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Happiness for Beginners
A year after getting divorced, Helen Carpenter, thirty-two, lets her annoying, ten years younger brother talk her into signing up for a wilderness survival course. It's supposed to be a chance for her to pull herself together again, but when she discovers that her brother's even-more-annoying best friend is also coming on the trip, she can't imagine how it will be anything other than a disaster. Thus begins the strangest adventure of Helen's well-behaved life: three weeks in the remotest wilderness of a mountain range in Wyoming where she will survive mosquito infestations, a surprise summer blizzard, and a group of sorority girls.
Yet, despite everything, the vast wilderness has a way of making Helen's own little life seem bigger, too. And, somehow the people who annoy her the most start teaching her the very things she needs to learn. Like how to stand up for herself. And how being scared can make you brave. And how sometimes you just have to get really, really lost before you can even have a hope of being found.
Yet, despite everything, the vast wilderness has a way of making Helen's own little life seem bigger, too. And, somehow the people who annoy her the most start teaching her the very things she needs to learn. Like how to stand up for herself. And how being scared can make you brave. And how sometimes you just have to get really, really lost before you can even have a hope of being found.
320 pages, Paperback
First published March 24, 2015
About the author
Katherine Center
19 books18.6k followershttps://katherinecenter.com/about/
https://www.instagram.com/katherinece...
BookPage calls Katherine Center “the reigning queen of comfort reads.” She’s the New York Times bestselling author of eleven novels, including The Bodyguard, Hello Stranger, Things You Save in a Fire, and her summer 2024 book, The Rom-Commers. Katherine writes laugh-and-cry books: bittersweet romantic comedies about how life knocks us down—and how we get back up. She’s been compared to both Jane Austen and Nora Ephron, and the Dallas Morning News calls her stories, “satisfying in the most soul-nourishing way.” The Netflix movie adaptation of her novel Happiness for Beginners—starring Ellie Kemper and Luke Grimes—just hit the Global Top Ten in 81 countries, and the movie of her novel The Lost Husband was a surprise Netflix sensation in 2020, hitting number one and landing in their top 25 movies for the year. Her books have made countless Best-Of lists—at Audible, BookBub, and Book of the Month, as well as Goodreads' Best Books of the Year, and Amazon's yearly Top 100 books. Emily Henry calls The Bodyguard “my perfect 10 of a book,” and Jodi Picoult says of Things You Save in a Fire, “Just read it, and thank me later.” Katherine lives in her hometown of Houston, Texas, with her husband, two almost-grown teenagers, and their fluffy-but-fierce dog.
https://www.instagram.com/katherinece...
BookPage calls Katherine Center “the reigning queen of comfort reads.” She’s the New York Times bestselling author of eleven novels, including The Bodyguard, Hello Stranger, Things You Save in a Fire, and her summer 2024 book, The Rom-Commers. Katherine writes laugh-and-cry books: bittersweet romantic comedies about how life knocks us down—and how we get back up. She’s been compared to both Jane Austen and Nora Ephron, and the Dallas Morning News calls her stories, “satisfying in the most soul-nourishing way.” The Netflix movie adaptation of her novel Happiness for Beginners—starring Ellie Kemper and Luke Grimes—just hit the Global Top Ten in 81 countries, and the movie of her novel The Lost Husband was a surprise Netflix sensation in 2020, hitting number one and landing in their top 25 movies for the year. Her books have made countless Best-Of lists—at Audible, BookBub, and Book of the Month, as well as Goodreads' Best Books of the Year, and Amazon's yearly Top 100 books. Emily Henry calls The Bodyguard “my perfect 10 of a book,” and Jodi Picoult says of Things You Save in a Fire, “Just read it, and thank me later.” Katherine lives in her hometown of Houston, Texas, with her husband, two almost-grown teenagers, and their fluffy-but-fierce dog.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 5,914 reviews
December 29, 2021
Okay--Accidentally clicked on the rating area and wound up giving my own book 2 stars. So then I had to go back and give it FIVE. Of course! But now it looks like I'm going around reviewing my own books. Which I guess I am--but only by accident. I DO give it five stars, though!! :) My favorite of them all.
June 5, 2023
One of the best reads of this decade for me, featuring an unforgettable, gutsy heroine and an equally endearing, swoon-worthy hero. What more could you ask for? You have to read this book!
I laughed uproariously so many times while reading this book! At first, I was worried: there is an extremely well written steamy scene very close to the beginning of the book (I had to switch my a/c on - in October!) Hmm, I thought, was this going to be yet another predictable genre romance?
Nope! Center's vivid characters became so real to me, and the plot was riveting: I love strong female characters who have to face adversity and who triumph, in their own way - even if they don't achieve exactly what they originally set out to do.
Helen's emotional evolution as she struggled, totally out of her depth, to keep up with a younger, healthier crowd of survivalists out in the wilderness was downright captivating: her often defensive, prickly personality, tempered by her original way of expressing her wicked sense of humour kept me glued to the story well into the early hours of the morning.
Do yourself a favour: Jake is someone you truly need to meet in this very well written novel about one woman's journey to self-acceptance. Highly recommended!!!
P.S. I just listened to the audiobook of this and really enjoyed it! I really missed Jake- what a "Dudester" as Duncan would say!
I'm adding this to every Katherine Center book that I have reviewed, because I truly mean this:
I have always been able to understand and relate to everything Katherine Center writes. Her writing is so "open." There are some authors or novels that I will struggle to connect with because the authors hide behind their words and I can't feel or see them. When I connect with an author's words on this level, it is as if I am having a deep, meaningful and wonderfully long chat with the author, and if you haven't noticed by now, I am definitely an unapologetic Chatty Cathy!
NEWSFLASH: Happiness for Beginners is being made into a movie, starring Ellie Kemper and Luke Grimes! Great casting!! Watch for it, hopefully coming soon, to Netflix!
August 7, 2017
Omg! I had such a love/hate relationship with this book but I loved it so much more! I'm so glad I read it for one of my book groups or I might have missed it! I did get this through the library Overdrive but I have since put the paperback on my Amazon wishlist.
Sometimes there are just those books that get to you. It might not be the whole book, it might be bits & pieces. It was just that for me. There were parts that got to me that I want to insert into my own life. Just little bits that I can put in a notebook to help with my journey with mental illness.
This book is just a novel that touched my heart in some weird way. And that's all that matters to me.
Mel ❤️
Sometimes there are just those books that get to you. It might not be the whole book, it might be bits & pieces. It was just that for me. There were parts that got to me that I want to insert into my own life. Just little bits that I can put in a notebook to help with my journey with mental illness.
This book is just a novel that touched my heart in some weird way. And that's all that matters to me.
Mel ❤️
April 13, 2020
A much-needed escape!
A year after her divorce, Helen decides to take a risk and go on a three-week life-changing wilderness survival course. What she didn’t count on was that her younger brother’s best friend, Jake, was also going on the same trip. What she REALLY didn’t count on was falling for Jake.
Although this book is a love story, the focus is more on Helen’s growth and coming into her own. I loved Helen’s character; she is likable and relatable. She has substance! Jake was super sweet and I was rooting for the two of them! Jake is best friends with Duncan, one of the main characters in What You Wish For. I liked his character much more in this book. I wish I had read this before reading WYWF, as I think it would have raised my level of enjoyment.
I was gifted with a copy of this book from one of my lovely Goodreads' friends. I was having a terrible day when I received a message from one of GR’s friends letting me know that she had a surprise for me. She didn’t know I was having a bad day. Low and behold, I opened my email to find that I had been gifted with a copy of this book. I don’t have the words to express how this act of kindness moved me.
