No One Wants to Read That You're Happy

Donald D'Haene's memoir, 'No One Wants to Read That You're Happy,' is a sobering insight into a life filled with suffering, family dysfunction, disorder and emotional abuse. It is not a feel-good book, but it is impressive in its directness. Donald asks the readers to accompany him on his trip through memories, therapy sessions, and actual letters of people who have touched his past. The book is a time traveller as it goes backward and forward in time, just like real memories. Donald does not want to sugarcoat his tale, he gives it in all its unvarnished, unpolished, and untrue form.

It is a survival story that teaches not to shut up even in the face of reality that is harsh. It addresses any person who felt unheard, misunderstood, or stuck in his or her story.

Authenticity is this book's strength. The author tells only the truth and does not try to demand pity or appear flawless. He has a human, and quite funny but down-to-earth and genuine voice. When you read this piece, you feel like you are talking to someone in a manner that no one else does. Donald does an incredible job dissecting trauma, how it spreads and is sustained. He does this with emotion and clarity, but ensures that the book still remains easy to read. He also lets you see the difficult side of things and how he survived them. This sincerity makes the book a powerful tool.

What is unique about this book is how it is organised and the atmosphere that it creates. It is not linear. Instead, it alternates between childhood, courtrooms, therapy sessions, and personal thoughts. It is awkward initially and that is how individuals recollect trauma, in bits and pieces. What makes it special is how Donald combines the funny and the serious. During the worst of times, he can still find something funny that lets us know he is still here, still fighting. The book does not conclude with a clean and glossy message or the thought that all is fine now. There is no fake happy ending. It is more about how to live and continue despite the pain. It is a courageous thing not to make healing seem flawless; it is all right to be flawed. Using his own name, taking on his past in the media, and speaking without shame and embarrassment sends a powerful message that anyone who has been wronged, their story counts, even if it is not a pretty one.

I give it a four out of five stars. It's real, well-crafted, and completely sincere. This book is like having a conversation with Donald. It's not for everyone, some people would find the topics of trauma, faith and abuse too heavy. But if you've been through hard stuff or you just want to understand how trauma plays out in a person's life, this is a must-read.