I adored Like Happiness! The writing is so sharp and effervescent. Villareal-Moura perfectly captures young adulthood and how we look back on our behavior and thinking in the future. We meet our protagonist Tatum when she's in her late 30s living in Chile. She is contacted by a reporter from the New York Times about the relationship she had in her 20s with an acclaimed writer M. Dominguez, who is now accused of sexual assault by a much younger woman. In the novel she speaks directly to him recounting the duration of their relationship and her formative twenties.

Tatum is entranced by M. Dominguez's short story collection and writes him a letter expressing what his work means to her. They begin an epistolary relationship that swiftly develops to an in-person, largely platonic relationship. He is about a decade older than her, working as a professor at Columbia in New York. The author captures so perfectly that feeling of being in your 20s, you're trying to find your way and feel you're more mature than you actually are. Tatum is constantly lost in books and this book was so appealing to me as a former English major. The author writes so beautifully and thoughtfully, looking back on her formative years during their relationship.

Though this topic has been covered a lot in literature, this was so well-done. Villareal-Moura shows the nuances and complexities of relationships. Our narrator has a different experience with Mateo than the accuser, showing that a someone's relationship with an individual can vary greatly. In our society, we are still trying to reckon with unclear power dynamics that have been pushed into the spotlight. This book was so thought-provoking.

Ursula Villarreal-Moura writes a dramatic and powerful tale with Like Happiness

In Like Happiness, the reader is introduced to Tatum and her life partner, Vera, as they are trying to put their life together, since they moved to Chile. I haven't read anything by this author before, and what a hidden gem. I enjoyed it so much that I have now followed the author and look for more books to read. The story is told with two different narratives, one a letter, and another present day. Tatum wants to get away from the past, and especially her old boss, a famous author. Her relationship with him was unhealthy and very destructive. Just when she thinks the past is behind her, she is contacted by someone from the United States, with a lot of questions, especially about her former boss. Ursula Villarreal-Moura has a great imagination. Ursula Villarreal-Moura not only tells the story but shows it with words as well. Tatum tells her own story, as she goes through the ups and downs, tragedies and triumphs. A definite attention grabber, so much I couldn't put it down. This story is written in a way that it may have stemmed from the headlines, but it is all too many times a true story. Nowadays, people can talk about it and come forward. This story is filled with a powerful subject and plotline, having also intertwined a love story, and a truthfulness to being herself and who she loves. It's a very unpredictable story, my favorite kind! Like Happiness is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I read this book to give my unbiased and honest review. Amy's Bookshelf Reviews recommends that anyone who reads this book also write a review.

This is a beautifully crafted narrative with a unique perspective on a consuming relationship. First, I want to thank Net Galley and Celadon Books for providing me with an eARC of this book. There is such strength and intimacy in telling the story through a letter to the other partner. As the story progressed, the well-paced plot had me eagerly anticipating how it would all unfold. Tatum, the main character, is portrayed with reverence and judgment, offering a nuanced look at her journey and growth. Throughout the book, Villarreal-Moura skillfully explores themes of minority identity, power dynamics, financial disparities, and fandom. Rather than presenting these issues in black and white, the story explores the complexities and gray areas, particularly regarding power abuse in relationships. While it may not fit the traditional definition of a feel-good story, it is undeniably empowering. Tatum's journey as a Mexican woman finding strength and self-discovery is inspiring. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a wonderfully told story of personal development and reflection.

Tatum Vega thought she had moved on from Mateo Domínguez. But when a New York Times reporter calls her requesting an interview, the past rushes back to her in full force. Mateo is being accused of sexual assault, and Tatum isn't exactly surprised to hear this. While her relationship with Mateo seemed fine to her on the surface, her come-of-age self starts to realize that maybe things hadn't been as good as she thought.

I thought I knew where this novel was going at first. Tatum and Mateo's relationship was clearly based on obsessive idolization and severe solitude, respectively. Mateo always had more power in the relationship, though he never specifically abused it. I was hoping to read about Tatum coming into her own, breaking free of her childish idealizations, and developing as a main character. Instead, we are shown only her weak past, with flashes of her partially healed future.

Then, the book ends.

There is an attempt to discuss identity (gender, sexual, ethnic, cultural, etc.) and relationships, but they fall flat. Tatum's obsession with Mateo is the book's focus --the "nucleus," in her words -- and leaves little room for much else. Who is Tatum outside of her desire to love and be loved? I'm not quite sure.