I have been looking for an uplifting book to transport me out of the darkness, but sadly, every light, fluffy book I have picked up has failed. Until now! Happiness for Beginners did it--for several hours of reading, I was immersed in a hopeful world filled with happiness and possibility. It made me smile. Receiving this book from a friend made it that much more special to read. I highly recommend!
A year after her divorce, Helen decides to take a risk and go on a three-week life-changing wilderness survival course. What she didn’t count on was that her younger brother’s best friend, Jake, was also going on the same trip. What she REALLY didn’t count on was falling for Jake.
Although this book is a love story, the focus is more on Helen’s growth and coming into her own. I loved Helen’s character; she is likable and relatable. She has substance! Jake was super sweet and I was rooting for the two of them! Jake is best friends with Duncan, one of the main characters in What You Wish For. I liked his character much more in this book. I wish I had read this before reading WYWF, as I think it would have raised my level of enjoyment.
I was gifted with a copy of this book from one of my lovely Goodreads' friends. I was having a terrible day when I received a message from one of GR’s friends letting me know that she had a surprise for me. She didn’t know I was having a bad day. Low and behold, I opened my email to find that I had been gifted with a copy of this book. I don’t have the words to express how this act of kindness moved me.
I have been looking for an uplifting book to transport me out of the darkness, but sadly, every light, fluffy book I have picked up has failed. Until now! Happiness for Beginners did it--for several hours of reading, I was immersed in a hopeful world filled with happiness and possibility. It made me smile. Receiving this book from a friend made it that much more special to read. I highly recommend!
April 9, 2020
5 Fanfreakingtastic Stars!!!
“Happiness for Beginners” is the Best Katherine Center Novel Ever!
(If you haven’t read this one yet, trust me - you must get your hands on it!).
“Happiness” has absolutely everything you could ever possibly want in a novel. Heart, soul, emotion (lots and lots of emotion, cue the tears) witty banter (cue the hysterical laughter!) phenomenal writing and characters you can’t help but love.
The characters I’m referring to? They will steal your heart, just like they stole mine.
Thirty-two year old Helen Carpenter has been divorced for a year. You’d think she’d be over it by now, if only it were that easy. Hoping to find a way, and find herself in the process, Helen enrolls in a Wilderness Survival Course.
Jake is best friends with Helen’s younger brother Duncan. For as long as he could remember he’s had a crush on one woman. That woman is Helen. The fact that he’s ten years younger has never bothered him in the least. Needing to prove something to himself, Jake, too has enrolled in the same survival course as Helen.
Let the sparks (laughter and tears) fly! Oh how I love these two characters together! Hello friendship, chemistry, romance, and witty banter! Yes please and thank you!
What more can I tell you? What ensues here is nothing short of magical. A woman who discovers that she can harness her own power, find the strength she needs to survive anything and realize that everyday, she can find something to be grateful for. (The list is endless).
Be Still My Heart.
“Happiness for Beginners” gave me a lot to think about and cherish. Having read all of Katherine Center’s novels (including her latest novel “What You Wish For” - featuring Duncan - Helen’s younger brother), I can now say that this is my favorite Katherine Center novel (and that’s saying something considering that I loved “Things You Save in a Fire” and “How to Walk Away”). There is just something about this storyline, the incredible message and the amazing characters, (whose romance I loved to pieces) that just got me.
If this novel wasn’t on your radar before, I hope it will be now, as this is a MUST-READ. It will make you smile and laugh and will give you reasons to feel thankful, even during the darkest of times.
This was an incredible buddy read with Kaceey. Thank you for sharing this with me Kaceey! I love that we both love Katherine Center’s novels so much!
Posted on Goodreads on 4.5.20.
Excerpt posted on Insta.
“Happiness for Beginners” is the Best Katherine Center Novel Ever!
(If you haven’t read this one yet, trust me - you must get your hands on it!).
“Happiness” has absolutely everything you could ever possibly want in a novel. Heart, soul, emotion (lots and lots of emotion, cue the tears) witty banter (cue the hysterical laughter!) phenomenal writing and characters you can’t help but love.
The characters I’m referring to? They will steal your heart, just like they stole mine.
Thirty-two year old Helen Carpenter has been divorced for a year. You’d think she’d be over it by now, if only it were that easy. Hoping to find a way, and find herself in the process, Helen enrolls in a Wilderness Survival Course.
Jake is best friends with Helen’s younger brother Duncan. For as long as he could remember he’s had a crush on one woman. That woman is Helen. The fact that he’s ten years younger has never bothered him in the least. Needing to prove something to himself, Jake, too has enrolled in the same survival course as Helen.
Let the sparks (laughter and tears) fly! Oh how I love these two characters together! Hello friendship, chemistry, romance, and witty banter! Yes please and thank you!
What more can I tell you? What ensues here is nothing short of magical. A woman who discovers that she can harness her own power, find the strength she needs to survive anything and realize that everyday, she can find something to be grateful for. (The list is endless).
Be Still My Heart.
“Happiness for Beginners” gave me a lot to think about and cherish. Having read all of Katherine Center’s novels (including her latest novel “What You Wish For” - featuring Duncan - Helen’s younger brother), I can now say that this is my favorite Katherine Center novel (and that’s saying something considering that I loved “Things You Save in a Fire” and “How to Walk Away”). There is just something about this storyline, the incredible message and the amazing characters, (whose romance I loved to pieces) that just got me.
If this novel wasn’t on your radar before, I hope it will be now, as this is a MUST-READ. It will make you smile and laugh and will give you reasons to feel thankful, even during the darkest of times.
This was an incredible buddy read with Kaceey. Thank you for sharing this with me Kaceey! I love that we both love Katherine Center’s novels so much!
Posted on Goodreads on 4.5.20.
Excerpt posted on Insta.
March 14, 2020
Katherine Center is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors!
She writes straight from the heart and always manages to touch the soul.
Helen needs a re-boot to her life after a divorce leaves her alone, without an anchor. With the encouragement and a loving kick in the pants from her younger brother, she signs up for a wilderness trek. One with an intriguing claim…you may not make it out alive!
Her younger brother’s best friend Jake is coincidentally signed up for the same adventure. Poor Helen! Can she not get away from everyone, if even just a few weeks!? All she’s searching for right now is some peace and tranquility and time to hit the reset button! Careful what you wish for, dear Helen!
This is a wonderfully crafted story that by the end may just help you view your own life in a better light.
My takeaway...
No matter your darkest day, take a moment to count your blessings and think of 3 positives that you experienced that day. It will change your focus! In fact, since reading this book, this is a practice my husband and I do every night! Who can’t use a little Zen-like peace?!
Thank you Ms. Center.
Thank you to Susanne for gifting me this book and of course buddy reading it with me💖
She writes straight from the heart and always manages to touch the soul.
Helen needs a re-boot to her life after a divorce leaves her alone, without an anchor. With the encouragement and a loving kick in the pants from her younger brother, she signs up for a wilderness trek. One with an intriguing claim…you may not make it out alive!
Her younger brother’s best friend Jake is coincidentally signed up for the same adventure. Poor Helen! Can she not get away from everyone, if even just a few weeks!? All she’s searching for right now is some peace and tranquility and time to hit the reset button! Careful what you wish for, dear Helen!
This is a wonderfully crafted story that by the end may just help you view your own life in a better light.
My takeaway...
No matter your darkest day, take a moment to count your blessings and think of 3 positives that you experienced that day. It will change your focus! In fact, since reading this book, this is a practice my husband and I do every night! Who can’t use a little Zen-like peace?!
Thank you Ms. Center.
Thank you to Susanne for gifting me this book and of course buddy reading it with me💖
October 3, 2022
5 stars!
Happiness for Beginners wasn’t just a story, it was a journey. This author will take you on a journey of epic proportions. It’s witty, fun, and fantastic.
