This is a response to Reading is the Perfect Escape from Reality. Now if I Could Pick Up the Book and Read.
When I decided that one of my goals for the year would be to start reading for fun again, I didn’t know where to start. Luckily though, BookTok provided recommendations and I ordered Book Lovers to meet my desire for cheesy romantic comedies. Book Lovers follows an enemies-to-lovers story where the main character’s sister convinces her to leave the big city for a small-town transformation. As my friends could tell you, it took a minute for me to bypass the main character’s aversion to small towns. But the character growth and realistic portrayal of the sister bond were well worth the wait.
I read Beach Read shortly after, in which two writers from different genres decide to combat writer’s block by writing a novel in the opposing genre. The main characters’ different experiences with grief were incredibly touching and vulnerable to the point where having tissues next to you is necessary. This past week I finished People We Meet On Vacation, in which two best friends who traveled every summer for a decade decide to reconnect for a trip after two years without contact. Although People We Meet On Vacation was released first of the three books mentioned, reading a friends-to-lovers romance was truly a delight. Now, is it the lowest rated of the “Emily Henry universe?” Yes, but I’m here to convince you to give it a try! As someone who loves the friends-to-lovers trope and lover of travel, I’m certainly biased but trust me. If you love the movie When Harry Met Sally, order this book as soon as possible.
So are Henry’s books really worth the hype? I would say yes! If you’re a sucker for romantic comedies and discussions around grief and family healing, I would definitely recommend her books. The dialogue and banter between characters are second to none, as well as the dynamic character development. If the romance genre isn’t your vibe, I encourage you to try Henry’s books out. Sure, sometimes happy endings are guaranteed and plots are predictable. But I assure you that the hope and realism about hard times in each of her novels make them more than cheesy romantic comedies. This may be more relevant in her newest novel, Happy Place, than ever, in which a couple who broke up months ago fake their relationship in front of their friends during an annual week-long vacation. Like… phew.
Each of the listed books above will be produced by a different studio and although casting has not been announced, fans are certainly brainstorming on social media. As we can see from the discourse on social media and beyond, Henry has made a mark on the romance genre and I’m looking forward to reading her new novel Happy Place!
