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Somewhere Close to Happy
Lizzie has just received a letter from her first love, Roman. The thing is, Roman went missing 12 years ago.
A laugh-out-loud funny yet heart-breaking novel about first love and second chances, with a satisfying mystery at its heart.
Lizzie James is happy. She has a steady office job (with a steady stream of tray bakes), has had the same best friend since secondary school, and she sees her family every Thursday night for take-away and TV. Granted, some members of her family she'd rather not see, and they definitely don't want to see her after what happened back then... but on the whole she's happy. Or somewhere close to it, anyway.
Until a letter arrives one day from her best friend, Roman. A letter dated 12 years ago, the exact day he went missing.
It brings all her painful memories flooding back: the new school she had to go to when she was ill, losing her beloved granddad, Hubble, and then losing her first love. As Lizzie uncovers the secrets of the letter, she starts to discover what really happened the year her life fell apart - and all avenues lead back to Roman.
Who sent her the letter, and what happened to Roman?
Perfect for fans of Cecelia Ahern, Jojo Moyes, Giovanna Fletcher and Kate Eberlen's Miss You. This is a novel you won't soon forget.
A laugh-out-loud funny yet heart-breaking novel about first love and second chances, with a satisfying mystery at its heart.
Lizzie James is happy. She has a steady office job (with a steady stream of tray bakes), has had the same best friend since secondary school, and she sees her family every Thursday night for take-away and TV. Granted, some members of her family she'd rather not see, and they definitely don't want to see her after what happened back then... but on the whole she's happy. Or somewhere close to it, anyway.
Until a letter arrives one day from her best friend, Roman. A letter dated 12 years ago, the exact day he went missing.
It brings all her painful memories flooding back: the new school she had to go to when she was ill, losing her beloved granddad, Hubble, and then losing her first love. As Lizzie uncovers the secrets of the letter, she starts to discover what really happened the year her life fell apart - and all avenues lead back to Roman.
Who sent her the letter, and what happened to Roman?
Perfect for fans of Cecelia Ahern, Jojo Moyes, Giovanna Fletcher and Kate Eberlen's Miss You. This is a novel you won't soon forget.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published June 13, 2019
91 people are currently reading
2704 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 207 reviews
June 13, 2019
When Lizzie discovers a letter from her first love Roman, dated twelve years previously. It turns her life upside down. Roman was also her best friend and when her Grandfather Hubble dies twelve years ago. Roman ups and leaves never to be seen again. So, when Lizzie receives the letter, she decides to go on a search to find what happened to Roman, with her now best friend Priscilla.
The journey takes them over the country and deals with subjects of mental health, drugs, to love and loss. Lizzie not only discovers things about Roman that she never knew about, but also things about herself. This is a beautiful written poignant tale. I thought it at first a bit slow but, I am glad that I stuck with it. This is a great book for a debut novel. I will be looking out for more books in the future from this author.
The journey takes them over the country and deals with subjects of mental health, drugs, to love and loss. Lizzie not only discovers things about Roman that she never knew about, but also things about herself. This is a beautiful written poignant tale. I thought it at first a bit slow but, I am glad that I stuck with it. This is a great book for a debut novel. I will be looking out for more books in the future from this author.
November 11, 2020
Later edit: Go read her second book, Dear Emmie Blue, which is sooooo nice, you wouldn't believe it's written by the same author.
If you're reading this before picking up this book, consider yourself lucky, because you've just won 4 hours of your life. I cannot say it in any easy way: STAY AWAY FROM THIS BOOK. It really shows that writing a book does not make you an author.
I want to say what is wrong with the book, but I don't know where to start. It says "the heart warming laugh out loud debut of the year" and it is none of that (except for the debut, but can't be of the year or the year should be sad for itself). It's not a love story, not a friendship story, not even a nice story or even a story for that matter. It's a jumble of words that can't keep you focused for 5 minutes because nothing makes sense. Why am I reading about both the present and the past, but none of it in order? Why is the character built in half a book and not even then do I not know relevant things about their background that may have at least made me like them? Why does the story come together as a bad puzzle where you just find random pieces, with no connection to anything from before?
And the worse part is I'm to blame. Why oh why did I trust a book with 135 ratings, which are probably all the author's friend because who else would be tricked to losing their time reading this waste of kb (thankfully, I didn't buy the hard copy, so I'm at least glad the trees were saved).
I do hope the author goes on to study some writing courses because the world should not handle another of her books.
If you're reading this before picking up this book, consider yourself lucky, because you've just won 4 hours of your life. I cannot say it in any easy way: STAY AWAY FROM THIS BOOK. It really shows that writing a book does not make you an author.
I want to say what is wrong with the book, but I don't know where to start. It says "the heart warming laugh out loud debut of the year" and it is none of that (except for the debut, but can't be of the year or the year should be sad for itself). It's not a love story, not a friendship story, not even a nice story or even a story for that matter. It's a jumble of words that can't keep you focused for 5 minutes because nothing makes sense. Why am I reading about both the present and the past, but none of it in order? Why is the character built in half a book and not even then do I not know relevant things about their background that may have at least made me like them? Why does the story come together as a bad puzzle where you just find random pieces, with no connection to anything from before?
And the worse part is I'm to blame. Why oh why did I trust a book with 135 ratings, which are probably all the author's friend because who else would be tricked to losing their time reading this waste of kb (thankfully, I didn't buy the hard copy, so I'm at least glad the trees were saved).
I do hope the author goes on to study some writing courses because the world should not handle another of her books.
October 20, 2020
Lia Louis has quickly become a favourite author. I already treasure the two books she has published so far, and am excited for more. I will dog ear these two for now, and reread them to death. Her writing contains dark themes, but are written in my favourite way—light and humorous.