Helen Carpenter has just made the list as one of my favorite heroines ever. This thirty-two-year-old divorcee decides after a year of being alone, she needs an adventure. So she goes on the adventure of a lifetime. Forget the fact that she’s not a hiker, isn’t huge into nature and has never done anything like this before… she decides to take a walk on the wild side. To go on a retreat into the wilderness. For three weeks! She has her reasons, things she wants to accomplish and she’s bound and determined to do it.
Helen isn’t alone on this three-week long survival course. Nope. Her brothers best friend who happens to be ten years younger than her is going too. When she finds out that Jake will be there, she’s not excited in the least, but she comes around. Jake is in his early twenties and has had the biggest crush on Helen since the moment he met her. Jake is a wonderful hero and even though he can be a little dense at times, I still loved him to pieces. I truly loved the relationship Jake had with Helen’s brother Duncan. How he taught her to see him a different way. It was one of my favorite things about this one.
Though there is a great love story incorporated in this book, that is not the focus. Helen and her journey and growth is the focus. These three weeks in the wilderness make up the bulk of the book. It’s a fabulous journey with some fantastically fun characters who have crazy nicknames for one another and have a heck of a lot of fun together on this crazy trip. As I finished the book and was talking to a friend about it, she mentioned how she thought this would make a great movie. I agree wholeheartedly. This would make a fantastic movie. I would love to see this story on the big screen!
Helen achieves most of her goals during her time in the wilderness. I’ve got to tell you, I think she is just an epic character. She was snarky, funny, and completely relatable. I want everyone to read this book if only to meet Helen! She made me laugh and I just adored her. This isn’t the kind of book I normally pick up so I’m glad a friend recommended it and I made time to read it. I really loved it and give it a 5-star rating!
“Don’t be a Helen.”
Happiness for Beginners wasn’t just a story, it was a journey. This author will take you on a journey of epic proportions. It’s witty, fun, and fantastic.
I wanted to amaze everybody, including myself. My own personal campaign of shock and awe.
Helen Carpenter has just made the list as one of my favorite heroines ever. This thirty-two-year-old divorcee decides after a year of being alone, she needs an adventure. So she goes on the adventure of a lifetime. Forget the fact that she’s not a hiker, isn’t huge into nature and has never done anything like this before… she decides to take a walk on the wild side. To go on a retreat into the wilderness. For three weeks! She has her reasons, things she wants to accomplish and she’s bound and determined to do it.
• Find a deeper spiritual connection to nature.
• Push myself beyond my physical and emotional limitations.
• Rise up from my own ashes like a phoenix.
• Toughen the hell up.
• Become awesome.
• Kick the wilderness’s ass.
• Earn a damned certificate.(I really, really wanted a Certificate.)
Helen isn’t alone on this three-week long survival course. Nope. Her brothers best friend who happens to be ten years younger than her is going too. When she finds out that Jake will be there, she’s not excited in the least, but she comes around. Jake is in his early twenties and has had the biggest crush on Helen since the moment he met her. Jake is a wonderful hero and even though he can be a little dense at times, I still loved him to pieces. I truly loved the relationship Jake had with Helen’s brother Duncan. How he taught her to see him a different way. It was one of my favorite things about this one.
“You’re going to start seeing him with kinder eyes. I know you are.”
“I am?”
“Yep,” Jake said, nodding. “Once I show you how to see him the way I do, you won’t go back.”
Though there is a great love story incorporated in this book, that is not the focus. Helen and her journey and growth is the focus. These three weeks in the wilderness make up the bulk of the book. It’s a fabulous journey with some fantastically fun characters who have crazy nicknames for one another and have a heck of a lot of fun together on this crazy trip. As I finished the book and was talking to a friend about it, she mentioned how she thought this would make a great movie. I agree wholeheartedly. This would make a fantastic movie. I would love to see this story on the big screen!
Helen achieves most of her goals during her time in the wilderness. I’ve got to tell you, I think she is just an epic character. She was snarky, funny, and completely relatable. I want everyone to read this book if only to meet Helen! She made me laugh and I just adored her. This isn’t the kind of book I normally pick up so I’m glad a friend recommended it and I made time to read it. I really loved it and give it a 5-star rating!
May 28, 2020
4.5 stars rounded to 5 bright, very bright stars
P.P.S. OK, I am back, exactly one year after first posting this review on May 30, 2019 and awarding 4.5 stars. See my P.S. at the bottom of the review. The reason I am back is that after one year, I still think about this book and harbor very fond memories for the characters and the messages of the story. I am now sure it will be making my “ All Time Book Hall-of-Fame“ as I lie on my death bed sometime far in the future. I’ve come to the conclusion that this is nowhere near a 4.5 star book. Nor is is anywhere near a 5-star book. This is a 10-star book (I don’t care what you say, Goodreads—honesty is the best policy). And my epilogue disappointment has been solved as well by Ms. Center who has masterfully addressed that issue in her new book What You Wish For (highly recommended). Thanks Ms. Center! OK, end of P.P.S.
Dang, I looooove this author! I was incredibly happy reading her latest two books, but gosh, this may be the best of the three.
OK, so I’m knocking ½ point off my rating. I’m really trying to be tough this year. So because it took 15% of the book for me to totally fall in love with Jake and Helen, I’m taking a stand and pulling back 0.1 star. I will explain the other 0.4 of that lost section of a star below. It pains me to do this, but I’m trying to be a tougher girl when it comes to my reviews. Anyway, I can still give 5 stars by rounding up. Clever, eh? I’m having my cake (being a tough girl) and eating it too (mushing over this book).
Thirty-two year old Helen’s life is stagnating after a tragic childhood and a recent divorce from a not so great guy. She’s going nowhere fast though she still has the meanest dog in the world that she does love. That’s about it.
Jake has his issues too. Plus he has been harboring some secret desires for quite some time now.
These two obviously mismatched people end up on a Cheryl Strayed type hike (kind of) in an effort to find themselves. Well, that’s Helen’s motivation anyway. In an effort to reboot her life by taking in the wonders of nature she is willing to submit to such torture as no soap, no TP (who knew pinecones work?), plenty of blisters, lots of near death misses, and more (less?). Along the way we meet a motley crew of others who complete a most interesting roster of characters.
This book has it all: laugh out loud humor (MY kind of humor to boot), a cool setting (Wyoming mountains), adventure, angst, clever as hell dialogue, and even a bar mitzvah! But most of all it has fantastic well-drawn memorable characters. And feelings. Plenty of warm, teary, and cheery feelings. Sigh. Just the best…
Oh, it also has an epilogue. Some of you know I love epilogues! The other 0.4 star was lost as this epilogue takes place about 10 minutes after the last chapter ended. That’s cheating in my book as that’s not an epilogue, that’s just another chapter. I wanted an epilogue that takes place at least a year and preferably much farther down the line. Oh well, Ms. Center gives us the faintest glimpse of the future in this pseudo epilogue, but I still feel gypped.
I do want to leave on a high note here and mention that a gem of a sidelight for reading this book is that while you are reading Helen and Jake’s story you just may develop a better grasp of what happiness truly is and real tips about how to go about finding it. For real!
But oh, I’m so sad this book is over. I do not do do-overs. I do not reread books as there are so many I want to get to the first time around. But if I did do do-overs, this would definitely be on the do-over list. But who knows how I’ll feel by the time I hit the nursing home. I might just have to get myself my own copy of this little masterpiece just in case I change my mind and decide do a do-over.
I super highly recommend Happiness for Beginners to anyone who can read.
Many thanks to the Hennepin County Library of Minneapolis and the Libby app for the fab opportunity to read and review this book.
P.S. I reserve the right to come back and give back the ½ star I stole from this book if my toughness dissolves. A distinct possibility…
P.P.S. OK, I am back, exactly one year after first posting this review on May 30, 2019 and awarding 4.5 stars. See my P.S. at the bottom of the review. The reason I am back is that after one year, I still think about this book and harbor very fond memories for the characters and the messages of the story. I am now sure it will be making my “ All Time Book Hall-of-Fame“ as I lie on my death bed sometime far in the future. I’ve come to the conclusion that this is nowhere near a 4.5 star book. Nor is is anywhere near a 5-star book. This is a 10-star book (I don’t care what you say, Goodreads—honesty is the best policy). And my epilogue disappointment has been solved as well by Ms. Center who has masterfully addressed that issue in her new book What You Wish For (highly recommended). Thanks Ms. Center! OK, end of P.P.S.
Dang, I looooove this author! I was incredibly happy reading her latest two books, but gosh, this may be the best of the three.
OK, so I’m knocking ½ point off my rating. I’m really trying to be tough this year. So because it took 15% of the book for me to totally fall in love with Jake and Helen, I’m taking a stand and pulling back 0.1 star. I will explain the other 0.4 of that lost section of a star below. It pains me to do this, but I’m trying to be a tougher girl when it comes to my reviews. Anyway, I can still give 5 stars by rounding up. Clever, eh? I’m having my cake (being a tough girl) and eating it too (mushing over this book).
Thirty-two year old Helen’s life is stagnating after a tragic childhood and a recent divorce from a not so great guy. She’s going nowhere fast though she still has the meanest dog in the world that she does love. That’s about it.
Jake has his issues too. Plus he has been harboring some secret desires for quite some time now.
These two obviously mismatched people end up on a Cheryl Strayed type hike (kind of) in an effort to find themselves. Well, that’s Helen’s motivation anyway. In an effort to reboot her life by taking in the wonders of nature she is willing to submit to such torture as no soap, no TP (who knew pinecones work?), plenty of blisters, lots of near death misses, and more (less?). Along the way we meet a motley crew of others who complete a most interesting roster of characters.
This book has it all: laugh out loud humor (MY kind of humor to boot), a cool setting (Wyoming mountains), adventure, angst, clever as hell dialogue, and even a bar mitzvah! But most of all it has fantastic well-drawn memorable characters. And feelings. Plenty of warm, teary, and cheery feelings. Sigh. Just the best…
Oh, it also has an epilogue. Some of you know I love epilogues! The other 0.4 star was lost as this epilogue takes place about 10 minutes after the last chapter ended. That’s cheating in my book as that’s not an epilogue, that’s just another chapter. I wanted an epilogue that takes place at least a year and preferably much farther down the line. Oh well, Ms. Center gives us the faintest glimpse of the future in this pseudo epilogue, but I still feel gypped.
I do want to leave on a high note here and mention that a gem of a sidelight for reading this book is that while you are reading Helen and Jake’s story you just may develop a better grasp of what happiness truly is and real tips about how to go about finding it. For real!
But oh, I’m so sad this book is over. I do not do do-overs. I do not reread books as there are so many I want to get to the first time around. But if I did do do-overs, this would definitely be on the do-over list. But who knows how I’ll feel by the time I hit the nursing home. I might just have to get myself my own copy of this little masterpiece just in case I change my mind and decide do a do-over.
I super highly recommend Happiness for Beginners to anyone who can read.
Many thanks to the Hennepin County Library of Minneapolis and the Libby app for the fab opportunity to read and review this book.
P.S. I reserve the right to come back and give back the ½ star I stole from this book if my toughness dissolves. A distinct possibility…
April 7, 2020
4.25
“Happiness is more about appreciation than acquisition”
This is a “sort of” prequel to Katherine Center’s “soon to be released” book-“What You Wish For” as you will meet Duncan Carpenter, who has a starring role in that book, and his sister Helen Carpenter, who has the starring role in this one!
After getting divorced, Helen feels LOST.
Her brother much younger brother Duncan talks her into signing up for a Wilderness Survival Course, in Wyoming, despite the fact that she is NOT very outdoorsy. 🤦🏻♀️
She hopes that by completing it, she will come away feeling more empowered!
So how did her brother’s best friend, Jake end up signing up for the same course? And, WHY? 🤔
Katherine Center’s characters are ALWAYS likable...
The characters ALWAYS share some words of wisdom on how to find happiness..
And, of course, they ALWAYS dance! 💃🏻🕺🏻
It is not necessary to read this book prior to the new one.
I actually read “What You Wish For” first.
But, had I known the characters of this one appear in that one, I would have read them in order!
So why not do that while you are waiting...
Another great buddy read with DeAnn! 🤗
“Happiness is more about appreciation than acquisition”
This is a “sort of” prequel to Katherine Center’s “soon to be released” book-“What You Wish For” as you will meet Duncan Carpenter, who has a starring role in that book, and his sister Helen Carpenter, who has the starring role in this one!
After getting divorced, Helen feels LOST.
Her brother much younger brother Duncan talks her into signing up for a Wilderness Survival Course, in Wyoming, despite the fact that she is NOT very outdoorsy. 🤦🏻♀️
She hopes that by completing it, she will come away feeling more empowered!
So how did her brother’s best friend, Jake end up signing up for the same course? And, WHY? 🤔
Katherine Center’s characters are ALWAYS likable...
The characters ALWAYS share some words of wisdom on how to find happiness..
And, of course, they ALWAYS dance! 💃🏻🕺🏻
It is not necessary to read this book prior to the new one.
I actually read “What You Wish For” first.
But, had I known the characters of this one appear in that one, I would have read them in order!
So why not do that while you are waiting...
Another great buddy read with DeAnn! 🤗
August 21, 2023
4.5⭐
A feel-good summer read! 🏕️🌳
I love this one! How dare I doubt Ms. Center? It took me a bit to get into the story/Helen the divorcee who signed up for a wilderness survival class. Her quirkiness rubbed me the wrong way at the beginning but I enjoy her road trip to Wyoming and was all in.
Happiness for Beginners isn't fluffy and is a charming romance with subtle life lessons in finding strengths, happiness, and appreciating little things. It's a page-turner and a heartwarming story. I'm now ready to see the movie!🎒🥾
A feel-good summer read! 🏕️🌳
I love this one! How dare I doubt Ms. Center? It took me a bit to get into the story/Helen the divorcee who signed up for a wilderness survival class. Her quirkiness rubbed me the wrong way at the beginning but I enjoy her road trip to Wyoming and was all in.
Happiness for Beginners isn't fluffy and is a charming romance with subtle life lessons in finding strengths, happiness, and appreciating little things. It's a page-turner and a heartwarming story. I'm now ready to see the movie!🎒🥾
May 9, 2015
I wanted to read this novel because its oft-used plot--a person who's been through a difficult experience decides to go on an Outward-Boundish trip as a form of renewal--has always appealed to me. I knew it was going to be some light reading, and that's what I was in the mood for at the time.
What I didn't quite expect was just how predictable this book was going to be. Everything about it was so obvious--when the main character mentioned that she kept a list of all her goals tucked inside her bra, I knew that was going to become a plot point later, and it did--a very contrived one, at that. When their wilderness guide told the group never to step on fallen logs, because they might be rotted and you could fall and injure yourself, I knew that When the love interest indicated that he had problems with night blindness, and also had some "bad news" that he wasn't going to share just yet, I knew that he was . And that is indeed what the bad news turned out to be.
This was essentially one of those books where everything happens in service of plot, even if it makes no sense at all. So the male love interest declares his long-standing affection for the main character early on, and she rebuffs him even though she likes him too ... but then spends the whole rest of the book wondering, every time his attention seems to be focused elsewhere, if he still likes her. I can't even count the number of times I thought to myself, Omigod! He ALREADY TOLD YOU he likes you! When he gave you that Pablo Neruda poem, that meant he likes you. When he kissed you and told you you were beautiful, that meant he likes you. When he told you he'd basically been obsessed with you for six years, THAT MEANT HE LIKES YOU. Not that difficult. But, of course, without this completely unrealistic fake conflict, there'd be no book at all. That's a problem.
My other problem with this book was that, even though it was emphasized over and over again that this was a really difficult wilderness program and that people had died on it, we never really got to see them do anything difficult. The entire program seemed to consist of hiking uphill for about three miles every day. Not that easy if the trail is steep, of course, but hardly death-defying. A few more details would have helped a lot and would have made the plot about more than just the main character obsessing over a guy for three weeks.
Finally, I really, really didn't think it was necessary to , although I should have seen it coming given the lengthy passage where she talked about how he'd been her best friend throughout the past difficult year, and I didn't appreciate the jokey way it was dealt with.
As for what I liked about it, it was quick and entertaining, and there were some funny bits. There was also some interesting information about positive psychology and Buddhism, imparted quite awkwardly through a super-enlightened character who seemed to exist solely for this purpose, but interesting nonetheless. Also, I want to give credit where credit is due--this book was absolutely competently written, and when we're talking about chick lit that isn't always the case. I didn't have a single "How did THIS get published?" moment, and for this type of book that's saying a lot. Thus, I would recommend this for people who like chick lit and don't mind its formulaic nature. If that doesn't describe you, I would suggest staying away.
I received this ARC via a First Reads giveaway here on Goodreads.
What I didn't quite expect was just how predictable this book was going to be. Everything about it was so obvious--when the main character mentioned that she kept a list of all her goals tucked inside her bra, I knew that was going to become a plot point later, and it did--a very contrived one, at that. When their wilderness guide told the group never to step on fallen logs, because they might be rotted and you could fall and injure yourself, I knew that When the love interest indicated that he had problems with night blindness, and also had some "bad news" that he wasn't going to share just yet, I knew that he was . And that is indeed what the bad news turned out to be.
This was essentially one of those books where everything happens in service of plot, even if it makes no sense at all. So the male love interest declares his long-standing affection for the main character early on, and she rebuffs him even though she likes him too ... but then spends the whole rest of the book wondering, every time his attention seems to be focused elsewhere, if he still likes her. I can't even count the number of times I thought to myself, Omigod! He ALREADY TOLD YOU he likes you! When he gave you that Pablo Neruda poem, that meant he likes you. When he kissed you and told you you were beautiful, that meant he likes you. When he told you he'd basically been obsessed with you for six years, THAT MEANT HE LIKES YOU. Not that difficult. But, of course, without this completely unrealistic fake conflict, there'd be no book at all. That's a problem.
My other problem with this book was that, even though it was emphasized over and over again that this was a really difficult wilderness program and that people had died on it, we never really got to see them do anything difficult. The entire program seemed to consist of hiking uphill for about three miles every day. Not that easy if the trail is steep, of course, but hardly death-defying. A few more details would have helped a lot and would have made the plot about more than just the main character obsessing over a guy for three weeks.
Finally, I really, really didn't think it was necessary to , although I should have seen it coming given the lengthy passage where she talked about how he'd been her best friend throughout the past difficult year, and I didn't appreciate the jokey way it was dealt with.
As for what I liked about it, it was quick and entertaining, and there were some funny bits. There was also some interesting information about positive psychology and Buddhism, imparted quite awkwardly through a super-enlightened character who seemed to exist solely for this purpose, but interesting nonetheless. Also, I want to give credit where credit is due--this book was absolutely competently written, and when we're talking about chick lit that isn't always the case. I didn't have a single "How did THIS get published?" moment, and for this type of book that's saying a lot. Thus, I would recommend this for people who like chick lit and don't mind its formulaic nature. If that doesn't describe you, I would suggest staying away.
I received this ARC via a First Reads giveaway here on Goodreads.
December 18, 2022
Update: Finished a reread on audio, and while the audio is not my favorite, this book is hands down now an all time favorite of mine. If you have not read it yet, you are missing out on one of the most inspiration, moving, romantic, hopeful and fun reads.
All the ⭐️s.
Newly divorced and struggling to find her internal strength, Helen Carpenter decides to take part in a wilderness challenge in hopes that it might shake her to her very core and help her find a sense of bravery within. When her much younger brother’s best friend, Jake Archer, shares that he too has enrolled in the program and asks for a ride, she begrudgingly offers to carpool. From their strange and exhilarating interchange in a hotel en route to the campgrounds, to the loving and thoughtful way Jake helps her throughout the grueling challenge, Hellen is amazed to discover this 22-year-old is unlike any man she’s ever met, and he might just be the guiding force to help her find her way back to happiness and to a life filled with purpose.
From the moment I read the description of this book online, I knew it was my type of romance. What I didn’t expect is such a beautifully written book about self discovery and finding out how to hold on to happiness and rebuild a life and relationships thought to be irreparable. This book explores the true meaning of happiness and the very real way in which gratitude and finding the joy in even the smallest things on our hardest days, can help us find our way back to being happy.
It was the book I didn’t realize I needed at the exact moment I needed it. I highly, highly recommend it. Now on to the next Katherine Center book I can get my hands on.
Favorite quotes: “Are we going to talk about something real, or are we going to keep making excuses? Because I could be watching The Golden Girls right now.”
“But the things we remember are what we hold on to, and what we hold on to becomes the story of our lives. We only get one story. And I’m determined to make mine a good one.”
All the ⭐️s.
Newly divorced and struggling to find her internal strength, Helen Carpenter decides to take part in a wilderness challenge in hopes that it might shake her to her very core and help her find a sense of bravery within. When her much younger brother’s best friend, Jake Archer, shares that he too has enrolled in the program and asks for a ride, she begrudgingly offers to carpool. From their strange and exhilarating interchange in a hotel en route to the campgrounds, to the loving and thoughtful way Jake helps her throughout the grueling challenge, Hellen is amazed to discover this 22-year-old is unlike any man she’s ever met, and he might just be the guiding force to help her find her way back to happiness and to a life filled with purpose.
From the moment I read the description of this book online, I knew it was my type of romance. What I didn’t expect is such a beautifully written book about self discovery and finding out how to hold on to happiness and rebuild a life and relationships thought to be irreparable. This book explores the true meaning of happiness and the very real way in which gratitude and finding the joy in even the smallest things on our hardest days, can help us find our way back to being happy.
It was the book I didn’t realize I needed at the exact moment I needed it. I highly, highly recommend it. Now on to the next Katherine Center book I can get my hands on.
Favorite quotes: “Are we going to talk about something real, or are we going to keep making excuses? Because I could be watching The Golden Girls right now.”
“But the things we remember are what we hold on to, and what we hold on to becomes the story of our lives. We only get one story. And I’m determined to make mine a good one.”
December 13, 2015
Personal growth, happiness, healing, humor, and love, with a wilderness adventure thrown in; this book was all that and more. I highly recommend this brilliant novel to women's fiction fans. Now I'm off to read all of Katherine Center's other books!
June 15, 2023
I found HAPPINESS FOR BEGINNERS by Katherine Center on the Libby app. Check for your local library on the app and read great books for free!📚
I'm officially obsessed with Katherine Center, and I'm in the process of slowly reading all her books. (She's prolific though, so I'm having trouble keeping up!😅) This is my second of her books, and I love it as much as I love the first book I read by her, which had wonderful mental health (or more specifically, TBI, traumatic brain injury) rep, HELLO STRANGER.
In HAPPINESS FOR BEGINNERS, the conflict revolves around an age gap between primary protagonist Helen, who gets stuck on a wilderness retreat with her annoying younger brother's equally annoying friend, who is is a decade younger than her and has always had a crush on her. She's supposed to be finding herself out in all this obnoxious nature, but all she can think about is...Jake. And she's not the only one.
There's a great deal of miscommunication trope in this one, which I'm not typically a huge fan of, but I do appreciate how Center writes these exchanges. They're realistic, I think. Miscommunication occurs because of third parties interjecting biased information, or because of lack of access to the other person for a conversation. This is different fiction from a character overreading someone's statement, or just avoiding an issue that should be addressed. It's more grounded, more authentic.
There's this feeling of anticipation throughout this book that left me almost breathless. From the first possible moment, I was team Helen-and-Jake, and I wanted more of their initial heat. Slight spoiler: it really seems at one point like they aren't going to make it, and I was so disappointed! I was burning through the pages to get to the resolution, I just had to know how it turned out.
Katherine Center does it again! Such an interesting story and a grumpy but loveable protagonist. I can't wait to see the film adaption!
Rating: 🪵🪵🪵🪵.5 / 5 rotting stumps
Recommend? Definitely!
Finished: June 1 2023
Format: Audiobook, Libby
Read this of you like:
🥰 Rom com
🕰 Age gap trope
🗣 Miscommunication trope
🌳 Nature setting
🌄 Redemption stories
I'm officially obsessed with Katherine Center, and I'm in the process of slowly reading all her books. (She's prolific though, so I'm having trouble keeping up!😅) This is my second of her books, and I love it as much as I love the first book I read by her, which had wonderful mental health (or more specifically, TBI, traumatic brain injury) rep, HELLO STRANGER.
In HAPPINESS FOR BEGINNERS, the conflict revolves around an age gap between primary protagonist Helen, who gets stuck on a wilderness retreat with her annoying younger brother's equally annoying friend, who is is a decade younger than her and has always had a crush on her. She's supposed to be finding herself out in all this obnoxious nature, but all she can think about is...Jake. And she's not the only one.
There's a great deal of miscommunication trope in this one, which I'm not typically a huge fan of, but I do appreciate how Center writes these exchanges. They're realistic, I think. Miscommunication occurs because of third parties interjecting biased information, or because of lack of access to the other person for a conversation. This is different fiction from a character overreading someone's statement, or just avoiding an issue that should be addressed. It's more grounded, more authentic.
There's this feeling of anticipation throughout this book that left me almost breathless. From the first possible moment, I was team Helen-and-Jake, and I wanted more of their initial heat. Slight spoiler: it really seems at one point like they aren't going to make it, and I was so disappointed! I was burning through the pages to get to the resolution, I just had to know how it turned out.
Katherine Center does it again! Such an interesting story and a grumpy but loveable protagonist. I can't wait to see the film adaption!
Rating: 🪵🪵🪵🪵.5 / 5 rotting stumps
Recommend? Definitely!
Finished: June 1 2023
Format: Audiobook, Libby
Read this of you like:
🥰 Rom com
🕰 Age gap trope
🗣 Miscommunication trope
🌳 Nature setting
🌄 Redemption stories
December 8, 2022
When I picked up the audiobook Happiness for Beginners, I didn’t get far. Not because it was bad, it just wasn’t the right time for the book and me to connect. But then I found out that Happiness for Beginners was actually connected to the author’s new 2020 release, What you Wish For. And that was reason enough to bump it up on my tbr, and give it another try.
And I’m glad I did!
A couple years ago I read Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail and really enjoyed the topic. After I was finished with the book I actually wanted to hike the PCT. Which is quite ironic because I hate hiking. But I REALLY enjoyed the hiking and survival part of the story. And while reading Happiness for Beginners I felt the same way again. It was probably my favorite part of the story.
Of course the book is not just about being in the wilderness. It’s about a personal journey, how to believe in oneself, giving the best, but also stepping out of comfort zones, and trying something new and taunting.
Helen goes through it all, and her growth is visible. Every step. Every experience is getting her closer to finding herself.
Helen isn’t alone in her quest. Jake, her brother’s best friend, and someone with his own hurdles to overcome is with her, every step on the way.
As always the author did a wonderful job balancing it all. The emotional, the hilarious, and the touching scenes. For me Happiness for Beginners was a solid performance by the author, maybe not as good as her two latest books (2018 & 2019). Nevertheless I’m very happy that I gave the book a second chance.
And I’m glad I did!
A couple years ago I read Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail and really enjoyed the topic. After I was finished with the book I actually wanted to hike the PCT. Which is quite ironic because I hate hiking. But I REALLY enjoyed the hiking and survival part of the story. And while reading Happiness for Beginners I felt the same way again. It was probably my favorite part of the story.
Of course the book is not just about being in the wilderness. It’s about a personal journey, how to believe in oneself, giving the best, but also stepping out of comfort zones, and trying something new and taunting.
Helen goes through it all, and her growth is visible. Every step. Every experience is getting her closer to finding herself.
Helen isn’t alone in her quest. Jake, her brother’s best friend, and someone with his own hurdles to overcome is with her, every step on the way.
As always the author did a wonderful job balancing it all. The emotional, the hilarious, and the touching scenes. For me Happiness for Beginners was a solid performance by the author, maybe not as good as her two latest books (2018 & 2019). Nevertheless I’m very happy that I gave the book a second chance.
August 23, 2019
4 STARS!
My first Katherine Center read, and it was a winner!
Though I would classify it as more chick-lit than romance, I devoured this story. The author's writing flowed so effortlessly, and she created a wonderfully memorable character in Helen.
But somehow the author made it work.
I do have one point to groan about though. If the theme of the book revolved around the unfairness of life, Ms. Center sure stuck to her guns. I swear, poor Helen was not thrown a single bone over the course of the story . . . I guess in the interests of ‘keeping it real’. Unfortunately, in my opinion, this didn’t make the story better, it just sapped a good portion of the satisfaction that a story like this should be dishing out in spades.
Overall, definitely a worth-while read if you’re into this kind of premise. Thanks, Jenny, for bringing this book to my attention! <3
My first Katherine Center read, and it was a winner!
Though I would classify it as more chick-lit than romance, I devoured this story. The author's writing flowed so effortlessly, and she created a wonderfully memorable character in Helen.
I didn't belong here, which would have been okay if I'd been able to tell myself there was somewhere else - anywhere else - that I did belong.I loved that Helen's search for herself didn't come across as cheesy or contrived. Because it easily could have. If ever there was a cliché, it’s a divorcee looking for the meaning of life on a grueling wilderness hike while crushing on a much younger man . . .
But somehow the author made it work.
I do have one point to groan about though. If the theme of the book revolved around the unfairness of life, Ms. Center sure stuck to her guns. I swear, poor Helen was not thrown a single bone over the course of the story . . . I guess in the interests of ‘keeping it real’. Unfortunately, in my opinion, this didn’t make the story better, it just sapped a good portion of the satisfaction that a story like this should be dishing out in spades.
Overall, definitely a worth-while read if you’re into this kind of premise. Thanks, Jenny, for bringing this book to my attention! <3
April 25, 2019
I love E.V.E.R.Y.T.H.I.N.G about Happiness for Beginners! I love the growth of the characters, the theme of the book and the wilderness trip. In my opinion, there was not a single scene that didn’t have a reason to be there.
I can’t express how in love I’m with Helen and Jake. Their banter was magnificent. Jake was ultra McDreamy in so many ways. From his sense of humor to his nerdiness. From his accomplishments to his fake insecurities. From his confidence to his personal suffering. I LOVE him.
Helen was such an original character. It was easy to identify with her. If she was embarrassed, I felt embarrassed for her. When she was feeling down, I was feeling down. When she learned to look for happiness on a daily basis, it made me think of all the things that made me happy every day. When her heart broke, my heart broke for her.
What's Happiness for Beginners about?
Helen Carpenter is a 32-year-old teacher. She's had a tough time in the last year since her divorce. As a challenge to improve herself, she has signed up to do a survival trip in the Wyoming mountains. The night before she has to leave, she stops by her brother Duncan's house. He's supposed to petsit for her. She wasn't expecting to find a party going on, her brother nowhere to be found and her brother's best friend, Jake thanking her for driving him to the same survival camp. Here is where I stop telling you more. I would rather you experience this story. I thoroughly enjoy it. I hope this is not the last time we see these characters. Duncan is worthy of getting his own book.
Having read 3 books by Katherine Center in the less than three weeks, I can assure you that I've become a huge fan.
Cliffhanger: No
5/5 Fangs
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April 1, 2023
3.5 rounded up to 4 for GR. i’m having a lot of fun exploring Center’s backlist! when the film for HAPPINESS FOR BEGINNERS was announced in Netflix’s summer lineup, it bumped up immediately on my spring TBR.
let me just say, Luke Grimes is going to make a PERFECT Jake. how excited are we for this casting?!?! where are my Yellowstone fans at?!?! 🙋🏼♀️🙋🏼♀️
anyways, i loved the first third of this book. i was VIBING. but… then it slowly started to taper off for me and the middle/back wasn’t as strong. i would have preferred the opposite—a slower beginning and a banging ending, but it’s okay. it still worked and got the job done.
the ending is what kind of lost me. LOVED the family side plot and the Helen/Duncan/Gigi/mom plot of it all. it was the random bar mitzvah plot that lost me… why would she ever go to that? it seemed SO random for her age and stage of life. which makes me want to generally say, i expected Helen to act a biiiit more mature in the entire book given her age and life experiences. to me, she was written like a mid-to-upper 20 year old vs 32.
in true KC fashion, the writing was so good. much more than a romance, strong side plots and side characters, lots of tabbed passages with meaningful outlooks and awesome quotes about life 💖
all in all, very much enjoyed this but THINGS WE SAVE IN A FIRE still takes the top spot. i know i will definitely enjoy this adaptation and i’m very much looking forward to it! the setting and action will be so fun to see via a film.
let me just say, Luke Grimes is going to make a PERFECT Jake. how excited are we for this casting?!?! where are my Yellowstone fans at?!?! 🙋🏼♀️🙋🏼♀️
anyways, i loved the first third of this book. i was VIBING. but… then it slowly started to taper off for me and the middle/back wasn’t as strong. i would have preferred the opposite—a slower beginning and a banging ending, but it’s okay. it still worked and got the job done.
the ending is what kind of lost me. LOVED the family side plot and the Helen/Duncan/Gigi/mom plot of it all. it was the random bar mitzvah plot that lost me… why would she ever go to that? it seemed SO random for her age and stage of life. which makes me want to generally say, i expected Helen to act a biiiit more mature in the entire book given her age and life experiences. to me, she was written like a mid-to-upper 20 year old vs 32.
in true KC fashion, the writing was so good. much more than a romance, strong side plots and side characters, lots of tabbed passages with meaningful outlooks and awesome quotes about life 💖
all in all, very much enjoyed this but THINGS WE SAVE IN A FIRE still takes the top spot. i know i will definitely enjoy this adaptation and i’m very much looking forward to it! the setting and action will be so fun to see via a film.
August 23, 2021
2.5 STARS
When I’ve read in the blurb, the heroine is going after her divorce on a wilderness survival course in Wyoming, I thought it would be a story where she overcomes the mental challenges of hiking and sets out on a journey of self-discovery… and even though the course was in the book described as “famously hard-core, invariably grueling, and occasionally life-threatening”, it didn’t live up to my expectations of a survival book. What I’ve got was a fluffy chick-lit about a 32-year-old woman and her 22-year-old brother’s best friend who was in love with her for a very long time, since his teenage-years.
Okay, I wouldn’t mind me some nice romance, I said to myself, when it became obvious, my initial thoughts on the book were wrong… but the story lacked absolutely any relationship build up for the entirety of the book besides maybe a few mild encounters, and the MCs got together in the last chapter and the epilogue! The epilogue took place five minutes after the last chapter and was totally insufficient, we didn’t see the MCs as a couple, like at all. And I'm not sure they had their HEA either considering the way the epilogue was written...
The story started out strong, I liked the writing and the heroine too, but it took a nosedive from that. The heroine, Helen, became more and more juvenile and whiny. Like, she goes in the remotest wilderness in the mountains and is surprised and panicked when she discovers that there will be no possibility to use shower or toilet? It wasn’t even funny. And the other characters – the whole course turned out to be a frat party, I didn’t care for any of them. The only character I liked, was the hero, Jake, whose POV we didn’t get…
I get it, the whole course wasn't about survival. It was about Helen learning to find joy in her life again... there were really nice monologues in this regard. But unfortunately, overall the story annoyed me with ridiculous moments and characters and underdeveloped romance.
One thing I liked, the writing flowed so effortlessly... This was my first read by this author, and despite the fact that I didn't like the story, I'm sure I'll try some other book by her in the future, just for the writing itself.
When I’ve read in the blurb, the heroine is going after her divorce on a wilderness survival course in Wyoming, I thought it would be a story where she overcomes the mental challenges of hiking and sets out on a journey of self-discovery… and even though the course was in the book described as “famously hard-core, invariably grueling, and occasionally life-threatening”, it didn’t live up to my expectations of a survival book. What I’ve got was a fluffy chick-lit about a 32-year-old woman and her 22-year-old brother’s best friend who was in love with her for a very long time, since his teenage-years.
Okay, I wouldn’t mind me some nice romance, I said to myself, when it became obvious, my initial thoughts on the book were wrong… but the story lacked absolutely any relationship build up for the entirety of the book besides maybe a few mild encounters, and the MCs got together in the last chapter and the epilogue! The epilogue took place five minutes after the last chapter and was totally insufficient, we didn’t see the MCs as a couple, like at all. And I'm not sure they had their HEA either considering the way the epilogue was written...
The story started out strong, I liked the writing and the heroine too, but it took a nosedive from that. The heroine, Helen, became more and more juvenile and whiny. Like, she goes in the remotest wilderness in the mountains and is surprised and panicked when she discovers that there will be no possibility to use shower or toilet? It wasn’t even funny. And the other characters – the whole course turned out to be a frat party, I didn’t care for any of them. The only character I liked, was the hero, Jake, whose POV we didn’t get…
I get it, the whole course wasn't about survival. It was about Helen learning to find joy in her life again... there were really nice monologues in this regard. But unfortunately, overall the story annoyed me with ridiculous moments and characters and underdeveloped romance.
One thing I liked, the writing flowed so effortlessly... This was my first read by this author, and despite the fact that I didn't like the story, I'm sure I'll try some other book by her in the future, just for the writing itself.
August 19, 2023
3.5 stars
July 29, 2020
Find all of my reviews at: http://52bookminimum.blogspot.com/
I actually have an unread ARC of Katherine Center’s newest release, but it seems like that was a big turd for most of my friends so I’ve been terrified to read it. And despite my heart telling me . . . .
My brain thankfully has been pretty persistent in reminding me that I’m kind of a Grade A Asshole and I need to lower my expectations before diving into that one.
Unfortunately Happiness for Beginners didn’t help minimize my fangirling despite it being a “finding yourself” story combined with a May/December romance which generally aren’t my ideas of a good time. Maybe I should pull the trigger on the new one – at this point it’s pretty apparent that this is an author who might do no wrong for me.
I actually have an unread ARC of Katherine Center’s newest release, but it seems like that was a big turd for most of my friends so I’ve been terrified to read it. And despite my heart telling me . . . .
My brain thankfully has been pretty persistent in reminding me that I’m kind of a Grade A Asshole and I need to lower my expectations before diving into that one.
Unfortunately Happiness for Beginners didn’t help minimize my fangirling despite it being a “finding yourself” story combined with a May/December romance which generally aren’t my ideas of a good time. Maybe I should pull the trigger on the new one – at this point it’s pretty apparent that this is an author who might do no wrong for me.
January 1, 2021
4.25 challenge yourself stars
I really like how Katherine Center creates realistic and relatable characters. In this book, we have Helen Carpenter, she’s been divorced for a year and she wants to tackle and accomplish something new! She signs up for a hard-core hiking/camping wilderness experience that she thinks will do the trick and she’s determined to earn a certificate as one of the top 3 students.
Somehow her younger brother’s best friend has also signed up for the camp, so they end up sharing a ride to Wyoming together. It’s a good thing that Jake is along because this trek is much more than she bargained for at the outset. The two bond along the way and Helen’s life changes more than she expected as she overcomes physical and mental obstacles to make it through the 3-week journey. She learns to look for the joy and positive in each day – a good lesson for all of us!
Katherine Center has become a “go to” author for me and this one is no exception. It was time to read one from her backlist! Thanks to Kaceey and Susanne for the suggestion to buddy read this one. Jayme and I enjoyed reading this one together. And one more suggestion, read this one before "What You Wish For."
I really like how Katherine Center creates realistic and relatable characters. In this book, we have Helen Carpenter, she’s been divorced for a year and she wants to tackle and accomplish something new! She signs up for a hard-core hiking/camping wilderness experience that she thinks will do the trick and she’s determined to earn a certificate as one of the top 3 students.
Somehow her younger brother’s best friend has also signed up for the camp, so they end up sharing a ride to Wyoming together. It’s a good thing that Jake is along because this trek is much more than she bargained for at the outset. The two bond along the way and Helen’s life changes more than she expected as she overcomes physical and mental obstacles to make it through the 3-week journey. She learns to look for the joy and positive in each day – a good lesson for all of us!
Katherine Center has become a “go to” author for me and this one is no exception. It was time to read one from her backlist! Thanks to Kaceey and Susanne for the suggestion to buddy read this one. Jayme and I enjoyed reading this one together. And one more suggestion, read this one before "What You Wish For."
Shelved as 'wishlist'
March 27, 2023I'm well into my thirties and still don't know how to be happy ffs
November 12, 2018
Helen was emotionally recovering from a miscarriage and a divorce. She felt like she needed to do something new and challenging, and joined a wilderness-survival course in the mountains of Wyoming. Along the way she learns to appreciate the good points of a diverse group of people, and connect spiritually to nature. She also starts noting three good things that happened every day. The more you remember good things, the happier and more positive you will feel.
I have to admit that carrying a 70 pound pack up a mountain trail is not my idea of happiness, but it seemed to work for Helen. Working together as a group, the satisfaction of meeting a challenge, and the beauty of the mountains put Helen in a better place emotionally. The banter between Helen and her brother's best friend was witty. Relationships in a non-traditional family were also part of the story. "Happiness for Beginners" was an entertaining light read.
I have to admit that carrying a 70 pound pack up a mountain trail is not my idea of happiness, but it seemed to work for Helen. Working together as a group, the satisfaction of meeting a challenge, and the beauty of the mountains put Helen in a better place emotionally. The banter between Helen and her brother's best friend was witty. Relationships in a non-traditional family were also part of the story. "Happiness for Beginners" was an entertaining light read.
August 31, 2015
An enjoyable read, perfect for a day on the beach, which is exactly where I read it. Yes, it's a tad predictable but the humor and heart that the author gives her characters elevates it over a typical chick lit book. It's light, yet with some profound life lessons. I thoroughly enjoyed it!
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January 25, 2022Katherine Center is one of my favorite authors, but I hadn't read this one. IT'S SO GOOD. I don't know why I waited. Jake is such an unusual hero, and appealing as hell. The humor is just fantastic. But the reason to read Ms. Center is the way she portrays her character arcs through personal challenges. The narrative is always so exciting. Enjoy!
All my recent recs: https://shor.by/sarina-recommends
All my recent recs: https://shor.by/sarina-recommends
February 17, 2018
5 glowing, laughing,crying, wonderful, all-time-favourite stars
I loved, LOVED, loved this book so much! I had to create a new Goodreads shelf for it: all-time-favourite!
I laughed A LOT...then I cryed a bit and then I laughed while I was crying. I learned to look at things a different, better way. And while I did I had the greatest time ever.
In the beginning I thought, this book is kinda funny, then I thought it is really good, then I thought it is amazing and when I thought it can't get any better it did.
Did I mention that I don't like books that make me cry because I want books to make me happy and not sad. This was different. I enjoyed every minute of it and I know I will come back at some point and read it again (which I normally don't do).
I don't know why there is not much talk about this book - it so deserves it. Please, go get yourself a copy and read it!
I loved, LOVED, loved this book so much! I had to create a new Goodreads shelf for it: all-time-favourite!
I laughed A LOT...then I cryed a bit and then I laughed while I was crying. I learned to look at things a different, better way. And while I did I had the greatest time ever.
In the beginning I thought, this book is kinda funny, then I thought it is really good, then I thought it is amazing and when I thought it can't get any better it did.
Did I mention that I don't like books that make me cry because I want books to make me happy and not sad. This was different. I enjoyed every minute of it and I know I will come back at some point and read it again (which I normally don't do).
I don't know why there is not much talk about this book - it so deserves it. Please, go get yourself a copy and read it!
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March 8, 2024
Another winner from Katherine Center
Getting what you want doesn't make you happy...Having doesn't make you happy: appreciating does; Happiness is more about appreciation than acquisition.
Oh my gosh where to start?!
Tropes
✨Age Gap
✨He Falls First
✨Secret Crush
A brief summary: A year after her divorce, Helen is ready to reinvent herself by signing up for a 3 week wildness course. Only she won’t be doing it alone because her brothers best friend has signed up as well.
This book brought me so much joy to read. I love so much that it really started off with a bang. There was no suspense about how the characters felt about each other and that coupled with the amazing environment and scenery from the story made it a 4.5 star read.
Helen - I really related to Helen because shes a 30 something loner who has trouble holding onto the relationships in her life. She’s kinda mean, pessimistic and pretty relatable to be honest. She’s also funny, stubborn and really open. She was delightful to read about and one of my favorite book girlies.
Jake - This boy had some serious golden retriever energy and I’m here for it. He commands this book with his kindness and loyalty and it’s clear why all the characters love him.
I love how Katherine Center explores trauma and emotions with her characters. Her books feel like a comfort and a warm hug when you need it most.
Getting what you want doesn't make you happy...Having doesn't make you happy: appreciating does; Happiness is more about appreciation than acquisition.
Oh my gosh where to start?!
Tropes
✨Age Gap
✨He Falls First
✨Secret Crush
A brief summary: A year after her divorce, Helen is ready to reinvent herself by signing up for a 3 week wildness course. Only she won’t be doing it alone because her brothers best friend has signed up as well.
This book brought me so much joy to read. I love so much that it really started off with a bang. There was no suspense about how the characters felt about each other and that coupled with the amazing environment and scenery from the story made it a 4.5 star read.
Helen - I really related to Helen because shes a 30 something loner who has trouble holding onto the relationships in her life. She’s kinda mean, pessimistic and pretty relatable to be honest. She’s also funny, stubborn and really open. She was delightful to read about and one of my favorite book girlies.
Jake - This boy had some serious golden retriever energy and I’m here for it. He commands this book with his kindness and loyalty and it’s clear why all the characters love him.
I love how Katherine Center explores trauma and emotions with her characters. Her books feel like a comfort and a warm hug when you need it most.
April 23, 2024
Uplifting and heartwarming. More than a romance story, it’s a story about growth and self discovery. Glad I finally got around to reading it 😊
Blog: LucyKnowsThings.com
Blog: LucyKnowsThings.com
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