Happiness Falls: A GMA Book Club Pick: A Novel

Having read and loved Miracle Creek by Angie Kim, I was excited to read her second novel. Unfortunately it was not nearly as good. I found the science and math parts about the happiness quotient to slow down and distract from the plot. Eugene was a great character and I appreciated how Angie Kim portrayed his disability and limitations.

Good book centered on a relatively rare genetic disability. Would recommend a read if the description appeals to you.

This is more than just a missing person case. This is a story about love, acceptance, & inclusion. Of viewing those with special needs as the people that they are. In the form of a thriller, the books helps the reader become aware of their own social biases toward groups of people who are different from them. Didn't give it a higher score because I felt like there were too many side thoughts. They did help me connect to Mia more, but got too wordy at times. Also my personal preference, but I hate not getting solid closure as to what happened. It ended with an "up in the air" ending and I wish I knew exactly what happened. Overall enjoyed it and recommend!

This is a very meaningful book that also talks about the problems with our society associated with being non-verbal. It opened my mind to an entirely new world that I have yet to immerse myself in. And the thing is, not only are autistic people being looked down on having 'poor' cognition, even those who speak a different language and don't speak another language fluently. I've been quite sensitive about the latter in recent years. Just because one doesn't speak English fluently doesn't mean they can't speak another language you don't know fluently. And I think it's on my mind a lot because there are people in my life who do make fun of those who have bad English pronunciation, and so on. It irritates me all the time, and when I have the chance, I'd like to remind them that they don't know this other person's native language. You go to a place like Japan and expect them to be able to communicate fluently in English, and when they can't, you get frustrated? Did you even try to learn THEIR language? The entitlement in some people is astounding.

I know. I'm ranting. And you'd think that Mia's ramblings would be my cup of tea - but it wasn't. Which is why I've given it 4 stars. Nevertheless, definitely worth the read. Interesting family and characters. A very deep and insightful read.

Kinda hard to get into at first, as it felt very YA at the beginning, but I ended up really enjoying this book! Very grateful to pick it back up. Lots of smiles, thinking moments, and some tears.