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How To Be Happy

A Memoir of Sex, Love and Teenage Confusion
3.73 goodreads logo

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( 259 ratings, 78 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
How To Be Happy by David Burton is a young adult memoir where the author candidly shares his teenage struggles with identity, depression, and the search for happiness. Through personal anecdotes and reflections, Burton navigates the complexities of adolescence, offering insights into the challenges of growing up and finding one's path in the world.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$2600
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you're interested in a heartfelt journey of self-discovery set in the vibrant and often challenging world of adolescence. It offers a genuine exploration of identity, mental health, and the pursuit of happiness, providing both relatable insights and moments of inspiration for young adults navigating their own paths.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

An important and timely memoir of adolescence that will make you laugh and cry, sometimes at the same time.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

A funny, sad and serious memoir, How to Be Happy is David Burton's story of his turbulent life at high school and beyond.

He longs to have a girlfriend, but his first date is a disaster. There's the catastrophe of the school swimming carnival—David is not sporty—and friendships that take devastating turns.

Then he finds some solace in drama classes with the creation of 'Crazy Dave', and he builds a life where everything is fine. But everything is not fine.

At the centre of it all, trying desperately to work it all out, is the real David.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

How to Be Happy by David Burton is lauded for its honest portrayal of the challenges of adolescence, addressing themes like sexuality, identity, and mental health with humour and insight. The memoir is praised for its poignant depiction of anxiety and depression, making it relatable and supportive for young readers navigating similar issues. Readers appreciate its blend of humour and honesty, which makes it both enlightening and entertaining.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781925240344

Publisher: Text Publishing

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 26 August 2015

Country: Australia

Imprint: The Text Publishing Company

Audience: Teenage

DIMENSIONS

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 199.0mm

Weight: 250g

Pages: 288

About the Author

David Burton is a writer from Brisbane, now based in Sydney, best known for his theatre work. His play April's Fool (Playlab Press) toured nationally in 2012. He has recently co-written Hedonism's Second Album for La Boite indie, and The Landmine Is Me for Queensland Theatre Company. A speaker and presenter in school across Queensland, David is passionate about sharing his remarkable story with young people. How to Be Happy won the Text Prize for Young Adult and Children's Writing in 2014.

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