Caitlin Barton loves theatre, dance, Disney, history, and her pets. She is also an avid reader and loves to travel.
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Caitlin Barton • Jul 10, 2022
Happily Ever Island - A Book Review
by Caitlin Barton
Communerdy was fortunate to receive a copy for review of "Happily Ever Island," a new book written by Crystal Cestari, published by Disney Hyperion Books. We thank the Walt Disney Company for this opportunity. Described as a "YA rom-com inspired by Disney fandom," we felt it only appropriate to turn over the book to our teen reviewer, Caitlin Barton. Welcome to the Communerdy, Caitlin!
Happily Ever Island is an immersive Disney experience where guests can choose which character they want to portray. Guests can act out the scenes from Disney movies as if they really are the characters and the movie scenes seem to really happen. For example, Elsa’s ice palace actually grows right before your eyes. If Happily Ever Island was real, I would definitely love to go!
In the story, Madison is a huge Disney fan thanks to her Grandmother who shared the magic of Disney with her. Things aren’t going well for Madison to begin with. She doesn’t like thinking about her future, so can’t decide on her college major. Then, she is dumped by her girlfriend, Tessa. Thankfully her best friend Lanie is always there for her. When Madison wins the contest to go to Happily Ever Island, she invites Lanie to come with her.
Lanie has always focused on more practical things and is studying to be a doctor. She’s not the Disney superfan that Madison is, but she agrees to go with Madison anyway. Lanie portrays Merida on the island, while Madison plays Cinderella.
Once they arrive at Happily Ever Island, they meet other people who are on this adventure with them. Lanie (Merida) seems especially enamored the man portraying Prince Charming, while Madison (Cinderella) is interested in Val, one of the Cast Members working on the island.
Happily Ever Island is was such a fun book to read that I actually read it in only one day. Disney references abound that will delight fans. One of the details that I loved was the chapter titles were all names of popular Disney songs. I would definitely recommend this book to teenage and adult Disney fans.
"Happily Ever Island" (Disney-Hyperion Books) by Crystal Cestari was publicly released on June 7, 2022, and is available online and in bookstores.
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