Happiness Sold Separately (Book Review)

Ryan Hadley is a self-described well educated, reasonably intelligent, modern American girl. When she says goodbye to her boyfriend after graduating from college and moves to New York City, she has high hopes for her future. Four years later, she is stuck in a boring data-entry job while her best friends, Audrey, Veronica, and Will, are moving up the ladder of success. Not only that, but her ex-boyfriend has moved to the city showcasing his own achievements (with a few surprises in tow).  

This series of events forces Ryan to contemplate the state of her life. Overnight, she realizes that she needs to stop being afraid to take chances with both her personal life and her career. And so she makes a list with such goals as to learn how to ride a horse, acquire grace and poise, and floss daily. Soon, she starts to see a difference both in and around her.  

I’m not going to lie, this book is mostly for entertainment purposes, though it does have some important life lessons to convey through Ryan’s growth as an adult. Her doubts and limitations are similar to my own and many others in the years during and after college. This relatability is what makes it so great to read every once in awhile, as it reminds me that life is meant to be lived to the fullest. So if you ever feel like a lighthearted and funny read, take a chance and pick this book up at the library.