A very moving read, even more so when you read more about the author and her own battle with cancer.
In the book, Anna meets Polly one day at the hospital and seems to become Polly's project. Set over a short timescale the plan is to do one thing to make them happy every day, some funny, some happy and some just turn out to be sad. A good read which gives you something to think about.

Such a lovely read. It was so easy to get completely caught up with the characters that it was hard, at the end, not to carry on and find out what happened next. Moving, thought-provoking, with some very amusing moments. Costas is a marvel

I was first drawn to this book because of its beautiful cover and was looking for an easy uplifting read. This book was definitely more than that . It is a book that makes you think of your own life and the importance of living it to the full nod appreciating everything we have. An beautifully written emotional read.

Read this book so quickly - it’s a beautiful story.

When I first requested this book on Netgalley it was because I was on the look out for uplifting easy reads and promptly forgot all about it until a couple of weeks ago when I received my accepted request email; I suppose I delved in expecting from the cover a bit of a twee, cute book that would be motivational/comedic, I was so, so far off. This book is incredible.

It is reminiscent of Me Before You and The Fault In Their Stars, a bold claim I know considering their immense influence, but trust me, if you are a fan you will adore this book. Like the aforementioned titles, How To Be Happy is a rollercoaster of emotional turmoil; there are incredibly hilarious, cringing, uplifting, heartbreaking, breathtaking, poignant and devastating tales and happenings woven in to the friendship of Polly and Annie, and those around them pulled in to the whirlwind and those ghosts from both their pasts.

Yes this is a story about cancer, about seizing the day and about creating your own happy, but it also covers so many other very gritty and pertinent issues within society; from homelessness, grief, dementia, to our overworked amazing NHS staff, to complicated friendships, loneliness, refugees, and so many more; yet this story flows and blossoms amongst all of these issues, just as we all have our own imperfect, complicated, inspiring lives. The transformation of Annie throughout the book is powerful; the hints at who she was "before", the character we meet in the first few pages and the warrior we see at the end is both relatable and extraordinary, it encapsulates the journey of enlightenment and salvation.

There is a wonderful poetry to Eva Wood's writing, the dialogues and subtle mannerisms of the characters that are brought to life with such familiarity by seemingly very few words yet so much is said. The length of the book is quite long in comparison but I felt every chapter (cleverly presented as a day out of one hundred) was worth savouring and allowed for an absorption of the enormity of what is tackled over just a hundred days.

I can genuinely see this book making an impeccable film screenplay, I'd love to see it become a movie. Take tissues!

How To Be Happy is a beautiful mix of fluffy fun and heartbreaking sadness. The story is centred around Annie and Polly. They are both wonderful and complex characters. Polly is dying but is nevertheless very colourful and cheerful, whereas Annie is full of sadness. They become close friends and take part in a 100 days of happiness challenge.
I loved both these women and their struggles. Of course, there’s lots of sadness in this book, but because other parts or so much lighter and more fun, it never becomes a sentimental sob story. At the same time, it always has much more depth and complexity than a light and fluffy story.
There wasn’t much I didn’t like about this book, but there were a few little inconsistencies and I had to work a little to suspend my disbelief in some parts. I also thought George’s <spoiler>abusive ex-boyfriend</spoiler> was a bit too much, and I felt the romance could’ve received some more attention. But that’s just nitpicking. This book is great and I look forward to reading more books by this author.
4.5 stars

A book where you know at least one person dies doesn’t sound like it’s going to be uplifting but if I had to use one word to describe How To Be Happy, by Eva Woods, it would be that.

There’s something about this story that really appealed to me. I know it won’t be everyone’s cup of tea - it covers difficult, sensitive topics (and could even be a trigger for some) - but it made me laugh and cry (and not just sad tears).

I felt completely absorbed by the mix of characters and their unfolding story.

The somewhat gallows humour is refreshing and the take on life, love, death and what it means to be happy genuinely made me think.

While Annie is (understandably, once you get into the story) living in shades of grey, Polly is running around in a rainbow. While it initially looks like Polly is bringing colour back into Annie’s world, it becomes clear that Annie has a part to play in helping Polly deal with her situation too.

They are unlikely friends but each has something the other needs and seeing how they grow and change is inspiring.

All of the characters have their own issues and it’s so well written I got really caught up in their lives.

It makes for heart breaking reading at times – and not just to do with Polly – but it’s also entertaining and funny. I couldn’t help but think how good it would be as a film.

How To Be Happy is an important reminder that we never know what tomorrow might bring (although if it brings you this book, I hope it also comes with tissues).

With thanks to Little, Brown Book Group (via NetGalley) for the ARC in return for my honest opinion.

How to be Happy by Eva Woods a thought provoking four-star read. I am going to start this off by saying I don’t think everyone will enjoy this read, as the subject matter isn’t for everyone as someone with a brain tumour isn’t a cheerful subject, but having seen the effects both in my personal life with a very good friend and through work as I deal with terminal illness on a daily basis I loved the refreshingness of the story. This is a great story showing you how no matter how dark and grey your life is there is always another option, and Polly will show you no matter how many lemons life throws at you, you can always make lemonade, lemon soufflé, lemon tart. When you have one goal in mind, you make it the best you can.
If you need a life affirming read, then go buy this book, if death and dying isn’t something you feel comfortable with try this book, it may make you see that it’s not all dark and depressing, life is what you make it.