What do you think?
Happy Iceland: How Icelandic Strangers Taught a Miserable American the Secret to Lifelong Happiness
A simple question at Iceland's international airport—What are your happiest memories of Iceland?—sets off an unforgettable journey across the Land of Fire and Ice. Abandoning guidebooks and itineraries, a young woman on the precipice of turning thirty, newly unemployed and stuck in a faltering relationship, spends five weeks backpacking and hitchhiking to find the locations where Icelandic strangers' happiest memories took place. From childhood sports fields and family farms to hidden waterfalls and the remote Highlands, this intimate travel memoir explores Iceland far beyond what can be seen from a sightseeing bus tour. Part adventure, part meditation on what it takes to be happy in a volatile world, Happy Iceland is a reminder that some of the best journeys begin when we shut up and listen.
"[A] rare triumph—both for the writer's brain in Anne Marie Wells and for the health of her heart. It's a triple threat when an author can educate, entertain and embolden you all at once. And I suppose a quadruple threat, when they move you to change how you live. Wells accomplishes this and more in this unique, beautiful memoir, one you will not be able to put down. It should be called Happy Everywhere....as it helped me find joy no matter where I went after I read it."
—Laura Carney
Author of My Father's List: How Living My Dad's Dreams Set Me Free
"[A] rare triumph—both for the writer's brain in Anne Marie Wells and for the health of her heart. It's a triple threat when an author can educate, entertain and embolden you all at once. And I suppose a quadruple threat, when they move you to change how you live. Wells accomplishes this and more in this unique, beautiful memoir, one you will not be able to put down. It should be called Happy Everywhere....as it helped me find joy no matter where I went after I read it."
—Laura Carney
Author of My Father's List: How Living My Dad's Dreams Set Me Free
- GenresMemoirNonfictionTravel
284 pages, Paperback
Published June 27, 2026
About the author
Anne Marie Wells
8 books45 followersAnne Marie Wells is an award-winning poet, playwright, memoirist, and oral storyteller. She is the founder and host of The Joy of Poeting, a weekly Zoom show and emerging brand. Her debut poetry collection, Survived By: A Memoir in Verse + Other Poems, was published by Curious Corvid Publishing in April 2023. Her chapbook Mother, (v) won the 2023 Cinnamon Press Pamphlet Contest and was released in 2024. Her bilingual children’s book Mommy, Why Am I a Bird / Mamã, porque sou uma ave was published by Imprensa da Universidade de Coimbra in 2015 and later featured on Wyoming PBS in 2020. In 2025, she published the coloring and activity book Underwater Explorers & Rescuers in collaboration with the global nonprofit Ethical Seafood Research as well as self-publishing a writing prompt collection titled Write Some Cool Sh!t: 366 Prompts to Rekindle Your Creativity. Her travel memoir, Happy Iceland: How Icelandic Strangers Taught a Miserable American the Secret to Lifelong Happiness, will be released by Star Belt Press in June 2026. She is a freelance copy editor, proofreader, and writing coach.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
August 30, 2026
Happy Iceland is a travelogue with the author’s personal memoirs which surround the trip.
In 2016 author Anne Marie flew to Iceland for a five-week solo trip. Arriving with no planned itinerary Anne Marie began by asking a pair of airport workers where, in Iceland, they had a happy memory. She then set off hitchhiking to find that place. Once at her destination she asked the next person about a happy memory and off she went again. In this way Anne Marie criss-crossed and often went back and forth across Iceland. With little budget she mainly wild camped.
Along the way Anne Marie met many happy and generous people who gave her lifts, food and sometimes even accommodation. They often took her with them to scenic locations, tourist spots and unknown local delights. The people she met were from a wide cross-section of life, some were Icelanders, but many were tourists like herself. I was grateful that each chapter began with a map showing the route as I have no geographical knowledge of Iceland.
Interspersed between the details of the trip were Anne Marie’s, often painful, memoirs from growing up as someone who pushed themselves to extremes. She also talked candidly about her romantic relationships and her own desperate search for happiness.
The book falls into two distinct parts; the travelogue around Iceland and the author’s personal journey. I did enjoy my armchair view of a country which is full of nature’s wonders. The personal memoir was of less interest; however, I am sure that the author’s friends and family would immediately relate to it.
In 2016 author Anne Marie flew to Iceland for a five-week solo trip. Arriving with no planned itinerary Anne Marie began by asking a pair of airport workers where, in Iceland, they had a happy memory. She then set off hitchhiking to find that place. Once at her destination she asked the next person about a happy memory and off she went again. In this way Anne Marie criss-crossed and often went back and forth across Iceland. With little budget she mainly wild camped.
Along the way Anne Marie met many happy and generous people who gave her lifts, food and sometimes even accommodation. They often took her with them to scenic locations, tourist spots and unknown local delights. The people she met were from a wide cross-section of life, some were Icelanders, but many were tourists like herself. I was grateful that each chapter began with a map showing the route as I have no geographical knowledge of Iceland.
Interspersed between the details of the trip were Anne Marie’s, often painful, memoirs from growing up as someone who pushed themselves to extremes. She also talked candidly about her romantic relationships and her own desperate search for happiness.
The book falls into two distinct parts; the travelogue around Iceland and the author’s personal journey. I did enjoy my armchair view of a country which is full of nature’s wonders. The personal memoir was of less interest; however, I am sure that the author’s friends and family would immediately relate to it.
July 1, 2026
In a memoir, there is no “art v/s artist”, the artist is the art. To critique a memoir is to critique the life choices of the author, so let's get straight to it.
