North of Happy

Name: North of Happy
Brand: Recorded Books
Availability: InStock
Author: Adi Alsaid
ISBN: 9781501956935

Author: Adi Alsaid

Narrator: Luis Moreno

Unabridged: 8 hr 40 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Recorded Books

Published: 04/25/2017

Categories: Young Adult Fiction, Cooking & Food, Romance, Contemporary Romance, Social Themes

Synopsis

His whole life has been mapped out for him. Carlos Portillo has always led a privileged and sheltered life. A dual citizen of Mexico and the United States, he lives in Mexico City with his wealthy family, where he attends an elite international school. Always a rule follower and a parent pleaser, Carlos is more than happy to tread the well-worn path in front of him. He has always loved food and cooking, but his parents see it as just a hobby. When his older brother, Felix-who has dropped out of college to live a life of travel-is tragically killed, Carlos begins hearing his brother's voice, giving him advice and pushing him to rebel against his father's plan for him. Worrying about his mental health but knowing the voice is right, Carlos runs away to the United States and manages to secure a job with his favorite celebrity chef. As he works to improve his skills in the kitchen and pursue his dream, he begins to fall for his boss's daughter-a fact that could end his career before it begins. Finally living for himself, Carlos must decide what's most important to him and where his true path really lies.

About Adi Alsaid

Born and raised in Mexico City, Adi Alsaid is the author of several young adult novels including Let’s Get Lost, We Didn’t Ask for This, and North of Happy, a Kirkus Reviews Best Book nominee. He also wrote the middle grade books The Bravest Warrior in Nefaria and The Greatest Heist in Joviala and edited Come on In: 15 Stories about Immigration and Finding Home. He currently lives in Chicago with his wife and two cats, where he occasionally spills hot sauce on things (and cats).

Reviews

Goodreads review by Meredith (Trying to catch up!)

3.5 stars YA novel with potential; a story about family, grief, and first love brought together by one character’s passion for food. 18 year old Carlos has lived a privileged life in Mexico City. He lives in awe of his older brother, Felix, who left home to pursue his dreams. The brothers bond over th......more

Goodreads review by Aj the Ravenous Reader

Another unexpected lovely read that reminds me very much of a recent book which I also adored (Invisible Ghosts). North of Happy kind of has a similar premise because the main characters in both stories suffer the loss of their older brother and now their ghost is haunting the still living brother a......more

Goodreads review by Yusra

this was a really random pick at the library and I was hoping I wasn't going to be disappointed. and you know, surprisingly it was okay! the romance was kinda bad. I'm lying. it was really bad. basically we have Carlos here, and his parents are throwing him this big party, but he's still suffering th......more

Goodreads review by Laurie

Absolutely fantastic - beautifully written. But so original it's hard to describe adequately - best I can come up with is John Green meets Anthony Bourdain with a strong thread of magical realism. Carlos is fleeing his privileged life in Mexico City after the death of his brother - finding work in a......more

Goodreads review by Cori

HELLO, unique book. If you like contemporary stories about travel, first jobs, romance, grief, family, culture, and FOOD, go pick up this book! I spent many years working in kitchens (and even kitchens in the Pacific Northwest), and all of the kitchen lingo in here kind of felt like coming home. It a......more