Funny Story

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 had to take a few days and gather my thoughts after reading this book. This was my 2nd Emily Henry book and I really loved it. From the very first chapter I was completely enthralled in her characters and storytelling. Being told solely from the FMC Daphne’s perspective made me feel like I was her and her struggles were so relatable to me.

The insecurities she felt, and the difficulty she had feeling like she “fit in”, her buttoned up persona that desired to be more spontaneous but found it hard to make that leap, her relationship troubles with her family and her “almost” in laws, and of course her love of libraries and books.

The ache she felt for a place to belong and to feel wanted and chosen was so beautifully written and made it even more special to watch her “found family” come together.

Ok mushy deep feelings aside… this book was so funny. The snarky internal monologue she had about the terrible situation she found herself in by no fault of her own was so perfect.

And then there’s Miles… oh my goodness. This guy is her polar opposite and exactly what she didn’t know she needed. He SEES her in a way that no man ever has and the chemistry between them is so undeniable that it never felt like a rebound and you couldn’t help but cheer them on! He’s the eternal optimist to her pessimistic self and the guy that can make a friend anytime anywhere without even trying while she is the girl that watches with awe from the sidelines. I absolutely love couples like this who are opposite but bring out the best in each other.

The setting was perfect for a spring or summer read with the adorable small town full of sweet side characters. Scenes at the beach, library, wine bar, and farm stand. Delicious food and wine…It made the story so cozy.

This book was one that I did not want to put down. I laughed. I cried. I was smiling at the very last line which wrapped the whole book up so perfectly and brought everything full circle.

I highlighted so much of this book… here are a few favorites:

“For someone with the innate social charm of a mounted fish (me), watching Miles befriend this stranger felt like seeing Michelangelo paint the Sistine Chapel: impressive, but also dizzying. Like any second, he might fall off his ladder and splatter on the marble below.”

“I remember loving a story. Feeling like I was living it. Being, even as a child, bowled over by how something imaginary could become real, could wring every emotion from me or make me homesick for places I’d never been.”

“Things were allowed to be complicated. They were allowed to be messy. We were allowed to disagree and argue and even hurt each other, on occasion, and it didn’t mean it was time to let the revolving door of life carry us away from each other. Sometimes things are hard. They just are.”

ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. 

CW: F words, multiple open door scenes, recreational drug use

This was such a great book. I pretty much loved every character. Miles is one of the best leading men that I have read. Maybe a little too-good-to-be-true, but still loved him. Daphne was relatable, as she is not the first person to let themselves be absorbed by a partner and feel like they lost something of themselves without even realizing it. The breakup from her fiancé was turned into a wake up call to build a life around herself, which is a great and empowering message. One of the things I liked was that the main characters remained true to themselves. They did evolve, but did not have to inherently “change” to be with each other. This book had a warm community (loved every supporting character) and was uplifting in its overall message that your life can be what you make it. The developing romance between Daphne and Miles was sweet and believable. The descriptions that Emily Henry gives in all the details of the settings and scenes do make you feel like you’re there. I loved this book and will likely read again (which is something that I rarely do) because I was enjoying it so much I was almost sorry to have finished. I highly recommend this book for a sweet and romantic, uplifting little vacation! TW- The book does address issues related to the emotional scars that emotionally unavailable (and even abusive) parents can leave on kids even as adults.

It’s Emily Henry. So yes, I finished this in approximately 3.5 hours with minimal bathroom breaks and an altered sense of time and reality. This was very good. It’s not my favorite book of hers, but she has such a way of pulling you into these stories with complex characters, realistic dialogue, and timelines and worlds that actually make sense. There was a great balance of heartache, chemistry, tension, angst and humor. She also always crushes her endings, and this one was no different.

But, there were some cons. Some high tension moments I felt my heart racing and tears coming, only for it to resolve moments later. Like, let me sit in this for a minute, dammit. Those moments were so opportunistic for deeper prose and memorable storytelling, but ended up falling flat. Also, Daphne was kind of annoying. I know that was the intent, these two imperfect characters finding perfection in each other. Nice try, but Miles WAS perfection. There weren’t enough positive descriptive moments about Daphne, and it made me just not like her for Miles until the last two or three chapters.

Either way, a great read. My favorite part of the year is always an EH release, and this one was, in my opinion, better and more fulfilling than the last.

P.S. it’s clear Emily Henry is a Swiftie and I’m so here for it.

Another classic Emily Henry story… Same basic structure 🫣 new, fun, witty, characters and setting. I devoured this book in two days primarily because i had to take care of the kids.

I loved Daphnes character and watching her uncover how her childhood “trauma” affected her in the present. I loved watching her grow into herself. The same with Miles.

The small Michigan town feeling was very comforting. Best of all, i LOVED the random book references, from Jane Austen, to station eleven and beyond. A book about books, no matter how subtle, is one of my favorites.

The only reason it wasn’t a 5star was because of the predictability of it. Still a wonderful book!