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Happyish
It was supposed to be a good day.
On the one-year anniversary of her divorce, Alex Martinez is getting closure—and margaritas with her two best friends. But just before the celebratory meetup, Alex is clobbered by life once again. Damping the cheer is the diagnosis of a brain tumor she can’t pronounce, a procedure she’d rather postpone, and the prospect of what to say to an already heartbroken mother. Not that Alex plans to tell her anything anytime soon.
Going from blissful to blindsided in one afternoon, Alex has other plans: to be impulsive and embark on an adventure she’ll never forget. Expected destinations: the Grand Canyon, Puerto Rico, and zip-lining through Costa Rica. Unexpected companion: a hiker named David who’s found a woman after his own heart. But no matter how enriching the journey, how long can Alex keep running?
It’s time to accept past griefs, reconnect with her mother, and find her way back to happy. For Alex, whatever the future holds, maybe everything she really needs to face is right where she left it.
On the one-year anniversary of her divorce, Alex Martinez is getting closure—and margaritas with her two best friends. But just before the celebratory meetup, Alex is clobbered by life once again. Damping the cheer is the diagnosis of a brain tumor she can’t pronounce, a procedure she’d rather postpone, and the prospect of what to say to an already heartbroken mother. Not that Alex plans to tell her anything anytime soon.
Going from blissful to blindsided in one afternoon, Alex has other plans: to be impulsive and embark on an adventure she’ll never forget. Expected destinations: the Grand Canyon, Puerto Rico, and zip-lining through Costa Rica. Unexpected companion: a hiker named David who’s found a woman after his own heart. But no matter how enriching the journey, how long can Alex keep running?
It’s time to accept past griefs, reconnect with her mother, and find her way back to happy. For Alex, whatever the future holds, maybe everything she really needs to face is right where she left it.
255 pages, Paperback
First published September 20, 2022
549 people are currently reading
2966 people want to read
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October 8, 2022
I really enjoyed Jeanette Escudero’s debut, The Apology Project, with its important messaging about friendship. I had a feeling Happyish would be just as emotionally refreshing, and it was.
Alex is celebrating the one year anniversary of her divorce, but before she meets her friends to share drinks, she finds out she has a brain tumor. From contentment with her independence and personal growth to uncertainty and doubt in one fell swoop.
Alex has plans, though, and they involve traveling and adventure. She finds a companion along the way. Eventually Alex has to go home and confront reality.
This is such a heartfelt and well-written journey. Alex is a character I saw much of myself in. Sometimes you spend your whole life trying to be independent only to find that you can’t do this journey on your own.
Happyish is a thoughtful and inspiring story, and one that left a mark on me. It’s about loss and mothers and daughters and friendship and finding yourself at any time you are lost and so much more. Jeanette Escudero, I love your style. Can’t wait for what’s next.
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
Alex is celebrating the one year anniversary of her divorce, but before she meets her friends to share drinks, she finds out she has a brain tumor. From contentment with her independence and personal growth to uncertainty and doubt in one fell swoop.
Alex has plans, though, and they involve traveling and adventure. She finds a companion along the way. Eventually Alex has to go home and confront reality.
This is such a heartfelt and well-written journey. Alex is a character I saw much of myself in. Sometimes you spend your whole life trying to be independent only to find that you can’t do this journey on your own.
Happyish is a thoughtful and inspiring story, and one that left a mark on me. It’s about loss and mothers and daughters and friendship and finding yourself at any time you are lost and so much more. Jeanette Escudero, I love your style. Can’t wait for what’s next.
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
July 25, 2023
Recommended: yep
For a story with "last day to live" vibes, for a lot of character reflection, for lovely settings and journeys that'll make your feet itch to wander
Thoughts:
Key point to jump straight to because there's one big, obvious question when the blurb and point of the book is about a woman learning she has a brain tumor: the ending was unexpected, but in a good way. I felt like I learned a lot about myself through the way the ending was handled, and that was an interesting (and maybe humbling) experience in itself. I won't say exactly what happens, just that it was done well and added to the rest of the story building up to that critical moment.
A lot of the joy I got from this book was from Alex's journeys. As a wanderer myself, the visuals of the places she goes were vivid and stunning and made me want to be there. Yes, even with noisy AF monkeys, because it's all part of the experience, isn't it? The descriptions of each area make me think the author has been there before because of how engrossing they were. I wanted to be sat on a rock in the Grand Canyon at sunset as well.
And of course, the main thread of the story is Alex's fear and self-discovery through these journeys. It's no surprise to anyone but Alex, but she has a lot of repressed feelings about her past, present, and unknown future. As she's in these wild places, she's sitting with herself a lot and coming to terms with all the things she should have reckoned with long ago. Meanwhile, she's constantly being proven wrong about how alone she feels, in the best way. There's so much support around her even when she doesn't see it, and that was a lovely part of the story.
It's hardest to see things up close, the things that affect you, clearly. Alex embodies that, because daaang did she feel dense AF sometimes! It got a bit frustrating to watch her keep running away from seemingly obvious feelings, but she got there in the end on her own path. Still, her emotional distance was a bit wearing, especially as she kept attributing it to being One of The Guys which simultaneously dismisses the idea that men can have, recognize, and/or express feelings. /sigh.
