If It Makes You Happy by Julie Olivia is praised for its positive representation of body diversity and LGBTQ+ themes, creating a heartwarming and inclusive romance narrative. However, some reviewers note that the pacing can be uneven, impacting the story's flow. Overall, the book is celebrated for its charm and engaging protagonist.

A reader who enjoys If It Makes You Happy by Julie Olivia likely appreciates body positivity, diverse representation, and light-hearted romance. Fans of Dumplin' by Julie Murphy and To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han would find this novel appealing due to its relatable characters and feel-good themes.

Romantic / Heartwarming / Humorous / Upbeat

**Michelle Cadell**  
A thirty-year-old navigating the challenges of life changes, including running her late mother's inn in Copper Run, Vermont, after a divorce and her mother's death. She is known for her stoic demeanor and struggles with connecting to others, making her personal journey significant.

**Cliff Burke**  
A thirty-three-year-old single father who runs a bakery and is a long-time resident of Copper Run, Vermont. His interactions with Michelle challenge his preconceived notions of romance and companionship.

**Emily Burke**  
Sixteen-year-old daughter of Cliff and Tracy, who is trying to find her place while dealing with a complicated family dynamic. She seeks independence and identity mostly through her relationship with her boyfriend, Josh.

**Sara Cadell**  
Michelle’s younger sister, known for her bubbly and energetic demeanor. She is attending art school and is the intended heir to their mother's inn, influencing Michelle’s journey in subtle ways.

**Birdie Cadell**  
Michelle and Sara's deceased mother whose past actions and legacy influence Michelle's storyline. Her memory and the letter she left become pivotal in Michelle’s emotional reconciliation.

**Tracy**  
Cliff’s ex-wife and the mother of Emily and Brittany, living in New York City. She predominantly appears in internal reflections and influences the family’s dynamics through occasional calls and her past decisions.

Study Guide

Book Brief

Explore If It Makes You Happy reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

About If It Makes You Happy

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore If It Makes You Happy and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

If It Makes You Happy Summary and Study Guide

contentWarning

Background

If It Makes You Happy Background

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes depictions of emotional abuse, mental illness, and discussion of illness and death.

Part 1: “September 1997”

Prologue-Part 1

If It Makes You Happy Prologue-Part 1 Summary & Analysis

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of emotional abuse.

Part 2: “October 1997”

Part 2 If It Makes You Happy Part 2 Summary & Analysis

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes sexual content and emotional abuse.

Part 3: “November 1997”

Part 3 If It Makes You Happy Part 3 Summary & Analysis

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes sexual content and death.

Part 4: “December 1997”

Part 4-Epilogue

If It Makes You Happy Part 4-Epilogue Summary & Analysis

character

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of mental illness and death.

Character Analysis

If It Makes You Happy Character Analysis

theme

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of mental illness, emotional abuse, and death.

Themes

If It Makes You Happy Themes

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of death.

Symbols & Motifs

If It Makes You Happy Symbols & Motifs

quote

citation

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes sexual content and discussion of death.

If It Makes You Happy

Book Brief

If It Makes You Happy

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read If It Makes You Happy?