I love books with bookish elements and I absolutely loved Like Happiness. This is a debut that feels both old and original. I mean that in the best way. This was complex yet readable and an absolute breathe of fresh air when it feels like a lot of the same. SO GOOD.

Thanks to NetGalley and Caledon Books for this read. This was a good read devein though it was a bit slow. The slowness didn’t pull from the fact that it was interesting. This was a deep read and enjoyable to read.

This was a strong debut novel. While I found the plot a bit predictable (which, to be fair, is kind of the point? These are stories we hear again and again and again … But I digress), I didn’t necessarily mind because the writing was so damn good. I loved the exploration of power and how an imbalance of that can lead to a toxic relationship. I loved the use of culture to add an additional layer to Tatum and Mateo’s connection. And I thought the structure was really interesting, and I especially enjoyed the chapters directed at M.

I will say this was a bit slow at times, and I did really want something more to happen (as I said above, the ending is fairly easy to guess), but overall I really enjoyed this and it gave me a lot to think about.

Thank you to Celadon and Netgalley for this ARC. Like Happiness comes out tomorrow!

This book is a really touching and poignant coming of age story. I started the book on audiobook and finished reading it in book form and I liked the book better than the audiobook. I thought the narrator did a good job trying to bring Tatum to life, but she is a complicated character and I liked the voice I gave her better. The book takes place in two parts or timelines the present tense in 2015 and as a letter Tatum writes outlining her relationship with her friend and well known author M. Dominguez. Tatum fell in love with M. Dominguez’s first book, a collection of short stories about Latino people which was the first she saw herself represented in literature. Almost finished with her degree but not enjoying her small school in Massachusetts she writes a fan letter and to her surprise it is answered. What follows was hard to read at times because Tatum put her life on hold in hopes Mateo would see her at some point. In 2015 she is contacted by a reporter after a young woman raises an allegation about Mateo. Tatum is initially resistant to an interview, but she ends up giving one and more so reflecting on her own experiencing and letting herself have closure.

Tatum lives in Chile with her partner, Vera and is enjoying her life. One day, a journalist reaches out to her from the US and asks her about her relationship with the famous author and professor, M. Dominguez as he writing a piece about allegations brought forth from another woman.. This brings Tatum to narrate her story (directed towards M)
In the story, Tatum recounts how she first met M as young college student. It was only supposed to be a fan letter and she was surprised when he wrote back. Over the next decade, the two developed a toxic relationship where M exercised his power over Tatum and she readily gave parts of herself up for him, missing out on a fulfilling life for herself. It is near the end where the shocking event occurs that drives Tatum to finally confront the power she has given M and to finally stand up for herself.
I found this novel to be very thought-provoking as Tatum slowly slides into the submissive role and doesn't realize what is happening until she is in too deep. It brings to light how easily men manipulate women and play on their insecurities by filling them with empty promises. And I absolute loved the way the story ended.
Thank you to Celadon Books and Netgalley for an early digital copy of this novel.

Genre: Literary Fiction
TW: sexual assault, toxic relationships, grooming behaviors

When reading the description of this novel, I was so excited to get my hands on it. This sounds like a novel that is everything I love...complex characters, unique writing style, and an unpacking of relationships over time. Unfortunately, this novel just fell flat for me. If you were to really ask me to explain this novel and what it was about...I just couldn't. While it was a beautifully written novel, which honestly is why I continued to read it to the end, there was no substance to the plot. I love a slow burn novel that dives into character over plot so normally that wouldn't stray me from loving a novel however even the characters were hard to feel any connection to.

I will say, Ursula Villarreal-Moura has a beautiful writing style and I really enjoyed the unique format of the novel. The novel is written as a letter to the main character's previous love interest and also fluctuates between timelines which made for a very interesting read overall. While this is not my cup of tea, I can see a lot of readers finding themselves in the pages of this novel and I may just not be the right audience.

Like Happiness by Ursula Villarreal-Moura is a story draws you in gently and holds you captive.
The writing was beautiful and I felt utterly invested in each of the characters Mateo and Tatum.
Ursula Villarreal-Moura deals with emotions very skillfully. Very impressive work. A pleasure to immerse myself in this world.
I think this is a relatable and realistic debut novel.
I'd certainly keep an eye out for more work by this author. Highly recommended.

