NetGalley and the author for my free ARC in exchange for an honest review!
September 10, 2023
It’s never too late to come of age in this compassionate and refreshing novel about friendship, self-discovery, and moving on by the author of The Bennet Women . Maya Davis is living in paradise until her apartment, her career, and her dreams fall away in a horrible and dramatic fashion. Suddenly she’s packing her life into two suitcases and heading back to her parents’ home in Maryland, scrambling for a plan B. Happy thirty-first birthday, Maya. Right beside her is Ant, Maya’s best friend. While she’s returning home, Ant’s leaving his for the first time. Even though he moved away to start his own adventure, Ant can’t seem to separate himself from Maya—and he’s not sure he wants to. Thinking practically for once, Maya makes her top priority finding a career—or at least a job with health insurance. But when she’s drawn into the orbit of Emme Vivant, the influential girlboss decides Maya has potential. Suddenly there are new contacts, new clothes, and the possibility of a shiny new future that could make this move home worthwhile. But is Maya finally in control of her life, or is she losing it? Just as Ant’s platonic feelings for Maya deepen, his best friend in the world seems to be moving on without him. In this tender and vibrant novel, Maya learns that finding the right path might not matter as much as finding herself—and who’s beside her on the journey.
An absolutely perfect read. I cannot express how much I loved this story. I felt a connection with Maya. I will recommend to others.
An absolutely perfect read. I cannot express how much I loved this story. I felt a connection with Maya. I will recommend to others.
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January 18, 2024“Maya was probably dreaming too small, shrinking her goals to fit her circumstances. (You know, that thing all non-rich people did to survive?)”
First of all, classifying this as a romance feels like a stretch, because romance is not the focus of the story AT ALL. The focus, as the title suggests, is for Maya to find Her Own Happiness that is not attached to someone else. I enjoyed being on the journey with her as she started her life over from scratch.
It was also a story about friendship, and how they made their own way, together and separately. Maya was pansexual, and her bestie Ant was asexual. He started developing more-than-friends feelings for Maya, and the main conflict of the book was that she wasn’t ready for a relationship, but she still needed her best friend. They also needed to find other friends. Their relationship was very co-dependent, and I think the break benefitted both of them.
The book takes place during 2021 as everyone in the world was living through the COVID-19 pandemic, so we see how the characters handled that on top of everything else they were going through. This made the story very relevant and relatable for me.
First of all, classifying this as a romance feels like a stretch, because romance is not the focus of the story AT ALL. The focus, as the title suggests, is for Maya to find Her Own Happiness that is not attached to someone else. I enjoyed being on the journey with her as she started her life over from scratch.
It was also a story about friendship, and how they made their own way, together and separately. Maya was pansexual, and her bestie Ant was asexual. He started developing more-than-friends feelings for Maya, and the main conflict of the book was that she wasn’t ready for a relationship, but she still needed her best friend. They also needed to find other friends. Their relationship was very co-dependent, and I think the break benefitted both of them.
The book takes place during 2021 as everyone in the world was living through the COVID-19 pandemic, so we see how the characters handled that on top of everything else they were going through. This made the story very relevant and relatable for me.
August 29, 2023
Rating: ★★★.5/5
Thank you to Montlake and NetGalley for my advanced reader copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Maya is a queer, fat, Black woman whose dreamy life has fallen apart. Before she knows it, Maya is packing away her life into two suitcases and flying back home to Maryland right as she turns 31 – no plan B in mind. Thankfully, as she moves home, her best friend Ant is moving away, so they share a flight right as they both embark on life-changing journeys.
This is a really sweet, refreshingly compelling and honest novel about self-discovery, self-growth and friendship. Our protagonists are perfectly fleshed-out; Maya a determined but easily influenced woman and Ant a shaky but reliable best friend. I enjoyed this ‘coming of age’-ish story, it shines a light on many of the worries that people in their thirties still have. There’s also the additional layer of a TED Talk/life coach-guru character, which I found fascinating. It isn’t a genre I typically read, but I do love the cosy coming of age/romance reads because you know it’ll wrap up into a lovely ending. From friendship to careers, sexuality to healthcare, I thought Her Own Happiness was a thoroughly enjoyable novel.
This is also the first-ever book that I’ve read set in or around the pandemic. I’ve quite happily existed without those for now, but I found it lent an additionally layer of humanity to this book – I lived for all the P-name alternatives to pandemic, which was a big source of fun for me in lockdown!
Thank you to Montlake and NetGalley for my advanced reader copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Maya is a queer, fat, Black woman whose dreamy life has fallen apart. Before she knows it, Maya is packing away her life into two suitcases and flying back home to Maryland right as she turns 31 – no plan B in mind. Thankfully, as she moves home, her best friend Ant is moving away, so they share a flight right as they both embark on life-changing journeys.
