Angie Kim's Happiness Falls has been widely praised for its compelling plot and intricate character development. Reviewers appreciate its insightful exploration of complex themes and the inclusivity of diverse narratives. However, some readers find the pacing uneven and note that certain plot points could be more thoroughly developed. Overall, it's a thought-provoking and engaging read.

Readers who appreciate deeply emotional, character-driven stories and narratives that explore family dynamics and neurodiversity, much like Celeste Ng's Little Fires Everywhere and Kristin Hannah's The Nightingale, will be captivated by Angie Kim's Happiness Falls. The novel offers a poignant look at the complexities of human relationships.

In Angie Kim’s novel Happiness Falls, narrator Mia Parkson’s father Adam goes missing, leading Mia and her family to search for answers while grappling with complex issues such as the Korean American experience, autism, racism, and immigration amidst the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic. The family's investigation uncovers Adam’s research on happiness and Eugene’s evolving communication abilities on a letterboard. The novel includes depictions of bullying, rape, and racism.

Mysterious / Emotional / Contemplative / Melancholic

- "Happiness Falls" by Angie Kim has been praised for its unique narrative style, which combines elements of mystery and family drama to explore complex themes.
- Angie Kim, the author of "Happiness Falls," is a former trial attorney, and she draws on her legal background to add depth and realism to the stories she writes.

**Mia Parkson**  
The first-person narrator known for her intelligence and musical talent, who navigates complex family dynamics and personal growth throughout the story.

**John Parkson**  
Mia's twin brother, optimistic and caring, who works at a therapy center for neurodiverse individuals and is passionate about special education.

**Eugene Parkson**  
Mia and John's 14-year-old brother with autism and mosaic Angelman syndrome, who is nonverbal but begins to communicate through alternative means.

**Hannah Parkson**  
Mia's mother, a PhD in applied linguistics, who is affectionate toward Eugene and struggles with guilt related to their communication challenges.

**Adam Parkson**  
Father of the Parkson siblings, who is characterized by his philosophical interests and deep involvement in his children’s lives, despite being absent from the narrative after his disappearance.

**Detective Morgan Janus**  
A law enforcement figure involved in the search for Adam and issues surrounding Eugene, noted for her distinctive appearance and ambiguous intentions.

**Shannon Haug**  
A lawyer for families at Eugene’s therapy center, depicted as competent despite her initially underestimated demeanor.

**Anjeli Rapari**  
Eugene’s therapist known for her expertise with nonverbal clients, who insists on Eugene's intelligence and challenges existing perceptions.

**Vic**  
Mia's ex-boyfriend, who demonstrates thoughtfulness and support for the Parkson family during Adam’s disappearance, and who has experienced systemic racism.

Angie Kim

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “Everyone’s Fine”

Part 1 Happiness Falls Part 1  Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “Happiness Quotient”

Part 2 Happiness Falls Part 2  Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “The New Low Baseline”

Part 3 Happiness Falls Part 3 Summary & Analysis

Part 4: “The Myth of the Happy Nonverbal Bah-Bo”

Part 4 Happiness Falls Part 4 Summary & Analysis

Part 5: “This Is Not a Missing-Person Story”

Part 5 Happiness Falls Part 5 Summary & Analysis

Part 6: “A Hundred Days”

Part 6 Happiness Falls Part 6 Summary & Analysis

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Happiness Falls

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