“The tectonic plates of our relationship were shifting that night, but I had miscalculated the direction.”

Despite the word happiness in the title, first-person narrator Tatum Vega often finds that to be an elusive quality in her life. There is a sense that Tatum’s coming-of-age experience, starting in college and carrying us through her life for ten years, is one with stubborn tendrils which still choke some joy out of her life. Like so many young adults, Tatum’s romantic relationships provide mountain-top highs; however, her lows are not a gradual dulling of brilliant new love but a sudden toss into sink-hole lows. Exacerbating Tatum’s heartache is the fact that one man, an older and famous author M. (Mateo) Dominguez, has repeat appearances in her life. So those tectonic plates provide heartbreaking turbulence many times.

Tatum is a literature-loving college student in Boston. The novel is peppered with a variety of book and story titles, including those by M. Dominguez which exist only in this story. Although Tatum tries to move on and seems to have truly moved on as she follows her attraction to people of different genders and races, Dominguez holds special power over her, a complex combination of fame and the Latino heritage they share. Of course, there is physical attraction, yet this is not a novel of steamy love scenes but rather a young woman’s searing frustration, humiliation, anger with promises not kept, and the angst of ultimately feeling used.

When the novel opens in Chile 2015, Tatum is enjoying sharing a life seeped in art with her partner Vera. It is a phone call from an American journalist, investigating allegations of sexual harassment against Mateo which reopens the floodgate of memories and provides the story in flashback. The emotions felt very raw and real at times, and those moments were 5-star writing. For me, the the pacing was not always steady and occasionally caused me to reread a previous page to see how I missed a segue into the current situation. Some brief scenes with an androgynous character named Mayumi seemed more of an interruption at first but then played a part in the protagonist's ability to evaluate her emotions. I am glad I had an opportunity to read this book and think it would work well for a book club choice since there is something deserving of comment for any reader. Thank you NetGalley and Celadon Books for the opportunity to read this!

This book started so strong and then unfortunately fell so flat. We follow a painfully desperate woman who is in a toxic “relationship” (if you can even call it a relationship) with an older man who is a famous writer. She writes him a fan letter when she is in college and receives an unexpected reply. She quickly becomes infatuated and obsessed with this famous, highly intellectual, older man. This behavior is understandable at her age. BUT this “relationship” continues for a decade, until she is thirty years old. She puts her life, goals, relationships, everything on hold waiting for this good for nothing, mediocre, narcissistic man-child to give her the time of day. Ladies, we must do better. Please value yourselves enough to walk away when something isn’t serving you.

A wonderfully-written, extremely compelling literary fiction debut, revolving around a woman reflecting on the toxic but formative relationship which she had with a famous writer in the wake of sexual harassment allegations against him.

This is definitely a book for the character-focused readers, as most of the plot is just the events of a life; the writing was engaging, the character voice strong and present, and the development of that central relationship was extremely well-done. My only real complaint was that I wanted more of a bridge between the well-adjusted, mature narrator who we saw in the present-day periods and the previous version of herself, stuck in her spiral with the writer, M.

All in all, definitely recommended, and I’m excited to see what the author does next! Thank you so much to Celadon books and Netgalley for the advance copy!

I enjoyed this one so much! I loved How expressive and real Tatums emotions we’re vocalized. A part of me was left aching for her and being so mad at Matteo as the story continued to unfold .

This book was a master class of literary fiction, weaving a story told in the present, intermingling with the past. Tatum didn’t have much direction in life but connected with a book called Happiness. She sought out the writer and wrote a fan letter. From there, they wrote emails and eventually talked on the phone and met in person. Their relationship developed over a period of 10 years.

My heart ached for Tatum. Mateo treated her with indifference and reverence, whichever suited him best. Called her mi vida and keeping her on a leash. I was so glad when she got her mostly happy ending and was free of him. I couldn’t believe what he did to her, putting her in the novel like that. Talk about a horrific move! The worst part is, stuff like this is common with grooming and it made me so sad to read. This was an incredible book.

This story alternates between Tatum's life in Chile in 2015, and a letter that Tatum writes to the famous author M. Dominguez about their 10 year relationship.. Tatum read Dominguez's book 'Happiness' when she was in high school and was sure that she found the person that understood what her life as a Latinx is really like. She writes him a letter, and she is stunned when he not only answers but sends her his email address. This begins a long, codependent, toxic relationship where she makes virtually all her decisions based on what is happening in his life. Even when she strikes out and has her own life, he is there, pulling her back in. When she is contacted by a reporter for her comment on the accusations of sexual assault leveled against Dominguez, Tatum finally examines their relationship.

The bulk of the story takes place in the letter that she is writing with some interspersed chapters in 2015. I love a dual timeline, but the letter did not feel like a letter all that often, but rather another first person narrative, which was not a disappointment in the end.