Overall, I enjoyed this as it was a lot of story and development packed into a fairly short amount of book. Between the life changes, setting changes, and character reflection, it moved along quickly and helped set the feeling that Alex had of time potentially running short.
Thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for a free advanced copy. This is my honest review!
~See more reviews and book talk at MyBookJoy.com!~
For a story with "last day to live" vibes, for a lot of character reflection, for lovely settings and journeys that'll make your feet itch to wander
Thoughts:
Key point to jump straight to because there's one big, obvious question when the blurb and point of the book is about a woman learning she has a brain tumor: the ending was unexpected, but in a good way. I felt like I learned a lot about myself through the way the ending was handled, and that was an interesting (and maybe humbling) experience in itself. I won't say exactly what happens, just that it was done well and added to the rest of the story building up to that critical moment.
A lot of the joy I got from this book was from Alex's journeys. As a wanderer myself, the visuals of the places she goes were vivid and stunning and made me want to be there. Yes, even with noisy AF monkeys, because it's all part of the experience, isn't it? The descriptions of each area make me think the author has been there before because of how engrossing they were. I wanted to be sat on a rock in the Grand Canyon at sunset as well.
And of course, the main thread of the story is Alex's fear and self-discovery through these journeys. It's no surprise to anyone but Alex, but she has a lot of repressed feelings about her past, present, and unknown future. As she's in these wild places, she's sitting with herself a lot and coming to terms with all the things she should have reckoned with long ago. Meanwhile, she's constantly being proven wrong about how alone she feels, in the best way. There's so much support around her even when she doesn't see it, and that was a lovely part of the story.
It's hardest to see things up close, the things that affect you, clearly. Alex embodies that, because daaang did she feel dense AF sometimes! It got a bit frustrating to watch her keep running away from seemingly obvious feelings, but she got there in the end on her own path. Still, her emotional distance was a bit wearing, especially as she kept attributing it to being One of The Guys which simultaneously dismisses the idea that men can have, recognize, and/or express feelings. /sigh.
Overall, I enjoyed this as it was a lot of story and development packed into a fairly short amount of book. Between the life changes, setting changes, and character reflection, it moved along quickly and helped set the feeling that Alex had of time potentially running short.
Thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for a free advanced copy. This is my honest review!
~See more reviews and book talk at MyBookJoy.com!~
November 10, 2024
⭐️4.5 stars⭐️
This was such an uplifting, feel good story. Alex faces adversity and major life changes, all of which make her stronger and so much happier. I could relate so much to her story. I really want to go solo travel to the Grand Canyon now!
This was such an uplifting, feel good story. Alex faces adversity and major life changes, all of which make her stronger and so much happier. I could relate so much to her story. I really want to go solo travel to the Grand Canyon now!
June 2, 2022
This is first book I have read from Jeanette Escudero. I felt Happyish was abit slow at the beginning but the more I got onto it got lot better and I really was interested in what Alex was going to do. The story about Alex who celebrating her year anniversary of divorce and bless her things start to go wrong for her. She goes to the doctors about headaches and found out she has a tumour which is about to change her life. You see Alex changing from this really strong person who does not need anyone to realise who she truly is and it’s ok to need people and help. I loved the other characters especially silver and Mini. I feel this book is about founding your true self, loss relationships and mum and daughter bond. Thank you NetGalley for letting me read this book.
May 3, 2022
Spoiler alert: Don’t read this book in public if you don’t want to be seen bawling like a baby!
This is the first novel by Jeanette Escudero I’ve read and now I’m going to have to go dig out her entire back catalogue!
This is the story of a forty-something woman who needs to not only come to terms with a potentially life-altering diagnosis, but also with her past. The novel follows Alex, a woman who is going through the motions of living post-divorce. Alex is working in a job she kind of fell into, and doesn’t really know what’s next. Alex’s life and emotional health have been strongly influenced by the death of her younger sister, and the devastating impact that loss had on their mothers. Receiving her own diagnosis prompts Alex to first deny anything is the matter with her at all, and then to plan one last adventure – to experience just some of the things she and her sister had hoped to do once her sister got better. This trip changes Alex’s life, helping her grow as a person, as well as helping her grow in her relationship with her two mothers.
The author deals with the emotional growth of the protagonist sensitively. Whilst at times the realisations that Alex comes to seem sudden, they are all linked clearly and logically to the journey she is on. Alex learns that love is reciprocal, that letting others care for you is as important as caring for them, and this realisation is powerful. Chance meetings in Alex’s journey provide opportunities for Alex to reevaluate her career, friendships and even her marriage, whilst setting the foundation for the emotional growth needed to be face the surgery she needs.
I’d love to read what comes next for Alex, her mothers and the cast of characters we met along the way in this book, but the book stands alone as a brilliant novel that is well worth the tears you’ll shed.
Thanks to the author, NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing, who gave me access to this DRC in exchange for a genuine and unbiased opinion.
This is the first novel by Jeanette Escudero I’ve read and now I’m going to have to go dig out her entire back catalogue!
This is the story of a forty-something woman who needs to not only come to terms with a potentially life-altering diagnosis, but also with her past. The novel follows Alex, a woman who is going through the motions of living post-divorce. Alex is working in a job she kind of fell into, and doesn’t really know what’s next. Alex’s life and emotional health have been strongly influenced by the death of her younger sister, and the devastating impact that loss had on their mothers. Receiving her own diagnosis prompts Alex to first deny anything is the matter with her at all, and then to plan one last adventure – to experience just some of the things she and her sister had hoped to do once her sister got better. This trip changes Alex’s life, helping her grow as a person, as well as helping her grow in her relationship with her two mothers.
The author deals with the emotional growth of the protagonist sensitively. Whilst at times the realisations that Alex comes to seem sudden, they are all linked clearly and logically to the journey she is on. Alex learns that love is reciprocal, that letting others care for you is as important as caring for them, and this realisation is powerful. Chance meetings in Alex’s journey provide opportunities for Alex to reevaluate her career, friendships and even her marriage, whilst setting the foundation for the emotional growth needed to be face the surgery she needs.
I’d love to read what comes next for Alex, her mothers and the cast of characters we met along the way in this book, but the book stands alone as a brilliant novel that is well worth the tears you’ll shed.
Thanks to the author, NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing, who gave me access to this DRC in exchange for a genuine and unbiased opinion.
October 21, 2022
Thank you to Goodreads for this book won in a giveaway! Woman finding herself type story, this one starts with Alex still processing a divorce and struggling with her career, then finding out she has a brain tumor. The tumor is not cancerous but is causing her to have headaches and she recently had a fall at work. Alex is one of these 'cool girl' types who finds out she has a brain tumor but tells the doctors that her work is more important and refuses to tell anyone she is sick. Her two friends draw it out of her and are upset when she refuses to tell her employer or her two moms that she needs surgery. Instead she decides to go on a vacation, one in which her sister Annabelle who died young from leukemia, wanted to go on and didn't get the chance.
In Arizona, Alex meets David a handsome tour guide when she hikes in the Grand Canyon. In Costa Rica she meets the traveling gals, two cousins who post travel videos and in Puerto Rico, she finds her headaches increasing and one of her mothers finds out she is sick and brings her home. There is a lot of repetition in the book especially talking about the sister Annabelle and her book of travels. The travel sections themselves weren't especially interesting and mostly consisted of her dodging phone calls from her friends and insisting she was fine. Alex eventually returns home for surgery and finds some other challenges which she must overcome. I didn't find Alex a very compelling character; I just don't relate to the women (or men) who claim to never cry, never need help, everything's perfect. Alex has a large and dedicated group of people who adore her including her two mothers, two best friends, new love interest David, the travel gals and her employers who tell her to just take as much time as she needs and her insurance will be paid. I suppose in the end she learns to lean on people more and got some ideas for new work opportunities but I wanted more depth. . I was invested in what would happen but didn't find Alex or her story to be all that interesting. Would recommend for readers who like women finding themselves through travel type stories.
In Arizona, Alex meets David a handsome tour guide when she hikes in the Grand Canyon. In Costa Rica she meets the traveling gals, two cousins who post travel videos and in Puerto Rico, she finds her headaches increasing and one of her mothers finds out she is sick and brings her home. There is a lot of repetition in the book especially talking about the sister Annabelle and her book of travels. The travel sections themselves weren't especially interesting and mostly consisted of her dodging phone calls from her friends and insisting she was fine. Alex eventually returns home for surgery and finds some other challenges which she must overcome. I didn't find Alex a very compelling character; I just don't relate to the women (or men) who claim to never cry, never need help, everything's perfect. Alex has a large and dedicated group of people who adore her including her two mothers, two best friends, new love interest David, the travel gals and her employers who tell her to just take as much time as she needs and her insurance will be paid. I suppose in the end she learns to lean on people more and got some ideas for new work opportunities but I wanted more depth. . I was invested in what would happen but didn't find Alex or her story to be all that interesting. Would recommend for readers who like women finding themselves through travel type stories.
June 6, 2022
Whew....grab your kleenex and sit down for this one! If a book about a brain tumor could be humorous and light hearted, then Happyish does just that, but also hits you right in the feels.
I tend to gravitate away from books I know will likely make me cry, but everything about these tears were just what my heart needed. A beautiful story of survival, of learning to ask for and accept help and of never giving up the dream of happiness.
I tend to gravitate away from books I know will likely make me cry, but everything about these tears were just what my heart needed. A beautiful story of survival, of learning to ask for and accept help and of never giving up the dream of happiness.
May 5, 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️- {HAPPYISH - Jeanette Escudero}
Alex Martinez is looking forward to celebrating her one-year divorce-aversary over margaritas with her best friends. She finally feels happy(ish) with where shes at in her life, works going ok and besides some pesky migraines every now and then shes feeling optimistic about the road ahead. Unfortunately what has been masquerading as migraines turns out to be a brain tumor that requires extensive surgery and is accompanied by a rather bleak post operative recovery. But Alex isn’t ready to let a brain tumor stop her from experiencing life to the fullest! She decides to embark on an impromptu, weeks long adventure in case shes never able to travel again.
The books synopsis hints at exiting trips to the Grand Canyon, Puerto Rico, and zip-lining through Costa Rica. We are promised an intriguing mountain man named David and some real significant life changing moments……um….where were they!