First I congratulate the author on deciding to write this book. It's very well-written & immensely readable. It's a good memoir & a good travelouge. It's personal, intimate, honest & expressive. At the same time, It is not overwhelming in its personal-life details. The separate sections about certain phenomena – things, people, places – are interesting, & I liked the format. I would have liked a bit more of description of some more of the “tourist attractions”, but the ones that are given are quite sufficient too. The maps are a nice touch!
The things which you expect happen in the book. The author hitch-hikes around Iceland. The author faces many logistical & physical challenges. The author comes across & soaks in many magnificent views. The author meets lots of different people, who help her, & some who do not help her, & she makes many instant intense connections. She makes some friends. The author does not, however, taste a lot of local food, as she is on a tight budget, but sometimes she dines with someone who invites her. The author also does not face a life-threatening situation, which would happen in a fiction. The author also does not face any momentous epiphany.
The author is really more physically fit than she gives herself the credit for at the beginning. It's admirable how she does 3 sets of 100 crunches, in an effort to fall asleep! Author mentions her “broken” jacket a number of times, & it makes me lament the system in USA which is so use-&-throw oriented that one cannot get a jacket zipper repaired anywhere at a reasonable cost, even if they have sentimental attachment to the object, or it is still very much (otherwise) usable. I wonder why the author did not try a “DIY”, as I am sure that in 2015-16, YouTube was already full of “tutorial” videos …
Even though I found the act of not purchasing a new jacket at any point in Iceland when possible sort of masochistic, & the act of saving money by destroying one's own sleep & rest too… even though I do understand that Iceland is even more expensive than USA… I later understood that this continuing rant is a frustration that the author is not mentally prepared to face or sit with herself about.
I was also intrigued by the author's lack of discipline. Generally, we equate discipline with self-control. But the author has awe-inspiring levels of self-control – she rations her food, her sleep, her steps … but at the same time, the planning part of the discipline is quite literally lacking. The tarp is the most irresponsible self care … a bit of online “re”search & pre-trip preparation would have made the sleeping (which is a pretty basic human need) more doable for the entire of the journey. That was truly unnecessary suffering (the “necessary” ones being neccessiated by lack of money) that could well make her ill due to getting wet in the rain all night long.
At he same time, she is not careless or reckless. The most important act of self-preservation she does is to keep every single step on the ground mindfully so as to not twist an ankle. In my book, this is the best example of both self-care & practicality. This really made me think about the concept, strategy & virtue of personal discipline, & what comprises it!
The description of her own thoughts & feelings is quite raw & unfiltered, & I also congratulate the author for such brave candidness. The author feels irritated at times, & sometimes there happens to be someone around, on whom this irritation erupts. However, she also feels a lot of empathy, consideration, gratitude & even remorse for her fellow travellers & the people she meets on the way. I feel that the people that she is the harshest, & most closed-hearted to, are herself, & her current girlfriend. It's not that she is inherently a bitter person, when someone gifts her a Lopapeysa, she mentions it equal no. of times!
The book ends with a chapter much later after her trip ends, with reflection on what the Iceland trip taught her about happiness, & a discussion about privilege.
I enjoyed reading the book, I recommend it to those who enjoy travel stories, resilience stories, personal-connection stories. Finally, I congratulate the author on starting a publishing co.! 85/100
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
First I congratulate the author on deciding to write this book. It's very well-written & immensely readable. It's a good memoir & a good travelouge. It's personal, intimate, honest & expressive. At the same time, It is not overwhelming in its personal-life details. The separate sections about certain phenomena – things, people, places – are interesting, & I liked the format. I would have liked a bit more of description of some more of the “tourist attractions”, but the ones that are given are quite sufficient too. The maps are a nice touch!
The things which you expect happen in the book. The author hitch-hikes around Iceland. The author faces many logistical & physical challenges. The author comes across & soaks in many magnificent views. The author meets lots of different people, who help her, & some who do not help her, & she makes many instant intense connections. She makes some friends. The author does not, however, taste a lot of local food, as she is on a tight budget, but sometimes she dines with someone who invites her. The author also does not face a life-threatening situation, which would happen in a fiction. The author also does not face any momentous epiphany.
The author is really more physically fit than she gives herself the credit for at the beginning. It's admirable how she does 3 sets of 100 crunches, in an effort to fall asleep! Author mentions her “broken” jacket a number of times, & it makes me lament the system in USA which is so use-&-throw oriented that one cannot get a jacket zipper repaired anywhere at a reasonable cost, even if they have sentimental attachment to the object, or it is still very much (otherwise) usable. I wonder why the author did not try a “DIY”, as I am sure that in 2015-16, YouTube was already full of “tutorial” videos …
Even though I found the act of not purchasing a new jacket at any point in Iceland when possible sort of masochistic, & the act of saving money by destroying one's own sleep & rest too… even though I do understand that Iceland is even more expensive than USA… I later understood that this continuing rant is a frustration that the author is not mentally prepared to face or sit with herself about.
I was also intrigued by the author's lack of discipline. Generally, we equate discipline with self-control. But the author has awe-inspiring levels of self-control – she rations her food, her sleep, her steps … but at the same time, the planning part of the discipline is quite literally lacking. The tarp is the most irresponsible self care … a bit of online “re”search & pre-trip preparation would have made the sleeping (which is a pretty basic human need) more doable for the entire of the journey. That was truly unnecessary suffering (the “necessary” ones being neccessiated by lack of money) that could well make her ill due to getting wet in the rain all night long.
