On the one-year anniversary of her divorce, Alex Martinez is getting closure-and margaritas with her two best friends. But just before the celebratory meetup, Alex is clobbered by life once again. Damping the cheer is the diagnosis of a brain tumour she can't pronounce, a procedure she'd rather postpone, and the prospect of what to say to an already heartbroken mother. Not that Alex plans to tell her anything anytime soon.
Going from blissful to blindsided in one afternoon, Alex has other plans: to be impulsive and embark on an adventure she'll never forget. Expected destinations: the Grand Canyon, Puerto Rico, and zip-lining through Costa Rica. Unexpected companion: a hiker named David who's found a woman after his own heart. But no matter how enriching the journey, how long can Alex keep running? It's time to accept past griefs, reconnect with her mother, and find her way back to happy. For Alex, whatever the future holds, maybe everything she really needs to face is right where she left it.
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(Lake Union Publishing, 20 September 2022, e-book, 250 pages, #ARC from the publisher via @ NetGalley)
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I loved Happyish. It's the kind of book that makes you laugh, cry and infuriates you all at the same time. Alex is a great character. She's so real I felt like I got to know her really well. Her behaviour frustrated the hell out of me at times. Why did she need to make everything so hard? She was so hard on herself. I wanted to hug her and shake her at the same time. Her decision-making process is not the best but understandable. She was so human and real and flawed. I'd highly recommend this.
