Happiness Falls: By Angie Kim

I just finished reading “Happiness Falls: By Angie Kin”, and wow, what a rollercoaster. The book is centered around Mia and her family, who are dealing with the sudden disappearance of their dad. Let me tell you, it’s not just some run-of-the-mill mystery novel; it’s an eye-opener into the complexities of family dynamics and coping with crises.

The story brilliantly shines a light on Eugene, Mia’s younger brother who has Autism and Angelman syndrome. This kid can’t speak, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t have anything to say. He was the last one with their dad, and you can’t help but wonder what he knows but can’t express.

Now, talking about Mia—the girl’s a genius. I mean, reading her thoughts is like attending a masterclass in, well, life. She’s all over the place, but in a good way. She’ll have you taking mental detours with her fascinating tangents and footnotes, but trust me, it all comes together, adding layers to the narrative.

Kim, the author, definitely did her homework and poured her soul into this piece. Even though Mia sometimes sounded too brainy for me, it felt like I was getting schooled in the best possible way.

While I found the pacing inconsistent at times, largely due to Mia’s verbose and academic narrative style, Happiness Falls is still a captivating read. It delves deep into complex issues such as ableism and racism, while also exploring language and the essence of happiness. If you’re in the market for a mystery-thriller that offers more than just surface-level thrills, this is a book you’ll want to pick up.

Also Read: Good Bad Girl: By Alice Feeney