Claire Kann’s coming-of-age book “If It Makes You Happy” centers on Winnie, a young child who is coming to terms with her sexuality and culture. Living the good life Winnie works summers at Goldeen’s, her granny’s café in the tiny village of Misty Haven.
She has nothing to do with the tradition of being crowned Misty Haven’s Summer Queen, but it throws her tranquil summer into a loop. Winnie has to face her anxieties go against the grain, and be loyal to herself in the face of attention and responsibilities. This book offers a touching examination of relationships’ intricacies, identity, and self-love.