At he same time, she is not careless or reckless. The most important act of self-preservation she does is to keep every single step on the ground mindfully so as to not twist an ankle. In my book, this is the best example of both self-care & practicality. This really made me think about the concept, strategy & virtue of personal discipline, & what comprises it!
The description of her own thoughts & feelings is quite raw & unfiltered, & I also congratulate the author for such brave candidness. The author feels irritated at times, & sometimes there happens to be someone around, on whom this irritation erupts. However, she also feels a lot of empathy, consideration, gratitude & even remorse for her fellow travellers & the people she meets on the way. I feel that the people that she is the harshest, & most closed-hearted to, are herself, & her current girlfriend. It's not that she is inherently a bitter person, when someone gifts her a Lopapeysa, she mentions it equal no. of times!
The book ends with a chapter much later after her trip ends, with reflection on what the Iceland trip taught her about happiness, & a discussion about privilege.
I enjoyed reading the book, I recommend it to those who enjoy travel stories, resilience stories, personal-connection stories. Finally, I congratulate the author on starting a publishing co.! 85/100
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Read
April 4, 2026Happy Iceland by Anne Marie Wells is a heartfelt and engaging blend of travel memoir and personal exploration. The book follows Wells on a journey through Iceland, where she not only experiences the country’s landscapes and culture but also confronts deeper questions about meaning, purpose, and happiness.
Through honest, often vulnerable storytelling, she shares her inner struggles alongside moments of connection with strangers, whose generosity leaves a lasting impression. Her voice is authentic and transparent, enriched with humor—both self-deprecating and lighthearted—that keeps the narrative lively and relatable.
The inclusion of simple map sketches helps ground the reader in her journey, adding a sense of direction and immersion even for those unfamiliar with Iceland. More than just a travel story, the book evokes a sense of nostalgia for self-discovery and captures the emotional pull of adventure and human connection.
Overall, Happy Iceland is a compelling, uplifting read that resonates with anyone drawn to travel, introspection, and the pursuit of a meaningful, happy life.
Through honest, often vulnerable storytelling, she shares her inner struggles alongside moments of connection with strangers, whose generosity leaves a lasting impression. Her voice is authentic and transparent, enriched with humor—both self-deprecating and lighthearted—that keeps the narrative lively and relatable.
The inclusion of simple map sketches helps ground the reader in her journey, adding a sense of direction and immersion even for those unfamiliar with Iceland. More than just a travel story, the book evokes a sense of nostalgia for self-discovery and captures the emotional pull of adventure and human connection.
Overall, Happy Iceland is a compelling, uplifting read that resonates with anyone drawn to travel, introspection, and the pursuit of a meaningful, happy life.
March 16, 2026
I recently hosted Anne Marie Wells on my podcast, and I was lucky to get an early look at her memoir.
This isn't your typical travel book. Anne Marie travels with a diy plan, hitchhiking across the country by following the happy memories of the strangers she meets. The book is refreshingly real, showing everything from her blistered feet and broken rain jacket to the deep, honest conversations she has with the people who pick her up. You’ll meet amazing people like Rósi, who treats all his guests like stars, and Bjork, who welcomes a "drenched rat" of a traveler into her home for a meal of meatballs and a warm bed. Beyond the adventure, it’s a meditation on human connection and a reminder that some of the best journeys start when we just shut up and listen. She eventually learns what happiness is and isn’t. If you want a travel story that is vulnerable, funny, and incredibly honest, you really need to read this book.
I’m so glad I got to hear her story first-hand and see it come to life in these pages!
This isn't your typical travel book. Anne Marie travels with a diy plan, hitchhiking across the country by following the happy memories of the strangers she meets. The book is refreshingly real, showing everything from her blistered feet and broken rain jacket to the deep, honest conversations she has with the people who pick her up. You’ll meet amazing people like Rósi, who treats all his guests like stars, and Bjork, who welcomes a "drenched rat" of a traveler into her home for a meal of meatballs and a warm bed. Beyond the adventure, it’s a meditation on human connection and a reminder that some of the best journeys start when we just shut up and listen. She eventually learns what happiness is and isn’t. If you want a travel story that is vulnerable, funny, and incredibly honest, you really need to read this book.
I’m so glad I got to hear her story first-hand and see it come to life in these pages!
June 28, 2026
A thrilling tale of adventure for a "miserable American" in Iceland exploring experiences of happiness. The simple question the author carries through out is not so simple after all. At once a funny narration laced with sarcasm and wit, combined with some pretty gut-wrenching moments of heartbreak. Anne Marie Wells is a talented writer whose poetic roots vibe throughout this memoir. Wells took me by the hand and dragged me with her all the way (in the best possible way). A great vacation read. Definitely reminded me of Cheryl Strayed's Wild and that I need more travel and adventure in my life!
August 31, 2026
I liked the mix of travelogue and memoir, and I definitely did some self-reflection about my own paranoia and biases about hitchhiking and stealth camping as a solo female traveler (both of which the author does throughout her time in Iceland). I think the book is most successful when it intersperses her personal reflections & history with her travel stories; otherwise towards the end (when there are fewer of those), I found the format lost its steam a little bit: hitchhike, befriend stranger, natural wonder, repeat. The only other thing I'd say is I don't think the subtitle fits the book. When the author comes back to the US, she seems to repeat a lot of the same relational mistakes she made before the trip, and it's not clear how her travels in Iceland helped her finally settle down and find her way.
August 13, 2026
Iceland is a magical place filled with happiness, danger, romance, dead ends, tiny coffee cups, tourists with selfie sticks, waterfalls, elves, red-eyed creeps, surly attendants, rockstar parents, volcanoes, misogynistic priests, soccer hooligans and chocolate. Anne Marie is the luckiest girl in the world, spends the summer gambling with her life...and wins big. Why now not go?
