An Abundance of Katherines Happiness Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #4

"Oh my God, Colin. Please. We graduated. We're happy. Celebrate!"

"What, are you afraid to say it?"

"I love you." She would never—not ever—tell him those words in that order ever again. (5.87-89)

Hooray? In one of Colin's memories, he and Katherine go out to celebrate their graduation. They've just hit a huge milestone, but are they happy?

Quote #5

He sketched: Where x = time, and y = happiness, y = 0 beginning of relationship and breakup, y negative = breakup by m, and y positive = breakup by f: my relationship with K-19. (6.4)

It's a wonky idea to begin with: create a math formula that can chart (or even predict) a relationship. But it gets even wonkier when Colin uses happiness as one of the factors. How can happiness be measured? Are you 7 out of 10 on the scale of happiness, or a 6? How can anyone possibly put a number on an emotion?

Quote #6

Talk to your mother," he said, which is what his dad always said. After a few moments (Colin could just see them talking while his dad held his hand over the receiver), his mom picked up.

"Well, are you happy?"

"I wouldn't go that far. "

"Happier?" his mom tried.

"Marginally," he allowed. "I'm not lying facedown on the carpet." (9.82-86)

When Colin first gets to Hollis's place, he has this little convo with his mom. Again, one of his parents wants to know if he's happy, but the answer is still not a resounding yes. He's getting there, though. So what's changed between the beginning (where he was crying in the bathtub) and now?