Searching for Happy

by Venus Knight

Happy Williams struggles to get out of bed. She’s constantly late for work and lies to hide her truth and shame. Are her toxic relationships with her mother, boyfriend, and a hateful coworker the reason for her sadness and loneliness?
After a reluctant confrontation, she escapes to her extended aunt’s home in Martha's Vineyard. There she discovers the truth about her past. This fictional story is a reality for so many of us struggling with depression and trauma. It’s a testimony for those searching for peace, love, and true happiness.

304 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 17, 2023

About the author

Venus Knight is an author, poet and short story writer. Her first novel, Searching for Happy has received raved reviews. She is currently working on her next book, Happy Life. You can find her poetry and short stories on Medium.com

Reviews

[Brenda Gill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was just wonderfully written. It deals with the protagonist's mental instability, the causes, her crushing, emotionally and physically paralyzing symptoms and the brave steps she takes to find peace and help herself. It was funny, moving, relatable, and a page-turner. Great debut novel from this author!

[Olivia Linden]

Beautiful Storytelling

I love the way Venus told this story. It was touching and funny. As a native New Yorker, I related to the feel of the story. I could also relate to some of Happy's struggles. I found myself smiling at times, laughing at times, and in tears. The characters were all dynamic and enjoyable. I couldn’t put this book down!

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It does deal with depression. this book follows happy Williams a high school teacher who is coping with the world. After a series of events she goes to stay her biological aunt. I loved the character development of Happy she is not the same person by the end of the book she just grows so much. This book had me giddy, surprised, sad and proud. Such a good read. I need another book to see who her love interest will be.

[Alaiyah Beckles · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Searching for Happy" is a captivating and relatable read, with a mix of personal struggles, family secrets, and moments of triumph. It’s a book that I highly recommend and hope readers enjoy it as much as I did.

[Natea · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I first started reading this, I was like "omg Happy is a mess!"

Although there were a lot of things going on in her life, I saw that she wasn't even noticing the good. There were people and things that was happening and she wasn't paying attention because she was constantly spiraling. Rightfully so though. Between Lucian, her mother and her job- things were literally a mess.

I don't believe Lucian when he said Gail was lying- they all liars NEXTTTT lol.

Happy was literally hilarious by the way.

Also, she had a tendency to judge people harshly without knowing really anything about them. But its constantly done to her -especially from her mom- so I can see how she formed the habit.

I was happy she got a break from New York because she got the love and support she didn't know she needed. Sometimes that all we need. She was used to spiraling and wallowing in her own mess, she didn't think she needed anyone. But I'm happy she found people who loved and cared about her wellbeing and pushed past her stubbornness. She is worthy! Now that she's like aware of better coping mechanisms, I'm ready to see how things are gonna go for her in book 2.

[Mia Lashea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the way Venus told this story. It was both touching and genuinely funny. This story took me on a full emotional journey. I smiled, laughed, and even cried along the way. The characters were dynamic, layered, and truly enjoyable, which made the reading experience even richer. While the book does address themes of depression, it does so with honesty and heart. She is not the same person at the end of the book as she was at the beginning and that alone is the reason to read this book

[Nell Waller · Rating 5 out of 5]

hard places and truths but needed to be.. happy

I was in a dark place and this book resonated so deeply with me. As a young man, black wonan navigating hurt and facing others that are still present who have harmed you. It took me through the same motions i remember trying to self regulate while actively trying to heal and not crumble in doing so. Highly recommended. Cant wait to read the next. Venus slide on this one❤️

[Carlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times

I Love this book. Definitely a page turner. I am sure we can all relate to Happy in some way. Thanks Venus…… waiting for the sequel…