Thank You NetGalley and Celadon Books for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

I tore this this book really quickly and thought it was excellent. It tells the story of a messy and complicated relationship between Mateo, a well-regarded author, and Tatum, a soon to be college graduate as they strike up a friendship. The friendship is unbalanced in many ways -- in age, socioeconomic status, life experience, gender. For years Tatum lets this relationship define her life (limiting her along the way) but the same isn't always true in reverse. As I was reading it I sort of got Sally Rooney or Claire Daverley vibes -- a somewhat messy coming-of-age story with lots of external factors playing into the relationship. I have no critiques of the novel -- I really enjoyed it, found it interesting and thought provoking, raw and sad at times, but a beautifully written account of Tatum's life in her formative years.

✨ Review ✨ Like Happiness by Ursula Villarreal-Moura; Narrated by Marisa Blake

Thanks to Celadon Books, Macmillan Audio, and #netgalley for the gifted advanced copy/ies of this book!

I had big feelings about this book - I loved it and I was endlessly frustrated by it!

It's 2015 and Tatum Vega's living in Chile with her girlfriend when she's called by a reporter asking about her relationship with the famous author M. Domínguez, based on another woman's accusations of his treatment of her. Did Tatum experience this in her long friendship with Domínguez?

The book then follows a dual timeline, alternating between Tatum reflecting on their relationship in 2015 alongside excerpts of a letter she's writing to Domínguez reflecting on her life and their relationship which lasted approximately 10 years from her time in college through her 20s. While she doesn't see herself being groomed by Domínguez, as the reader, we have a different view on this and it's not comfortable to read.

Tatum's parents live in San Antonio, and her time spent there is some of my favorite in the book -- from scenes at the famous Mi Tierra and Trinity University to her potato, egg, and avocado breakfast tacos with her dad -- it just felt like she nailed SA (and as an SA local I guess this isn't surprising!).

The book also makes me as a reader think about the cult of fame assigned to certain authors and whether this should exist. They are normal people just like us in many ways, so why do we put so much reverence behind them? And what are the consequences of this fame and reverence?

I also was left wondering how the story changes if Domínguez was a woman or younger or older or different in so many different ways? How would that change this relationship and its expectations?

The audio narration was excellent and the book is on the shorter end of novels, making this a quick and engaging read!

Overall, this was a super compelling book that will draw you in and give you lots to think about. It's such a rich reflection on gender, sexuality, fame, literature, and racial representation. I'm so glad I had the privilege to read this, even if it's still keeping a tight hold on my brain 😂

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.25)
Genre: literary fiction, general fiction, queer, new adult
Setting: NYC, Chile, San Antonio, Massachusetts
Pub Date: 26 March 2024
Length: 7 hrs and 15 mins

Read this if you like:
⭕️ messy inner / interpersonal stories
⭕️ Latinx representation
⭕️ stories about race, gender, and identity
⭕️ books about books

A moving coming of age debut about a young Mexican American aspiring writer who can't wait to escape her small Texan town and her complicated relationship with a famous Latinx author who takes advantage of her adoration for his own gains. Great on audio and perfect for fans of authors like Xochtl Gonzalez. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and audio copy in exchange for my honest review!

This book was amazing! It was a bit of a slow build at first, but the payoff was so worth it. The book follows the relationship of a celebrity author and a fan-turned-friend of his. It is so interesting to see how the relationship, and the FMC's perspective on the relationship, changes throughout the book over both distance and time. This is a powerful portrayal on the intricacies of power, culture, gender, sexuality, and money as they play into a relationship. I highly recommend!

Like Happiness is a quiet, reflective character-driven book that really grows on you. It explores the subtle and toxic relationship dynamics of a young Latina who enters into an undefined relationship with a prestigious and wealthy Latino author.

Tatum is now happy and living with her partner in Chile. When a reporter comes calling she is forced to re-examine the relationship she had with M. Dominguez when she was younger. M has been accused of inappropriate and toxic behaviors by his ex and given the large age gap between M and Tatum, the reporter is keen on learning more about their relationship. We see the relationship between Tatum and M unfold in a series of letters/emails that Tatum writes to M.

I personally enjoyed the examination and look at power/ power dynamics through the lense of a young, broke latina college student who is trying to find her way. The abuse of power is so subtle and slow you can ALMOST miss it.

There were other parts of the story that resonated with me. As a young latina she is trying to figure out where she fits in. Her parents have unrealistic expectations that don't align with her world view. She's passively moving through the world in an attempt to find meaning and connection. It was refreshing, in a way.

I wish the book was a bit longer. I would've loved to see how Tatum ended where she did but then again that was not the focus of the story.

Thank you for Celadon books and Netgalley for an advanced reader copy of Like Happiness.

