The following version of this book was used to create the guide: Sibler, Joan. Secrets of Happiness. Counterpoint, 2021.

Joan Sibler's novel Secrets of Happiness is told from main characters Ethan, Joe, Maribel, Rachel, Bud, and Tara's first person perspectives. Though the novel moves frequently between scenes of the characters past and present lives, the following summary employs a more linear mode of explanation.

In Chapter 1, "Ethan," middle-aged Ethan was shocked when he discovered his father, Gil, had a second family for nearly two decades of his parents' 32-year marriage. After learning Gil's secret, Ethan was forced to reconsider his relationships with Gil, as well as with his sister, Allyson, and his mother, Abby. Gil suddenly seemed greedy and selfish. Allyson became embittered over her father's avarice. By comparison, Abby worked towards person growth and changed. Though initially unnerved by his mother's newfound spirituality and contentment, Ethan learned from his mother. His series of disappointed romantic relationships made him wonder of his mother's satisfaction with the single life.

in Chapter 2, "Joe," Joe remained consumed with his high school girlfriend, Veronica. When he heard Veronica's husband died in an accident, he contacted her at once. Their renewed communication quickly began complicating Joe's understanding of himself, his family, and his financial circumstances. Desperate not to be like his neglectful father, Gil, Joe gave money to Veronica after her loss. He soon found himself in his own financial troubles. After receiving mysterious payments from an anonymous donor online, Joe pursued a new era in his life. Eventually, he realized he needed to let go of Veronica, and deepen his relationships with his mother, Nok, and his brother, Jack.

In Chapter 3, "Maribel," Maribel struggled to reconcile the end of her affair with a rich, married American man named Schuyler. While working as a runner on a film set, she met and fell for Schuyler. She convinced herself the impending end of their relationship would not hurt her. She soon realized this was not true. When Schuyler died in a random accident, Maribel could not return to her normal life. She entered a phase of numbness, in which she found a certain freedom. She began wondering about Schuyler's widow, Veronica, wondering if they might connect over their shared pain.

In Chapter 4, "Rachel," middle-aged Rachel was outraged when her brother Saul's longtime boyfriend, Kirk broke up with him. Saul had just been diagnosed with leukemia. As Saul's older sister, Rachel was desperate to support and care for her brother. She distanced herself from her online relationship with her ex-boyfriend, Bud, and devoted herself to Saul. In the months and weeks preceding Saul's death, she realized how close he and Kirk had always been.

In Chapter 5, "Bud," Bud was alone and living in Phnom Penh. He had moved to Cambodia after needing a fresh start. As a child, Bud rejected his family order. He rebelled against his politically conservative parents, and moved from state to state, and woman to woman. Eventually he found a purpose working for a nonprofit. However, while in Cambodia, he suddenly realized how alone he was. He reached out to his ex, Rachel. They rekindled their old connection. Bud felt content for a while. When Rachel stopped communicating as readily, Bud began reflecting on his familial past.

In Chapter 6, "Tara," Tara always wanted to succeed as a filmmaker. However, her meager financial means, and her complicated relationships with her mother, Frankie, and sister, Apsara, distracted her. She tried helping her sister, but later realized she was only enabling Apsara's drug addiction. Years later, Tara establishes herself in the cinematic industry. Apsara recovered, too. Her impending marriage promised to restore Tara's family dynamics.

In Chapter 7, "Ethan," Ethan had not realized how much he loved his ex Kirk's former partner, Saul, until after his death. The two grew close unexpectedly. Once Ethan's relationship with Kirk ended, Ethan missed Saul and his sister, Rachel, most. Rachel later contacted Ethan, and the two reconnected. Ethan's friendship with Rachel granted him perspective on life, love, and family.