About the book
From Adi Alsaid, the acclaimed author of Let’s Get Lost, Never Always Sometimes, and We Didn’t Ask for This
What do you do when you want to run away — but you end up finding yourself?
A dual citizen of Mexico and the United States, Carlos Portillo is happy to follow the well-worn path to a future of comfort and ease in Mexico City that’s been planned for him since birth. But when his older brother Felix—who defied their parents to live a life of adventure—is tragically killed, Carlos is determined to live out his own dreams for the both of them.
He escapes to San Juan Island off the coast of Washington state and gets a job with a celebrity chef he’s admired from afar for years. But while things are coming together for him in the kitchen, a forbidden romance with his boss’s daughter could end his career before it even begins. Finally living for himself, Carlos learns that reality doesn’t come with a road map to an easy life — but does finding your true path mean following your head? Or your heart?
“An exceptional tale of grief, ambition, love, and maturity.”—Kirkus Reviews, starred review
A YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adult nominee
A Bank Street Best Children’s Book of the Year
A TAYSHAS Reading List Book
Editions of North of Happy
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780373212286
- EBook
- ISBN 9781488015359
Read an Excerpt
From Adi Alsaid, the acclaimed author of Let’s Get Lost, Never Always Sometimes, and We Didn’t Ask for This
What do you do when you want to run away — but you end up finding yourself?
A dual citizen of Mexico and the United States, Carlos Portillo is happy to follow the well-worn path to a future of comfort and ease in Mexico City that’s been planned for him since birth. But when his older brother Felix—who defied their parents to live a life of adventure—is tragically killed, Carlos is determined to live out his own dreams for the both of them.
He escapes to San Juan Island off the coast of Washington state and gets a job with a celebrity chef he’s admired from afar for years. But while things are coming together for him in the kitchen, a forbidden romance with his boss’s daughter could end his career before it even begins. Finally living for himself, Carlos learns that reality doesn’t come with a road map to an easy life — but does finding your true path mean following your head? Or your heart?
“An exceptional tale of grief, ambition, love, and maturity.”—Kirkus Reviews, starred review
A YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adult nominee
A Bank Street Best Children’s Book of the Year
A TAYSHAS Reading List Book
Frequently Asked Questions
What is North of Happy about?
From Adi Alsaid, the acclaimed author of Let’s Get Lost, Never Always Sometimes, and We Didn’t Ask for This
What do you do when you want to run away — but you end up finding yourself?
A dual citizen of Mexico and the United States, Carlos Portillo is happy to follow the well-worn path to a future of comfort and ease in Mexico City that’s been planned for him since birth. But when his older brother Felix—who defied their parents to live a life of adventure—is tragically killed, Carlos is determined to live out his own dreams for the both of them.
He escapes to San Juan Island off the coast of Washington state and gets a job with a celebrity chef he’s admired from afar for years. But while things are coming together for him in the kitchen, a forbidden romance with his boss’s daughter could end his career before it even begins. Finally living for himself, Carlos learns that reality doesn’t come with a road map to an easy life — but does finding your true path mean following your head? Or your heart?
“An exceptional tale of grief, ambition, love, and maturity.”—Kirkus Reviews, starred review
A YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adult nominee
A Bank Street Best Children’s Book of the Year
A TAYSHAS Reading List Book
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in North of Happy?
Children’s, Teenage and Educational > Children’s / Teenage fiction and true stories > Children’s / Teenage fiction: General, modern and contemporary fiction
Where can I read a sample of North of Happy?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780373212286
Who is/are the Author/s of the book North of Happy?
Adi Alsaid
Who is the Publisher of the book North of Happy?
Harlequin
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
North of Happy is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780373212286) and ebook(ISBN 9781488015359)
Where can I buy North of Happy online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy North of Happy from below
Where can I buy North of Happy?