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The Unhappiest Place On Earth: Can one day change everything?
One day can change everything.
Harvard bound teen, Weston Hill-Cho, hates Disneyland. Unfortunately that is where his graduating class is taking their senior trip. Instead of focusing on his big move to Boston, Weston is forced to fake smiles and endure a visit to the dreaded amusement park. As he contemplates the next phase of his life he concludes that going to Disneyland for one day will not be the end of the world.
On the day of the senior trip Weston has a lot weighing on his mind that is until he discovers something. In his yearbook there is a message written by a mystery girl and she too will be going on the senior trip. He has to find this girl. Little does he know this mystery girl is his opposite in every way. He being a disney hater and she being disney obsessed. Will meeting her change how he feels about the famed happiest place on earth? One thing is certain, Weston’s outlook on life is bound to be altered. But can one day really change everything? Perhaps not a day, but…a someone.
Harvard bound teen, Weston Hill-Cho, hates Disneyland. Unfortunately that is where his graduating class is taking their senior trip. Instead of focusing on his big move to Boston, Weston is forced to fake smiles and endure a visit to the dreaded amusement park. As he contemplates the next phase of his life he concludes that going to Disneyland for one day will not be the end of the world.
On the day of the senior trip Weston has a lot weighing on his mind that is until he discovers something. In his yearbook there is a message written by a mystery girl and she too will be going on the senior trip. He has to find this girl. Little does he know this mystery girl is his opposite in every way. He being a disney hater and she being disney obsessed. Will meeting her change how he feels about the famed happiest place on earth? One thing is certain, Weston’s outlook on life is bound to be altered. But can one day really change everything? Perhaps not a day, but…a someone.
- GenresYoung Adult
235 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 2, 2025
5 people are currently reading
25 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
February 10, 2026
The Unhappiest Place On Earth is a charming, feel-good coming-of-age story filled with heart, humor, and just the right touch of romance. Jade Gonzalez beautifully captures that moment in life when everything feels about to change, blending teen uncertainty with the magic of unexpected connection. Weston’s journey is relatable and sweet, and the mystery girl adds a spark that makes the story impossible to resist. A delightful read that reminds us how one person can shift our perspective forever.
March 5, 2025
ARC - For all my fellow Disney lovers. This one is for you!
I absolutely loved the setting for this book. Disney is my happy place so felt right at home in this world! I loved all the Disney references and details.
I was so intrigued by the ending, completely took me my surprise and I can’t wait for the next instalment!
I absolutely loved the setting for this book. Disney is my happy place so felt right at home in this world! I loved all the Disney references and details.
I was so intrigued by the ending, completely took me my surprise and I can’t wait for the next instalment!
March 1, 2025
Great book! I couldn't put it down and finished it in 2 days. A very cute coming of age book. I can't wait to read more from you!
February 1, 2025
What if the happiest place on Earth was the very place that held your darkest fears? Jade Gonzalez masterfully crafts a coming-of-age tale that dives deep into the psyche of two bright teenagers as they navigate the pressures of life just a week before their high school graduation. This novel brilliantly captures the suffocating weight of expectations and the liberating realization that some things are meant to be experienced, not controlled.
I went into this book with no particular expectations, but I always appreciate a story that allows its characters to stumble, learn, and evolve. Initially, the striking cover piqued my interest, but I have to admit—it took until chapter seven for me to fully immerse myself in the slow-burning buildup of the narrative. However, once it hooked me, I was all in.
Weston is a deeply relatable character. High school can be an overwhelming battlefield, and while he outwardly maintains composure, his inner world is a storm of self-doubt and struggle. Whether you're a teenager or an adult, we've all wrestled with the pressure to appear perfect while privately fighting our own battles.
One of the standout aspects of this book is Gonzalez’s evocative writing style. It transported me back to my own teenage years, making me reflect on how much weight we place on social status and fitting in. Weston’s journey is a testament to the fact that popularity often comes at a cost, and sometimes, letting go of toxic friendships is the best decision one can make.
This book is an excellent read for middle and high school students, particularly those who may be grappling with issues of identity, peer pressure, and self-acceptance. While YA novels aren’t typically my go-to, I can see the immense value they hold for young readers seeking reassurance that they’re not alone in their struggles. Fictional or not, characters like Weston remind us that facing our problems head-on is the key to growth.
If there’s one lesson this book leaves behind, it’s that change is inevitable, and trying to conform to the expectations of others never leads to true happiness.
I went into this book with no particular expectations, but I always appreciate a story that allows its characters to stumble, learn, and evolve. Initially, the striking cover piqued my interest, but I have to admit—it took until chapter seven for me to fully immerse myself in the slow-burning buildup of the narrative. However, once it hooked me, I was all in.
