If It Makes You Happy - Paperback

If It Makes You Happy by Claire Kann

Claire Kann's If It Makes You Happy is a coming-of-age novel about a young girl learning to embrace her cultural and sexual identity.

Winnie is living her best fat girl life and is on her way to the best place on earth. No, not Disneyland--her Granny's diner, Goldeen's, in the small town of Misty Haven. While there, she works in her fabulous 50's inspired uniform, twirling around the diner floor and earning an obscene amount of tips. With her family and ungirlfriend at her side, she has everything she needs for one last perfect summer before starting college in the fall.

...until she becomes Misty Haven's Summer Queen in a highly anticipated matchmaking tradition that she wants absolutely nothing to do with.

Newly crowned, Winnie is forced to take center stage in photoshoots and a never-ending list of community royal engagements. Almost immediately, she discovers that she's deathly afraid of it all: the spotlight, the obligations, and the way her Merry Haven Summer King, wears his heart, humor, and honesty on his sleeve.

Stripped of Goldeen's protective bubble, to salvage her summer Winnie must conquer her fears, defy expectations, and be the best Winnie she knows she can be--regardless of what anyone else thinks of her.

About the Story

This contemporary young adult novel features a confident Black protagonist navigating small-town traditions, family expectations, and self-discovery. Set against the backdrop of a charming diner and a quirky matchmaking tradition, the story explores themes of body positivity, queer identity, and finding courage in unexpected places. Winnie's journey from comfortable anonymity to reluctant royalty challenges her to grow beyond her comfort zone while staying true to herself.