Funny Story Hardcover – April 23, 2024

My love for this one grew with every page, as these roommates shed their depressive fogs and started to truly see the potential of what was right in front of them. They go from acquaintances to companions in heartache to roommates to friends to lovers, slowly shifting the dynamics of their relationship with every interaction. It's such an interesting concept, one that's full of complex feelings, forbidden vibes, sexual tension, and these gorgeous moments of connection. I loved that both characters were flawed, and that they were able to open up to each other in a way that they'd never done in their previous relationships. These opposites attract in the best of ways, and it was easy to see that they were so GOOD for each other. The slow build while they mended their hearts was so angsty - my eyes were absolutely glued to the page once this hit its stride, and I found myself unconsciously rubbing my chest on more than one occasion. It's another powerhouse of a read from this talented author, and I really did love it.The story follows Daphne, a woman who was unceremoniously dumped by her fiancé right before their wedding. Turns out, her fiancé's feelings for his best friend weren't so platonic after all, and that's got Daphne questioning their entire relationship. Heartbroken and without a place to live, Daphne moves in with an unexpected roommate - the ex-boyfriend of her ex-fiancé's new girlfriend. Miles is as heartbroken as Daphne, so the two are happy to give each other space as they process their emotions at their own pace. Though Daphne's ex never liked Miles, she soon realizes that he's not quite the disaster everyone made him out to be. Sure, he's a mess - who isn't - but there's a genuinely good guy hidden in there too. As the new roommates grow closer, they connect in a way that neither anticipated. But they're both dealing with broken hearts, so starting up something is a recipe for disaster.Since Happy Place ripped my heart out with its angst, I was a little worried about what a book called "Funny Story" was going to do to me, and there was definitely cause for concern, lol. Both Miles and Daphne are in a very bad place emotionally when the book begins, and it takes awhile before either one is even open to the idea of moving on. I loved how original the concept felt, and I loved keeping an eye out for the subtle shifts in their interactions. I wasn't convinced that I was going to like Miles at first, but he grew to be this adorable, tender-hearted man. I loved him. I also thought Daphne and Miles were great together, the kind of opposites who bring out the best in each other. It's clear that was missing from both of their previous relationships, and Henry does a fantastic job of exploring some heavier concepts while still keeping the story entertaining. The forced proximity was so good, and I loved that Daphne and Max were able to come out the other side even stronger. It's a nuanced, complex read, and the kind that will leave a lasting impact on me.Audio note: The audio was so, so good. Not that I'm surprised - Julia Whelan always gives phenomenal performances, and the hearty dose of angst in the story made her narration even stronger. She truly does perform the story, infusing so much emotion into her voice. The runtime (11 hours) made this a full day binge, and the longer I listened, the more I was hooked. It's not super spicy at all, but there is a bit of heat - more than Henry's usual. The topics are also heavier than I usually like for a workday listen, so not sure I can recommend it as that. But the audio absolutely enhances an already-excellent story, so I highly recommend it in the format.

I shouldn’t have read some reviews first because it caused me to go into this book with low expectations. Almost to where I don’t know if I wanted to read it. It highly it would be boring. But it was truly good.Both Miles and Daphne are very likable characters.The begging moves somewhat slow but it needs to in order secure their foundation/relationship.The 3rd act conflict is well written and makes sense. I don’t like miscommunication tropes and for the most part this was not that. In some ways it was even necessary in order to make their relationship stronger. It would have eventually needed to happen in order for both of them to grow past their pasts.Both characters are mature which is refreshing. In the beginning you think you’re going to get a mess of a Miles. But honestly he’s the stronger of the two and in my opinion he falls first.I would definitely say read this book. I haven’t found an Emily Henry book that hasn’t been fun, enjoyable, heartwarming and well written.

I’ll be honest, I was hesitant to pick this one up. Because Happy Place was such a deeply emotional read for me, and caps the front end of what has been a record-breaking reading year for me, I had doubts this book would live up to HP or any of the 100+ other books I’ve read since last April.Well I should have known it would all be fine. Emily it’s a stunning writer to me. She writes these incredibly flawed/traumatized/confused/beautiful/lovable/relatable characters that I can’t help but feel kinship with. I care so deeply about each of them and would root for them to find happiness in the end even if it wasn’t together - though, of course, I’m pleased as pie when there is a HEA. I am a diehard contemporary romance (+smut) reader, and yet I never annoyed at the limited spice, nor do I think what she does include could be cut out without changing the story. I think that takes some skill!I loved that this interaction of “book industry lady” in Daphne was a librarian, and to see the beautiful community that blossomed there. The neighbors of Waning Bay were so cozy and just made me want to visit a tiny town in Michigan this summer (though when do EH books not inspire that).The chemistry between Daphne and Miles was so natural and lovely and believable. Sometimes there are people you don’t think you’d connect with in a million years, and then you just slip into this wonderful, easy dynamic. Their banter was great, and you could really see the ways they GOT one another and brought out good, healthy things/change in one another. Their flaws and conflicts and miscommunications felt so true to life, and even the way they found their ways back (to one another and to other characters) was everything I wanted. Not too quick or easy, and with markers of a well planned character arc.I love that Emily does “show not tell” so well in her writing, allowing characters to wrestle and struggle and doubt themselves and their own love story, rather than falling in love because they’re supposed to and expecting the reader to just get on board.I feel like I could go on and on with the positivity, which is why this is a 5⭐️ read for me (even if I was leaning towards a 4 while reading). Not a life-changing book, but one I’ll surely be returning to again and again, could absolutely throw me into a reading slump, and that I enjoyed over and beyond enough to recommend.

I loved this book. I didn’t expect to love it as much as I did. Very charming, sweet, and funny with just enough drama to keep you going. Parts felt cheesy and there’s a plot point literally from a Gilmore Girls episode but honestly it’s a quick read that felt very comforting.

el libro me llegó con la portada rota

I seem to have a love-hate relationship with Emily Henry's books. This one falls more on the negative side of that spectrum. It's marketed as fake dating, yet the fake dating basically stops at aprox. chapter 5. So I felt bamboozled. I also don't buy these two MCs loving each other and there was no gratification for the main plot. I just read a few hundred pages of trauma dumping with a watered down romance that could've been hilarious with a revenge plot, but alas, the author didn't go that way.

new book and good quality at better prices

emily henry never disappoints🙏🏻