This is a really sweet, refreshingly compelling and honest novel about self-discovery, self-growth and friendship. Our protagonists are perfectly fleshed-out; Maya a determined but easily influenced woman and Ant a shaky but reliable best friend. I enjoyed this ‘coming of age’-ish story, it shines a light on many of the worries that people in their thirties still have. There’s also the additional layer of a TED Talk/life coach-guru character, which I found fascinating. It isn’t a genre I typically read, but I do love the cosy coming of age/romance reads because you know it’ll wrap up into a lovely ending. From friendship to careers, sexuality to healthcare, I thought Her Own Happiness was a thoroughly enjoyable novel.
This is also the first-ever book that I’ve read set in or around the pandemic. I’ve quite happily existed without those for now, but I found it lent an additionally layer of humanity to this book – I lived for all the P-name alternatives to pandemic, which was a big source of fun for me in lockdown!
September 13, 2023
This is not a very happy story to follow. Don’t worry, because at the start of the book, there’s an author’s note which will help you decide whether to proceed or otherwise.
This book hit too close to home - how the covid pandemic may have brought in more bane than boon - impacting people and our interactions in ways we never could have imagined. On that setting alone, I expected struggles. But these challenges are further given depth and vividness through the personalities of the main leads, Ant and Maya.
It has been a unique, colorful, and intriguing coming-of-age story set during the pandemic. Parts that caught my attention:
1. Two long-time platonic friends, who are set in their gender orientations, navigating an unfamiliar feeling that may develop into a romantic relationship.
2. Maya, having felt adrift from her original plans found comfort in following another person’s path for her.
3. In wallowing in one’s feelings is the inability to recognize another’s.
4. People who may need help are the same people who do not seem to be in need of it and may not ask for it because they may not be fully aware they need help.
The last thought in my mind circles back to this read’s title: Her Own Happiness - it goes back to who you are and how you feel before you are able to connect with the others around you. There are burdens you had to carry and figure out on your own to be able to be present for another person.
This book hit too close to home - how the covid pandemic may have brought in more bane than boon - impacting people and our interactions in ways we never could have imagined. On that setting alone, I expected struggles. But these challenges are further given depth and vividness through the personalities of the main leads, Ant and Maya.
It has been a unique, colorful, and intriguing coming-of-age story set during the pandemic. Parts that caught my attention:
1. Two long-time platonic friends, who are set in their gender orientations, navigating an unfamiliar feeling that may develop into a romantic relationship.
2. Maya, having felt adrift from her original plans found comfort in following another person’s path for her.
3. In wallowing in one’s feelings is the inability to recognize another’s.
4. People who may need help are the same people who do not seem to be in need of it and may not ask for it because they may not be fully aware they need help.
The last thought in my mind circles back to this read’s title: Her Own Happiness - it goes back to who you are and how you feel before you are able to connect with the others around you. There are burdens you had to carry and figure out on your own to be able to be present for another person.
September 13, 2023
This is not a very happy story to follow. Don’t worry, because at the start of the book, there’s an author’s note which will help you decide whether to proceed or otherwise.
This book hit too close to home - how the covid pandemic may have brought in more bane than boon - impacting people and our interactions in ways we never could have imagined. On that setting alone, I expected struggles. But these challenges are further given depth and vividness through the personalities of the main leads, Ant and Maya.
It has been a unique, colorful, and intriguing coming-of-age story set during the pandemic. Parts that caught my attention:
1. Two long-time platonic friends, who are set in their gender orientations, navigating an unfamiliar feeling that may develop into a romantic relationship.
2. Maya, having felt adrift from her original plans found comfort in following another person’s path for her.
3. In wallowing in one’s feelings is the inability to recognize another’s.
4. People who may need help are the same people who do not seem to be in need of it and may not ask for it because they may not be fully aware they need help.
The last thought in my mind circles back to this read’s title: Her Own Happiness - it goes back to who you are and how you feel before you are able to connect with the others around you. There are burdens you had to carry and figure out on your own to be able to be present for another person.
This book hit too close to home - how the covid pandemic may have brought in more bane than boon - impacting people and our interactions in ways we never could have imagined. On that setting alone, I expected struggles. But these challenges are further given depth and vividness through the personalities of the main leads, Ant and Maya.
It has been a unique, colorful, and intriguing coming-of-age story set during the pandemic. Parts that caught my attention:
1. Two long-time platonic friends, who are set in their gender orientations, navigating an unfamiliar feeling that may develop into a romantic relationship.
2. Maya, having felt adrift from her original plans found comfort in following another person’s path for her.
3. In wallowing in one’s feelings is the inability to recognize another’s.
4. People who may need help are the same people who do not seem to be in need of it and may not ask for it because they may not be fully aware they need help.
The last thought in my mind circles back to this read’s title: Her Own Happiness - it goes back to who you are and how you feel before you are able to connect with the others around you. There are burdens you had to carry and figure out on your own to be able to be present for another person.
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