More Happy Than Not summary

Exploring the Leteo Institute

In More Happy Than Not by Adam Silvera, we are introduced to Aaron Soto, a sixteen-year-old boy living in a Bronx neighborhood. Aaron is struggling with his father's recent suicide and the financial difficulties his family is facing. To cope with his pain, Aaron seeks out the Leteo Institute, a facility that offers a procedure to erase unwanted memories. Aaron is intrigued by the possibility of forgetting his father's death and the emotional turmoil that followed.

At the same time, Aaron is also dealing with his sexual orientation. He has been in a relationship with his girlfriend, Genevieve, but he is increasingly drawn to his new friend, Thomas. Aaron's growing feelings for Thomas confuse and scare him, especially in a society that is not entirely accepting of homosexuality. He begins to question whether undergoing the Leteo procedure could help him erase his unwanted feelings for Thomas.

Struggles with Identity and Acceptance

As Aaron grapples with his identity and the societal pressures around him, he becomes more and more determined to undergo the Leteo procedure. He believes that by erasing his memories, he can escape the pain of his father's death and the confusion of his sexuality. However, his plans are disrupted when Thomas, who has undergone the procedure himself, warns Aaron about its devastating side effects.

Despite Thomas' warning, Aaron decides to go through with the procedure. However, his resolve weakens when he discovers that Genevieve, too, has undergone the procedure to forget about her own traumatic experiences. Aaron realizes that the Leteo procedure is not a solution but a way of avoiding reality, and he begins to question the true nature of happiness.

Confronting Reality and Embracing Truth

As Aaron's scheduled procedure date approaches, he is forced to confront the harsh realities of his life. His mother, who has been struggling to make ends meet, is devastated by the news of his decision. Aaron also realizes that he cannot simply erase his feelings for Thomas, as they are an integral part of who he is. He understands that true happiness comes from accepting oneself and facing life's challenges head-on.

In a dramatic turn of events, Aaron attempts to take his own life, but he is saved in time. This near-tragic experience serves as a wake-up call for Aaron, prompting him to reevaluate his priorities. He decides to embrace his true self, including his feelings for Thomas, and to face his father's death and his own struggles with mental health.

Embracing Hope and Self-Acceptance

In the end, Aaron chooses not to undergo the Leteo procedure. He realizes that happiness is not about erasing painful memories or denying one's true identity, but about accepting oneself and finding hope in the face of adversity. Aaron's journey is a powerful exploration of identity, acceptance, and the complexities of human emotions.

As More Happy Than Not concludes, Aaron's story is not neatly tied up with a bow. Instead, it ends with a sense of hope and resilience. Aaron's experiences have taught him that life is not about being happy all the time, but about finding the strength to navigate its ups and downs. His story is a poignant reminder that true happiness comes from embracing our authentic selves, no matter how difficult that may be.