3 Star Mini Book Review: The Happy Life of Isadora Bentley by Courtney Walsh, A Clean, Wholesome Romantic Comedy
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary e-copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts are my own and I was not required to post a positive review. Also, this blog post includes affiliate links. You can view my affiliate disclaimer here.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Isadora Bentley follows the rules. Isadora Bentley likes things just so. Isadora Bentley believes that happiness is something that flat-out doesn’t exist in her life—and never will.
As a university researcher, Isadora keeps to herself as much as possible. She avoids the students she’s supposed to befriend and mentor. She stays away from her neighbors and lives her own quiet, organized life in her own quiet, organized apartment. And she will never get involved in a romantic relationship again—especially with another academic. It will be just Isadora and her research. Forever.
But on her thirtieth birthday, Isadora does something completely out of character. The young woman who never does anything “on a whim” makes an impulse purchase of a magazine featuring a silly article detailing “Thirty-One Ways to Be Happy”—which includes everything from smiling at strangers to exercising for endorphins to giving in to your chocolate cravings. Isadora decides to create her own secret research project—proving the writer of the ridiculous piece wrong.
As Isadora gets deeper into her research—and meets a handsome professor along the way—she’s stunned to discover that maybe, just maybe, she’s proving herself wrong. Perhaps there’s actually something to this happiness concept, and possibly there’s something to be said for loosening up and letting life take you somewhere . . . happy.
MY REVIEW: ★★★ 3/5 Stars
Audiobook: 4 Star Rating for Narrator - Enjoyed her!
The Happy Life of Isadora Bentley was unconventional and fun! Author Courtney Walsh takes readers on an insightful, hilarious journey into the mind of a young woman who’s quirky, single and highly analytical. As researcher Isadora Bentley finds herself attempting 31 ways to be happy, purely for research and the sake of disproving the magazine article’s author, embarking on a journey that leads her to self-discovery, newfound friendships and love.
This book was well written, often causing me to smile and laugh out loud at the innermost thoughts Isadora has. She’s a truly relatable, memorable character who is introverted, outspoken and often comes across as socially awkward. Her character’s growth in this story is very rewarding as she is forced to confront her feelings over past heartbreak, self-worth and struggles with inadequacy. Through that, readers will find threads of self-assurance, the idea of choosing happiness daily and stepping outside of one’s comfort zone.
I loved the secondary characters in this story as much as I loved Isadora (sometimes more!), and thought this to be a creative, imaginative storyline. About 2/3 of the way through the story, I started to lose interest, but pushed through. The dark moment happened and the events following led to a good, albeit predictable ending (though I seriously struggled with Isadora’s actions). Some sweet and tender thoughts and words were shared at the end that perfectly tied up the story, and Isadora’s quest, so I was glad I saw the story through.
Overall, a lighthearted, funny read that’s great for a quiet afternoon or a mood booster. The story will appeal to a wide variety of readers including secular readers and YA. It is a clean and wholesome read.
Content Note: G Rating, lightly touched on toxic parent and toxic past relationship
NetGalley had this book classified under the genre of Christian Women's Fiction, but there are NO faith-based elements, only elements of personal growth and no mention of God or faith and the role that God/Faith/Religion plays into life or happiness.