"Like Happiness" by Ursula Villarreal-Moura is a beautifully-written character-driven novel about a young woman's relationship with an older, influential man. We learn very early on that the famous writer, M. Dominguez is accused of inappropriate conduct with another young woman when a reporter contacts Tatum for her side of the story. Told through dual timelines (one is a letter from Tatum to M. looking back on their relationship), Tatum is forced to confront the idea that M. may have taken advantage of her as well, albeit in a different manner. Tatum's experiences are very relevant in today's era, and important topics such as gender and power dynamics are explored and made very personal. As a woman who, because of my job comes into contact with some very powerful men, I could see myself in Tatum and her story really resonated with me. Tatum's story shows how easy it is to want to believe the best of someone, especially a personal hero, while completely overlooking the true ugliness lurking right below the surface of that shiny façade.

This book would make an excellent book club choice for groups who enjoy thought-provoking, deeper reads. It is a tremendous debut novel and I look forwarded to reading more from this author. Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the privilege of reading an advanced copy of this astonishing debut!

Tatum Vega receives a call from a journalist who wants to interview her about her experience with an acclaimed author after he is accused of assault. Tatum has made a new life for herself in Chile with her partner & this phone call takes her back to those years she spent with M. Dominguez. She recounts her experience & the unhealthy relationship she had with him.

The book is told in alternate timelines between Tatum's present 2015 & her early years when she met Mateo Dominguez. The story is told from the perspective of Tatum writing to Mateo & realizing how toxic the relationship was from the beginning. The book focuses on the complexities of power dynamics. Wealth, age, fame, gender, all played a factor & it was interesting seeing how it all played out.

I absolutely loved the authors writing style & will be looking forward to reading more by her. I would recommend this to fans of Adelaide it gave me a similar feeling & experience while reading it.

Thank you, @celadonbooks for my free copy in exchange for a review.

Who loves a good coming of age story? Me! 🙌

Like Happiness is a love letter to readers and books, as well as a dual timeline coming of age story.

Tatum Vega graduates from Williams and then just stalls. She moves from San Antonio to NYC and lives in a hostel run by nuns. She is supposed to get a job, but she stays in her room reading until she finally goes and gets a job at a school. Why New York? If she can make it there, she can make it anywhere. And Mateo lives there. Mateo, known as M in the literary world, is a Latino who hit it big with his book Happiness. It is Tatum’s favorite book that she has read many times.

While in college, Tatum wrote a fan letter to M….and he responded. The book chronicles her relationship with M in the early aughts.

The second timeline is in 2015 — when Tatum is living with her female partner and working at an art museum in Chile. A NY Times reporter tracks her down to ask about her relationship with M. M has been accused of sexually assaulting an El Salvadoran woman.

The writing in this book is seamless and the plot is fantastic. However, I think Tatum has some responsibility for her toxic relationship with M. She was fully an adult as she carried on the relationship until she was in her 30s. The story line about him “grooming” Tatum really fell flat for me.

“Like Happiness” is a story that will stick with you, staying in the back of your mind to resurface for reflection now and then. Dealing with issues of identity, finding yourself, the ability to see or be seen both in literature and in real life, fame, manipulation, the allure of meeting someone you idolize, and how we justify someone when expectations don’t match reality; this novel really packs a punch. You’ll see Tatum come into her own as she reflects on her relationship with Mateo; it’s consuming nature, power imbalance, grooming, toxicity, betrayal, and the nuances found within relationships, both good and bad.

In many ways, Tatum’s story felt very personal and intimate. Told primarily through a letter chronicling the relationship between herself and Mateo which she is writing several years after the dissolution of their toxic relationship (in New York). Occasionally the story returns to the present, Chile 2015, where we see the growth and change in Tatum from the innocent, young woman who first wrote a fan letter to the woman of today who is conversing with a reporter to show people what Mateo is really like.

You can’t help but shake your head at how quickly Tatum is to justify M’s personality even as he dismisses her over and over while taking precisely what he needs and wants. I think it’s all too easy to fall prey to this kind of dynamic in a relationship of any kind and Villarreal-Moura does an excellent job of shining a light on this type of power dynamic.

I alternated between the digital and audio books and really enjoyed both. Marisa Blake did an exceptional job narrating “Like Happiness,” allowing me to fully immerse myself in the narrative.

Thank you to NetGalley, Celadon Books, and Macmillan Audio for advance copies of this book. I alternated between the digital and audio books, really enjoying both.

A fantastic debut novel, Ursula Villarreal-Moura is definitely an author to watch.

Available March 26, 2024.

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