The is very compelling and the description of Tatum and her emotions and relationships made me feel as if I knew her, and although disappointed with her choices, could see them coming. if you like an introspective novel with complex relationships, this book is one you will enjoy.

Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for the advance reader copy in exchange for my honest review.

4.25⭐️

Beautifully written. I was captivated by this tale from start to finish. Tackling toxic relationships, gender dynamics, and power inequalities, Like Happiness tells the story of Tatum Vega in dual timelines. In the present, she’s settled into a contented existence when a call from a reporter forces her to work through her past relationship with a famous writer- leading us to dive into that past alongside her.

This story is brilliantly told, and there were definitely many relatable elements, but I felt increasingly frustrated by past Tatum’s choices. Many of us have found ourselves in similarly unhealthy dynamics at some point or other, but to stay in the sort of limbo she held herself for a full decade was hard to witness or fathom. Still plenty of issues to mull over long after finishing this layered read.

Thank you Ursula Villarreal-Moura, Celadon Books, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for providing this ARC for review consideration. All opinions expressed are my own.

After the initial pages, I found myself not connecting with the story or characters, so I decided to pass on this book. Did not finish

Like Happiness by Ursula Villarreal-Moura dives into the narrative of a young woman who finds herself enamored with an older author. After sending a fan letter and receiving a response, we follow the next ten years of their life and how their relationship evolves and also how it doesn't. Another sad case of a time when the older gentleman should have left the lady alone, but instead drags her along with an undefined role in his life....essentially being groomed. This book was just alright for me. I really wanted to love it, but it was a bit drawn out for my liking. Although it did provide some interesting conversation for book club. It seems many of us can relate to the feeling of being dragged along and allowing ourselves to hold out hope for something that is never going to happen.

Incredible excavation of power dynamics, Latinx identity, relationships, celebrity, and the loss of self that can come through insidious but unhealthy relationships. I loved the dual narration where we get glimpses of what Tatum is doing now, how she feels, and how she is still affected interspersed with the narration of the relationship in her letter to him. We slowly learn more and more about the troubling aspects of the long relationship and ways in which she was dismissed or used at the same time as she is slowly realizing it herself, and coming to terms with how it shaped her life. I want justice for her and that letter to somehow become published because that is the reckoning we need in this world, so often. It also for me highlighted ways in which the argument that so many make about the art being separate from the person, even if a person is problematic, is so patently false.

Also, when Jamal insulter her in the interview wow was I mad. Depressing but needed reminder that just relying on someone else to tell your story and bring justice will not necessarily work, because there remain power imbalances and assumptions and lack of respect in those relationships as well. It wove into the story she is telling of the relationship so masterfully.

In this captivating read, the author masterfully weaves a narrative that is both engaging and thought-provoking. Through a blend of richly developed characters and a meticulously crafted plot, the book offers a unique exploration of its central themes, inviting readers to immerse themselves in the story's depth and complexity. The narrative is paced perfectly, balancing moments of intense action with thoughtful reflection, ensuring that readers are hooked from the first page to the last. The author's ability to evoke emotion and create a vivid, immersive world is truly remarkable, making this book a must-read for anyone looking for an exceptional literary experience.

Beyond its compelling storyline, the book stands out for its insightful commentary on the human condition, weaving philosophical questions into the fabric of its narrative. The author's skillful use of language not only enriches the text but also elevates the reader's experience, offering new perspectives on familiar themes. Whether it's the intricate dynamics of relationships, the exploration of identity, or the confrontation with ethical dilemmas, this book tackles complex issues with sensitivity and intelligence. It's a testament to the power of storytelling to illuminate the nuances of life, making it a valuable addition to any book lover's collection. Regardless of genre, this is a work that resonates on multiple levels, affirming the enduring impact of well-crafted literature.

2.5 stars rounded up.

This ranged from okay to decent for me. I love reading about relationships that are too complicated to categorize, in this case not exactly “friend” or “lover” or “mentor” or “unrequited crush,” but all of them and none of them. But I was unconvinced by where Tatum lands on their relationship when looking back on it. She feels that he “groomed” her—but they were both in their 20s when they met, and she initiated the relationship (both the friendship and the sex). She was never his student or his employee, and she never attempted to work in his industry or relied on his help to find a job, so he didn’t have that much power over her. Certainly Mateo turns out to be a bad person, no argument there—but it feels like the book tries to frame Tatum as the purely virtuous wronged party and glosses over the ways in which she’s a weird little obsessed gremlin (which, to be clear, is exactly the kind of character I want to read about).

Certain aspects of the plot felt implausible: the fact that Mateo is some huge wealthy celebrity author when his only book is a literary short story collection, and the fact that Tatum gets a cool museum job with zero relevant work experience and zero connections, solely on the basis of an undergraduate art history degree from more than a decade ago.