Weston is a deeply relatable character. High school can be an overwhelming battlefield, and while he outwardly maintains composure, his inner world is a storm of self-doubt and struggle. Whether you're a teenager or an adult, we've all wrestled with the pressure to appear perfect while privately fighting our own battles.
One of the standout aspects of this book is Gonzalez’s evocative writing style. It transported me back to my own teenage years, making me reflect on how much weight we place on social status and fitting in. Weston’s journey is a testament to the fact that popularity often comes at a cost, and sometimes, letting go of toxic friendships is the best decision one can make.
This book is an excellent read for middle and high school students, particularly those who may be grappling with issues of identity, peer pressure, and self-acceptance. While YA novels aren’t typically my go-to, I can see the immense value they hold for young readers seeking reassurance that they’re not alone in their struggles. Fictional or not, characters like Weston remind us that facing our problems head-on is the key to growth.
If there’s one lesson this book leaves behind, it’s that change is inevitable, and trying to conform to the expectations of others never leads to true happiness.
July 13, 2025
As you all know, I'm a massive Disney enthusiast! So when this author reached out, offering me a review copy of her indy book that takes place in Disneyland, how could I say no?!
Ms. Gonzalez has crafted a charming YA novel that's bound to enchant the young teens in your life. It's perfect for anyone who loves the magic of Disney; my favorite part was all the references to classic rides. It sure took me back to my days visiting the park as a teen (and all the awkwardness of those bygone days). In fact, similar to this plot, my senior trip was scheduled to be in Disneyland, but it ended up being completely derailed. So, for me, this story felt like a little piece of what could've been!
I'm confident that young girls, and maybe even some guys, will fall head over heels for this book—it's squeaky clean and really sweet! The only part they'll struggle with is that it ends with a massive cliffhanger - so unfair😩!
Thank you so much, Jade Gonzalez, for sharing this review copy with me! It really took me back!
To read more of my reviews, please check out my blog at www.mamasgottaread.blogspot.com or follow me on Instagram at www.instagram.com/mamasgottaread!
Ms. Gonzalez has crafted a charming YA novel that's bound to enchant the young teens in your life. It's perfect for anyone who loves the magic of Disney; my favorite part was all the references to classic rides. It sure took me back to my days visiting the park as a teen (and all the awkwardness of those bygone days). In fact, similar to this plot, my senior trip was scheduled to be in Disneyland, but it ended up being completely derailed. So, for me, this story felt like a little piece of what could've been!
I'm confident that young girls, and maybe even some guys, will fall head over heels for this book—it's squeaky clean and really sweet! The only part they'll struggle with is that it ends with a massive cliffhanger - so unfair😩!
Thank you so much, Jade Gonzalez, for sharing this review copy with me! It really took me back!
To read more of my reviews, please check out my blog at www.mamasgottaread.blogspot.com or follow me on Instagram at www.instagram.com/mamasgottaread!
April 24, 2025
A cute story that is perfect for YA readers who want to read a sweet story and are lovers of Disneyland. I feel like a lot of young teens will be able to relate to Sarah's character. I loved that Wes could finally voice his concerns and that his mom was open to listening to his feelings, though she still did not want him to stray away from their plan. There are some adorable moments in the book, along with some difficult situations that most teens go through in high school. It's always good to have a good support system of friends that can be there when you feel like things are getting too difficult.
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read the eARC!
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read the eARC!
May 23, 2025
What a cute read. I accidentally came across this book on TikTok. Jade’s husband was hyping her up and I wanted to get it to show my support. As a Disney fan, I was so excited that it was about a senior trip to Disney land.
Wes has bad memories associated with Disneyland and didn’t want to go. He met up with a mystery girl and spent the day together while she convinced him it’s the happiest place on earth.
As the “nerd” in high school. I never thought about how hard it could be to be the popular kid. It really put things into perspective about the anxiety of keeping up appearances and constantly looking to be accepted by his peers.
Wes has bad memories associated with Disneyland and didn’t want to go. He met up with a mystery girl and spent the day together while she convinced him it’s the happiest place on earth.
As the “nerd” in high school. I never thought about how hard it could be to be the popular kid. It really put things into perspective about the anxiety of keeping up appearances and constantly looking to be accepted by his peers.
April 12, 2025
A cute love story with a surprising twist! I love that I could picture myself at Disneyland with the characters. I also like that it wasn’t strictly a love story, there were more to the characters and having to deal with real life issues and seeing their growth as they navigate their problems. This would be a great vacay or beach read! Look forward to the next book!
April 23, 2025
A powerful coming-of-age story where heartbreak meets healing in the most unexpected place. Super easy read and can’t wait for the next book.
April 30, 2025
I love every second of this book and I will recommend everyone to read!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews