“My name is Michael, and I’m addicted to Emily Henry books …”
“Funny Story” is classic Emily Henry: a quirky cast of characters, a humorous set-up that quickly turns emotionally devastating, and a happy-for-now ending verging on the happily-ever-after. This was an especially cozy take on the formula, and while it certainly echoes many of the themes of “Beach Read” (there are even a couple of call-outs to that book), it approaches them in some fun and interesting ways.
Children’s librarian Daphne has her world turned upside down when her too-perfect fiance Peter calls off the wedding the day after his bachelor’s party so he can pursue true love with his childhood friend Petra. Daphne had already turned her world upside down to move to the small Michigan town of Waning Bay to be with Peter, leaving behind her mother and her few friends in Virginia, and the chaos intensifies when she moves into the apartment belonging to Miles, Petra’s ex-boyfriend.
Daphne starts looking for an exit from Waning Bay — she’s planning to stay around just long enough to wrap up the big read-a-thon at the library — but Miles insists that there are charms to be found in the small northern Michigan town that Daphne can claim for her own. He convinces her to let him be her tour guide for the summer, introducing her to the local sights and the local people, and Daphne soon finds herself falling for Waning Bay, and for Miles.
Much like in “Book Lovers,” the romantic relationships are not the only important relationships in this story. Just as important are the bonds of family (Daphne and her mother, Miles and his sister), and of friendship (particularly Daphne’s work friend Ashleigh). The push and pull of these interlocking relationships give the story its heart, and raise it above the typical romance.
“People We Meet on Vacation” is sitting on my TBR stack right now, but I’m going to hold out until 2026 to crack it open (in preparation for the film version).
