“I would do my damn best to be more happy than not.”

After the death of his father, Aaron Soto wants to forget. A revolutionary memory-alteration procedure might be the answer. But is he ready to erase all the memories he have with his best friend Thomas and move on with his life?

The Adam Silvera book marathon continues. “More Happy Than Not” is Silvera’s debut novel about race, class, and sexuality. Of course, it has a futuristic touch on it, as was Silvera’s signature. The book tells the story from the point of view of sixteen-year-old Aaron Soto, who experienced so much pain, having lost his father a few months ago. To find happiness, he believes that he needs to forget. Enter Leteo Institute and their revolutionary memory-alteration procedure that might be the answer to his problem.

Just as when you thought that you know where this book will take you, it will then get more interesting than it already is. The conflict is simple: Aaron with his problems about his family and failed love affair with a guy, But with the Leteo memory-alteration procedure, the story becomes more interesting. The plot twists will make readers flipped through the pages, wanting to read more. The last one (I will not say here to avoid spoilers) although a bit expected, was still shocking.

“My life isn’t one sad ending–it’s a series of endless happy beginnings.”

“More Happy Than Not” discusses what it means to forget, and how taking the easy way out affects not only yourself but the people around you.

The characters are all flawed and real. It’s weird to become attached to Aaron’s love interest only to find that there’s another one, the original one I might say. It’s a bit disorienting but sort of genius on Silvera’s part. I just want to take note here of the fact that Aaron can’t believe Thomas is straight. Come on, bro. Move on.

Geek Rate

Sun god Worthy (4 out of 5 stars). “It’s okay how some stories leave off without an ending. Life doesn’t always deliver the one you would expect,” says Aaron. This maybe sums up the plot of “More Happy Than Not.” It might have a futuristic touch in it but it is as raw and as true to life as you can get, with all its happiness and heartbreaks. This is one beautiful book to read.

Reignell Francisco

I’m a Filipino content creator with passion for travel, history, football, and anything on TV. Visit my YouTube channel onelostgeek for my travel stories. Business inquiry: geekgodreview@yahoo.com