Though MHTN is a standout novel for many reasons, this article will focus on Aaron and why his story is a notable addition to the LGBTQ+ landscape.

“For those who’ve discovered happiness can be hard.”įive years ago, Adam Silvera introduced the world to Aaron Soto in his debut novel More Happy Than Not (MHTN), and five years later, he’s still a memorable character. We will focus on fictional characters, celebrities, and activists alike - the positive voices within the LGBTQ+ community and in mainstream media. Considering how much I’m enjoying They Both Die at the End, I think I just wish I’d felt more included and enveloped in this one.Welcome to the second article in our 2020 Pride Month Series! Each day in the month of June, we will be highlighting a different member of the LGBTQ+ community who we think is a great example of representation and dynamic characterization. So as you can probably tell, my opinions of this book are very mixed up and confused. He just seemed to keep making mistakes, but I guess that’s what makes him human. I also had a little problem with Aaron, even though I completely understand why he was the way he was. “Time takes care of all that pain so if someone derails you, it’ll be okay eventually.” There was also so much detail surrounding Aaron’s neighbourhood/the people/lifestyle that I felt more and more detached with every new detail. As Silvera writes in his authors note, many readers who have been through an awful life-changing situations will relate and empathise with Aaron. I found this book relatable to very specific people. And I found the plot so slow to start with! Something massive happened around halfway through Aaron’s story and I couldn’t stop reading after that thing, but I do believe it should have happened earlier. It was very clever and original but just so sad? I ended up leaving this book feeling hopeful, but still so depressed. I actually really liked the concept of this book. “Everyone plays a purpose, even fathers who lie to you or leave you behind.” I’m not quite sure what didn’t click for me, so let’s go through everything. I saw a lot of good in this book, but I’m not sure if it was quite for me to be completely honest! I haven’t read contemporary for a few months now, which is a long time for me, and although this wasn’t strictly contemporary I still found it difficult to get back into another genre. Soon Aaron is faced with a choice – one that will make him question what it is he wants, and how far he’ll go to get it. But as Aaron’s feelings for Thomas intensify, tensions with his other friends start to build. Thomas is smart and funny, and before long Aaron is spending all his time with him. Life hasn’t been easy for sixteen-year-old Aaron Soto, but with the help of his girlfriend he’s slowly remembering what happiness might feel like.

More happy than not characters