August 7, 2026
I couldn’t put this book down, and I’m not entirely sure why. It’s not like a thriller or anything, but the writing style flows effortlessly and it keeps you hooked. The charming but gloomy atmosphere, brightened by the kindness of strangers, made it all the more compelling.
A great read.
A great read.
April 21, 2026
3.5 Stars.
The page for this book on Goodreads contains a subtitle that says, “How Icelandic Strangers Taught a Miserable American the Secret to Lifelong Happiness.” This does not appear in the ARC of the book that I excitedly dove into, and I’m hoping that it has been dropped from the book entirely prior to publication. That subtitle distracts from what the book is actually about. It’s an entertaining combo of travelogue & memoir, leaning heavily into the memoir half. If you sign up for a book detailing the many happy places in Iceland and the detailed life lessons that were learned on the journey you’ll be disappointed. If you’re open minded and are entertained by an interesting exploration of life and adventure, this will do the trick.
There were moments in this book that moved me deeply. Hearing about such meaningful connections happening between people so quickly does something to the soul, especially given the hopeless state of things right now. I can’t imagine tackling an adventure like this – partially because the terrifying non-plan plan approach sends an icy chill down my spine – so it’s fascinating to read about how having an open mind and spirit can allow for some pretty wonderful connections to be made.
The big issue preventing this from being a knockout is the thinness of the main concept. Wells sets out on the journey to “interview” Icelanders and ask them some version of the question, “What’s a happy memory you had here in Iceland?” There are only a handful of answers to that question throughout the story, and there’s not much evidence of any actual interviews taking place. It’s a series of meaningful connections between a lot of walking, an astounding amount of hitchhiking, and quite a lot of backstory. While that central question does loosely hold the story together, and is an interesting idea, it’s a less impactful element than it probably should have been.
Overall, it’s a fun, warm-hearted read. It does make you want to travel to Iceland, open yourself up to the whims of the Universe, and to find some skyr for an afternoon snack.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The page for this book on Goodreads contains a subtitle that says, “How Icelandic Strangers Taught a Miserable American the Secret to Lifelong Happiness.” This does not appear in the ARC of the book that I excitedly dove into, and I’m hoping that it has been dropped from the book entirely prior to publication. That subtitle distracts from what the book is actually about. It’s an entertaining combo of travelogue & memoir, leaning heavily into the memoir half. If you sign up for a book detailing the many happy places in Iceland and the detailed life lessons that were learned on the journey you’ll be disappointed. If you’re open minded and are entertained by an interesting exploration of life and adventure, this will do the trick.
There were moments in this book that moved me deeply. Hearing about such meaningful connections happening between people so quickly does something to the soul, especially given the hopeless state of things right now. I can’t imagine tackling an adventure like this – partially because the terrifying non-plan plan approach sends an icy chill down my spine – so it’s fascinating to read about how having an open mind and spirit can allow for some pretty wonderful connections to be made.
The big issue preventing this from being a knockout is the thinness of the main concept. Wells sets out on the journey to “interview” Icelanders and ask them some version of the question, “What’s a happy memory you had here in Iceland?” There are only a handful of answers to that question throughout the story, and there’s not much evidence of any actual interviews taking place. It’s a series of meaningful connections between a lot of walking, an astounding amount of hitchhiking, and quite a lot of backstory. While that central question does loosely hold the story together, and is an interesting idea, it’s a less impactful element than it probably should have been.
Overall, it’s a fun, warm-hearted read. It does make you want to travel to Iceland, open yourself up to the whims of the Universe, and to find some skyr for an afternoon snack.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I have read this book 472 times over the last 10 years, and it is a book I am genuinely very proud of. Even on my last read, I was laughing out loud, I was tearing up. I hope future readers find it to be a fun, armchair-travel story and that it inspires others' "Happy Journeys".
Review of advance copy
I downloaded this book because I love seeing new places. Although my budget is limited and visiting Iceland in person would require incredible luck (finance-wise), reading a book set in contemporary Iceland was an experience I hadn't encountered before.
Enter Anne Marie and her "no-plan plan." I must admit I was concerned for her as she set out on this spontaneous adventure (even knowing this took place a couple of years ago). Trekking across an entire country on a limited budget with only a tarp to protect her from the harsh elements sounded daunting. Yet, I was amazed by how far she got and how she managed to survive a month on her own (with help from kind strangers, to add).
Trigger Warning
I appreciate the trigger warning at the beginning of the book regarding her personal experience with sexual assault. It gives readers the opportunity to bypass that section if they prefer.
What Stood Out
Revisiting strangers’ "happy places" might sound unusual to some. However, Anne Marie’s month-long trek and survival story proved it to be a worthwhile mission, set against the backdrop of a perfectly safe and pristine country. As you turn the pages, the book ignites the imagination with vivid descriptions of endless waterfalls, islands, ravines, and mountains—all serving as witnesses to the local people's happy places.
Another concept that captivated me was the Icelandic people’s strong belief in elves. The "Cities of Elves" sparked my curiosity and inspired me to look for more books about Icelandic folklore and mythology.
The Courage to Finish the Job
This is what I admire most about Anne Marie. She followed through with her month-long journey when most people would have given up halfway and gone home. Her "no-plan plan" gave her the space to reflect on her life choices, behavioral patterns, and the direction she wanted to pursue.
