Let’s be real for a second. When you pick up a book with a bright, sunny cover and a title like If It Makes You Happy, you think you know exactly what’s coming. You’re expecting a cute, sugary sweet contemporary romance that you can breeze through in a weekend while drinking an iced latte. You expect a meet-cute, some low-stakes drama, and a happy ending that feels like a warm hug.
But if you’ve been following Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé’s career since her massive debut Ace of Spades, you know she doesn't really do "simple."
Honestly, this book is a bit of a Trojan horse. It’s got the small-town vibes and the summer-job energy, sure. But tucked inside that "fluff" is a really sharp, sometimes painful look at the pressures of being a "perfect" person in a world that’s waiting for you to fail. It’s about being a Black girl in a predominantly white space, the weight of family expectations, and the weird, messy transition from being a kid to being an adult.
It’s good. Like, really good.
The Story Behind the Summer Job
So, here’s the setup. We follow Alana, a girl who basically just wants to survive her final summer before heading off to university. She works at her family’s Caribbean bakery—which, side note, the descriptions of the food will actually make you hungry—in a quaint little town called Shrubestall.
Alana is kind of a perfectionist.
She’s spent her whole life trying to be the "good girl." She’s got the grades, she’s got the dependable reputation, and she’s got the plan. But then her grandmother (who is a total force of nature) enters her into a local pageant. And not just any pageant—the "Queen of the Harvest" competition.
It’s the kind of town tradition that feels a little bit outdated and a lot bit stressful.
The If It Makes You Happy book really shines when it dives into Alana’s internal monologue about this. She isn’t just worried about winning or losing; she’s worried about what it means to be "seen" by a town that has very specific ideas about who she should be.
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It’s Not Just About the Romance (Even Though the Romance is Great)
Okay, I have to talk about the love interest because, let's be honest, that's why many of us pick up contemporary YA. There’s a boy. His name is Silas. He’s the local "bad boy" archetype, but Faridah subverts that pretty quickly. He’s not a jerk. He’s actually incredibly supportive and sees Alana for who she really is, not just the polished version she presents to the world.
Their chemistry is top-tier. It’s slow-burn, it’s respectful, and it’s genuinely sweet.
But the real "romance" in this book? It’s Alana’s relationship with herself.
She has to unlearn the idea that her value is tied to her achievements. That’s a heavy lesson for a teenager. It's a heavy lesson for anyone. If you've ever felt like you're performing a version of yourself for your parents or your community, this story is going to hit you right in the chest.
Why Shrubestall Feels So Real
Setting matters. A lot.
Shrubestall feels like one of those towns you see on a postcard—charming, quiet, and seemingly perfect. But as Alana navigates the pageant, the cracks start to show. The book explores the subtle (and not-so-subtle) ways that being one of the few Black families in a small English town affects your psyche.
Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé is a master at this. She doesn't always hit you over the head with it; she lets it simmer in the background of everyday interactions. It’s in the comments from neighbors. It’s in the "compliments" that feel like insults. It’s in the pressure Alana feels to be twice as good to get half as much credit.
It’s realistic.
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It makes the "happy" parts of the book feel earned. Because life isn't a rom-com 24/7. Sometimes it’s awkward and uncomfortable and frustrating.
The Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé Factor
If you read Ace of Spades, you know Faridah is known for high-octane thrillers with massive twists. So, is If It Makes You Happy a departure?
Yes and no.
The pacing is different. It’s more of a character study than a "run for your life" mystery. But the sharp social commentary is still there. The voice is still unmistakably hers—witty, observant, and deeply empathetic. She has this way of writing teenagers where they actually sound like teenagers. They’re dramatic, they make mistakes, they’re obsessed with their friends, and they’re trying to figure out where they fit in.
It’s refreshing.
What People Get Wrong About This Book
People see the cover and think it’s "light."
"Light" usually implies that it’s forgettable. That it doesn't have substance. That’s a mistake. While it is a "happier" book than her debut, it deals with anxiety, grief, and the systemic issues that don't just go away because you found a cute boyfriend.
The title itself—If It Makes You Happy—is almost a question directed at the reader.
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Is doing what everyone else wants you to do actually making you happy? Or are you just doing it because it’s the path of least resistance?
Alana’s journey toward answering that question is the heart of the novel. It’s about reclaiming your joy. It’s about realizing that "happiness" isn't a destination you reach by checking off boxes on a to-do list.
Why You Should Read It Now
We’re living in a time where everyone is burnt out. Even the kids. Especially the kids.
This book is a balm for that burnout. It’s a reminder that it’s okay to change your mind. It’s okay to not want the things you were "supposed" to want.
It’s also just a really fun read. The bakery scenes will make you want to go find the nearest Jamaican patty. The friendship dynamics are messy and beautiful. The ending doesn't feel forced. It feels right.
Actionable Steps for Readers
If you're planning to pick up the If It Makes You Happy book, or if you've just finished it and you're wondering what to do with all those feelings, here’s how to actually lean into the themes:
- Audit your "shoulds." Alana’s life was dictated by what she should do. Take ten minutes and write down three things you do regularly just because you feel obligated. Ask yourself if they actually serve you.
- Support Black-owned bakeries. The book celebrates the importance of community hubs. Find a local Caribbean or Black-owned bakery in your area and go try something new. It’s a direct way to connect with the culture celebrated in the book.
- Read Faridah’s full catalog. If you haven't read Ace of Spades or her short stories, do it. Seeing the range of her writing—from dark academia thriller to sunny contemporary—gives you a much deeper appreciation for how she handles themes of race and identity across genres.
- Reflect on your "pageant." We all have something we’re performing for. Maybe it’s LinkedIn, maybe it’s your family reunions, maybe it’s your Instagram feed. Identify the "costume" you’re wearing and see what happens when you take it off for a day.
This book isn't just a summer read; it's a call to figure out what actually makes you happy, regardless of the audience. Don't let the cute cover fool you. There's a lot of soul in these pages.
Go grab a copy. Seriously. You won't regret it.