The book is marketed as literary fiction, but I found the prose mostly uninspiring and often cliche:
-“I still preferred books to people.”
-“It was time for me to use my voice.”
-“[S]ocietal conditioning had ensured that I beautified myself for men.”
-The word “problematic” is unironically used a few times.

Tatum’s bisexuality is a very minor element of the book, which was a bit disappointing for me, although I appreciated that even Mateo is matter-of-fact about it.

Overall, the premise sounded precisely up my alley, but the execution fell somewhat flat for me, though I did enjoy parts of it.

What profound story about toxic relationships and power imbalance! What I loved most is that Tatum and Mateo are both Latinx, but there’s still extreme power imbalance within other aspects of their lives—age, money, power, gender.

It’s also a thought-provoking story of what constitutes “grooming” and what is “too much power” in a relationship? can we form true friendships when the lines between mentoring and love are blurred?

I especially loved Taryn’s character development and how throughout the course of her flashbacks/interviews, she gained a deeper understanding of what her relationship with Mateo was really like—even after so many years.

The writing is incisive and powerful. And I’d be recommending this book to everyone!

For fans of My Dark Vanessa and The Other Black Girl, Like Happiness is written in an epistolary style. Tatum has always loved books and writing and finds herself enamoured by an author who goes by the initial M after reading his book Happiness and feeling seen. She sends him a fan letter and he replies striking up a conversation and soon a relationship that will see them for the most part in a platonic relationship for the next ten years. M is writing his second novel and it is a slow go. The story is interspersed with chapters when Tatum is living in Chile with her partner and speaking to a reporter from New York who is investigating sexual abuse allegations against the writer. The book in letter format is her way of parsing her own feelings and in holding M accountable.

Like Happiness tackles questions about toxic relationships and power imbalances in a very nuanced and creative way. The reader can see the layers of toxicity forming over time and the final reveal to both the protagonist and the antagonist. Running parallel to the relationship is Tatum’s questions about her own gender identity.

Thank you to @celadonbooks for an ARC in exchange for my honest opinions. Another great selection from a favourite publisher. Like Happiness publishes March 26, 2024.

It started with a letter to her favorite author…now it ends with a letter sent to the same author, detailing their relationship and taking back her reclaiming herself. We go back and forth between current day where Tatum is looking back on the past and telling her story, and the past where she has fallen into Domguez’s arms. He has recently been accused of assault by another woman, and a reporter wants to hear Tatum’s story as well…

This was a really well done debut novel. It’s an age old idea, man in power, younger woman that falls into his traps, well…you know the rest. It did move a bit slowly, but I enjoyed being along for the ride as Tatum learned to take her power back from Dominguez. I certainly had moments of UGH don’t let him do this, but of course it would be a very short book if she didn’t fall for his manipulations. I listened to this one on audio and really enjoyed the narration and taking in the story that way.

The writing style in this book is really beautiful, and I enjoyed the narrative that was going on. However, the two timelines of the book felt really unbalanced, which would make me occasionally forget that the two switched back and forth. Also, the way that Tatum’s bisexuality was handled felt a bit like an afterthought at a lot of points, which I was not the biggest fan of. I did like how it was not seen as a major conflict, especially because I have enough experience with the hispanic Catholic families of bisexuals, but it didn’t always feel like it fit within the narrative.

Thank you, NetGalley and Celadon Books for the copy of Like Happiness by Ursula Villarreal-Moura. I was worried at first because the book was so slow; nothing was happening. I’m not sure when I realized I was so immersed in the story I was racing through the pages. Tatum’s story was compelling, but it went on so long my interest started to wane. I wondered for a minute if Mateo was abusive or oblivious or if Tatum was an unreliable narrator. If you’re looking for a book with hypnotic writing, complicated characters, and a mesmerizing story, read this one! 4.5 stars rounded up to 5.

DNF @ 15%

Liked the LGBT+ and Latinx representation. Also fascinated about the imbalanced power dynamic relationship depicted similar in the way of My Dark Vanessa. However, the writing style left much to be desired. Felt like it was too casual for the emotions and dynamics being conveyed. And just felt like we were going around and around without a real point or plot to keep the book moving outside of the one main plot point. Also just didn't connect with Tatum as much as i wanted to.

This is an emotional book about a relationship between an acclaimed author and a young woman that is obsessive and toxic.
This was an intriguing story/relationship of gender, fame, power, art, vulnerability and diversity told in two timelines.

Thank you NetGalley and Celadon Books for the opportunity to read this book.

At first I was expecting this book to be another version of My Dark Vanessa, but I'm glad that it wasn't. It was a good reminder of all the different ways you can be used and abused in relationships, even ones that aren't always romantic. In 2015, Tatum feels like she has found her way, knows who she is, but her past comes back to meet her and makes her re-think her 20s and the tumultuous relationship she was in with a famous author. She has to face who she was, the decisions she made, and the reality of that relationship,