Then We'll Be Happy: witty and heartwarming YA drama from debut Irish author Alan Carrigan

by Alan Carrigan

 


If you're always thinking that the next thing will make
you happy ... what happens to right now? 
Seventeen-year-old Sam, who has cerebral palsy, wants some control
over his life.


When he is excluded from yet another school trip and has to spend
the day with his bully, it’s the tipping point. 



In his campaign for change, Sam gets more than he bargained for.
But if you’re always thinking that the next thing will make
you happy, what happens to right now?


 



A debut own-voices coming-of-age YA novel by young Irish
screenwriter and author, Alan Carrigan, who has quadriplegic
cerebral palsy.
An authentic, witty and nuanced story with a powerful,
universal message, about unlikely friendships and the realities
of living with disability.
Simultaneously hard-hitting and heartwarming, with shades
of Out of My Mind and Elle McNicoll.

270 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 30, 2026

Reviews

[Tolkien's Left Sock · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel is a heartwarming (and sometimes sad) coming of age story centered around Sam, a 17 year old with quadriplegic cerebral palsy.

Sam's inner-monologue throughout the novel provides a fascinating insight into the life of someone with CP, while simultaneously highlighting to the reader that his condition does not define who he is as a person.

The writing is solid, the dialogue is witty and I look forward to reading more from the author.

[Shane Keane · Rating 5 out of 5]

“People, just being people, regardless of their access needs.”

This lovely YA story follows Sam, a teenager with cerebral palsy, who wants some control over his life. While being LGBT is not a part of this book, the story weirdly gives me similar feelings to Heartstopper. There is a softness to this book, as well as a journey to find your own voice, that rings true for both properties.

Also, a good read for challenging your own unconscious ableism.

[Mark Kielty · Rating 4 out of 5]

As part of my break from fantasy books, I picked up Then We’ll Be Happy by Alan Carrigan and I’m very happy I did. This is another book I discovered through Lucas Maxwell’s Booklings Chat podcast, and I think I might do a series of these. I probably won’t read every book on the podcast, but I’ll link the corresponding interview at the bottom of the review when I do so you can check it out for yourself.

This story follows Sam who has quadriplegic cerebral palsy and is a wheelchair user. Excluded from another school tour due to an inaccessible bus, Sam is forced to stay behind at school. But this inspires him to embark on a mission to raise money for a bus which would be accessible for all students.

Then We’ll Be Happy explores what life is like for Sam as a disabled person and Carrigan gives a detailed account of Sam’s experiences. I can’t say I understand what it’s like to be disabled but I have a much better understanding after reading this book.

While disability is a strong theme throughout the book, it’s also filled with great characters who really stay with you. While I really like most of the characters, I particularly like Aimee, who lives at a care home due to her disability, but has this positive disposition which I think is infectious. She is a great friend to Sam, and I think anyone would be lucky to have a friend like her.

The friendships between the characters are fun and genuine but also gives them the bravery to step outside their comfort zone and try new things. This leads to some really heartfelt moments and humour throughout the book, particularly in the face of great adversity.

I recommend this book if you’re looking to read something feel good and uplifting. While the book doesn’t glaze over the realities of disability, for example ablism, Carrigan writes a heartfelt book which will stay with you long after reading.

https://soundcloud.com/booklingschat/...

[Oran Doyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Driven by a vivid first person POV, this YA novel sets up its hook quickly. 17 year old Sam realises he won’t be able to take part in school trips during transition year as his school didn’t get the accessible bus he was promised. Furious, he decides to fundraise to buy one.
This simple goal pushes him and his friends out of their comfort zones and brings the reader into a deep exploration of what can and can’t be controlled in life. A smart third act pivot powerfully shows Sam pushed to his limit but standing up for himself and his automony.
Beyond all those big themes, this book is simply just great fun. It’s always engaging and packed with funny moments and lines (and lots of Sam’s dad jokes.) It’s a wonderful portrait of friendship and family and a heart-warming celebration of the power of community.

[K · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting look into the life of someone living with cerebral palsy. It shows some strong friendships, as well as the struggles of teenage life and being disabled. I liked the Irish English spelling used throughout. Definitely best suited for readers who like young adult books since it's very much written for that audience.

[Babs · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

4.5 stars, rounded up

This YA read follows Sam, a teenager who has cerebral palsy. After being excluded from another school trip due to accessibility issues, Sam decides to take it upon himself to create change. As he works to raise funds for an accessible bus, Sam finds a community he can lean on for support. This book dives into deep themes, while remaining witty and engaging. I was immediately invested in Sam's story and loved the themes of friendship, identity, and community that emerged.