If It Makes You Happy Book Review & Discussion Questions
If It Makes You Happy by Julie Olivia was one of my most anticipated fall reads, and I knew I had to kick off the season with it. And honestly? It was exactly the kind of book I wanted to sink into. Cozy, nostalgic, and full of those -BER month vibes that instantly make me feel like fall is really here.
The book is set in 1997, which I absolutely loved because the late 90s and early 2000s basically define how I envision fall and spooky season. Reading this book scratched that nostalgia itch in the best way–disposable cameras, fax machines, wired phones, 90s music, and even the occasional pay phone. There’s just something so special about a time before constant notifications and social media. Communication had to be intentional, and that makes everything feel a little more meaningful. Julie Olivia nailed that atmosphere, and it gave the story an extra coziness that just wouldn’t hit the same in a modern-day setting.
The story follows Michelle, who reconnects with Cliff, a longtime friend and single dad running a bed and breakfast in Vermont. Their relationship shifts from friendship to romance while Michelle is navigating complicated family grief, unresolved feelings toward her late mother, and the kind of crossroads moment where she has to decide between the life she imagined for herself and the one that’s unfolding around her.
Along the way, she builds a meaningful relationship with Cliff’s two daughters, and the family dynamic becomes a huge part of the heart of the story. We move through Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s, which made it feel like the ultimate seasonal book–perfect for anyone who wants to live in the fall-to-winter stretch for a little while longer.
I gave this one 4 out of 5 stars. It was so close to being a 5 for me because I loved how cozy and nostalgic it felt, but I did have a few hang-ups. Michelle tested my patience sometimes. Her arguments with Cliff didn’t always land, and her growth journey dragged on a little longer than I thought it needed to. I also wasn’t a fan of the narrative choice to make the dog, Rocket, feel almost sentient–especially with the entire epilogue told through his perspective. It was quirky, but for me, it broke the spell a bit. That said, the family dynamics more than made up for it. Cliff’s relationship with his daughters was heartfelt, and Michelle’s bond with Emily, the older daughter, felt especially real and earned. Those relationships were easily my favorite part of the book.
Overall, this book just made me feel happy and warm. It had the nostalgic '90s vibes, the seasonal coziness, and the kind of family-centered storytelling that sticks with you. Sure, it wasn’t perfect, but it left me with that “curl up on the couch with a blanket and cider” feeling, which is exactly what I want from a fall read.
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Book Club Discussion Questions*
Fun fact: I used to run a book club a few years ago, and lately I’ve been toying with the idea of starting up a new one just for seasonal reads. Consider this your little teaser–here are some questions to get you (and maybe my future book club buddies!) chatting. And if you’d be interested in joining in, let me know in the comments!
*SPOILERS AHEAD
The book is set in 1997. What parts of the late ‘90s stood out most to you, and how did the nostalgia add to the story? If you could design your perfect fall day in 1997, what would it look like?
Michelle struggles with unresolved feelings toward her mother. If she had the chance for one final conversation, what do you think she should have said–and what might she have needed to hear?
Cliff faces tough decisions as a father, especially during Emily’s pregnancy scare. How would you have reacted in his shoes? Do you think his response was fair?
The romance between Cliff and Michelle grows out of a long friendship. How do you think their friends-to-lovers foundation will affect their relationship in the long run?
Sarah and Michelle are framed as opposites throughout the book. What similarities do you see between them, and how do those similarities complicate their dynamic?
Michelle spends much of the story torn between the path she planned for herself and the one life seemed to hand her. Have you ever faced a similar fork in the road? Which path did you choose, and why?
The family relationships in this book are a huge part of the story. Which family dynamic resonated with you most, and how did it shape your experience of the book?
Rocket, the family dog, takes on an unusual role in the narrative—even narrating the epilogue. Did this choice work for you, or did it pull you out of the story?
The book takes us through Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s. Which holiday section did you enjoy most, and why?
Owning and running a small bed and breakfast in Vermont seems idyllic. If you had the chance to run one, what would you do to make it successful and uniquely yours?