What readers think of Happiness, plus links to write your own review.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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".

There are two parallel stories here evoking both emotions above. The ongoing battle of a sick child was recounted in a poignant way with what, I assume to be, a pretty realistic view of how one's mind ping pongs back and forth as it receives each onslaught of difficult news. The highs and lows are presented as mini roller coasters which catapult the reader into what the family's emotions must be going through.
The second tale which parallels the first is the "romance" between the two parents. Brutally honest, it did not sugar coat the mother's indecision or distaste for the father's choices or decisions. It wasn't a happily ever after but rather a well worn path to get to a loving understanding.
I was very touched by this book although I caution parents if they read this...many times I verged on the "there but for the grace of God....". A touching tribute to a parent's love and children's resiliency when they have that love.

Memoirs are not what I normally read. However, when I read about "Happiness " on First Impressions I decided to go for it. I am so glad I did. From page one to the last sentence, I was hooked. I was cheering for Gracie, and so amazed how Heather was handling what was happening. There was no way I could imagine what that family was going through. I was so glad that the author gave the reader an update on how things turned out and how the family was doing now. This is a wonderful book and I am so impressed that the author wrote the it.