The book serves as a blueprint for solo travelers embarking on their own soul-searching quests across a land adorned with breathtaking landscapes, warm locals, and friendly tourists.
Finish the job, I did.
I read through every page of Happy Iceland and now long for the opportunity to visit this magnificent country myself, hopefully making happy memories of my own. Bonus points if I ever get the chance to tell Anne Marie about my own happy place in Iceland, too.
Enter Anne Marie and her "no-plan plan." I must admit I was concerned for her as she set out on this spontaneous adventure (even knowing this took place a couple of years ago). Trekking across an entire country on a limited budget with only a tarp to protect her from the harsh elements sounded daunting. Yet, I was amazed by how far she got and how she managed to survive a month on her own (with help from kind strangers, to add).
Trigger Warning
I appreciate the trigger warning at the beginning of the book regarding her personal experience with sexual assault. It gives readers the opportunity to bypass that section if they prefer.
What Stood Out
Revisiting strangers’ "happy places" might sound unusual to some. However, Anne Marie’s month-long trek and survival story proved it to be a worthwhile mission, set against the backdrop of a perfectly safe and pristine country. As you turn the pages, the book ignites the imagination with vivid descriptions of endless waterfalls, islands, ravines, and mountains—all serving as witnesses to the local people's happy places.
Another concept that captivated me was the Icelandic people’s strong belief in elves. The "Cities of Elves" sparked my curiosity and inspired me to look for more books about Icelandic folklore and mythology.
The Courage to Finish the Job
This is what I admire most about Anne Marie. She followed through with her month-long journey when most people would have given up halfway and gone home. Her "no-plan plan" gave her the space to reflect on her life choices, behavioral patterns, and the direction she wanted to pursue.
The book serves as a blueprint for solo travelers embarking on their own soul-searching quests across a land adorned with breathtaking landscapes, warm locals, and friendly tourists.
Finish the job, I did.
I read through every page of Happy Iceland and now long for the opportunity to visit this magnificent country myself, hopefully making happy memories of my own. Bonus points if I ever get the chance to tell Anne Marie about my own happy place in Iceland, too.
August 12, 2026
RATING: 4.5 STARS
I haven't read a lot of travel memoirs where I feel like I'm in an expert in the genre, but that's kind of what I enjoyed about this book.
I will preface my review by saying I know the author and she is someone I call a dear friend. However, in saying that, I also can be a bit impartial as you can see I rounded my rating down to four stars instead of 5 stars. While I enjoyed the writing very much, a five-star for me is a book I will reread several times and is a bit of favourite among the favourites. And, Anne Marie's Survived By: A Memoir in Verse + Other Poems is an example of that favourite among favourites. I love it so much I can't even review it. I fear that my words will not be enough to do it justice.
I love Anne Marie's writing, and her poetry evokes such emotions, I'm usually a mess reading it. I can feel her sorrow and joy as if she is reading the poem to me in person. I feel like Anne Marie brought a lot of that emotions to her memoir. Her ability to be brutally honest about her life - good and bad - and be so vulnerable about what she sees as her failures had me flipping through the pages of my eReader. The endearing, and some less so, people that Anne Marie meets feel like characters in a novel. They fell complete even when information on them was sparse. Getting to know Iceland through an American tourist and through those that call it home made me move Iceland higher on my bucket list of places to go. Oh, and the humour, that balances the other issues, starts from the beginning with the text messages between Anne Marie and her sister, Mary.
And, the secret of happiness? You have to read the memoir to find out.
***I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the publisher and author. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.***
I haven't read a lot of travel memoirs where I feel like I'm in an expert in the genre, but that's kind of what I enjoyed about this book.
I will preface my review by saying I know the author and she is someone I call a dear friend. However, in saying that, I also can be a bit impartial as you can see I rounded my rating down to four stars instead of 5 stars. While I enjoyed the writing very much, a five-star for me is a book I will reread several times and is a bit of favourite among the favourites. And, Anne Marie's Survived By: A Memoir in Verse + Other Poems is an example of that favourite among favourites. I love it so much I can't even review it. I fear that my words will not be enough to do it justice.
I love Anne Marie's writing, and her poetry evokes such emotions, I'm usually a mess reading it. I can feel her sorrow and joy as if she is reading the poem to me in person. I feel like Anne Marie brought a lot of that emotions to her memoir. Her ability to be brutally honest about her life - good and bad - and be so vulnerable about what she sees as her failures had me flipping through the pages of my eReader. The endearing, and some less so, people that Anne Marie meets feel like characters in a novel. They fell complete even when information on them was sparse. Getting to know Iceland through an American tourist and through those that call it home made me move Iceland higher on my bucket list of places to go. Oh, and the humour, that balances the other issues, starts from the beginning with the text messages between Anne Marie and her sister, Mary.
And, the secret of happiness? You have to read the memoir to find out.
***I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the publisher and author. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.***
September 4, 2026
I don’t remember the last time I read a book that felt so much like it was written for me specifically. Yeah, I’m an old white straight guy and Anne Marie Wells, the author of this book, is opposite of that in every way. However, we also connect on many levels.
One of those is that I’m an avid traveler. Although my travels have primarily been in the US I’ve done a little international travel. One of the things I enjoy about travel is in seeing how people, places, and the life led by the people in those places compare to what I experience where I live now as well as where I’ve lived in the past. This book, while focused on Iceland and what the author experienced there, also gives an idea of the author’s background, where she’s lived, and how they differed from each other as well as how they compared to what she was experiencing in Iceland. Many of the places in the US she mentioned were places I’ve lived or been to, so she got us on the same wavelength pretty quickly. (Her being a fan of Tim Hortons, the Canadian-based fast-food outlet, sucked me in even more.) I think our senses of humor are compatible as well.
