Alice Bliss
320
Novel • Fiction
Northeast USA • 2000s
2011
YA
14-18 years
Alice Bliss by Laura Harrington is a coming-of-age novel that follows fifteen-year-old Alice Bliss as she navigates adolescence and first love while coping with the absence of her father, Matt, who is deployed to Iraq with his National Guard reserve unit. As her mother, Angie, struggles to manage, Alice steps up to fill her father's role, ultimately finding strength through family and friends. The novel contains themes of grief and loss.
Melancholic
Emotional
Bittersweet
Contemplative
Heartwarming
3,312 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Alice Bliss by Laura Harrington is a poignant coming-of-age novel that masterfully addresses themes of loss, love, and resilience. Readers praise its emotional depth and relatable characters, particularly the protagonist. However, some find its pacing slow and occasional plot elements predictable. Overall, it's a heartfelt read with impactful storytelling.
Readers who enjoy heartfelt, coming-of-age narratives with strong emotional undercurrents will appreciate Alice Bliss by Laura Harrington. Fans of The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold and The Memory Keeper's Daughter by Kim Edwards will find a similar blend of personal growth, family dynamics, and poignant storytelling.
3,312 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Alice Bliss was developed into a stage musical with music by Jenny Giering, lyrics by Adam Gwon, and book by Karen Hartman, premiering in 2011 at the Playwrights Horizons.
Author Laura Harrington received the Massachusetts Cultural Council Artist Fellowship in Playwriting, which helped her transition from writing plays to writing her first novel, Alice Bliss.
Subscribe to discover more Fun Facts!
Notably, Alice Bliss was chosen as a "People Pick" by People Magazine shortly after its release, highlighting its literary impact and appeal.
Subscribe to discover more Fun Facts!
320
Novel • Fiction
Northeast USA • 2000s
2011
YA
14-18 years
We’re just getting started
Add this title to our list of requested Study Guides!