Joy in the Morning (1963 novel)

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Joy in the Morning is a novel by Betty Smith, first published in 1963. It was made into a film, starring Richard Chamberlain, in 1965. The book follows the 1927 marriage of Brooklynites Annie McGairy and Carl Brown, sticking mainly to Annie's perspective.

Annie isn't satisfied with her life. She is scared of her stepfather who is making advances towards her. Her mother doesn't believe anything that she says. She feels that her life is as void as a blank piece of paper, that is, until she meets Carl Brown, the most perfect guy in the world. She is only fourteen then, and he was sixteen. Carl didn't pay too much attention to her because she looked like a little girl,never did he even suspect that she would be his wife in four years.

Both families are against this marriage, but it happens. They move to Carl's college campus and try to start their life as a married couple. Soon, they discover that it is hard to keep up school while trying to entertain a spouse.

Annie is able to make friends with anyone. She easily goes up to the grumpiest people and becomes friends with them. Annie is naive and full of childlike spirit. She tries to fit in with the college girls, and even is offered a free class because of her talent in play-writing.

When life seems to be going perfectly, and then, Annie learns that she is pregnant. Many thoughts go through her mind. She is scared of what Carl will say, she is scared of what her mother-in-law will think, and most of all, she is scared of what her mother will think. somehow, this couple proves that love endures forever and are able to have a beautiful life, despite all of their hardships.