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Get Happy
In this poignant, realistic, contemporary YA by a state master list star, perfect for fans of Sarah Dessen and Gayle Forman, a young songwriter builds a substitute family with her friends in place of the broken family she grew up with.
A hip high school girl who loves music, writes songs, and is desperate for a ukelele, learns to her shock that her father did not abandon her years ago and has been trying to keep in touch. She begins to investigate him, only to discover that he has a new life with a new family, including the perfect stepdaughter, a girl who Minerva despises.
A hip high school girl who loves music, writes songs, and is desperate for a ukelele, learns to her shock that her father did not abandon her years ago and has been trying to keep in touch. She begins to investigate him, only to discover that he has a new life with a new family, including the perfect stepdaughter, a girl who Minerva despises.
244 pages, Hardcover
First published August 1, 2014
18 people are currently reading
1028 people want to read
About the author
Mary Amato
30 books222 followersI write fiction for young adults and children and enjoy connecting with my readers. Adults (ages 18 and up) who are interested in writing, please check out my Meditative Art/Writing Workouts, a donation-based twice monthly online group.
https://www.maryamato.com/meditative-...
https://www.maryamato.com/meditative-...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 195 reviews
September 10, 2016
Provided by the publisher via NetGalley
This is a kind of books that will put a smile on your face...
First off, I was so excited to find out that the author of Guitar Notes was going to release another book. I seriously loved that book and am so glad to say that she didn't disappoint with this one either.
I loved that this book was lighthearted, yet emotional at the same time. This book was about a budding songwriter and ukelele lover, Minerva and her discovery of her father. It was a really nice story about friendship and family.
The characters were great with wonderful (& a little silly) personalities. Fin and Minerva were my favorite and I loved their sense of humor.
The plot itself wasn't the most amazing I have ever read, but the writing made it very interesting. I loved the flow and the fast pace that kept me engaged with the story.
Overall, this book was a fun and light read that suitable for people of all ages, but I think younger readers might enjoy it more.
Blog: YA Obsession
October 24, 2014
Review also posted at Ja čitam, a ti?
It's been a while since I have read (and loved) Guitar Notes and in the meantime a lot has changed. I became a different reader and my reading preferences have changed as well. But good thing about all this is that I can change, but my love for realistic stories and characters never will. Luckily, Mary Amato really knows how do write them.
I don't know for you but when I was a kid I really wanted to learn how to play piano (It's still something I desire to know), so to say that I understood and connected with Minerva would be an understatement. Her love for ukelele was so pure that it's hard not to cheer for her. Not only her love for music, but also her views and coming of age which was realistically portrayed. Also her understanding of the family and what values it has.
Besides Minerva, who was out main character other characters in this book were amazing. Each of them was real and what's more it was so easy to see differences between them and how despite them they could work together in "Get Happy". Another great thing is the image of parents in this story. Usually in YA books they are MIA, but here we get parents that care and protect their children, and sometimes do what they think is right without taking in consideration everything. They make mistakes, but they are humans after all.
While you'll find some topics like single parents and how hard being one sometimes is, this book is hilarious! I loved how it seemed light and easy to read, but still deep and real. Perfect for younger readers if you ask me!
It's been a while since I have read (and loved) Guitar Notes and in the meantime a lot has changed. I became a different reader and my reading preferences have changed as well. But good thing about all this is that I can change, but my love for realistic stories and characters never will. Luckily, Mary Amato really knows how do write them.
I don't know for you but when I was a kid I really wanted to learn how to play piano (It's still something I desire to know), so to say that I understood and connected with Minerva would be an understatement. Her love for ukelele was so pure that it's hard not to cheer for her. Not only her love for music, but also her views and coming of age which was realistically portrayed. Also her understanding of the family and what values it has.
Besides Minerva, who was out main character other characters in this book were amazing. Each of them was real and what's more it was so easy to see differences between them and how despite them they could work together in "Get Happy". Another great thing is the image of parents in this story. Usually in YA books they are MIA, but here we get parents that care and protect their children, and sometimes do what they think is right without taking in consideration everything. They make mistakes, but they are humans after all.
While you'll find some topics like single parents and how hard being one sometimes is, this book is hilarious! I loved how it seemed light and easy to read, but still deep and real. Perfect for younger readers if you ask me!
April 8, 2014
(Source: I received a digital copy of this book for free on a read-to-review basis. Thanks to EgmontUSA and Edelweiss.)
16-year-old Minerva wanted a ukulele for her birthday and instead got a hideous jumper. Because of this she decides to get a job working for ‘Get Happy’ a company that specialises in birthday parties for little kids, in order to buy her ukulele herself.
Will Minerva ever get her ukulele? Can she live with the mermaid costume? And what was so wrong with her that her father abandoned her when she was only 2?
This was a cute and funny story about a teenage girl’s life, and her absentee father.
Minerva was a great character. I loved the way she tried her best, even when things went wrong, and I loved how real and normal she was!
The storyline in this was pretty good, and I really enjoyed it. I loved how funny this book was! The fake-tan disaster, the mermaid costume, and loads of other little things were just laugh-out-loud funny, and I loved this little glimpse into Minerva’s life, even if I didn’t get her obsession with her Ukulele!
There wasn’t really much in the way of romance in this until the very, very, very end. Really, like the last line! But the book didn’t suffer because of this.
The ending to this story was a little heart-breaking, but it was good that things were finally out in the open for Minerva, and that she could finally move on with her life.
Overall; a cute and funny story,
7.5 out of 10.
16-year-old Minerva wanted a ukulele for her birthday and instead got a hideous jumper. Because of this she decides to get a job working for ‘Get Happy’ a company that specialises in birthday parties for little kids, in order to buy her ukulele herself.
Will Minerva ever get her ukulele? Can she live with the mermaid costume? And what was so wrong with her that her father abandoned her when she was only 2?
This was a cute and funny story about a teenage girl’s life, and her absentee father.
Minerva was a great character. I loved the way she tried her best, even when things went wrong, and I loved how real and normal she was!