SCTH, what can I say? Emotional, heartbreaking, hilarious and warm. It revolved around a friendship and love so innocent and raw, it will last a lifetime in my heart. This wasn’t at all a typical romance, but if you are like me, and tangible love between people, family and friends is more than enough, than give this a go.
My girl Lizzie, Lia gives us the bravest heroines. Their arc’s are so moving and inspiring, and unlike any I’ve read before. No surprise, Roman is dreamy and delicious, honestly this guy! What a beautiful, broken bad boy, come soft, wounded man.
The only reason I am giving this four and not five stars is because it is left completely open ended and my heart is reeling, not sure I am coping right now.
SCTH, what can I say? Emotional, heartbreaking, hilarious and warm. It revolved around a friendship and love so innocent and raw, it will last a lifetime in my heart. This wasn’t at all a typical romance, but if you are like me, and tangible love between people, family and friends is more than enough, than give this a go.
My girl Lizzie, Lia gives us the bravest heroines. Their arc’s are so moving and inspiring, and unlike any I’ve read before. No surprise, Roman is dreamy and delicious, honestly this guy! What a beautiful, broken bad boy, come soft, wounded man.
The only reason I am giving this four and not five stars is because it is left completely open ended and my heart is reeling, not sure I am coping right now.
April 29, 2019
I found this touching and funny novel quite different to what I expected, I suppose I thought it would be a HEA/romance book but actually it's very poignant, very funny and an accurate portrayal of being a young adult, making mistakes and going through life-changing circumstances.
It covers many gritty topics such as loss, grief, mental illness/breakdowns with accuracy and sensitivity, whilst maintaining the feel-good light-hearted fun of true friendships and the ups and downs of families.
I loved how excerpts of Roman and Lizzie's online messenger chats, voicemails, etc are dotted about at the end of chapters to give you that added insight in to what's happening and link back to this adventure starting from a long lost letter.
Atmospheric, nostalgic and heartbreaking, this is a book that leaves you with a little bit of extra soul at the end of it.
It covers many gritty topics such as loss, grief, mental illness/breakdowns with accuracy and sensitivity, whilst maintaining the feel-good light-hearted fun of true friendships and the ups and downs of families.
I loved how excerpts of Roman and Lizzie's online messenger chats, voicemails, etc are dotted about at the end of chapters to give you that added insight in to what's happening and link back to this adventure starting from a long lost letter.
Atmospheric, nostalgic and heartbreaking, this is a book that leaves you with a little bit of extra soul at the end of it.
August 13, 2020
Lizzie has just received a letter from her first love Roman, The thing is Roman disappeared 12 years ago....
Somewhere close to Happy is my first read by Lia Louis and now I cannot wait to read Dear Emmie Blue! Its made me even more excited for it.
When I first started reading this book I won't lie I did wonder where it was going to go and if I was actually invested enough to find out and then bam out of nowhere I had tears streaming down my face and I wanted to find Roman as much as Lizzie does.
Lia has this talent where her writing draws you into this story and made me connect with all of the characters. I think I related to them as my best friend is a guy and I literally would be as heartbroken as Lizzie and as determined to find him if he ever went Awol 🤣
Priscilla is that girl every one needs in her life. I loved how she was so supportive of Lizzie and loyal and basically just an all round good friend, The power of having that female friendship really shone through and I have no doubt Lizzie wouldn't of coped as well without her.
Can I just say this book emotionally ruined me I mean Roman 😭😍 I literally cried so many times about his whole life and that ending!
I really need to point out how well Anxiety and Mental Illness covering depression right through to addiction is represented in this book! I feel like so many people see these kind of books as "chic lit" but Lia writes in such an accessible and sensitive way that covers some really important topics.
Overall I loved this book! It did take me a while to fully appreciate it but once I did I absolutely invested all of my emotions and Roman and Lizzie are characters that I won't forget in a hurry
Somewhere close to Happy is my first read by Lia Louis and now I cannot wait to read Dear Emmie Blue! Its made me even more excited for it.
When I first started reading this book I won't lie I did wonder where it was going to go and if I was actually invested enough to find out and then bam out of nowhere I had tears streaming down my face and I wanted to find Roman as much as Lizzie does.
Lia has this talent where her writing draws you into this story and made me connect with all of the characters. I think I related to them as my best friend is a guy and I literally would be as heartbroken as Lizzie and as determined to find him if he ever went Awol 🤣
Priscilla is that girl every one needs in her life. I loved how she was so supportive of Lizzie and loyal and basically just an all round good friend, The power of having that female friendship really shone through and I have no doubt Lizzie wouldn't of coped as well without her.
Can I just say this book emotionally ruined me I mean Roman 😭😍 I literally cried so many times about his whole life and that ending!
I really need to point out how well Anxiety and Mental Illness covering depression right through to addiction is represented in this book! I feel like so many people see these kind of books as "chic lit" but Lia writes in such an accessible and sensitive way that covers some really important topics.
Overall I loved this book! It did take me a while to fully appreciate it but once I did I absolutely invested all of my emotions and Roman and Lizzie are characters that I won't forget in a hurry
June 9, 2023
I had read and loved Lia Louis’s previous books so I deemed it only right to read her debut!
💌Lia Louis does not hang about and immediately throws us into the moment that Lizzie discovers the letter from Roman. From here were are told the story of their past, in a series of flashbacks, and follow Lizzie on her quest to find Roman.
💗Whilst this story is mysterious, romantic and hopeful there is also a serious dark undertone. Mental health is something that is becoming more prominent in day-to-day conversations. What the different characters go through in this story, as well as the attitudes shown towards some of them, is not only depicted in a relatable way but it’s executed with perfection.
🎶What I have come to love about Lia Louis’s writing is how easy it is to digest. She has a way with words that I find so beautiful that I can’t help but be instantly transfixed by her story telling.
