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57 pages 1 hour read

Happiness Falls

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2023

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Book Brief

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Angie Kim

Happiness Falls

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2023
Book Details
Pages

544

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

United States • Contemporary

Publication Year

2023

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

In Angie Kim’s novel Happiness Falls, narrator Mia Parkson’s father Adam goes missing, leading Mia and her family to search for answers while grappling with complex issues such as the Korean American experience, autism, racism, and immigration amidst the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic. The family's investigation uncovers Adam’s research on happiness and Eugene’s evolving communication abilities on a letterboard. The novel includes depictions of bullying, rape, and racism.

Mysterious

Emotional

Contemplative

Melancholic

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Angie Kim's Happiness Falls has been widely praised for its compelling plot and intricate character development. Reviewers appreciate its insightful exploration of complex themes and the inclusivity of diverse narratives. However, some readers find the pacing uneven and note that certain plot points could be more thoroughly developed. Overall, it's a thought-provoking and engaging read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Happiness Falls?

Readers who appreciate deeply emotional, character-driven stories and narratives that explore family dynamics and neurodiversity, much like Celeste Ng's Little Fires Everywhere and Kristin Hannah's The Nightingale, will be captivated by Angie Kim's Happiness Falls. The novel offers a poignant look at the complexities of human relationships.

Character List

Mia Parkson

The first-person narrator known for her intelligence and musical talent, who navigates complex family dynamics and personal growth throughout the story.

Mia's twin brother, optimistic and caring, who works at a therapy center for neurodiverse individuals and is passionate about special education.

Mia and John's 14-year-old brother with autism and mosaic Angelman syndrome, who is nonverbal but begins to communicate through alternative means.

Mia's mother, a PhD in applied linguistics, who is affectionate toward Eugene and struggles with guilt related to their communication challenges.

Father of the Parkson siblings, who is characterized by his philosophical interests and deep involvement in his children’s lives, despite being absent from the narrative after his disappearance.

A law enforcement figure involved in the search for Adam and issues surrounding Eugene, noted for her distinctive appearance and ambiguous intentions.

A lawyer for families at Eugene’s therapy center, depicted as competent despite her initially underestimated demeanor.

Eugene’s therapist known for her expertise with nonverbal clients, who insists on Eugene's intelligence and challenges existing perceptions.

Mia's ex-boyfriend, who demonstrates thoughtfulness and support for the Parkson family during Adam’s disappearance, and who has experienced systemic racism.

Book Details
Pages

544

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

United States • Contemporary

Publication Year

2023

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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