Marni Appleton's debut explores millennial women's challenges

Marni Appleton has released her first collection of short stories, which examines the lives of millennial women. The book includes eleven tales that explore themes of mother-daughter relationships and the impact of social media. Appleton mixes insight with humor to highlight the struggles of her characters. In the title story, "I Hope You’re Happy," a woman named Ana feels isolated as she watches her friends become mothers. As she grapples with her feelings about her own bipolar mother, she also wrestles with a breakdown in her friendship with Chloe. The story captures Ana's emotional turmoil and her complicated views on parenthood. Another story, "Road Trip," follows 17-year-old Allie, who spends time with older friends. The tension between her and her mother is clear, especially when Allie is left alone in a vulnerable moment. Through Allie's memories, the story reveals painful experiences that speak to the complexities of maternal relationships. In "Positive Vibes," Lia, an art student, becomes fixated on a social media influencer. Her obsession leads to jealousy when another barista steals one of her creative ideas for Instagram. This story humorously illustrates the pressures of social media and how it can affect personal confidence and identity. Appleton's stories reflect the pervasive role of social media in today's society. They show how the desire for validation through likes and followers can lead to anxiety and self-doubt. Overall, the collection is characterized by sharp observations and a deep understanding of young women's challenges in the modern world.