More Happy Than Not by Adam Silvera (Website, Twitter, Goodreads)Also by this author: History Is All You Left Me
Published by Soho Press on June 2nd 2015
Genres: Fantasy & Magic, LGBT, Love & Romance, Young Adult
Pages: 238
Part Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, part Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe, Adam Silvera's extraordinary debut confronts race, class, and sexuality during one charged near-future summer in the Bronx. The Leteo Institute’s revolutionary memory-relief procedure seems too good to be true to Aaron Soto—miracle cure-alls don’t tend to pop up in the Bronx projects. Aaron could never forget how he’s grown up poor, how his friends aren’t there for him, or how his father committed suicide in their one-bedroom apartment. Aaron has the support of his patient girlfriend, if not necessarily his distant brother and overworked mother, but it’s not enough.Then Thomas shows up. He has a sweet movie-watching setup on his roof, and he doesn’t mind Aaron’s obsession with a popular fantasy series. There are nicknames, inside jokes. Most importantly, Thomas doesn’t mind talking about Aaron’s past. But Aaron’s newfound happiness isn’t welcome on his block. Since he can’t stay away from Thomas or suddenly stop being gay, Aaron must turn to Leteo to straighten himself out, even if it means forgetting who he is.
You guys, we’re so excited to be a part of the Blog Tour for Adam’s debut More Happy Than Not!! We adore him and we’re so excited for his success and hope you all have your copies already! We wanted to know more about Adam and his writing and just everything… so King Adam of Hogwarts… Take it away!
Describe More Happy Than Not in 5 words.
Boy Wants To Forget Sexuality.
Were there any scenes that had to be cut that you wish would have stayed in?
Nope. In the original draft there was a character who did not belong in this book at all and my stubbornness kept him alive way longer than he needed to be. I’ve learned that when something has got to go, it goes. The story shouldn’t suffer because of one’s stubbornness.
Did any of your characters surprise you by doing something you didn’t expect?
YES. Every character in this book is with their flaws so they totally act out on the page. At one point Genevieve, the narrator’s girlfriend, Does A Thing and I was like “YOOOO.” and the awkwardness is felt in the crowd.
Do you have any strange writing habits?
I wish I could tell you something cool, like, I’m having a swordfight while dictating my works-in-progress, but really, majority of the time I’m just sitting shirtless in a room spilling Ginger Ale on myself and trying not to lose steam in the scene. (The scenes themselves are not steamy—sorry, I’m a boring writer, too!)
What’s your biggest pet peeve?
How I don’t have pet peeves! Oh WAIT – I DO have one. When adults use “LOL” or “LMAO”, it just feels like a younger generation thing and I’ve since abandoned it. I’m more of a “haha” or “HAHAHAHA!” kind of guy.
When you read a real book, what do you use as a bookmark?
Anything. I use my cellphone, my wallet, a razor, pens (plural), and even other books. I should probably buy bookmarks.
What are you currently reading?
I’m about to reread “Dreamland” by Robert L. Anderson, which is this dark fantasy where DARKNESS happens and I love it. I think it’s a good fit for Maggie Stiefvater fans.
Any advice for aspiring writers?
You HAVE to write. You DON’T have to write well in the beginning. I unearthed my first draft of More Happy recently and wow, I’ve never cringed so much. But writing is a muscle that only gets stronger by working out so hit the gym—well, the computer.
Tell us a little about History is All You Left Me?
History is about two teen boys grieving the boy they believed to be the love of their life, Theo. The narrator, Griffin, was Theo’s childhood love and first everything, but they broke up when Theo left for school in another state. But Griffin always believed they would be endgame. Then Theo begins dating Jackson in San Diego and threatens Griffin’s reunion with Theo, which is his biggest problem until Theo drowns. No one understands Griffin’s pain like Jackson so the two fall into a destructive friendship as they trade stories about Theo. Good stuff happens, too!
5 Favorites
Favorite Song (right now) “Cough Syrup” by Young the Giant, which, interestingly, is a song I listened to obsessively while writing the latter half of More Happy.
Favorite Book (right now) Just finished “Extraordinary Means” by Robyn Schneider and loved it a lot! “Dreamland” by Robert L. Anderson is another favorite I’m rereading soon.
Favorite TV Show/Movie: “500 Days of Summer” is my favorite movie of all time because of its themes of expectations versus reality explored through a humorous and heartbreaking lens.
Favorite Word: Stuff.
Favorite Color: Blue.
Favorite Curse Word: Fuck. (Like, no fucking duh.)
Favorite Twin….Just kidding – we know you love us both: My favorite twin is whomever calls me KING ADAM OF HOGWARTS on Twitter from now on—now battle!
Don’t have the book yet? GRAB IT TODAY!!! Seriously!
Thank you so much Adam for taking the time to chat & we can’t wait for what’s next!
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