The storyline in this was pretty good, and I really enjoyed it. I loved how funny this book was! The fake-tan disaster, the mermaid costume, and loads of other little things were just laugh-out-loud funny, and I loved this little glimpse into Minerva’s life, even if I didn’t get her obsession with her Ukulele!
There wasn’t really much in the way of romance in this until the very, very, very end. Really, like the last line! But the book didn’t suffer because of this.
The ending to this story was a little heart-breaking, but it was good that things were finally out in the open for Minerva, and that she could finally move on with her life.
Overall; a cute and funny story,
7.5 out of 10.
September 18, 2014
Pre-Review - Let me start off by saying I was so over the moon excited when I found out about this book and even more so when I got this book. This author also wrote Guitar Notes which is one of my all time favorite books, and I didn't know that she was writing another YA book and this has to be close to the most excited I have ever been about a book.
If you read Guitar Notes there is no way that you will not also enjoy this one, if anything it's a little bit better than Guitar Notes because there is a little more story to it than there was in Guitar Notes. One thing that I love the most about these two books is that it mixes my favorite two things in the world, books and music. Throughout the whole book there are little bits of songs that the main character wrote and those are some of my favorite parts.
The main character is awesome, and I loved Fin and Hayes and I loved...everything. The only thing I didn't like about this book is the fact that it ended! I read it in like under three hours and was so sad because I just want more! I will say this, this is possibly my favorite book that I have read this year, I already preordered it even though I just read it, and I will read any YA books that this author ever publishes!
If you're a fan of books and music or Lemonade Mouth by Mark Peter Hughes than definitely pick up Guitar Notes and then Get Happy you will not be disappointed!
If you read Guitar Notes there is no way that you will not also enjoy this one, if anything it's a little bit better than Guitar Notes because there is a little more story to it than there was in Guitar Notes. One thing that I love the most about these two books is that it mixes my favorite two things in the world, books and music. Throughout the whole book there are little bits of songs that the main character wrote and those are some of my favorite parts.
The main character is awesome, and I loved Fin and Hayes and I loved...everything. The only thing I didn't like about this book is the fact that it ended! I read it in like under three hours and was so sad because I just want more! I will say this, this is possibly my favorite book that I have read this year, I already preordered it even though I just read it, and I will read any YA books that this author ever publishes!
If you're a fan of books and music or Lemonade Mouth by Mark Peter Hughes than definitely pick up Guitar Notes and then Get Happy you will not be disappointed!
December 4, 2015
Three Stars: A nice, light contemporary that ends too soon, and it fails to adequately explore the main conflict.
Minerva has been looking forward to her birthday for months. Today is the day when she will finally get the ukulele she has been coveting. Unfortunately, Minerva's mother doesn't deliver, instead Minerva receives a hideous blue sweater. Her day isn't off to a good start. As she dashes out the door to school, she collides with a delivery man, who has an envelope addressed to Minerva and her mother. The return address bears the initials K.C. and an address in Chicago. Covertly, Minerva stuffs the envelope in her backpack and flies out the door. At school, she opens the package and finds a letter and a gift from her father, whom she hasn't seen or contacted since she was a small girl. He is now living here in Chicago, and he wants to see her. Will Minerva have the courage to find her father, or are things better left alone?
What I Liked:
*Get Happy is a Young Adult contemporary that lands on the lighter side. It does explore some familiar familial issues, abandonment by a parent, but it never delves too far into the dramatic side. For the most part, it is quick, upbeat, and it has a nice cast of characters. There is also something for the music lover. This book is packed with song lyrics that tie in neatly with the story. For those of you who like your contemps on the light side with just a hint of romance, this is one you can grab and read in a sitting.
*What makes this book work are the fun characters. Minerva and her best friend, Fin, and their new found friend, Hayes, drive the plot. Minerva at seventeen is determined to get a ukulele and be a musician. Her head is always buzzing with song lyrics, and she for the most part, is funny and upbeat. Fin, her best friend, is adorable, quirky and he always makes you laugh. Hayes is quieter, but just as interesting. He has a little list with all kinds of fun things he has to complete by his birthday. I loved his shyness and I especially enjoyed learning about his fears over his list. Together, the three land jobs working for Get Happy, a company that puts on parties for kids. I loved seeing the trio come together, and I loved the friendship. Their interactions totally made the book.
*At the heart of the story is Minerva's struggle with being abandoned by her father. Once she receives an envelope for her birthday, she can't help but open the door and start to look for him. Her emotions and feelings are all over the place, and it is easy to understand her conflicted feelings, especially when she learns the truth. Even though I was a bit disappointed in how this story line concluded, I did appreciate that it didn't get too dramatic and that it seemed to end in a better place.
*The book also explores the relationship Minerva has with her mother. As the book progresses, it is apparent that her mother hasn't always been completely honest. I liked that the relationship was complicated, and there were moments of anger and disappointment and lots of tears. It felt realistic. I liked that the two were willing to work their issues, and I had hope for them for the future.
*There is a hint of romance, and even though I wished that there had been a bit more of the romance, I liked watching it build quietly behind the scenes, and then it blossoms right at the end with a lovely, sweet moment. It was nice.
*The book ends rather abruptly, and I did have a few issues with the way it played out. However, it does end without a cliffhanger, and it finishes in a good spot.
And The Not So Much:
*My biggest problem with this book was that in the beginning pages, the reader is exposed to the main conflict: Minerva's abandonment by her father. The story seems to build and build to the moment when Minerva will meet her father, and then when the moment comes, it happens in the final ten percent of the book. I was extremely disappointed in the way the conflict was resolved, you get this quick run down, and then it ends. I wanted far more depth and detail, I couldn't believe that after all the buildup that the finale was such a fizzle.
*I was also disappointed in that the reader never really has a solid understanding of why Minerva's mother acted the way she did. Yes, you get bits and pieces, but I still wanted more. Was the relationship really just a fling? Why did her dad never seek to see her? He certainly had rights. I wanted more than small shouting match through the door. Why wasn't the therapy session included?
*Minerva meets a girl named Cassie. Minerva becomes increasingly jealous of Cassie because she is pretty and perfect and she seems to have it all. Cassie is nothing but nice to Minerva, but Minerva's behavior in return is childish and petty. *Then there is a reveal regarding Cassie, and then nothing happens. I wanted to see how Minerva and Cassie fared after that moment.
*The book includes lots of song lyrics that Minerva writes as she deals with certain things. I liked the song lyrics, but then sometimes they got to be a bit much. For instance, I didn't need to have the chorus repeated over and over, once is enough. There is a whole section of songs at the end that are nice, but I felt the author should have spent more time focusing on the depth and detail of the main conflict instead of the cutesy songs.
Get Happy is a book that I am conflicted over. I wavered with my rating, but went with the higher rating of a three because I liked the characters, the story and that it was on the light side. This book had a lot of potential, but it ended up faltering mostly because it ends way too abruptly. There was much more story to tell, and I would have loved to see the family work together on their relationship, and for the romance to have more time in the spotlight. I think the author focused too much on song lyrics and missed the mark as far as the overall story. Still, it was a quick, light read, and I did like it. I just wish that it had been longer.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review.
Posted@Rainy Day Ramblings.
Minerva has been looking forward to her birthday for months. Today is the day when she will finally get the ukulele she has been coveting. Unfortunately, Minerva's mother doesn't deliver, instead Minerva receives a hideous blue sweater. Her day isn't off to a good start. As she dashes out the door to school, she collides with a delivery man, who has an envelope addressed to Minerva and her mother. The return address bears the initials K.C. and an address in Chicago. Covertly, Minerva stuffs the envelope in her backpack and flies out the door. At school, she opens the package and finds a letter and a gift from her father, whom she hasn't seen or contacted since she was a small girl. He is now living here in Chicago, and he wants to see her. Will Minerva have the courage to find her father, or are things better left alone?
What I Liked:
*Get Happy is a Young Adult contemporary that lands on the lighter side. It does explore some familiar familial issues, abandonment by a parent, but it never delves too far into the dramatic side. For the most part, it is quick, upbeat, and it has a nice cast of characters. There is also something for the music lover. This book is packed with song lyrics that tie in neatly with the story. For those of you who like your contemps on the light side with just a hint of romance, this is one you can grab and read in a sitting.
*What makes this book work are the fun characters. Minerva and her best friend, Fin, and their new found friend, Hayes, drive the plot. Minerva at seventeen is determined to get a ukulele and be a musician. Her head is always buzzing with song lyrics, and she for the most part, is funny and upbeat. Fin, her best friend, is adorable, quirky and he always makes you laugh. Hayes is quieter, but just as interesting. He has a little list with all kinds of fun things he has to complete by his birthday. I loved his shyness and I especially enjoyed learning about his fears over his list. Together, the three land jobs working for Get Happy, a company that puts on parties for kids. I loved seeing the trio come together, and I loved the friendship. Their interactions totally made the book.
*At the heart of the story is Minerva's struggle with being abandoned by her father. Once she receives an envelope for her birthday, she can't help but open the door and start to look for him. Her emotions and feelings are all over the place, and it is easy to understand her conflicted feelings, especially when she learns the truth. Even though I was a bit disappointed in how this story line concluded, I did appreciate that it didn't get too dramatic and that it seemed to end in a better place.
*The book also explores the relationship Minerva has with her mother. As the book progresses, it is apparent that her mother hasn't always been completely honest. I liked that the relationship was complicated, and there were moments of anger and disappointment and lots of tears. It felt realistic. I liked that the two were willing to work their issues, and I had hope for them for the future.
*There is a hint of romance, and even though I wished that there had been a bit more of the romance, I liked watching it build quietly behind the scenes, and then it blossoms right at the end with a lovely, sweet moment. It was nice.
*The book ends rather abruptly, and I did have a few issues with the way it played out. However, it does end without a cliffhanger, and it finishes in a good spot.
And The Not So Much:
*My biggest problem with this book was that in the beginning pages, the reader is exposed to the main conflict: Minerva's abandonment by her father. The story seems to build and build to the moment when Minerva will meet her father, and then when the moment comes, it happens in the final ten percent of the book. I was extremely disappointed in the way the conflict was resolved, you get this quick run down, and then it ends. I wanted far more depth and detail, I couldn't believe that after all the buildup that the finale was such a fizzle.
*I was also disappointed in that the reader never really has a solid understanding of why Minerva's mother acted the way she did. Yes, you get bits and pieces, but I still wanted more. Was the relationship really just a fling? Why did her dad never seek to see her? He certainly had rights. I wanted more than small shouting match through the door. Why wasn't the therapy session included?
*Minerva meets a girl named Cassie. Minerva becomes increasingly jealous of Cassie because she is pretty and perfect and she seems to have it all. Cassie is nothing but nice to Minerva, but Minerva's behavior in return is childish and petty. *Then there is a reveal regarding Cassie, and then nothing happens. I wanted to see how Minerva and Cassie fared after that moment.
*The book includes lots of song lyrics that Minerva writes as she deals with certain things. I liked the song lyrics, but then sometimes they got to be a bit much. For instance, I didn't need to have the chorus repeated over and over, once is enough. There is a whole section of songs at the end that are nice, but I felt the author should have spent more time focusing on the depth and detail of the main conflict instead of the cutesy songs.
Get Happy is a book that I am conflicted over. I wavered with my rating, but went with the higher rating of a three because I liked the characters, the story and that it was on the light side. This book had a lot of potential, but it ended up faltering mostly because it ends way too abruptly. There was much more story to tell, and I would have loved to see the family work together on their relationship, and for the romance to have more time in the spotlight. I think the author focused too much on song lyrics and missed the mark as far as the overall story. Still, it was a quick, light read, and I did like it. I just wish that it had been longer.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review.
Posted@Rainy Day Ramblings.
October 27, 2014
You can read this review and more on my blog, Caught Read Handed.
A sweet, fun, emotional read from Mary Amato (author of Guitar Notes), Get Happy made me…well, happy.
Get Happy is about high-school girl Minerva just wants to buy a ukulele and play songs while hanging out with her friends. In the novel, she learns that her father didn’t abandon her like her mother told her, and so she begins to investigate him. As Goodreads says, she “builds a substitute family with her friends in place of the broken family she grew up with.”
I’m not going to lie, I’m also a little iffy with books I get approved for on Netgalley. They can be hit or miss with me. It was also said to be for fans of Sarah Dessen (hit) and Gayle Forman (miss), so I was worried, but I shouldn’t have been. This one was a HIT. I’m really impressed with Amato’s writing and with this book.
Get Happy is a coming of age story for Minerva; we see her grow up and into herself as she navigates her first job, finding out her father is not who she thought he was, and fights with her mother. Realistic fiction has a tendency to feel decidedly not real, but not this book. Minerva’s feelings and actions all felt real and genuine, and because of this, I was really able to connect with Minerva and feel for her when it all went to hell. There was one part where something horrible happens (which I will not spoil) that I actually felt like I’d been punched in the gut. That’s a great author that can make me have such a reaction.
Minerva wasn’t the only great character either. Her best friend Fin is so full of life and a ton of fun. New friend Hayes is developed well too. Even the girl we don’t like is fully developed, so we actually do feel annoyed when she shows up. No characters were wasted or useless. I also liked that the parents in the book weren’t just in the background; they care about and protect their children. Even if they don’t always do the right thing, they’re still there.
The bottom line: Get Happy feels like a fun, light, easy read but it has some pretty deep feelings to get through. I really enjoyed it and am happy that I was able to read it. Recommended for anyone who likes good contemporary, realistic fiction.
Rating: 7.5/10
NOTE: I was provided with an e-ARC of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to Egmont USA for letting me read this.
A sweet, fun, emotional read from Mary Amato (author of Guitar Notes), Get Happy made me…well, happy.
Get Happy is about high-school girl Minerva just wants to buy a ukulele and play songs while hanging out with her friends. In the novel, she learns that her father didn’t abandon her like her mother told her, and so she begins to investigate him. As Goodreads says, she “builds a substitute family with her friends in place of the broken family she grew up with.”
I’m not going to lie, I’m also a little iffy with books I get approved for on Netgalley. They can be hit or miss with me. It was also said to be for fans of Sarah Dessen (hit) and Gayle Forman (miss), so I was worried, but I shouldn’t have been. This one was a HIT. I’m really impressed with Amato’s writing and with this book.
Get Happy is a coming of age story for Minerva; we see her grow up and into herself as she navigates her first job, finding out her father is not who she thought he was, and fights with her mother. Realistic fiction has a tendency to feel decidedly not real, but not this book. Minerva’s feelings and actions all felt real and genuine, and because of this, I was really able to connect with Minerva and feel for her when it all went to hell. There was one part where something horrible happens (which I will not spoil) that I actually felt like I’d been punched in the gut. That’s a great author that can make me have such a reaction.
Minerva wasn’t the only great character either. Her best friend Fin is so full of life and a ton of fun. New friend Hayes is developed well too. Even the girl we don’t like is fully developed, so we actually do feel annoyed when she shows up. No characters were wasted or useless. I also liked that the parents in the book weren’t just in the background; they care about and protect their children. Even if they don’t always do the right thing, they’re still there.
The bottom line: Get Happy feels like a fun, light, easy read but it has some pretty deep feelings to get through. I really enjoyed it and am happy that I was able to read it. Recommended for anyone who likes good contemporary, realistic fiction.
Rating: 7.5/10
NOTE: I was provided with an e-ARC of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to Egmont USA for letting me read this.
April 1, 2014
Get Happy
Mary Armato
Copyright 2014
In this Young Adult Novel
This story opens up on Minerva's sixteen birthday, and she is disappointed because instead of a Ukulele she gets a sweater from her Mom and a twenty dollar bill from her Aunt. The next day Minerva goes to school and opens a package she believes to be from her Father, the Father she has never known, but she had not wanted to open it in front of her Mother. Inside is a letter wishing her a Happy Sixteenth birthday, and a Sea Horse, he also tells her now that she is sixteen he would like to meet her, if she is up to it. She nearly does not go to the audition later that day but her friend Finnegan insists that they go.
Get Happy is a story of a young girl discovering who she is, a young girl who is determined to make a way for herself doing what she loves to do, making music. It's a story of self discovery as well as discovering things about those that you love perhaps things you would rather not know.
Get Happy is wonderful book for the young adult reader...Five Stars...
Mary Armato
Copyright 2014
In this Young Adult Novel
This story opens up on Minerva's sixteen birthday, and she is disappointed because instead of a Ukulele she gets a sweater from her Mom and a twenty dollar bill from her Aunt. The next day Minerva goes to school and opens a package she believes to be from her Father, the Father she has never known, but she had not wanted to open it in front of her Mother. Inside is a letter wishing her a Happy Sixteenth birthday, and a Sea Horse, he also tells her now that she is sixteen he would like to meet her, if she is up to it. She nearly does not go to the audition later that day but her friend Finnegan insists that they go.
Get Happy is a story of a young girl discovering who she is, a young girl who is determined to make a way for herself doing what she loves to do, making music. It's a story of self discovery as well as discovering things about those that you love perhaps things you would rather not know.
Get Happy is wonderful book for the young adult reader...Five Stars...
June 27, 2017
I knew I would like this book the moment I read the first page and the main character wanted a ukelele, awesome. This book is meant for 7th grade and up, but I picked it because I wanted a quick and fun read, and that was exactly what I got! However, it turned from a fun/quick read, and it was quick because I flew through it, and into a shocking beautiful one. The last one hundred pages or so was really well-written, and yes I got misty-eyed by the end of this novel and it hit me more then I thought it would.
Also the characters through-out the novel were well done, my favorite, besides Hayes (who was so cute), was Fin who was a great friend even when Minerva was not.
I now have the desire to play the Uke, and I have about 0% skill with everything musical.
I recommend this book, and get ready to get emotionally invested and maybe even cry a little.
Also the characters through-out the novel were well done, my favorite, besides Hayes (who was so cute), was Fin who was a great friend even when Minerva was not.
I now have the desire to play the Uke, and I have about 0% skill with everything musical.
I recommend this book, and get ready to get emotionally invested and maybe even cry a little.
August 13, 2014
Reading Get Happy actually made me extremely happy. I have never laughed so much reading a book in my life. It was so lighthearted and hilarious. Mary Amato wrote a story that captures what it is like to be a teenager, without making the main character unlikeable. Actually, I loved Minerva. She is honest, funny, sarcastic and insecure. She reminded me so much of myself when I was a teenager.
I was shocked at how good this book was. It wasn't exactly the storyline, but it was the writing that really made this book phenomenal. This book really cheered me up and I wish I could personally thank Mary Amato for that. I'm disappointed that it's over and I need to check out Guitar Notes by Mary Amato.
I received a copy of this book to review courtesy of Egmont USA and Netgalley
I was shocked at how good this book was. It wasn't exactly the storyline, but it was the writing that really made this book phenomenal. This book really cheered me up and I wish I could personally thank Mary Amato for that. I'm disappointed that it's over and I need to check out Guitar Notes by Mary Amato.
I received a copy of this book to review courtesy of Egmont USA and Netgalley
March 19, 2014
I am a ukulele player--I love the ukulele like an obsessive crazy person. I own 5 and a half ukuleles (my future baritone uke is half-built). So, as a result, I'm probably being overly enthusiastic, but this is a ukulele novel! Guitar players get all the books, but those of us who know that four strings are better than six never get books.
Anyway, this is a pretty sweet little novel, with more to it than I thought it would have, given how short it is, especially the family stuff. It definitely reads on the younger end of YA, which isn't usually my jam, but again, UKULELE, yo!
Anyway, this is a pretty sweet little novel, with more to it than I thought it would have, given how short it is, especially the family stuff. It definitely reads on the younger end of YA, which isn't usually my jam, but again, UKULELE, yo!
July 24, 2014
*I received a free ARC of Get Happy from Egmont USA via Edelweiss in exchange of an honest review*
Cute contemporary about a girl who is obsessed with getting a ukulele. The writing is a little juvenile, but this managed to get across the MCs age and naïveté.
Full review to come soon.
This and all my other reviews are originally posted on my blog (un)Conventional Bookviews
Cute contemporary about a girl who is obsessed with getting a ukulele. The writing is a little juvenile, but this managed to get across the MCs age and naïveté.
Full review to come soon.
This and all my other reviews are originally posted on my blog (un)Conventional Bookviews
Want to read
October 21, 2024I simply adored Guitar Notes, so I hope Get Happy will be just as enjoyable for me. I have my standards set high for this! It'll have to be one heck of a novel to come close to my love of Guitar Notes!
*now to go listen to "Pomegranate Waltz" for the hundredth time*
*now to go listen to "Pomegranate Waltz" for the hundredth time*
May 26, 2017
This was a fun story. I loved how Minerva would write songs. The ending was rather abrupt, would how like a little more, but all in all this was a pretty good book.
January 4, 2015
I was so excited to get this book. I recently met the author, Mary Amato at a bookstore in Pennsylvania. Mary was warm and easy to talk to. She even played a song on the ukulele for my husband and I. The song is featured in the book.
I enjoy YA stories, and Get Happy was an easy read. I was pulled into the story of 16-year old Minerva Watson immediately. The story is not a happy read, but instead a realistic story of how she copes with disappointments and an over-protective mother. Lots of feels and angst — my favorite type of read!
Min loves music and to save up to buy her first ukulele, she takes a job as a kid-party entertainer. She endures bored tweens and little mean girls, and things don't go too well for her. An unexpected letter from her estranged father tilts her world off axis. Min has lots of questions about him, but her mother has been tight-lipped about him for all of her life. As Min begins to unravel the mystery of who her father is, she finds out he is not the terrible man her mother always said he was. And, he is closer than she knows.
Romance plays a small part in the story, but being the romantic I am, I wished for more because really, Min and Hayes were so sweet together. Hayes was an important person in Min’s life. He shows Min the lighter side of life and how making others smile makes you feel good. He shows her how to ‘get happy.’
Throughout the story, our heroine deals with a great many disappointments, and though she comes to a peaceable place by the end of the book, I wished the ending was a bit more fulfilling — that Min had had a chance to work things out or even talk with her estranged father. But, the writing was so good and easy to read, I flew through it, and I am looking forward to reading Amato’s other YA novel, “Guitar Notes.”
To truly enjoy the musical side of this book, you have to visit http://www.thrumsociety.com/get-happy... and listen to Min’s songs performed by 15-year old Jamey Geston.
I enjoy YA stories, and Get Happy was an easy read. I was pulled into the story of 16-year old Minerva Watson immediately. The story is not a happy read, but instead a realistic story of how she copes with disappointments and an over-protective mother. Lots of feels and angst — my favorite type of read!
Min loves music and to save up to buy her first ukulele, she takes a job as a kid-party entertainer. She endures bored tweens and little mean girls, and things don't go too well for her. An unexpected letter from her estranged father tilts her world off axis. Min has lots of questions about him, but her mother has been tight-lipped about him for all of her life. As Min begins to unravel the mystery of who her father is, she finds out he is not the terrible man her mother always said he was. And, he is closer than she knows.
Romance plays a small part in the story, but being the romantic I am, I wished for more because really, Min and Hayes were so sweet together. Hayes was an important person in Min’s life. He shows Min the lighter side of life and how making others smile makes you feel good. He shows her how to ‘get happy.’
Throughout the story, our heroine deals with a great many disappointments, and though she comes to a peaceable place by the end of the book, I wished the ending was a bit more fulfilling — that Min had had a chance to work things out or even talk with her estranged father. But, the writing was so good and easy to read, I flew through it, and I am looking forward to reading Amato’s other YA novel, “Guitar Notes.”
To truly enjoy the musical side of this book, you have to visit http://www.thrumsociety.com/get-happy... and listen to Min’s songs performed by 15-year old Jamey Geston.
May 10, 2014
My copy was provided by Netgalley.
Minerva is a girl who just really wants to get a ukulele. She has a pretty small family, considering she doesn't even know her own father's name. Her mom never talks about her and for all of Minerva's life, she thought her father had abandoned her and left.
But Minerva never let the sadness get to her. She got a job at Get Happy with her best friend, a hot new guy, and a beautiful girl that makes Minerva jealous. This job is not an ordinary fast food job. No, Minerva has to dress up like a mermaid and entertain kids at birthday parties. This allows Minerva to experience the joys of making kids happy as well experience the horrors of little kids.
While dealing with her new job, Minerva discovers who her father really is and starts to investigate her father and his new family.
This book was funny and light hearted, but it was still so full of emotion. While most of this book is pure fluff about Minerva's new job, it's still ripe with emotion as Minerva learns more and more about the father who might not have abandoned her after all. The characters were funny, but at times they just seemed silly and slightly idiotic.
The plot wasn't very original and there were moments where there could've been some great romantic moments or tension-filled moments, but at times, the story just fell flat. Nothing shocking or interesting really happened. The father rarely appeared in the book and Minerva never really confronted him or admitted her true feelings.
The book was fun though and I did enjoy it. It made me laugh at times, especially over Minerva's costume. I just feel as if the book needed some more substance, some more plot. It needed some twists to keep the reader going instead of just mainly focusing on Minerva's job. While the book was mostly fluff, I did enjoy it and it made me laugh out loud a couple of times.
Minerva is a girl who just really wants to get a ukulele. She has a pretty small family, considering she doesn't even know her own father's name. Her mom never talks about her and for all of Minerva's life, she thought her father had abandoned her and left.
But Minerva never let the sadness get to her. She got a job at Get Happy with her best friend, a hot new guy, and a beautiful girl that makes Minerva jealous. This job is not an ordinary fast food job. No, Minerva has to dress up like a mermaid and entertain kids at birthday parties. This allows Minerva to experience the joys of making kids happy as well experience the horrors of little kids.
While dealing with her new job, Minerva discovers who her father really is and starts to investigate her father and his new family.
This book was funny and light hearted, but it was still so full of emotion. While most of this book is pure fluff about Minerva's new job, it's still ripe with emotion as Minerva learns more and more about the father who might not have abandoned her after all. The characters were funny, but at times they just seemed silly and slightly idiotic.
The plot wasn't very original and there were moments where there could've been some great romantic moments or tension-filled moments, but at times, the story just fell flat. Nothing shocking or interesting really happened. The father rarely appeared in the book and Minerva never really confronted him or admitted her true feelings.
The book was fun though and I did enjoy it. It made me laugh at times, especially over Minerva's costume. I just feel as if the book needed some more substance, some more plot. It needed some twists to keep the reader going instead of just mainly focusing on Minerva's job. While the book was mostly fluff, I did enjoy it and it made me laugh out loud a couple of times.
September 24, 2014
I received a digital galley of Get Happy courtesy of EgmontUSA and Net Galley in exchange for a fair and honest review. I was quite excited to be approved to read Get Happy because I enjoyed Mary Amato's Guitar Notes so much. Get Happy is the story of Minerva who is being raised by her control freak single mom. Minnie's mom means well but she is way too up tight to be raising a teenage daughter. The book opens with Minerva celebrating her birthday and her mother giving her a sweater that is not her style rather than the ukelele she really wants. Her mother's gift is not only a disappointment but further proof that her mom really doesn't get her. Determined to purchase the ukelele Minnie gets a job at Get Happy ,with her best friend Fin,where she will perform at parties as various characters. During this time the father she thought abandoned her makes contact by sending her birthday gift and card and Minnie discovers that her mother hasn't been entirely truthful with her about the circumstances behind his departure. I have to admit I wasn't wild about Minnie's character in the beginning because not only was she mean she was cowardly about it. If you have a problem with someone, posting rude and anonymous comments on social media is a poor choice and shows lack of maturity. Also, Minnie was quite self centered at times and seemed to feel her problems were worse than anyone else's problems. I loved Fin's character and felt he help Minnie grow and become a better person. The book was well written, however, I would have liked more of the details about Minnie's relationship with her mother. Also, I would have liked some indication of how things between Keanu and Minnie worked out. I think the book's quick pace and short length will make it a great pick for reluctant readers.
April 12, 2014
Minerva's 16th birthday falls flat with an ugly gift and the lack of what she really wants, a ukulele. It falls even further with an arrival of a package- from Minerva's father who left her as a baby. Minerva uncovers secrets of her family's past, fits in a job as a mermaid at birthday parties, and takes hold of her ukulele.
a YA fiction ukulele book. hallelujah.
as a ukulele playing/loving teenager how could i not grab this one and read it immediately?
Such a cute, fun, book- and the songs. Love the songs.
The ukulele is pretty rad. Love ukuleles.
This book was a lot of fun, really cute and funny, but also an emotional story. The reader is submerged in Minerva's head and feels all that she feels, the heartache, loss, and anger, the joy of the ukulele, and the laughter of her friends.
The 'romance' part was perfect. It was light hearted yet it meant a lot, it was a little more normal than a lot of YA books.
AND THE SONGS. I really have loved the way Amato included songs in the books, with lyrics and chords. That is one of the best parts of her books. They're always so fun to play.
The cover is okay. It's cute but looks a little meddle-grade, not YA.
The lack of closure//hurried ending [with the family] was a little flat. I mean, she said that about her father in front of everyone, left and we are told they went to counseling and then what?
I did jokingly guess something that ended up being true...
Teenage girls who love [making] music will probably enjoy this book.
If you love ukuleles, you'll obviously love to play the songs.
read as an advanced reading copy.
a YA fiction ukulele book. hallelujah.
as a ukulele playing/loving teenager how could i not grab this one and read it immediately?
Such a cute, fun, book- and the songs. Love the songs.
The ukulele is pretty rad. Love ukuleles.
This book was a lot of fun, really cute and funny, but also an emotional story. The reader is submerged in Minerva's head and feels all that she feels, the heartache, loss, and anger, the joy of the ukulele, and the laughter of her friends.
The 'romance' part was perfect. It was light hearted yet it meant a lot, it was a little more normal than a lot of YA books.
AND THE SONGS. I really have loved the way Amato included songs in the books, with lyrics and chords. That is one of the best parts of her books. They're always so fun to play.
The cover is okay. It's cute but looks a little meddle-grade, not YA.
The lack of closure//hurried ending [with the family] was a little flat. I mean, she said that about her father in front of everyone, left and we are told they went to counseling and then what?
I did jokingly guess something that ended up being true...
Teenage girls who love [making] music will probably enjoy this book.
If you love ukuleles, you'll obviously love to play the songs.
read as an advanced reading copy.
October 27, 2016
1) The author, Mary Amato, of Get Happy has a distinct style of writing. She makes every chapter seem realistic. Her portrayal of Minerva, the main character, depicts the turmoil of a child going through a divorced life. Minerva has ongoing conflicts with her mother as she realizes that her mother lied to her about her father, saying how he was an evil person even though he sends birthday gifts to Minerva every year. Amato does an exceptional job with conveying how frustrated and confused Minerva feels as she is discovering more hidden presents and personality traits about her father that her mother kept away from her. The author’s sentences grasp the reader’s attention by make the characters in the book seem very realistic and relatable throughout the chapters.
5) Mary Amato is such an inspiring author. She made Minerva as a character who pushed everyone, including her best friend, away because she felt as if no one understood what she was going through. Amato lets children, who are going through the same situation as Minerva, know that there is hope and that there are people who care about them. The author also lets the reader know not to judge a person by their looks. There was a scene in the book where Minerva applies for a job and sees another girl, Cassie, applying for the same job as well. She did not like Cassie at all because she was beautiful and runs a blog about scuba diving, where Minerva’s father kept commenting. Soon, she got to Cassie better and realized she was not as bad Minerva thought she was. Amato teaches many lessons throughout the book, but these two lessons were what stood out to me the most.
5) Mary Amato is such an inspiring author. She made Minerva as a character who pushed everyone, including her best friend, away because she felt as if no one understood what she was going through. Amato lets children, who are going through the same situation as Minerva, know that there is hope and that there are people who care about them. The author also lets the reader know not to judge a person by their looks. There was a scene in the book where Minerva applies for a job and sees another girl, Cassie, applying for the same job as well. She did not like Cassie at all because she was beautiful and runs a blog about scuba diving, where Minerva’s father kept commenting. Soon, she got to Cassie better and realized she was not as bad Minerva thought she was. Amato teaches many lessons throughout the book, but these two lessons were what stood out to me the most.
November 19, 2014
You know how I get happy? When I get good books from NetGalley. So thank you, Egmont USA and NetGalley, for this free title to review!
I just...wow. I love this book to pieces. Minerva is a great character. She had understandable reactions and felt so real. Her relationship with Fin was funny and supportive. They both looked out for each other. And Hayes.... Oh Hayes. I wish I knew guys as awesome as him. ;) He's such a cute gentleman.
There is a love triangle, but bear with me, people. This love triangle isn't the cliche: girl likes guy #1. New, mysterious guy #2 moves to town. Girl loves guy #2. She ditches guy #1 and she and #2 live happily ever after. But that's not how it went in Get Happy! Hayes actually had a personality. I can't say how it ends because 1: spoilers, and 2: I don't know.
The only thing I didn't like was the ending. It didn't feel finished. I know this is only an ARC, so maybe this will be changed by October, when it comes out.
Would I buy other YA books by Mary Amato? You bet!
I just...wow. I love this book to pieces. Minerva is a great character. She had understandable reactions and felt so real. Her relationship with Fin was funny and supportive. They both looked out for each other. And Hayes.... Oh Hayes. I wish I knew guys as awesome as him. ;) He's such a cute gentleman.
There is a love triangle, but bear with me, people. This love triangle isn't the cliche: girl likes guy #1. New, mysterious guy #2 moves to town. Girl loves guy #2. She ditches guy #1 and she and #2 live happily ever after. But that's not how it went in Get Happy! Hayes actually had a personality. I can't say how it ends because 1: spoilers, and 2: I don't know.
The only thing I didn't like was the ending. It didn't feel finished. I know this is only an ARC, so maybe this will be changed by October, when it comes out.
Would I buy other YA books by Mary Amato? You bet!
June 22, 2014
This was nice little story, and when I thought I was reading a Middle Grade book I was intending to give it four stars because it was enjoyable, and had a wonderful message about family and friends. When I went to review it on Edelweiss I was made aware that it was a YA. The storyline and content are a little immature for YA, and although I can see twelve year olds, and maybe a few thirteen year olds loving the book, I think most everyone else in the YA bracket might find it a tad "cheesy." I am giving it a nice respectable three stars. I won't be reviewing it on my blog because it is under four stars. I received this ebook from Edelweiss in return for an honest review.
August 11, 2014
(I received a copy from Edelweiss, in exchange for an honest review.)
Get Happy was a fun read.
I really liked Minerva, and her best friend Fin. They were both really funny, and i loved their friendship!
There was one part where Minerva was quite mean, but it didn't last very long, so it didn't make me like her any less.
There was lots of little moments in this that made me laugh, and the story flew by because of it. It didn't take me long to read at all!
The ending to this was really cute, even if it did end quite abruptly.
Overall, a cute, fun read.
Get Happy was a fun read.
I really liked Minerva, and her best friend Fin. They were both really funny, and i loved their friendship!
There was one part where Minerva was quite mean, but it didn't last very long, so it didn't make me like her any less.
There was lots of little moments in this that made me laugh, and the story flew by because of it. It didn't take me long to read at all!
The ending to this was really cute, even if it did end quite abruptly.
Overall, a cute, fun read.
September 5, 2015
I'm quite choosy with my 5 star ratings, but I just had to give it to this book because it was the complete package. Great, super-developed characters, teenage angst, some poor decisions and a dash of romance made this a fantastic read. As I was reading, I really wanted to be in the book hanging out with these great people. What I also really love and appreciate greatly about Mary Amato's books, as a teacher, is the fact that she can create a page-turning read for teens with not a single bad word nor any of what I call "mature content." I can recommend this for anyone in grades 6 and up without hesitation. My prediction is that Get Happy will be a big favorite in my 7-9 grade classes.
January 22, 2018
My rating: 1/5 stars
I was really looking forward to reading this book, and I have to say that I loved the characters and the direction the plot was heading, except I can’t help but feel that the book ended really, really abruptly.
To say this made me disappointed is an understatement. I felt that the ending was worse than a cliff-hanger – it was more like a dead end. Every single complication in the book was left unresolved – the fight, the father, the happy ending, everything – and that totally ruined the book for me.
And although it pains me to do so to a novel with such intriguing characters, I can’t help but rate this book a one out of five stars.
Shreema
I was really looking forward to reading this book, and I have to say that I loved the characters and the direction the plot was heading, except I can’t help but feel that the book ended really, really abruptly.
To say this made me disappointed is an understatement. I felt that the ending was worse than a cliff-hanger – it was more like a dead end. Every single complication in the book was left unresolved – the fight, the father, the happy ending, everything – and that totally ruined the book for me.
And although it pains me to do so to a novel with such intriguing characters, I can’t help but rate this book a one out of five stars.
Shreema
October 28, 2014
REVIEW: GET HAPPY by Mary Amato
Genetics or kinship of the mind, spirit, and emotions--which delivers the foundation of a stronger bond? Like the Nature vs. Nurture controversy, perhaps the answer is different according to individual.
Turning 17, Minerva discovers that instead of the ukelele she requested, instead she is.tuned to the truth about her parentage: father is not the deadbeat absent runaway, but a renowned marine biologist at Chicago's Shedd Aquarium; and he hasn't been avoiding her. Her mother had lied all these years.
Genetics or kinship of the mind, spirit, and emotions--which delivers the foundation of a stronger bond? Like the Nature vs. Nurture controversy, perhaps the answer is different according to individual.
Turning 17, Minerva discovers that instead of the ukelele she requested, instead she is.tuned to the truth about her parentage: father is not the deadbeat absent runaway, but a renowned marine biologist at Chicago's Shedd Aquarium; and he hasn't been avoiding her. Her mother had lied all these years.
March 26, 2015
This ws written by the same peon who wrote Guitar Notes. It is fun, and has lovable characters. I really enjoyed the pacing. However, I admit it's stiff when I started reading the book because if you know this author, when things look great, buckle up. But it was really fun, no serious trauma or anything. It's hard to write about it much because one of the fun parts of the book is the timing of when things are revealed. I highly recommend this I for all people ages +13, although its mostly a teen book, adults might still enjoy it!
December 7, 2014
page 110: "As you know, time does not stop to allow you to ponder the flotsam and jetsam of your mind. When you're a working girl, you have to put on your wig and your tail and get to work, gosh darn it." Minerva Watson, age 16, as she prepares to go to her gig as a mermaid at a child's birthday party. See why I like Mary Amato? Plus, fun to read a book about a girl who writes songs for ukelele. Bonus--set in Evanston, IL.
dnf
September 30, 2014Could not get into this one at all, I even read halfway through the book and couldn't find anything that kept me wanting to read.
March 29, 2017
4.5 Stars
I was in a reading slump and needed this so badly! I loved it!
I was in a reading slump and needed this so badly! I loved it!
January 1, 2021
Get Happy was a quick read, with sweet song filled moments and some not so sweet moments in the life of a sixteen year old girl named Minerva Watson. The story began on her birthday. Naturally, the day isn't all she hoped for. Especially after she intercepts a package from her long-absent father. Let's just say the package brings lots of feelings to the forefront for Minerva and helps get the drama ball rolling.
To avoid spoilers, or simply ruin the story, I won't go into all the details nor summarize the story any further than the above synopsis. Though I will say, I didn't really feel the substitute family aspect nor that Min was hip {lol}. I enjoyed the friendships, old {Fin} and new {Hayes}, and the way music played an important role in Get Happy.
Downsides for me:
the lack of communication between Minerva and her mother {if they only talked, some of the drama would be eliminated}; at times, the characters felt a bit younger than sixteen; and I, quickly, figured out the plot early on. This coming from someone far over the age this story would be geared to {lol}.
Get Happy was the second book I've read by Mary Amato... Guitar Notes being the other. Both books were enjoyable and filled with heartwarming moments.
To avoid spoilers, or simply ruin the story, I won't go into all the details nor summarize the story any further than the above synopsis. Though I will say, I didn't really feel the substitute family aspect nor that Min was hip {lol}. I enjoyed the friendships, old {Fin} and new {Hayes}, and the way music played an important role in Get Happy.
Downsides for me:
the lack of communication between Minerva and her mother {if they only talked, some of the drama would be eliminated}; at times, the characters felt a bit younger than sixteen; and I, quickly, figured out the plot early on. This coming from someone far over the age this story would be geared to {lol}.
Get Happy was the second book I've read by Mary Amato... Guitar Notes being the other. Both books were enjoyable and filled with heartwarming moments.
July 29, 2021
From the Goodreads site:
"In this poignant, realistic, contemporary YA by a state master list star, perfect for fans of Sarah Dessen and Gayle Forman, a young songwriter builds a substitute family with her friends in place of the broken family she grew up with.
"A hip high school girl who loves music, writes songs, and is desperate for a ukelele, learns to her shock that her father did not abandon her years ago and has been trying to keep in touch. She begins to investigate him, only to discover that he has a new life with a new family, including the perfect stepdaughter, a girl who Minerva despises."
"In this poignant, realistic, contemporary YA by a state master list star, perfect for fans of Sarah Dessen and Gayle Forman, a young songwriter builds a substitute family with her friends in place of the broken family she grew up with.
"A hip high school girl who loves music, writes songs, and is desperate for a ukelele, learns to her shock that her father did not abandon her years ago and has been trying to keep in touch. She begins to investigate him, only to discover that he has a new life with a new family, including the perfect stepdaughter, a girl who Minerva despises."
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