The Unhappiest Place on Earth

*no spoilers

Remember that feeling of passing your hallway crush in high school? Now, remember when they smiled at you, and suddenly your whole day was better? Throughout the day, you were only thinking of that interaction. That is how reading Jade Gonzalez’s The Unhappiest Place on Earth felt. Her writing instantly transported me back to high school- and yes, in a good way. 

I am such a sucker for cutesy young adult novels that make you feel all giddy inside, and Gonzalez absolutely nails it on the head. 

The Unhappiest Place on Earth follows the final week of seventeen-year-old Weston Hill-Cho’s senior year. Weston is Mr. Popular, Class President, Valedictorian, the whole high school package. There is just one problem: he hates Disneyland, the very place his senior trip is headed. Right before boarding the bus, Weston discovers an anonymous note written in the back of his yearbook, “Meet me at the castle just as the fireworks start. I’ll be waiting.” But who could have left it? 

If you ever read and loved a Lynn Painter novel, add Jade Gonzalez to your list! This book took my heart and gave it the sweetest, most needed hug.