But most of all, I loved her concept of exploring Iceland without an itinerary. I’ll admit, I was nervous that she was basically getting around by hitchhiking. In most countries I wouldn’t expect her to survive with that approach. That combined with her technique for picking her next destination by questioning the first person she interacts with after getting to one destination about where their happiest memory in Iceland took place meant she immersed herself in life in Iceland, not only meeting and interacting with a large range of people there, but seeing what the country was like from the standpoint of the people who are native to the area. Most travel memoirs focus a lot more on the travel and less on the memories created by the travel than this one does and ultimately that difference is what makes it standout so much for me. An incredible read.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
One of those is that I’m an avid traveler. Although my travels have primarily been in the US I’ve done a little international travel. One of the things I enjoy about travel is in seeing how people, places, and the life led by the people in those places compare to what I experience where I live now as well as where I’ve lived in the past. This book, while focused on Iceland and what the author experienced there, also gives an idea of the author’s background, where she’s lived, and how they differed from each other as well as how they compared to what she was experiencing in Iceland. Many of the places in the US she mentioned were places I’ve lived or been to, so she got us on the same wavelength pretty quickly. (Her being a fan of Tim Hortons, the Canadian-based fast-food outlet, sucked me in even more.) I think our senses of humor are compatible as well.
But most of all, I loved her concept of exploring Iceland without an itinerary. I’ll admit, I was nervous that she was basically getting around by hitchhiking. In most countries I wouldn’t expect her to survive with that approach. That combined with her technique for picking her next destination by questioning the first person she interacts with after getting to one destination about where their happiest memory in Iceland took place meant she immersed herself in life in Iceland, not only meeting and interacting with a large range of people there, but seeing what the country was like from the standpoint of the people who are native to the area. Most travel memoirs focus a lot more on the travel and less on the memories created by the travel than this one does and ultimately that difference is what makes it standout so much for me. An incredible read.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
Review of advance copy received from Author
What to do when you are about to turn 30 and have no clue?
Anne Marie Wells decided to travel to and through Iceland on the adventure of a lifetime.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading about not only her adventure, but also her inner struggles and thoughts as she went.
This book is more than just a travel adventure. Anne Marie set out to find meaning in her life as well as discover places and times that made those she encountered....happy.
Through this, she discovered the secret to being happy and also meaning and direction for her life.
She holds nothing back about herself and laces the book with humor, both self deprecating and in general. This made for a very amusing read and funny read.
I loved how simple map sketches were used throughout the book so I as the reader had an idea where she was going. I'm not sure why this worked for me as I have never traveled around Iceland, but it helped me have context to where she was off to next.
While I am past 30 by many years and don't wish to go back, I am now intrigued by the idea of traveling to Iceland from reading this book.
In all, a great read. The story kept moving, the author was authentic and transparent and the humor added to the fun of the whole adventure.
Anne Marie Wells decided to travel to and through Iceland on the adventure of a lifetime.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading about not only her adventure, but also her inner struggles and thoughts as she went.
This book is more than just a travel adventure. Anne Marie set out to find meaning in her life as well as discover places and times that made those she encountered....happy.
Through this, she discovered the secret to being happy and also meaning and direction for her life.
She holds nothing back about herself and laces the book with humor, both self deprecating and in general. This made for a very amusing read and funny read.
I loved how simple map sketches were used throughout the book so I as the reader had an idea where she was going. I'm not sure why this worked for me as I have never traveled around Iceland, but it helped me have context to where she was off to next.
While I am past 30 by many years and don't wish to go back, I am now intrigued by the idea of traveling to Iceland from reading this book.
In all, a great read. The story kept moving, the author was authentic and transparent and the humor added to the fun of the whole adventure.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
Happy Island by Anne Marie Wells pulls you into a lively journey that feels more like experiencing an adventure than just reading about one.
Right from the start, the writing feels personal and full of life. Honest conversations and open thoughts from the author make you feel like you’re right there with her.
I liked how the author describes Iceland’s environment in detail, especially how the weather affects moods and choices. These real moments pull you in. The people she meets are introduced in a way that makes them easy to remember.
This book doesn’t use regular chapters. Instead, the story moves smoothly, much like real travel does. The “special stories” sprinkled throughout add extra depth and interest, making the journey even richer without interrupting the flow.
The parts about Icelandic life and traditions are a real treat, giving you a look into the culture. As someone who loves dogs, I found the connection with Bella especially touching and memorable.
This travel story stays with you, highlighting brief moments, memorable people, and the richness of the experience. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys personal, immersive journeys that leave a lasting impression.
Right from the start, the writing feels personal and full of life. Honest conversations and open thoughts from the author make you feel like you’re right there with her.
I liked how the author describes Iceland’s environment in detail, especially how the weather affects moods and choices. These real moments pull you in. The people she meets are introduced in a way that makes them easy to remember.
This book doesn’t use regular chapters. Instead, the story moves smoothly, much like real travel does. The “special stories” sprinkled throughout add extra depth and interest, making the journey even richer without interrupting the flow.
The parts about Icelandic life and traditions are a real treat, giving you a look into the culture. As someone who loves dogs, I found the connection with Bella especially touching and memorable.
This travel story stays with you, highlighting brief moments, memorable people, and the richness of the experience. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys personal, immersive journeys that leave a lasting impression.