I wanted to like this book but I found the whole thing lackluster. She spent way to much time repeating things about her ex husband, or what happened to her sister and mothers in the past, that it didn’t allow for enough development elsewhere in the book. The vacations she went on lacked any real excitement and were so uninspiring and brief. Even the promise of romance was dull (I mean come on…one measly kiss!) Everything lacked depth and the ability to move me to feel anything like real enjoyment out of the book. That covers pretty cool tho 🤩
Alex Martinez is looking forward to celebrating her one-year divorce-aversary over margaritas with her best friends. She finally feels happy(ish) with where shes at in her life, works going ok and besides some pesky migraines every now and then shes feeling optimistic about the road ahead. Unfortunately what has been masquerading as migraines turns out to be a brain tumor that requires extensive surgery and is accompanied by a rather bleak post operative recovery. But Alex isn’t ready to let a brain tumor stop her from experiencing life to the fullest! She decides to embark on an impromptu, weeks long adventure in case shes never able to travel again.
The books synopsis hints at exiting trips to the Grand Canyon, Puerto Rico, and zip-lining through Costa Rica. We are promised an intriguing mountain man named David and some real significant life changing moments……um….where were they!
I wanted to like this book but I found the whole thing lackluster. She spent way to much time repeating things about her ex husband, or what happened to her sister and mothers in the past, that it didn’t allow for enough development elsewhere in the book. The vacations she went on lacked any real excitement and were so uninspiring and brief. Even the promise of romance was dull (I mean come on…one measly kiss!) Everything lacked depth and the ability to move me to feel anything like real enjoyment out of the book. That covers pretty cool tho 🤩
October 3, 2022
2.5 stars.
I’ll leave the story description to the book blurb. I vacillated between 2 and 3 stars, hence 2.5.
I liked the characters in this book, and the journey of the main character Alex was interesting as a human story. And I admit I laughed out loud and welled up with tears in parts especially in the last 20% or so.
The reason I give only 2.5 stars is the storytelling - the repetition of Alex explaining over and over (and over) again about what happened (or didn’t) with her sister and her ex-husband and how she felt about it all was annoying to the point of mind-numbing, and the life lessons were outright explained as they occurred as if they were points on a PowerPoint slide. There just wasn’t much nuance or richness in the storytelling. There was one character, one story, despite having so many possibly interesting side stories that could have been developed. The book wrapped up oddly quickly for me - I thought there was the opportunity to dig deeper finally but it was over.
Overall, this is a straight ahead, single-track, un-nuanced story that’s a quick read. If I compared it to chocolate I’d say it’s a Hershey bar, edible but definitely not fine chocolate - if it’s all you have available go ahead and eat it, but there’s definitely better out there. ;)
I listened to parts of this book on kindle and I did like the way it was read by the narrator.
I’ll leave the story description to the book blurb. I vacillated between 2 and 3 stars, hence 2.5.
I liked the characters in this book, and the journey of the main character Alex was interesting as a human story. And I admit I laughed out loud and welled up with tears in parts especially in the last 20% or so.
The reason I give only 2.5 stars is the storytelling - the repetition of Alex explaining over and over (and over) again about what happened (or didn’t) with her sister and her ex-husband and how she felt about it all was annoying to the point of mind-numbing, and the life lessons were outright explained as they occurred as if they were points on a PowerPoint slide. There just wasn’t much nuance or richness in the storytelling. There was one character, one story, despite having so many possibly interesting side stories that could have been developed. The book wrapped up oddly quickly for me - I thought there was the opportunity to dig deeper finally but it was over.
Overall, this is a straight ahead, single-track, un-nuanced story that’s a quick read. If I compared it to chocolate I’d say it’s a Hershey bar, edible but definitely not fine chocolate - if it’s all you have available go ahead and eat it, but there’s definitely better out there. ;)
I listened to parts of this book on kindle and I did like the way it was read by the narrator.
June 2, 2022
This is first book I have read from Jeanette Escudero. I felt Happyish was abit slow at the beginning but the more I got onto it got lot better and I really was interested in what Alex was going to do. The story about Alex who celebrating her year anniversary of divorce and bless her things start to go wrong for her. She goes to the doctors about headaches and found out she has a tumour which is about to change her life. You see Alex changing from this really strong person who does not need anyone to realise who she truly is and it’s ok to need people and help. I loved the other characters especially silver and Mini. I feel this book is about founding your true self, loss relationships and mum and daughter bond. Thank you NetGalley for letting me read this book.
September 23, 2022
✈️✨BOOK REVIEW ✈️✨
Thank you @sidneyhalstonauthor @amazonpublishing, and @letstalkbookspromo for the gifted copy of Happyish.
Thoughts 💭: This was such a fun and emotional read. Forty-something year old Alex is meeting with changes in her life beginning with her divorce. Later she learns that she has been diagnosed with a life-altering disease. She is initially denial about her diagnosis but eventually goes into a vacation while honoring the memories of her sister, who died to due to cancer as well. In order to cope with these traumatic life-changing events, Alex decides to face her fears to take the surgery but before that, she decides to strike a vacation (possibly her last one) from her bucket list.
In this endearing novel, I absolutely loved the fact that not only was there a middle-aged character, but there was a recognition of cancer and other terminal diseases that often make our way into our lives. Cancer is something that hits close to home, as I lost my mom to it. However, we see that the author not only encourages us to face difficult situations, we also have to live our lives as if it is our last day - carpe diem! As many reviewers have said, though, keep a box of Kleenex next to you because it would be hard not to be emotional. This novel also reminded me of Eat, Pray, and Love.
