“Some Kind Of Happiness“ written by Claire Legrand is story about young girl’s real life mixed with mystery and fantasy, who tried to struggle with her anxiety and overwhelmingly difficult days all by herself, keeping her secret only in the notebook through imaginary stories.
The book is best summed up in author’s pre-words/preview:
“If you are afraid, sad, tired, or lonely
if you feel lost or strange
If you crave stories and adventure,
And the magic possibility of a forest path —
this book is for you.“
Finley, 11 year old girl, who has been sent to her unknown grandparents’ house (Hart’s House “enormous and white, the largest house I ever seen in real life…”), from her father’s side for the whole summer, until Finley’s mom and dad can solve their relationship problems. This little girl tried to escape reality through her imagined tales, which helped her deal with real life problems, like dealing with her previously unknown cousins or her weird neighbors ( children of Bailey’s family ), who go on to become her best friends. Through her stories, she creates an imaginary kingdom of Everwood – “towering green place full of sunlight”, where she pretends to be “an orphaned girl”, while everyone else had their own roles in the story. Meanwhile she tries to uncover an old secret , why her father’s family got separated. Her imaginary game ends up uniting the feuding families after years of avoiding each other. This feud inspired her to seek out, what caused the falling out between these families ( Hart’s and Bailey’s ), which heavily involves her father.
This book spans three generations of her family, showing that family secrets can become huge issues, even between the closest family members. But even with all the issues within the families, the children still love and cherish their parents, no matter their flaws.
In my opinion this story is very informative and educational to the young readers for several reasons. Firstly, it shows how the reader can organize all their thoughts . Secondly, it introduces interesting words in a way that sticks with the reader, expanding their vocabulary in the process ( “ … one of my favorite words, a nine-letter word for “slow, heavy, rhythmic” : ponderous.” ). Thirdly, it encourages the young readers to use their imagination to create fun and adventurous games in real life.
Reading as an adult, it was interesting to see the world through 11 year old Finley’s eyes, especially the way she sees adults in her life, bringing me back to my own childhood and various games we used to play. It was fun.
I would highly recommend this book for young readers (middle school age) as well, as for adults. This book manages to be both relaxing and breathtaking at the same time, gripping the reader with its mysteries and memorable plot . I really enjoyed this book.
M.M.