September 19, 2026
Meet Anne Marie, a lovely and a little lost hitchhiker pushing 30, traveling Iceland in the most irrational way while retracing other people’s happy memories. Despite encountering plenty of obstacles: dismal weather at times, angry seabirds, harsh elements, treacherous paths and frigid nights, she stubbornly follows through on her non-plan plan, as she calls it. Anne Marie’s itinerary is dictated by strangers, who tell her about places where they felt happy. She hitchhikes to that place, then finds another stranger to ask the same thing, hitchhikes to that person’s happy place and so on—even if it means crisscrossing the country, passing through the same places several times and walking or hiking long or arduous distances. Anne Marie visits famous destinations and places off the beaten path, plenty of waterfalls and hot springs, and makes friends with many of the people who pick her up. She is also on an inward journey, on her own quest for happiness and true love. In beautiful and humorous writing, Anne Marie paints an honest picture of Iceland while philosophizing on happiness—everyone’s ultimate destination. This hitchhiker’s guide to Iceland will not leave you untouched.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Part travelogue, part cultural history of Iceland, part coming-of-age story, part self-help book, Happy Iceland sparked sheer delight each time I plunged into its pages. I felt like I was sitting down with the author herself as she told me one-on-one her travels through Iceland.
What begins with a simple premise — asking strangers where they were most happy in Iceland and then traveling to that location — becomes a deeper exploration of happiness and its role in our lives.
Throughout, Wells paints a panoramic picture of her time in Iceland, the struggles internal (what to do with your life) and external (hitchhiking and camping), the joys of connecting with people over food and natural beauty, and the hard work of exploring and confronting yourself on the road.
This book left me happier, pondering my own life's journey, and wanting desperately to find a pot of stracciatella skyr.
What begins with a simple premise — asking strangers where they were most happy in Iceland and then traveling to that location — becomes a deeper exploration of happiness and its role in our lives.
Throughout, Wells paints a panoramic picture of her time in Iceland, the struggles internal (what to do with your life) and external (hitchhiking and camping), the joys of connecting with people over food and natural beauty, and the hard work of exploring and confronting yourself on the road.
This book left me happier, pondering my own life's journey, and wanting desperately to find a pot of stracciatella skyr.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is the first travel memoir I have ever read, and it was the perfect introduction to the genre. I really enjoyed reading this book and recommend it to anyone who loves travel or the craft of writing.
I most enjoyed Wells' prose style. Well's prose gives the reader the impression of taking a long, rolling journey through Iceland's roads with its steady, engrossing rhythm and bright descriptions. The narrator's reactions, reflections and moments of growth mirror the process we all feel when we travel to new places without a plan. Finishing the book feels like leaving a new, beloved destination we promise ourselves we will go back to someday.
It's also interesting to see the effect Wells' experience writing poetry has on the text, especially the use of vibrant colors, sounds, and smells she encounters on her journey.
I most enjoyed Wells' prose style. Well's prose gives the reader the impression of taking a long, rolling journey through Iceland's roads with its steady, engrossing rhythm and bright descriptions. The narrator's reactions, reflections and moments of growth mirror the process we all feel when we travel to new places without a plan. Finishing the book feels like leaving a new, beloved destination we promise ourselves we will go back to someday.
It's also interesting to see the effect Wells' experience writing poetry has on the text, especially the use of vibrant colors, sounds, and smells she encounters on her journey.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Part travelog and part memoir Happy Iceland recounts the authors 2016 trip to Iceland. She left with no real plan or itinerary, but did have a return ticket. Her plan was to meet random people, ask them where their happiest memory was, and then travel to that spot and repeat! She hiked and hitchhiked her way around the country. Criss-crossing multiple times and making some amazing friendships along the way. The stories of hospitality and friendship make up the bulk of the book. And they serve as a great reminder of the generosity that exists in our world.
It felt a little long in the middle but when she was doing her final goodbyes it was touching and hard to put down. If you are going to Iceland add this to your pre-trip reading. If you need a breathe of fresh air about our world, also add this your pile!
It felt a little long in the middle but when she was doing her final goodbyes it was touching and hard to put down. If you are going to Iceland add this to your pre-trip reading. If you need a breathe of fresh air about our world, also add this your pile!
Review of advance copy received from Author
A beautifully written personal journey filled with perseverance, spontaneous friendships, and lovely Icelandic scenery (albeit some volatile weather). Happy Iceland is a reminder that some of the most memorable experiences often start with a simple ice breaker, some courage, and a little serendipity. By asking local Icelanders to recount their happiest memories, Anne Marie connects with a colorful cast of characters who act as guides and, at times, emotional supporters on her journey around the country. This book will make you ponder about the meaning of happiness and remind you to be kind to traveling strangers. This is a great read for anyone seeking inspiration to step out of their travel comfort zone.
Review of advance copy received from Author
When I stumbled across this unique travel memoir, I had to pick it up. I've been to Iceland twice and really loved the country, so I was bringing my own knowledge of Iceland (and some of the same towns she visits) to this book.
Anne Marie's book tells the story of her adventures in Iceland – unplanned, by-the-seat-of-your-pants, thumb-out hoping to catch a ride. My heart was thumping as I turned the pages, needing to know what was coming next. Interspersed with the present-day narrative are glimpses into her past life, the choices she's made, and how her attempts to find love and happiness have led to this Iceland trip. The title may be "Happy Iceland" but the book is at times funny, poignant, and gripping. A must-read and a great gift for the solo female traveler in your life!