⁉️⁉️: What was the best vacation that you have taken?
#happyish #letstalkbookspromo #bookstagram #instabook #book-photography #bookporn #igbooks #ilovereading #bookhaul #bookhoarder #bookaddiction #bookstoread #whattoread #fortheloveofbooks #bookblogging #bookpics #weekendreads #bookrecs
Thank you @sidneyhalstonauthor @amazonpublishing, and @letstalkbookspromo for the gifted copy of Happyish.
Thoughts 💭: This was such a fun and emotional read. Forty-something year old Alex is meeting with changes in her life beginning with her divorce. Later she learns that she has been diagnosed with a life-altering disease. She is initially denial about her diagnosis but eventually goes into a vacation while honoring the memories of her sister, who died to due to cancer as well. In order to cope with these traumatic life-changing events, Alex decides to face her fears to take the surgery but before that, she decides to strike a vacation (possibly her last one) from her bucket list.
In this endearing novel, I absolutely loved the fact that not only was there a middle-aged character, but there was a recognition of cancer and other terminal diseases that often make our way into our lives. Cancer is something that hits close to home, as I lost my mom to it. However, we see that the author not only encourages us to face difficult situations, we also have to live our lives as if it is our last day - carpe diem! As many reviewers have said, though, keep a box of Kleenex next to you because it would be hard not to be emotional. This novel also reminded me of Eat, Pray, and Love.
⁉️⁉️: What was the best vacation that you have taken?
#happyish #letstalkbookspromo #bookstagram #instabook #book-photography #bookporn #igbooks #ilovereading #bookhaul #bookhoarder #bookaddiction #bookstoread #whattoread #fortheloveofbooks #bookblogging #bookpics #weekendreads #bookrecs
September 20, 2022
Alex is finally happy(ish) in her life. She’s one year post divorce. She’s at a good place in her career, she’s put an offer in on her own place now that she’s got her finances in order after the divorce and she’s got a great group of friends. Other than some migraines that bother her occasionally, things aren’t too bad so when her PCP sends her to a neurologist for a consult, Alex doesn’t think much of it. After all, they’re just headaches. But those headaches turn out to be a brain tumor that requires surgery that has some very serious possible complications, Alex decides that she needs to take a break from everything and go on a once in a lifetime adventure in case she isn’t able to after the surgery. While on the trip, she meets some fun new friends who bring new perspective to her situation as well as her job and she meets a hunky mountain man who wants into her carefully guarded world. Will she let him in?
After the surgery was when the real character development came for me. She was left with some unexpected complications and it really put a spin on her whole personality and it showed how true her friends really were. Alex has a lot of repressed feelings and anger and she works through it after the surgery and comes to terms with things she probably should have a long time ago. This helps her to heal not only mentally but physically as well.
This deal with a tough subject and there are some triggers but it was still a relatively quick read.
Thanks to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for this eArc in exchange for my review
After the surgery was when the real character development came for me. She was left with some unexpected complications and it really put a spin on her whole personality and it showed how true her friends really were. Alex has a lot of repressed feelings and anger and she works through it after the surgery and comes to terms with things she probably should have a long time ago. This helps her to heal not only mentally but physically as well.
This deal with a tough subject and there are some triggers but it was still a relatively quick read.
Thanks to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for this eArc in exchange for my review
September 22, 2022
Alex finally thinks her life is getting back on track after her husband, and childhood sweetheart, up and left her with only a note one year ago. She's ready to celebrate after she gets some treatment options for the migraines she has been suffering. When she walks away with a brain tumor diagnosis her life is turned upside down. Alex is in denial and can't accept the diagnosis. She can't stop picturing her sisters battle with leukemia and the trauma the loss of her sister caused to her moms. After her big pitch at work flops she decides she needs to fulfill some old promises to her sister and finally take time to travel and experience life before she goes in for surgery.
Throughout her travels she learns about herself. She has time to reflect about her sister and her ex-husband. She comes to realize how important and amazing her support system is in her life. Alex goes through a lot of personal growth throughout the book. She is also a character I could relate to, not in the past or the diagnosis, but in her "I'm fine" attitude, in wanting to do it myself and not be a burden on others.
While the book at times had some lulls and some repetition I think in the end it all came together into a great story. Sometimes we have to get to the stories conclusion to fully appreciate everything that was important along the way.
Throughout her travels she learns about herself. She has time to reflect about her sister and her ex-husband. She comes to realize how important and amazing her support system is in her life. Alex goes through a lot of personal growth throughout the book. She is also a character I could relate to, not in the past or the diagnosis, but in her "I'm fine" attitude, in wanting to do it myself and not be a burden on others.
While the book at times had some lulls and some repetition I think in the end it all came together into a great story. Sometimes we have to get to the stories conclusion to fully appreciate everything that was important along the way.
October 5, 2022
I received a free copy of Happyish by Jeanette Escudero in exchange for an honest review. But y'all, I would gladly pay for this book (lucky for you, it's on Kindle Unlimited). It is so good. It had me from the very beginning, and I haven't had many books that were not autobiographies, memoirs, or fantasy reads do that lately.
I feel like Alex is a very realistic character, that is easy to empathize with. She has had a shit year and just keeps getting more and more piled on her. And while some things are based on her own perceptions, that doesn't mean they're any less real to her.
I actually highlighted so many things in this book. One that really sticks out to me is:
"It's ok to fall apart once in a while. And it's okay to inconvenience people, and it's okay to feel your feelings. The people who love you will still love you."
I just feel like it's so easy to connect with Alex when she struggles to connect with others or struggles to acknowledge her emotions because she would rather people rely on her rather than having to rely on others. (Maybe that says a lot about me, but hey, I'm working on it 🤷♀️ lol)
Overall, I gave Happyish ⭐⭐⭐⭐. I HIGHLY recommend adding this to your TBR list. It's in the same category as Eat, Pray, Love (which I also loved), and Alex is just a wonderful main character that is easy to connect to even if you don't necessarily agree with all of her decisions or rationalizations.
I feel like Alex is a very realistic character, that is easy to empathize with. She has had a shit year and just keeps getting more and more piled on her. And while some things are based on her own perceptions, that doesn't mean they're any less real to her.
I actually highlighted so many things in this book. One that really sticks out to me is:
"It's ok to fall apart once in a while. And it's okay to inconvenience people, and it's okay to feel your feelings. The people who love you will still love you."
I just feel like it's so easy to connect with Alex when she struggles to connect with others or struggles to acknowledge her emotions because she would rather people rely on her rather than having to rely on others. (Maybe that says a lot about me, but hey, I'm working on it 🤷♀️ lol)
Overall, I gave Happyish ⭐⭐⭐⭐. I HIGHLY recommend adding this to your TBR list. It's in the same category as Eat, Pray, Love (which I also loved), and Alex is just a wonderful main character that is easy to connect to even if you don't necessarily agree with all of her decisions or rationalizations.
May 12, 2022
Never was a book title more appropriate! Well done Jeanette Escudero! I laughed out loud, many times and I also shed a few tears, maybe more than a few. Without risking spoilers, this one has sooooo much going on. It's a medical journey, it's relationship with mother, it's career pondering and wonderful travelling adventures from her deceased sisters bucket list (I know that sounds morbid but I promise, it's not) with descriptions so vivid you'll feel the wind off the ocean.
I would highly recommend this one!
Thank you to NetGalley and #LakeUnion for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I would highly recommend this one!
Thank you to NetGalley and #LakeUnion for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
July 25, 2022
On the day of her one year anniversary of getting divorced, Alex is supposed to be celebrating. But she just found out that she has a benign brain tumor. It still needs surgery though, but she is in denial that there is a problem. When there is trouble at her job, she decides to go on the vacation her later sister was never able to take. Eventually, she has to face up to her problem and the surgery.
I wanted to like this book more than I did. I think I just really didn't connect with or like the main character. I appreciate the growth she went through, but this book was not my favorite.
I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I wanted to like this book more than I did. I think I just really didn't connect with or like the main character. I appreciate the growth she went through, but this book was not my favorite.
I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 23, 2022
This ARC was provided to me via Kindle, Lake Union Publishing and by #NetGalley. Opinions expressed are completely my own.
Relatable characters, a story that you’ll feel like you can connect to.
Relatable characters, a story that you’ll feel like you can connect to.
September 23, 2022
*Thank you so much to @amazonpublishing @lakeunionauthors @authorjeanetteescudero @netgalley and @berittalksbooks for an advanced e-copy of this beautiful book!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.💫
"You cannot control everything that happens to you; you can only control the way you respond to what happens. In your response is your power."
- Anonymous
Synopsis:
On the one-year anniversary of her divorce, Alex Martinez is getting closure—and margaritas with her two best friends. But just before the celebratory meetup, Alex is clobbered by life once again. Damping the cheer is the diagnosis of a brain tumor she can’t pronounce, a procedure she’d rather postpone, and the prospect of what to say to an already heartbroken mother. Not that Alex plans to tell her anything anytime soon.
Going from blissful to blindsided in one afternoon, Alex has other plans: to be impulsive and embark on an adventure she’ll never forget. Expected destinations: the Grand Canyon, Puerto Rico, and zip-lining through Costa Rica. Unexpected companion: a hiker named David, who’s found a woman after his own heart. But no matter how enriching the journey, how long can Alex keep running?
It’s time to accept past griefs, reconnect with her mother, and find her way back to happy. For Alex, whatever the future holds, maybe everything she really needs to face is right where she left it.
My Thoughts:
What an incredible read. Heartwarming, tear-jerking, and real, Happyish read like a memoir, really amplifying Alex's story and all of the emotions that accompanied it. Real and utterly relatable, my heart went out to her. Cancer is one of my very biggest fears, and while I know I'd be more likely to dissolve into a puddle of tears in the face of a brain tumor diagnosis, Alex and her friends inspired me to face things in a much more positive, optimistic, and productive way. Alex's adventures brought me so much joy and had me flying through the pages. Her perseverance and determination to live her best life made my heart happy, and I adored both Sylvie and Margot (they reminded me of some of my closest mom friends).
If you're looking for a book that will make you grateful for all you have and all that life holds, arm yourself with tissues and definitely pick this one up!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.💫
"You cannot control everything that happens to you; you can only control the way you respond to what happens. In your response is your power."
- Anonymous
Synopsis:
On the one-year anniversary of her divorce, Alex Martinez is getting closure—and margaritas with her two best friends. But just before the celebratory meetup, Alex is clobbered by life once again. Damping the cheer is the diagnosis of a brain tumor she can’t pronounce, a procedure she’d rather postpone, and the prospect of what to say to an already heartbroken mother. Not that Alex plans to tell her anything anytime soon.
Going from blissful to blindsided in one afternoon, Alex has other plans: to be impulsive and embark on an adventure she’ll never forget. Expected destinations: the Grand Canyon, Puerto Rico, and zip-lining through Costa Rica. Unexpected companion: a hiker named David, who’s found a woman after his own heart. But no matter how enriching the journey, how long can Alex keep running?
It’s time to accept past griefs, reconnect with her mother, and find her way back to happy. For Alex, whatever the future holds, maybe everything she really needs to face is right where she left it.
My Thoughts:
What an incredible read. Heartwarming, tear-jerking, and real, Happyish read like a memoir, really amplifying Alex's story and all of the emotions that accompanied it. Real and utterly relatable, my heart went out to her. Cancer is one of my very biggest fears, and while I know I'd be more likely to dissolve into a puddle of tears in the face of a brain tumor diagnosis, Alex and her friends inspired me to face things in a much more positive, optimistic, and productive way. Alex's adventures brought me so much joy and had me flying through the pages. Her perseverance and determination to live her best life made my heart happy, and I adored both Sylvie and Margot (they reminded me of some of my closest mom friends).
If you're looking for a book that will make you grateful for all you have and all that life holds, arm yourself with tissues and definitely pick this one up!
September 25, 2022
Oh, Alex! For a childless adult divorce can and should be a happy occasion. Something wasn’t working, so someone used their agency to make a change and stand on their own: to look ahead. Celebrating a year since her divorce Alex Martinez was cold-cocked by the worst possible medical news.
A brain tumor.
It was momentarily frustrating that Alex’s first reaction to this debilitating development was to plan a trip. Travel can certainly salve the soul, yet one couldn’t help but feel time was wasting. “Just get the surgery!” I cried—but that wouldn’t have made for a very good book.
Luckily Alex’s strategy did make for a good book: one with an uplifting message despite plenty of emotional belly flops tumbling underneath. In some ways it’s a story of coming to grips with life, by first coming to grips with oneself.
Faced with a terrifying uncertainty Alex took control of what she could, and embraced life like there was no tomorrow. More importantly, she embraced herself.
A brain tumor.
It was momentarily frustrating that Alex’s first reaction to this debilitating development was to plan a trip. Travel can certainly salve the soul, yet one couldn’t help but feel time was wasting. “Just get the surgery!” I cried—but that wouldn’t have made for a very good book.
Luckily Alex’s strategy did make for a good book: one with an uplifting message despite plenty of emotional belly flops tumbling underneath. In some ways it’s a story of coming to grips with life, by first coming to grips with oneself.
Faced with a terrifying uncertainty Alex took control of what she could, and embraced life like there was no tomorrow. More importantly, she embraced herself.
September 24, 2022
For a book surrounded around our MC and her brain tumor, it was reflective and had unexpected humour.
Without any spoilers, the title is more than fitting, and gives you a beautiful story of survival. Alex was immediately likeable and I found myself rooting for her. Wonderfully written with such captivating, well developed and relatable characters.
Thank you to @netgalley @sidneyhalstonauthor @amazonpublishing and @letstalkbookspromo for the ARC eBook in exchange for my honest review.
Without any spoilers, the title is more than fitting, and gives you a beautiful story of survival. Alex was immediately likeable and I found myself rooting for her. Wonderfully written with such captivating, well developed and relatable characters.
Thank you to @netgalley @sidneyhalstonauthor @amazonpublishing and @letstalkbookspromo for the ARC eBook in exchange for my honest review.
November 12, 2022
This was a book that really surprised me, I really enjoy it even though when I started I didn't want to continue because of the character's illness, I went through something like that so I was kind of in the defense area but I gave it a try and after a few chapters I was laughing and smiling like crazy
I'm so glad I gave this book a chance and meet the story of Alex a woman that was ready to celebrate life and her independence after her divorce. Alex starts traveling around meeting new people and finally understanding what she needed in life.
Alex meets David on of her Hiking trips making her wonder if her love life is already dead or if she has another chance.
The narrations by Vivia Font were great she really made me laugh so hard and brought so much to Alex's character and story.
Happyish is a book that will keep you laughing and smiling and even crying a book of determination, and finally, conquering your own demons. Alex was a very strong character even if at times it didn't feel that was who is strong when facing an illness like that.
A Great book I really enjoy it so much.
I'm so glad I gave this book a chance and meet the story of Alex a woman that was ready to celebrate life and her independence after her divorce. Alex starts traveling around meeting new people and finally understanding what she needed in life.
Alex meets David on of her Hiking trips making her wonder if her love life is already dead or if she has another chance.
The narrations by Vivia Font were great she really made me laugh so hard and brought so much to Alex's character and story.
Happyish is a book that will keep you laughing and smiling and even crying a book of determination, and finally, conquering your own demons. Alex was a very strong character even if at times it didn't feel that was who is strong when facing an illness like that.
A Great book I really enjoy it so much.
March 25, 2024
I really liked this story. There were so many times I wanted to be like “just face your problems,” but as someone who tends to run or push mine aside too it felt like a lot of times the author was talking to me. I really enjoyed how this played out AND ESPECIALLY how it ended!
October 29, 2022
After reading the prologue, I knew I’d resonate with this book. I thought it was outstanding, the writing was easy to digest and relatable. In a way, it’s a story about a perfectionist learning it is okay to be imperfect. There were many incredible lines and life lessons in here. One of my favorite reads this year.
January 19, 2023
{4.5} Alex’s story felt very real and relatable with all her ups and downs and in betweens. Nothing like a major life shake-up (in this case it was a brain tumor) to start appreciating life more and do some soul-searching/personal growth. As the reader, I was there for it.
August 11, 2023
The book just kept repeating itself, felt like I was reading the same line about her sister, mothers and her friends over and over again.
Such a drag to get through.
Such a drag to get through.
September 22, 2023
My first book by this author. I really enjoyed this book. I liked the characters. It was a good story about friendship, love and hope. I was rooting for Alex to be okay. I can understand how she felt getting the news of the brain tumor. She was on a roller coaster of emotions. I really enjoyed reading this book. It was a fast paced read. I was able to read it in a day. I would recommend reading this book. I will see what other books she has out.
June 5, 2023
I really loved this book. Alex’s evolution was so real, and her fears and frustrations so heartbreaking.
But the cover. I happened to read a summary which made me interested, but just looking at the cover would never have made me choose this book.
But the cover. I happened to read a summary which made me interested, but just looking at the cover would never have made me choose this book.
August 27, 2023
I was not sure when I read the back of this book when I stumbled upon it on a library shelf. This is not generally something I would pick up to be honest. However, I am glad I did and I am glad that I finished it.
I think I expected more of the book to be about the actual journey and recovery from the brain tumor, but was surprised to see how Jeanette Escudero took us on the journey before the journey, if that makes sense. I think often times people want the play-by-play of whatever tragedy is happening (sure thing, the brain tumor is quite the ordeal), but forget about the processing of learning about such a diagnosis. Jeanette did a great job at taking us on that part of the journey.
That being said, the ⭐️⭐️⭐️ come from such the abrupt ending that I was not expecting. I appreciated the way to storyline ended, but I found myself feeling a little whiplash as the story ended so quickly in the last 30 or so pages. Above that, I found so much appreciation for the real depiction of what the journey is like. Learning scary news is just that, scary. People respond in the best ways they know how. Alex knew how to avoid and run and hope for the best. However, there is power (and fear, rightly so!) in learning new ways. Alex for the chance to choose to allow her people to show up for her. That is brave and I applaud Alex as she did so.
I am definitely interested in reading more by Jeannete Escudero. I am definitely going to explore more of her work with future book picks.
I think I expected more of the book to be about the actual journey and recovery from the brain tumor, but was surprised to see how Jeanette Escudero took us on the journey before the journey, if that makes sense. I think often times people want the play-by-play of whatever tragedy is happening (sure thing, the brain tumor is quite the ordeal), but forget about the processing of learning about such a diagnosis. Jeanette did a great job at taking us on that part of the journey.
That being said, the ⭐️⭐️⭐️ come from such the abrupt ending that I was not expecting. I appreciated the way to storyline ended, but I found myself feeling a little whiplash as the story ended so quickly in the last 30 or so pages. Above that, I found so much appreciation for the real depiction of what the journey is like. Learning scary news is just that, scary. People respond in the best ways they know how. Alex knew how to avoid and run and hope for the best. However, there is power (and fear, rightly so!) in learning new ways. Alex for the chance to choose to allow her people to show up for her. That is brave and I applaud Alex as she did so.
I am definitely interested in reading more by Jeannete Escudero. I am definitely going to explore more of her work with future book picks.
December 25, 2022
Okay, I actually had to restart this several times because I do not have female friends and the reason why argues with the plot. I got epilepsy and they ditched me. In the book, she gets a brain tumor and they're all supportive and wonderful and visit her in the hospital and have a group chat. My friends made fun of me. I made new ones in my 20s. Those ditched me when a night out made me seize the next day. So I don't have friends. And I couldn't relate to this novel. Not only did she not lose friends, she entered into a new relationship while she was blind and paralyzed? Sorry, what? It was a bit much. The writing style and exposition was nice, I liked the parallels between her and her sister. So, I don't know, if you're able bodied and have never had to experience anything like this you will probably love it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 1, 2022
This book started off a bit slow, but I really started to get into it in the second half. The main character, Alex, was totally relatable to me. I can see myself going into denial if faced with a big health decision. Running away from decisions never works, but I can understand the need to, especially if you don't feel like you have lived life to the fullest yet.
I loved how Alex connects with the different experiences (both good and bad) and finds new friends through them. The focus is on Alex's relationship with her mothers, although the romance storyline was still pretty sweet.
Thanks to Lake Union Publishing and @NetGalley for providing an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
I loved how Alex connects with the different experiences (both good and bad) and finds new friends through them. The focus is on Alex's relationship with her mothers, although the romance storyline was still pretty sweet.
Thanks to Lake Union Publishing and @NetGalley for providing an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
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