If you weren't convinced that Kann has a knack for characters, then If It Makes You Happy will certainly convince you. Winnie has a big heart, does things for the right reasons (if they aren't the best course of action), and is one of those characters you instantly like. Whether Winnie's dedication to her family, her own personal growth to stick to what she believes in, or her entanglements with love, If It Makes You Happy will stick with you.

Growing up plus-size (and still am), I wish I had a novel like this when I was growing up. There needs to be more plus-size main characters in YA, but it's a real treat to see a plus-size BLACK female main character in YA. That's just unheard of. I, also, enjoyed how comfortable Winnie was with her body. It is so refreshing to see an overweight character with a sense of confidence. I adored the relationships defined within the story as well. The plot was definitely light and fluffy. However, IF IT MAKES YOU HAPPY does a wonderful job at shedding light on heavy issues like body acceptance, self-esteem, self-worthy, anxiety, sexuality, and so much more. It had oodles of funny moments.

It was a perfect recipe for a great summer read and it's an added bonus it's publication date is a day after my birthday. So, I'll definitely be buying this.

Light and lovely, but still poignant and thought-provoking. I loved this novel from start to finish!

Thanks to Netgalley for letting me read a copy in exchange for an hones review. I read this book in less than two days, and just couldn’t put it down. Winnie is just such an engaging and loving character and I wanted to know what was going on with her. Just like Kann’s previous book LTAL, the main character’s queer identity was front and center and well explained, but wasn’t the main plot or conflict. It’s another lighthearted but also substantial novel and I can’t wait to see what she writes next! I will recommend her books widely.

I've given myself about 24 hours to absorb this book, and here are my thoughts. I F**KING LOVE CLAIRE KANN, I KNEW SHE WAS BOMB!!!!!



Listen folks, I read Let's Talk About Love right after it came out, check out my review of that gem here. I'm still so emotional about it all. First, technically, I guess Kann could be considered a "New Adult" writer. As a side bar, here's how I feel about that. I haven't found many new adult titles that I like. They're too... sex driven for me. I'm not talking down on books that are chalk full of people getting it on, but when I want that type of content I'll go get it. The reason that I like new adult authors like Claire Kann, and Colleen Hoover (I know some people hate on her but I don't care) is because I'm an almost 32 year old lady with no spouse, no significant other, no kids, and no cats. I'm basically a 24 year old with better morals, weaker joints, and more student loan debt. I can't relate to the story of the 30 year old divorce with a screaming toddler. The closest I come is to the 23 year old still trying to pull it together.



Winnie loves herself and her body. She is black, big, and beautiful. Just look at the cover of the book if you don't believe me. Does she have anxiety? Yes. Does she sometimes care what other people thing? Yes. Does she want to please the people around her? Yes. And while some of these attributes can be looked at as a downfall, that does not take away from the fact that Winnie is confident and comfortable in who she is as a bigger woman, and who she is as a black woman. At the same time she's human. She has the same insecurities that plague us all. That's what I love about Kann's characters, (something that we're admittedly beginning to see more in female black characters) they show a vulnerability due to the normal hardships of life, not self hate.



Winnie is a particularly great because she has that vulnerability, but she also has a fiery temper and will only put up with so much of someone's s**t. In case you're wondering, exactly like yours truly. Kann, in both this book and Let's Talk About Love has created full, real, well rounded female black characters, and THANK ALL THAT IS GOOD IN THIS WORLD that we're finally getting to a point where we can find these books.



I'm not gonna lie though, I'm dying to learn more about the cranky grandma.



Yall, I haven't even begun to scratch the surface of everything that makes this book amazing.



If you want to see black females depicted as real people, read this book.

If you want to see sibling love, read this book.

If you want a great, real, slow burning romance, read this book.

If you wan to see someone interested in alternative romantic lifestyles, read this book.

If you're a human being, read this book.



That is all.

What I Liked: Yay for diversity! Yay for intersectionality! Yay for queer positivity! All of those things are great. Winnie (the MC) has a strong inner monologue.

What I Didn't Like: There was pretty much no plot. If you enjoy stories that are character-driven but not much happens, then this is definitely the story for you. If you are looking for a plot to carry the story along, you will be gravely disappointed.

This also joins a litany of YA books where the main character is already out of high school and thus the book is geared toward older teens / adults rather than younger teens. That's not necessarily a bad thing, per se, but YA books featuring actual teen characters are definitely needed. This read more like a new adult romance novel.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through Netgalley for review purposes.

I wanted to love If It Makes You Happy so much. I loved the characters, the world building, and the thematic elements. Kann has lovingly crafted the world and the people of Misty Haven and they are good ones. I enjoyed the body positivity, the diversity, and the queer positivity. Winnie is a great, flawed protagonist.

But...the plot wasn't engaging. At best, I was mildly entertained. At worst, I slogged through a few pages before giving up. It's as if the plot couldn't hold up under the weight of all the ideas, themes, and characters that Kann wanted to express.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for a fair review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Definitely not the book I expected at first! I wanted more of the contest and more of the town but I loved the characters and the honesty of the MC. I’ll buy for my classroom, for sure.

Winnie's pretty sure she knows the recipe for the perfect summer- work at Granny's diner, hang out with her ungirlfriend, and get ready to take on college next year. She is prepared for the best summer ever. And then she is crowned Summer Queen and all of her fabulous chill plans go completely bananas.

I am officially obsessed with Winnie. She is the queer, fat, poc protagonist that the world needs. And the best part about all that is she is confident in all of those aspects of her identity. We don't often get to see a young female character who is sure of who she is and what she wants, but that's what we get here and it's awesome. Especially when you consider that most of those aspects tend to be the entire focus of books featuring black, queer, or fat characters. All I can say is there better be a part two coming down the line. And soon please!

I think I just read my first book about a throuple. And I think I kinda dug it. Surprised me, too. I love the fat girl self love and the interesting and wholly separate yet well-developed relationships with each of the other characters. Love me some Dallas. And Winston. Cool book. 🤓💜📚