Anne Marie's book tells the story of her adventures in Iceland – unplanned, by-the-seat-of-your-pants, thumb-out hoping to catch a ride. My heart was thumping as I turned the pages, needing to know what was coming next. Interspersed with the present-day narrative are glimpses into her past life, the choices she's made, and how her attempts to find love and happiness have led to this Iceland trip. The title may be "Happy Iceland" but the book is at times funny, poignant, and gripping. A must-read and a great gift for the solo female traveler in your life!
July 3, 2026
This is an immensely enjoyable, deeply personal and ultimately a moving travel memoir. I found the writing to be mesmerising and I dragging myself away from the page to make another cup of tea was a wrench; I read the book in a couple of sittings. Although primarily a piece of travel writing, 'Happy Iceland' grapples with what it means to be happy and, to paraphrase Blanch Du Bois, suggests that we keep ourselves open to the potential of the kindness of strangers. Although there are some dark and difficult moments, overall this is a fun and inspiring read, perfect for some holiday reading!
I received an advance review copy free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is not your average memoir! As she hitchhikes around Iceland chasing the secret to happiness, Wells exposes herself not only physically to the harsh elements and rugged landscape, but also emotionally to the cast of characters she meets along the way. Her poetic writing style transported me to a part of the world I’ve never seen (and the maps helped, too). At times witty and whimsical, at others frank and introspective, this is such a vulnerable, heartwarming adventure of a read. BRB, going in search of stracciatella skyr…
Review of advance copy received from Author
A young woman on a solo journey to Iceland, asks Icelanders where they experienced happiness. Then, she headed there by way of hiking and hitchhiking. What she lacked in finances, she made up in grit. I found myself feeling physically uncomfortable when the tarp wasn't enough to protect her or when her jacket invited cold to reach her body.
As Anne learns about herself and the goodness of people, the reader gets a look at Iceland and her mystical topography. This book is about resilience and determination and spoke to the adventuring part of me. A great read.
As Anne learns about herself and the goodness of people, the reader gets a look at Iceland and her mystical topography. This book is about resilience and determination and spoke to the adventuring part of me. A great read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Happy Iceland is for those with an adventurous heart. You're rooting for her from the beginning as she asks the big questions and takes chances with strangers over and over. Somehow, she truly is one of the luckiest travelers in the world. She has a knack for connecting with people and somehow miraculously finding them again throughout her journey. The book made me laugh, cry, and reflect on how these small moments of human connection can truly make your life whole. Absolutely a must-read!
Review of advance copy received from Author
What a delight! I felt as if I was sitting in some cozy place, having "coffee time" with Anne Marie and hearing of her Icelandic adventure. Well worth the journey through this memoir.
August 30, 2026
I really enjoyed reading about Anne Marie’s journey through Iceland! It was a fun experiment (but boy did it sound miserable at this stage of my life). It made me reflect on all my travels as a young person! If you enjoy travel memoirs, I think you’ll like it a lot.
Review of advance copy
Review of advance copy received from BookSirens.
Of the various memoirs out there, this one appealed to me. The topic of a trip to Iceland was different and I like the fun formatting of text message exchanges between the author and her problematic sister. It quickly gives a sense of their relationship dynamic. The author’s writing voice is relateable, spirited. Unlike Wells, I am do not have the travel bug, though I share with her being a poet, being queer, and writing memoir.
Upon meeting an Icelander, the author asks: “Ylva, can I ask you a question… Can you tell me about a time you felt happy here in Iceland?” It’s a good, direct question and as a reader it made me lean forward. But the interviewee can’t articulate an answer. I like that. It’s as if Wells is asking herself that question: “Anne, tell me about a time you were happy in your own land.” And she is likewise stumped and so goes on an adventure.
So much great stuff happens in the epilogue to the memoir, so many big loose ends are tied -- it almost feels like cheating. I wished it was all somehow distributed throughout. I like that Wells wonders at the end if she would’ve learned more if she asked the natives what their saddest memories of Iceland was. I think she would have learned more, but she learned a lot all the same.
-- Dwight Okita, The Invention of Fireflies: A Memoir of the Magical & the Monstrous (Tia Chucha Press, due April 2027)
Of the various memoirs out there, this one appealed to me. The topic of a trip to Iceland was different and I like the fun formatting of text message exchanges between the author and her problematic sister. It quickly gives a sense of their relationship dynamic. The author’s writing voice is relateable, spirited. Unlike Wells, I am do not have the travel bug, though I share with her being a poet, being queer, and writing memoir.
Upon meeting an Icelander, the author asks: “Ylva, can I ask you a question… Can you tell me about a time you felt happy here in Iceland?” It’s a good, direct question and as a reader it made me lean forward. But the interviewee can’t articulate an answer. I like that. It’s as if Wells is asking herself that question: “Anne, tell me about a time you were happy in your own land.” And she is likewise stumped and so goes on an adventure.
So much great stuff happens in the epilogue to the memoir, so many big loose ends are tied -- it almost feels like cheating. I wished it was all somehow distributed throughout. I like that Wells wonders at the end if she would’ve learned more if she asked the natives what their saddest memories of Iceland was. I think she would have learned more, but she learned a lot all the same.
-- Dwight Okita, The Invention of Fireflies: A Memoir of the Magical & the Monstrous (Tia Chucha Press, due April 2027)
Review of advance copy received from Author
If you’re searching for inspiration look no further than to this book. In this surprising journey of joy, that emotional goal is less an aspiration and more a hunger the author learns to satisfy one interaction at a time. Her lofty ambitions for an adventure are met with equally devastating lows at times, but the whole way, I was cheering as she rallies for another go at her personal emotional mountain. Find some of your own joy in hers as you travel alongside her toward a happier existence.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews