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There are currently 52 member reviews
for Happiness
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Louise E. (Ocean View, DE)
You Just Never Know
At first I wasn't sure I would like the book Happiness because the author, Heather Harpham and her boyfriend at the time, Brian, were not very mature. She gets pregnant but he doesn't help so she moves across the country to live with her mother. When Gracie is born with a serious illness he starts taking his father/partner role seriously. Reading about what happens to Gracie and how her parents take care of her and each other is a very absorbing story. I don't know how I would handle it if one of my loved ones had a serious illness. Heather was very brave and gave an honest account, the good and bad. I learned a lot about living with someone who is seriously ill. There will be a lot to discuss at our book club meeting.
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Patty S. (Towson, MD)
A Story That Needed to Be Told
If you have ever wondered what the families of children with life-threatening illnesses go through, you should read this book. Or even if you have never wondered such things, you should read this book. Heather Harpham's memoir is about her daughter, Gracie, and it is so much more than that. Born with a blood disease that involves transfusions every few weeks, Gracie may be saved with a bone marrow transplant which is also a life-threatening procedure. Harpham's ability to tell her story with such beauty and heart is an achievement. The story is about love and relationships and fear and courage. As a librarian, I will be recommending it to my patrons as soon as it is released.
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Marci G. (Sicklerville, NJ)
Happiness
I rarely read memoirs. When I opened the package, I was initially disappointed in the selection. Once I started the book, I changed my mind. I was completely invested in the characters and their story. I am happy I had the opportunity to read this book and have recommended to my family and friends.
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Janice A. (Colfax, WI)
Happiness of a child in medical crisis
This memoir is a combination of happiness and sadness. It made me think about the understanding and support parents, relatives, and friends need when facing a major medical crisis involving such a young child. Be prepared to read it in one setting. I could not put it down, as I needed to know what was next for Gracie. The issues in Happiness have not left my thoughts since I read it - this memoir was that well-written and thought provoking.
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Jeanette L. (Marietta, GA)
Happiness
This book is a recompilation of a real part of this author's life making this story more touching and at times more gut-wrenching. When Heather gives birth and holds her baby for the first time, you feel with her the wonder and limitless love one feel for this tiny, perfect person. Ms Harpham has found the words to describe and make us feel with her this incredible part of nature. It is not all bliss and happiness however, shortly after Gracie's birth it is discovered that she has a blood disorder. The book follows Gracie, Heather, Brian and later Gabriel during their in and out of hospitals, the ultimate decision they eventually make which will cure or kill their daughter, The weight this puts on a marriage or partnership almost destroys them. I sometimes found this book a little slow and repetitive but all in all I found it a very good book
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Diane W. (Lake Villa, IL)
Couldn't put this book down...
Started it on a rainy night, thinking I would fall asleep quickly --- and ended up reading the entire book! Filled with joy, sorrow, pain, and yes, happiness --- it was authentic and real and from the heart. Truly speaks to the courage and strength we often don't believe we have -- and the power of a child to evoke these qualities in the parents who love and vow to protect them, whatever it takes personally. I feel honored to have read their story.
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Barbara C. (Fountain Hills, AZ)
Happiness - Is A Moment In Time
What makes a person Happy? Is it money, fame, good looks, good health, another to share our joy? The memoir "Happiness" by Heather Harpham, asks the question: "When, anyway, did happiness become the one golden ring we reach for? How about being guided by what is right or ethical or meaningful...I'd always aimed for what brought me the most joy". Heather muses this question when her daughter, Gracie, born with a deadly blood disorder, may be saved by a sibling's cord blood marrow transplant. Should she, an unwed mother, have another child to save Gracie? The book, written with such poignancy, love and, yes, grace tells Heather's story. At the same time, heartbreaking as Gracie endures sickness, blood transfusions, and ultimately bone marrow transplant, it speaks of the ultimate love and sacrifice parents have for their children. The incredible courage and bravery Gracie and other children undergoing bone marrow transplants possess will break your heart and boost your faith in the strength of character of the human spirit. It is amazing that Heather can write her story with warm humor and compassion, given the trials she, Gracie and her family endured. Read this book. You will smile, you will cry and you will cheer at the threads of happiness the family grasp as they make their journey through "Happiness".
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