⭐This was another brilliant read filled with mystery, intrigue and romance. It’s not light-hearted in any sense, it will leave you with tears in your eyes and steal a small piece of your heart too.
💌Lia Louis does not hang about and immediately throws us into the moment that Lizzie discovers the letter from Roman. From here were are told the story of their past, in a series of flashbacks, and follow Lizzie on her quest to find Roman.
💗Whilst this story is mysterious, romantic and hopeful there is also a serious dark undertone. Mental health is something that is becoming more prominent in day-to-day conversations. What the different characters go through in this story, as well as the attitudes shown towards some of them, is not only depicted in a relatable way but it’s executed with perfection.
🎶What I have come to love about Lia Louis’s writing is how easy it is to digest. She has a way with words that I find so beautiful that I can’t help but be instantly transfixed by her story telling.
⭐This was another brilliant read filled with mystery, intrigue and romance. It’s not light-hearted in any sense, it will leave you with tears in your eyes and steal a small piece of your heart too.
December 31, 2019
A very impressive debut novel, that delves into mental health and some other issues, while also being a journey of trying to rediscover yourself.
It's the story of Lizzie and Roman who were incredibly close when they were teens, until Roman just disappeared out of her life 13 years ago.
She has had no clue where he is, but out of the blue she recieves a letter that leads her to search for him.
Within this search as readers we are treated to chapters dealing with events 13 years ago, which were very interesting, especially the time they both spent in The Grove.
I found it surprisingly fast to read, and it was very hard to tear myself away from the story at times.
I have a feeling that elements of this book will be staying with me for a while, which is always a sign of a good book in my eyes.
Thank you to Orion and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
It's the story of Lizzie and Roman who were incredibly close when they were teens, until Roman just disappeared out of her life 13 years ago.
She has had no clue where he is, but out of the blue she recieves a letter that leads her to search for him.
Within this search as readers we are treated to chapters dealing with events 13 years ago, which were very interesting, especially the time they both spent in The Grove.
I found it surprisingly fast to read, and it was very hard to tear myself away from the story at times.
I have a feeling that elements of this book will be staying with me for a while, which is always a sign of a good book in my eyes.
Thank you to Orion and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
January 4, 2020
Such a beautiful book to start the year off with. It's impossible to not fall in love with the characters, and the story is beautiful and inspiring from start to finish.
Read
August 10, 2020DNF
April 7, 2019
Lizzie met Roman back when they were teenagers in a place called The Grove. Struggling with their mental health, they struck up a strong friendship, supporting each other through every difficult patch. Then out of the blue, Roman disappears, leaving Lizzie heartbroken. 12 years later, her life is quiet, predictable, but stable. That is until a letter from Roman arrives, dated around the time he disappeared apologising to Lizzie and dredging up memories she'd cleared from her mind. She wants to find Roman. She wants answers to her questions. Most importantly she misses her best friend. But where to begin?
I'll start by saying I really appreciated the mental health theme in this book and thought it displayed an accurate representation of the illness - people having good days and bad, people trying really hard to put on a brave face, and crucially people hiding their struggles from others. It was raw and emotional, covering two distinctly different perspectives (those suffering and those that think they're doing it for attention). I hated Lizzie's Aunt and thought the way she spoke about Lizzie's health as if it was one big farce was disgusting. But like I say, accurate portrayals. I just hope in real life someone would have the guts to call her out for being such a cold-hearted and ignorant cow.
The negative for me was that I found the storyline a bit stale. The chase for Roman seemed never-ending when I felt like his location was staring us in the face. I thought the opening few chapters withheld important details, explaining them further in the book. This mainly confused me though. I would have liked to know what The Grove was early on as I really had no clue and therefore couldn't really connect to anything that happened there. I liked the flashback chapters and thought these provided good context but I kept losing my train of thought skipping from past to present so often.
I liked how the ending wasn't too predictable but I would have like more of a wrap-up between Lizzie and Roman. I felt that it was left dangling.
Overall a good story but too much filler for me.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I'll start by saying I really appreciated the mental health theme in this book and thought it displayed an accurate representation of the illness - people having good days and bad, people trying really hard to put on a brave face, and crucially people hiding their struggles from others. It was raw and emotional, covering two distinctly different perspectives (those suffering and those that think they're doing it for attention). I hated Lizzie's Aunt and thought the way she spoke about Lizzie's health as if it was one big farce was disgusting. But like I say, accurate portrayals. I just hope in real life someone would have the guts to call her out for being such a cold-hearted and ignorant cow.
The negative for me was that I found the storyline a bit stale. The chase for Roman seemed never-ending when I felt like his location was staring us in the face. I thought the opening few chapters withheld important details, explaining them further in the book. This mainly confused me though. I would have liked to know what The Grove was early on as I really had no clue and therefore couldn't really connect to anything that happened there. I liked the flashback chapters and thought these provided good context but I kept losing my train of thought skipping from past to present so often.
I liked how the ending wasn't too predictable but I would have like more of a wrap-up between Lizzie and Roman. I felt that it was left dangling.
Overall a good story but too much filler for me.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 26, 2022
An easy read which got better as it went along. Some of the language in the early chapters seemed unnecessary to me and it took a while for the characters to grow into their supposed adult status.
January 13, 2024
First time author an emotional and poignant read from a long disappearance to romance and mental health look forward to more from this author in the future
January 15, 2019
There was so much to love about this book, from the intriguing premise to the warmth and sensitivity of Lia's writing, which reminded me of Jojo Moyes. As an 80s kid, I loved the 90s references and the laugh-out-loud humour throughout. The characters were hugely relatable and I found myself willing Lizzie on, on her own personal journey, as well as in pursuit of answers regarding her friend, Roman. The denouement, although not what I expected, was beautiful, honest, real and will stay with me for a long time. A hugely enjoyable and emotional read. Thanks to Lia, publishers and NetGalley.
December 10, 2018
An unforgettable really charming and absolutely beautiful book that I completely adored. I couldn’t put it. Down and I love everything about this book.
January 14, 2019
See this review and more at https://thereadingnook.home.blog/
‘Lizzie James is happy.
She has a steady office job (with a steady stream of snacks), has had the same best friend since school, and she sees her family every Thursday night for take-away and trashy TV. Lizzie likes her uncomplicated life.
Then a letter arrives one day from her first love, Roman. A letter dated the day he disappeared, 12 years before. As Lizzie uncovers the secrets of the letter, she discovers what really happened the year her life fell apart – and all avenues lead back to Roman.
Lizzie James thought she was happy, or somewhere close to happy, anyway. Now she’s not so sure.’
Lia Louis’ debut novel tells the story of Lizzie, who has just received a letter from her old best friend, Roman Meyers. The only problem is, Roman has been missing for the past 12 years, just vanished without a trace and without a word, something that has haunted Lizzie ever since.
Both troubled teenagers at The Grove, a school and help facility for teenagers with problems such as addiction or violent tendancies, Roman was the first friend Lizzie made at the school and they were inseparable, much to the dislike of her father. The only person in their lives who seems to understand the two is Hubble, Lizzie’s beloved grandfather.
But Roman has problems in his life that even Lizzie can’t fully comprehend, issues that make it difficult for him to stay where he is.
It is only when Lizzie receives the letter and decides, with the help of her faithful best friend Priscilla, to finally track Roman down, that she begins to figure out and understand just what happened to make him decide to run.
The book tells us the story of Lizzie and her journey, and the events that happened when she was younger in a mixture of current day narrative and flashbacks to her teenage days. It is well written and I didn’t want to put it down because I was so eager to find out more about the characters, especially Roman. I was willing Lizzie to find him and get their story back on track.
It has a lot of humour, and some genuine laugh out loud moments, which is surprising given the at times sensitive subject matter – Louis manages to tackle topics such as addiction, anxiety, depression, and abortion with great sensitivity, but she also doesn’t shy away from them.
It is a bittersweet book, with a surprising but perfect ending. It really is a very promising debut novel, and I would absolutely pick up any other work by this author based on this book.
It is due to be published in June 2019, and I would recommend anyone who is a fan of light literature, with a strong female protagonist to pick it up.
*I received this advance reader copy from Netgalley on the basis that I would provide an honest review.
‘Lizzie James is happy.
She has a steady office job (with a steady stream of snacks), has had the same best friend since school, and she sees her family every Thursday night for take-away and trashy TV. Lizzie likes her uncomplicated life.
Then a letter arrives one day from her first love, Roman. A letter dated the day he disappeared, 12 years before. As Lizzie uncovers the secrets of the letter, she discovers what really happened the year her life fell apart – and all avenues lead back to Roman.
Lizzie James thought she was happy, or somewhere close to happy, anyway. Now she’s not so sure.’
Lia Louis’ debut novel tells the story of Lizzie, who has just received a letter from her old best friend, Roman Meyers. The only problem is, Roman has been missing for the past 12 years, just vanished without a trace and without a word, something that has haunted Lizzie ever since.
Both troubled teenagers at The Grove, a school and help facility for teenagers with problems such as addiction or violent tendancies, Roman was the first friend Lizzie made at the school and they were inseparable, much to the dislike of her father. The only person in their lives who seems to understand the two is Hubble, Lizzie’s beloved grandfather.
But Roman has problems in his life that even Lizzie can’t fully comprehend, issues that make it difficult for him to stay where he is.
It is only when Lizzie receives the letter and decides, with the help of her faithful best friend Priscilla, to finally track Roman down, that she begins to figure out and understand just what happened to make him decide to run.
The book tells us the story of Lizzie and her journey, and the events that happened when she was younger in a mixture of current day narrative and flashbacks to her teenage days. It is well written and I didn’t want to put it down because I was so eager to find out more about the characters, especially Roman. I was willing Lizzie to find him and get their story back on track.
It has a lot of humour, and some genuine laugh out loud moments, which is surprising given the at times sensitive subject matter – Louis manages to tackle topics such as addiction, anxiety, depression, and abortion with great sensitivity, but she also doesn’t shy away from them.
It is a bittersweet book, with a surprising but perfect ending. It really is a very promising debut novel, and I would absolutely pick up any other work by this author based on this book.
It is due to be published in June 2019, and I would recommend anyone who is a fan of light literature, with a strong female protagonist to pick it up.
*I received this advance reader copy from Netgalley on the basis that I would provide an honest review.
July 15, 2020
Lizzie James is happy. She has a steady office job (with a steady stream of tray bakes), has had the same best friend since secondary school, and she sees her family every Thursday night for take-away and TV. On the whole she's happy. Or somewhere close to it, anyway. Until a letter arrives one day from her best friend, Roman. A letter dated 12 years ago, the exact day he went missing. Who sent her the letter, and what happened to Roman?
SUCH A GOOD BOOK! I honestly could not put this book down I was enjoying it so much. It's mystery crossed with a love story from the past. The book bounces from present day to stories from Lizzie's teenage years, giving you insights into her relationship with Roman. You will honestly get invested in everyone's life (including mean Aunty Shall....OMG SHE'S AWFUL!) I was a little disappointed by the ending, but only because it's not necessarily your traditional ending in many ways (that's all I'll ay without giving away too much). Tackling mental health, drugs and a whole lot of family stress, it's so raw and real that it is the perfect modern day book.
If you're looking for a new book to read that mixes love and a bit of mystery, on an adventure to reconnect with a long lost love, then this is the next book for you!
SUCH A GOOD BOOK! I honestly could not put this book down I was enjoying it so much. It's mystery crossed with a love story from the past. The book bounces from present day to stories from Lizzie's teenage years, giving you insights into her relationship with Roman. You will honestly get invested in everyone's life (including mean Aunty Shall....OMG SHE'S AWFUL!) I was a little disappointed by the ending, but only because it's not necessarily your traditional ending in many ways (that's all I'll ay without giving away too much). Tackling mental health, drugs and a whole lot of family stress, it's so raw and real that it is the perfect modern day book.
If you're looking for a new book to read that mixes love and a bit of mystery, on an adventure to reconnect with a long lost love, then this is the next book for you!
March 9, 2019
Lizzie won me over as a heroine. Lia Louis had me truly believing in the characters and throws the reader into that feeling of teenage angst and first love so convincingly that it almost had me falling for Roman myself. I’m sure many of us wonder what it would be like to go back and find that first meaningful relationship and in my view, the whole plot was handled perfectly. When I had finished, it was one of those books I wanted to talk about. The story was carefully woven between the past and the future so you were never too far away from the teenagers, and the emotions that had resurfaced for Lizzie so that I could share her urgency to find Roman. I enjoyed the fact that Roman was important but never more so than Lizzie herself and Priscilla’s role was fantastic - just what was needed in a novel that centred around a vulnerable but ultimately powerful female protagonist. I was taken in by this novel entirely and actually loved all of the characters, which is a rarity for me.
July 29, 2021
Too sad for me. I had a hard time wanting to keep reading this one because it didn’t make sense to me for over 3/4 of the book WHY chase someone who obviously left you behind and could have found you at any moment but didn’t? I didn’t care for Roman like Lizzie did. I didn’t think he was worth finding.
The first half of this book is probably give one star. Even though I didn’t love the way it ended I still appreciated the journey and did like some of the way things ended up. Over all though not my favorite. I picked this up because I just read Emmie Blue and it was beautiful and I related to it in so many ways. But this wasn’t a “laugh out loud” read like the description says. It’s mostly dark and dreary with little bursts of sunlight through clouds here and there.
The first half of this book is probably give one star. Even though I didn’t love the way it ended I still appreciated the journey and did like some of the way things ended up. Over all though not my favorite. I picked this up because I just read Emmie Blue and it was beautiful and I related to it in so many ways. But this wasn’t a “laugh out loud” read like the description says. It’s mostly dark and dreary with little bursts of sunlight through clouds here and there.
December 11, 2018
This is the story of Lizzie and her quest to find what happened to her friend Roman who disappeared one day.
The story is told entirely from Lizzie's perspective and we get a glimpse of her teenage years with Roman along with the ongoing search for Roman. Somewhere close to Happy covers mental health topics like anxiety,depression and drug use.
Overall,I liked the story-it was one with a bittersweet ending. The only reason why I am not giving 5 stars us because of that ending .I felt that I went on an entire journey with Lizzie and of course,her best friend Priscilla ,for nothing. Well,this is my opinion.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an eARC.
The story is told entirely from Lizzie's perspective and we get a glimpse of her teenage years with Roman along with the ongoing search for Roman. Somewhere close to Happy covers mental health topics like anxiety,depression and drug use.
Overall,I liked the story-it was one with a bittersweet ending. The only reason why I am not giving 5 stars us because of that ending .I felt that I went on an entire journey with Lizzie and of course,her best friend Priscilla ,for nothing. Well,this is my opinion.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an eARC.
June 29, 2020
This wasn’t what I expected at all. I thought that it would be a fluffy light read however it was much more deeper than that. The story delves into the world of anxiety, depression and drug addiction and is pretty dark in places. I can relate to mental health so I found the main character quite relatable however those who have no experience of mental health could possibly have struggled. All in all it was an ok read, it was funny in places and I was intrigued to discover what had happened to Roman however the ending was a little flat and not what I would have hoped for. Overall id give it a 6.5/10 xx
May 30, 2019
A true heartwarming read. It’s an amazing debut novel, in fact I couldn’t believe it was a debut book. The characters are so well written and relatable, you really go on Lizzie’s journey with her. An emotional read. I will definitely be reading more by Lia.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
June 11, 2019
An incredibly emotional story with characters who jump off the page. Well written with a strong voice carrying difficult themes and strong emotions all the way to the end. This is a fantastic debut from a fantastic author.
March 20, 2021
Not sure how I feel about this.
It was a nice book - although obvious issues around mental health and drugs.
I’m not sure if it was the writing style or my frame of mind but I didn’t enjoy it as much as I thought I would.
However a good story and kept me engaged.
It was a nice book - although obvious issues around mental health and drugs.
I’m not sure if it was the writing style or my frame of mind but I didn’t enjoy it as much as I thought I would.
However a good story and kept me engaged.
April 25, 2021
Review also posted here: http://www.book-drunk.co.uk/2019/06/s...
Somewhere Close to Happy gave me all the emotions! I'd heard great things about Lia Louis's debut novel and it did not disappoint. This book made me laugh and cry, cheer and despair and root for Lizzie and Roman all the way.
When we meet Lizzie, she is sad and confused. She has just received a letter dated December 4, 2005, from Roman, her old best friend, written twelve years ago on the day he disappeared from her life with no explanation. Straight away I was intrigued by the story of Lizzie and Roman and couldn't wait to discover more.
Lia Louis structures this novel beautifully, with chapters dated from 2005 to present day, and old messages between Lizzie and Roman in between chapters to really show their friendship and help the reader understand why this letter from Roman becomes so important to Lizzie. The way the author feeds us the backstory of Lizzie and Roman made it easy to see how they had made an impression on each other's lives and therefore made it easy to care for their characters and follow their story with ease, with a sense of hope for a happy ending for the two of them.
This is a truly tender book that has all the makings of heart-warming women's fiction but also draws upon feelings of grief, of pure, raw emotion and of mental health and anxiety, something which I wholeheartedly believe should be written about more in fiction. The author writes honestly and sensitively about mental health and this was, in a way, heartening to see as mental health issues affect so many men and women yet there can still be a stigma about it and talking about it. In Somewhere Close to Happy, as the chapters move back and forth between teenage Lizzie and adult Lizzie, she is open and honest about her struggles and about Roman's struggles and their friendship is moving and empowering.
Although Somewhere Close to Happy is a book about Lizzie and Roman and their compelling story, my favourite character in this book was probably Lizzie's best friend, Priscilla. Though she had her own troubles, she was such a joyous character and a great friend - loyal, kind, caring and supportive. She made me laugh throughout and I loved her friendship with Lizzie. All the characters in this book were interesting and memorable and because of this, whilst the author does justice to the story of Lizzie and Roman, she has also ensured that they aren't the only characters I'm thinking of now the book is sadly finished.
I could truly rave about Somewhere Close to Happy all day. It's such a thought-provoking, brilliant debut novel. I seriously cannot wait to read more from Lia Louis.
Somewhere Close to Happy gave me all the emotions! I'd heard great things about Lia Louis's debut novel and it did not disappoint. This book made me laugh and cry, cheer and despair and root for Lizzie and Roman all the way.
When we meet Lizzie, she is sad and confused. She has just received a letter dated December 4, 2005, from Roman, her old best friend, written twelve years ago on the day he disappeared from her life with no explanation. Straight away I was intrigued by the story of Lizzie and Roman and couldn't wait to discover more.
Lia Louis structures this novel beautifully, with chapters dated from 2005 to present day, and old messages between Lizzie and Roman in between chapters to really show their friendship and help the reader understand why this letter from Roman becomes so important to Lizzie. The way the author feeds us the backstory of Lizzie and Roman made it easy to see how they had made an impression on each other's lives and therefore made it easy to care for their characters and follow their story with ease, with a sense of hope for a happy ending for the two of them.
This is a truly tender book that has all the makings of heart-warming women's fiction but also draws upon feelings of grief, of pure, raw emotion and of mental health and anxiety, something which I wholeheartedly believe should be written about more in fiction. The author writes honestly and sensitively about mental health and this was, in a way, heartening to see as mental health issues affect so many men and women yet there can still be a stigma about it and talking about it. In Somewhere Close to Happy, as the chapters move back and forth between teenage Lizzie and adult Lizzie, she is open and honest about her struggles and about Roman's struggles and their friendship is moving and empowering.
Although Somewhere Close to Happy is a book about Lizzie and Roman and their compelling story, my favourite character in this book was probably Lizzie's best friend, Priscilla. Though she had her own troubles, she was such a joyous character and a great friend - loyal, kind, caring and supportive. She made me laugh throughout and I loved her friendship with Lizzie. All the characters in this book were interesting and memorable and because of this, whilst the author does justice to the story of Lizzie and Roman, she has also ensured that they aren't the only characters I'm thinking of now the book is sadly finished.
I could truly rave about Somewhere Close to Happy all day. It's such a thought-provoking, brilliant debut novel. I seriously cannot wait to read more from Lia Louis.
July 30, 2019
Sit down, ladies and gents, because it’s time to crack open the tissues.
This book was so lovely, and so, so heartbreaking (props to Lia Louis for walking that line so effortlessly!), and once I’d put it down, I had to sit in a dark room for a bit and digest what I’d read.
Right. Let’s get down to business. The story itself is about Lizzie James, and about a letter from a mysterious man named Roman that pops up years after they’ve last spoken, which sends her searching for answers about her past. Though we don’t know anything about Roman to start with, it’s easy to sympathise with Lizzie as we watch her go through the motions with her frankly horrendous extended family, and hint at past emotional trouble with her parents.
Slowly, however, the jigsaw pieces start to fall into place and we’re drawn into Lizzie and Roman’s shared past. Louis drip-feeds us details so cleverly that every revelation just makes you hungrier for answers: if that’s the case, then why did this happen? Slowly, the past becomes more tangible and real than the present, and you fall in love with Lizzie, Roman (who brings all the laughs, but is much more fragile than he lets on) and Lizzie’s excellent friend Priscilla.
Mostly, this is a book about growing up. But Louis treats her characters with exquisite care, and their character development never feels anything less than natural. A lot of attention is paid to the intricacies of relationships: parent-child relationships (shout out to Hubble, the best grandfather ever), romantic relationships and, mostly importantly, the relationships between friends, which seem so much more intense when you’re a teenager.
Mental health also features hugely: both the main characters have their own demons to fight, the extent of which doesn’t really become clear until the end of the book. But Louis tackles the subject in such an honest and refreshing way that it honestly felt quite emotional to read- and that draws on the author’s own experiences. When Lizzie has her panic attacks, you can feel her fear on the page, and Roman’s vulnerability crackles out at you from the way he speaks. It’s impossible not to root for these people, but it’s also a great exploration of different types of mental health.
It also makes the ending that much more satisfying. Lizzie goes on a real journey over the course of this book, and by the end, when she’s able to stand on her own feet and take control of her own narrative, it feels incredibly powerful. Yes girl!
This book was so lovely, and so, so heartbreaking (props to Lia Louis for walking that line so effortlessly!), and once I’d put it down, I had to sit in a dark room for a bit and digest what I’d read.
Right. Let’s get down to business. The story itself is about Lizzie James, and about a letter from a mysterious man named Roman that pops up years after they’ve last spoken, which sends her searching for answers about her past. Though we don’t know anything about Roman to start with, it’s easy to sympathise with Lizzie as we watch her go through the motions with her frankly horrendous extended family, and hint at past emotional trouble with her parents.
Slowly, however, the jigsaw pieces start to fall into place and we’re drawn into Lizzie and Roman’s shared past. Louis drip-feeds us details so cleverly that every revelation just makes you hungrier for answers: if that’s the case, then why did this happen? Slowly, the past becomes more tangible and real than the present, and you fall in love with Lizzie, Roman (who brings all the laughs, but is much more fragile than he lets on) and Lizzie’s excellent friend Priscilla.
Mostly, this is a book about growing up. But Louis treats her characters with exquisite care, and their character development never feels anything less than natural. A lot of attention is paid to the intricacies of relationships: parent-child relationships (shout out to Hubble, the best grandfather ever), romantic relationships and, mostly importantly, the relationships between friends, which seem so much more intense when you’re a teenager.
Mental health also features hugely: both the main characters have their own demons to fight, the extent of which doesn’t really become clear until the end of the book. But Louis tackles the subject in such an honest and refreshing way that it honestly felt quite emotional to read- and that draws on the author’s own experiences. When Lizzie has her panic attacks, you can feel her fear on the page, and Roman’s vulnerability crackles out at you from the way he speaks. It’s impossible not to root for these people, but it’s also a great exploration of different types of mental health.
It also makes the ending that much more satisfying. Lizzie goes on a real journey over the course of this book, and by the end, when she’s able to stand on her own feet and take control of her own narrative, it feels incredibly powerful. Yes girl!
January 1, 2020
¡Feliz 2020! 📚❤️
Hacía tiempo que no subía fotos tan seguido, pero nada me hacía más ilusión que publicar una foto él último día del año y el primero del siguiente.
Hoy vengo a hablaros de un libro que me ha dejado con un sentimiento bastante extraño y del cual dudo que pueda describir. .
.
.
La historia nos habla de Lizzie una chica que actualmente se encuentra medianamente estable, en cuánto ha psicología se refiere.
Lizzie tuvo un pasado bastante complicado, pero su amigo y amor de la infancia, tuvo el más oscuro de todos.
Para ellos, pasar tiempo juntos era como respirar aire fresco entre un bosque ardiente y ambos disfrutaban del momento.
Pero un día, Roman desaparece y para Lizzie no hubo mayor sufrimiento.
Ella aún no sabe cual fue la verdadera razón de su huida y cuando 12 años después le llega una carta de Roman escrita el mismo día en el que desapareció.... le hace recordar todo cuanto tuvo.
Por ello emprende una aventura en la que junto a su actual mejor amiga, descubrirán donde se encuentra ese amigo de la infancia y el porqué de su desaparición.
.
.
.
A esta historia solo la puedo describir como: arrolladora, conmovedora, divertida y peliaguda.
La autora nos desarrolla su historia intercalando capítulos en diferentes tiempos, en el pasado y en el presente.
Desde un punto de vista nos profundiza la relación entre los personajes, y desde la otra nos describe el progreso de investigación de Lizzie.
Tiene una pluma ligera, que engancha, rápida de leer y que está narrada siempre desde un punto de vista.
Haciendo que lleguemos a conectar con la protagonista.
Ha sido una lectura que ha logrado meterme unas cuentas pelotillas en los ojos y que más de un riachuelo se me hayan escapado de los lagrimales.
Un libro bastante recomendado.
Le he dado 3⭐️ debido a que es un libro de emoción, es decir, está escrito para leerlo en un momento determinado.
Específicamente, cuando nos encontramos tristes y nostálgicos
Pero aún así, ha sido una buena lectura y estoy decidida a releerla en otro momento, estoy segura de que la voy a disfrutar más cuando esté para el arrastre 😂 .
.
Por último, agradecerle a @teenplanetlibro por el envío del ejemplar. 💖
Hacía tiempo que no subía fotos tan seguido, pero nada me hacía más ilusión que publicar una foto él último día del año y el primero del siguiente.
Hoy vengo a hablaros de un libro que me ha dejado con un sentimiento bastante extraño y del cual dudo que pueda describir. .
.
.
La historia nos habla de Lizzie una chica que actualmente se encuentra medianamente estable, en cuánto ha psicología se refiere.
Lizzie tuvo un pasado bastante complicado, pero su amigo y amor de la infancia, tuvo el más oscuro de todos.
Para ellos, pasar tiempo juntos era como respirar aire fresco entre un bosque ardiente y ambos disfrutaban del momento.
Pero un día, Roman desaparece y para Lizzie no hubo mayor sufrimiento.
Ella aún no sabe cual fue la verdadera razón de su huida y cuando 12 años después le llega una carta de Roman escrita el mismo día en el que desapareció.... le hace recordar todo cuanto tuvo.
Por ello emprende una aventura en la que junto a su actual mejor amiga, descubrirán donde se encuentra ese amigo de la infancia y el porqué de su desaparición.
.
.
.
A esta historia solo la puedo describir como: arrolladora, conmovedora, divertida y peliaguda.
La autora nos desarrolla su historia intercalando capítulos en diferentes tiempos, en el pasado y en el presente.
Desde un punto de vista nos profundiza la relación entre los personajes, y desde la otra nos describe el progreso de investigación de Lizzie.
Tiene una pluma ligera, que engancha, rápida de leer y que está narrada siempre desde un punto de vista.
Haciendo que lleguemos a conectar con la protagonista.
Ha sido una lectura que ha logrado meterme unas cuentas pelotillas en los ojos y que más de un riachuelo se me hayan escapado de los lagrimales.
Un libro bastante recomendado.
Le he dado 3⭐️ debido a que es un libro de emoción, es decir, está escrito para leerlo en un momento determinado.
Específicamente, cuando nos encontramos tristes y nostálgicos
Pero aún así, ha sido una buena lectura y estoy decidida a releerla en otro momento, estoy segura de que la voy a disfrutar más cuando esté para el arrastre 😂 .
.
Por último, agradecerle a @teenplanetlibro por el envío del ejemplar. 💖
June 11, 2019
This debut novel hit the sweet spot for me with a tender YA style first love and a gradual unpicking of a mystery later in life.
Lizzie thinks she’s moved on and moved past what happened when Roman disappeared but the delivery of his twelve year old letter opens those wounds and there’s only one way to heal them. She needs the truth.
Her best friend Priscilla has been with her since school, through her time at The Grove (the mental health unit where she met Roman), the year he left and now she’s the Sherlock to her Watson. I loved the female friendships in this book, most notably between Lizzie and Priscilla but also with Katie, her sister-in-law. There was one scene where Katie’s support had me fist pumping.
Of course Somewhere Close to Happy also represents the fauxships too, in all their agonising false niceties.
The novel flicks forward and back in time and this gradual unfurling of the story of first love and first loss is deftly handled, it had me so invested. I wanted to hug young Lizzie and young Roman in particular.
With hugely honest and accurate mental health portrayal, that comes from the author’s authentic experience. The experience of anxiety and panic pulses from the page. Also the hurt of one’s experience not being validated is raw and the, “she’s being a teenager”, “she’s just being awkward”, comments show how much more awareness is needed. The family relationships in this story are complex, some good (Hubble - sweet Hubble), some complex (Mum and Dad) and some downright 🤬 (Auntie who Shall not be named - see what I did there!).
This story just feels so real, so bittersweet and the writing just had me hooked. I needed to know what happened. Lizzie goes on a journey, and the outcome is one of self understanding and growth. The moments when she quietly and calmly is able to state what she needs are powerful.
As a personal note there is something that happens with Priscilla (no spoilers) that I hope becomes Louis’ second novel, because I know this author has the sensitivity to write that empathetically. I’d also love to spend more time with these characters.
Trigger warning for mental health, suicide, drug addiction and abortion.
Somewhere Close to Happy is out on Thursday.
Thank you to Alex and Orion for the review copy #gifted for the purposes of an honest review. I loved it.
Lizzie thinks she’s moved on and moved past what happened when Roman disappeared but the delivery of his twelve year old letter opens those wounds and there’s only one way to heal them. She needs the truth.
Her best friend Priscilla has been with her since school, through her time at The Grove (the mental health unit where she met Roman), the year he left and now she’s the Sherlock to her Watson. I loved the female friendships in this book, most notably between Lizzie and Priscilla but also with Katie, her sister-in-law. There was one scene where Katie’s support had me fist pumping.
Of course Somewhere Close to Happy also represents the fauxships too, in all their agonising false niceties.
The novel flicks forward and back in time and this gradual unfurling of the story of first love and first loss is deftly handled, it had me so invested. I wanted to hug young Lizzie and young Roman in particular.
With hugely honest and accurate mental health portrayal, that comes from the author’s authentic experience. The experience of anxiety and panic pulses from the page. Also the hurt of one’s experience not being validated is raw and the, “she’s being a teenager”, “she’s just being awkward”, comments show how much more awareness is needed. The family relationships in this story are complex, some good (Hubble - sweet Hubble), some complex (Mum and Dad) and some downright 🤬 (Auntie who Shall not be named - see what I did there!).
This story just feels so real, so bittersweet and the writing just had me hooked. I needed to know what happened. Lizzie goes on a journey, and the outcome is one of self understanding and growth. The moments when she quietly and calmly is able to state what she needs are powerful.
As a personal note there is something that happens with Priscilla (no spoilers) that I hope becomes Louis’ second novel, because I know this author has the sensitivity to write that empathetically. I’d also love to spend more time with these characters.
Trigger warning for mental health, suicide, drug addiction and abortion.
Somewhere Close to Happy is out on Thursday.
Thank you to Alex and Orion for the review copy #gifted for the purposes of an honest review. I loved it.
June 16, 2020
Ok this was not what I was expecting! I thought it would be a pretty straightforward love story but I was totally off the mark.
This book has a fantastic cast of characters. I've never suffered from mental health problems and I sometimes find it difficult to relate to characters with anxiety, depression etc as I just cannot imagine how it must feel. But Lizzie had me right from the start, she is written in a way that just made me feel everything with her. Absolutely loved her friendship with Priscilla, and the relationship both she and Roman, the boy from the wrong side of ther tracks, had with her grandad Hubble.
A fab read, would definitely recommend.
This book has a fantastic cast of characters. I've never suffered from mental health problems and I sometimes find it difficult to relate to characters with anxiety, depression etc as I just cannot imagine how it must feel. But Lizzie had me right from the start, she is written in a way that just made me feel everything with her. Absolutely loved her friendship with Priscilla, and the relationship both she and Roman, the boy from the wrong side of ther tracks, had with her grandad Hubble.
A fab read, would definitely recommend.
October 7, 2020
An quick, easy read that deals with some really heavy issues. I liked the element of mystery running through it surrounding the letter and Roman's whereabouts as well as the fact that this novel's central theme is mental health.
I know a lot of people found the start a bit slow but that wasn't the case with me and I liked the IM message history dispersed throughout the book linking to the storyline.
It is not too in depth in certain situations but it might be worth checking trigger warnings before reading this.
I know a lot of people found the start a bit slow but that wasn't the case with me and I liked the IM message history dispersed throughout the book linking to the storyline.
It is not too in depth in certain situations but it might be worth checking trigger warnings before reading this.
September 15, 2021
So this was the book that got me back into reading again. I read it so long ago now, but I still think about it. I orignally picked it up thinking it was a simple little romance book with love letters, but it turned out to be so much deeper than that. It covers a lot of rough topics and at the end it's more about a friendship and it's just so beautiful I cried bucketloads. I picked it up for like £1.50 and it was the best random purchase I made.
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