Reviews

Some Kind of Happiness by Claire Legrand

ositothatreads's review against another edition

emotional hopeful medium-paced

3.5

val_theburrowofstories's review against another edition

emotional lighthearted sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

At the beginning I thought Finley was such a smart little girl and a sweetheart, but by the end I was a bit tired of her 😅 I’m sorry but I don’t usually read middle grade from a kid’s pov, I tried to understand her and remember that she’s only 11.

It made me happy to see her finally meet her cousins and spend quality time with them. But I don’t like the grandma or the aunts ngl and the grandfather is just there.

One thing I don’t understand is how this book is sold as fantasy. I had way different expectations for the book because of it and it’s not the kind of fantasy I like (was it even fantasy at all?

I listened to the audiobook and I think the narrator did an amazing job.

Overall, I liked the book so it’s a 3 ⭐. I think it would be a good book for kids who have parents who are divorcing, if they need to understand mental health a little better or just as a form of escapism.

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Cancer, Death, Child death, and Fire/Fire injury

carlisajc's review against another edition

5.0

Five glorious, shining stars. This is a beautiful story, and you should read it.

lexiana0558's review against another edition

5.0

“How can the world look so perfect when I feel so broken?”

This book touched me a lot more than I thought it would. It covers the topics of family, friendship, anxiety and depression in such way that you have no choice but to feel for Finley (or even recognize yourself in her). I honestly can’t say that a middle grade has made me cry before but this was such a powerful book. I definitely recommend if you’re looking for a more serious, yet heartwarming, read.

nalli's review against another edition

adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes

3.75

oogie's review against another edition

adventurous emotional sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

libraryjen's review against another edition

emotional hopeful informative mysterious medium-paced

5.0

Powerful and uplifting and heartbreaking all at the same time. I loved every minute of this book!

maiwalker27's review against another edition

3.75

I got this book as a gift so I gave it a read. The main character is 11 and I’m in my mid twenties so it was really hard to feel connected to any of the characters. But I did love the authenticity of the mental health representation. 

clevergirl216's review

adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful informative inspiring mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Very powerful story that does a great job of exploring emotions, family dynamics, and secrets. The side story of the Everwood was a great way to break the tension and used great metaphors to further explain the story. I could definitely feel the deep sadness and hurt along with the main character.

celtfem's review against another edition

dark emotional hopeful mysterious reflective sad medium-paced

4.5