Ever since I read Emily Henry’s Beach Read, I’ve been waiting for one of her books to hit me the same way. Book Lovers didn’t do it. Neither did her other bestsellers. But, Funny Story, her latest romantic comedy, has two wonderful protagonists I wanted to root for. I read this one in one sitting. It was just what I was waiting to read.
Daphne Vincent followed boyfriend, Peter Collins, back to his hometown in Waning Bay, Michigan, found a job she loves as a children’s librarian, and moved into the house that Peter bought. When Peter returned from his bachelor party with the news that he realized he loved his lifelong best friend, Petra, and was dumping Daphne, she had nowhere to go. Daphne had turned Peter’s life into hers. She ended up moving in with Miles Nowak, Petra’s ex.
Now, Daphne’s on a countdown. As a lifelong introvert, the public library was always her safe place. She has a Read-a-thon planned for the library, and she doesn’t want to leave Waning Bay until she successfully completes the event. But, she wants to be anywhere but in the town where Peter and Petra grew up.
Miles didn’t grow up in Waning Bay, but he loves the town. He’s grieving his loss of Petra as much as Daphne grieves the breakup with Peter. They decide to show Peter and Petra that life goes on without them. They joke that they’ll date each other, post pictures on social media, and show how happy they can be without their exes. And, Miles is going to show Waning Bay to Daphne so she’ll love the town as much as she loves her job as a children’s librarian.
Funny Story what happens to Daphne and Miles. Yes, anyone can see it coming. But, Henry gives us two characters in their thirties who have been hurt by their parents. Daphne and Miles have to look at themselves and their families before they can move on. Daphne has to be willing to let someone into her life and her heart. Miles has his own work to do.
If you’re looking for a heartwarming romcom, try Funny Story. I already recommended it to one of my sisters. (She’s #1100 on the list at the library.) It’s worth waiting to read.
Emily Henry’s website is https://www.emilyhenrybooks.com/
Funny Story by Emily Henry. Berkley, 2024. 395p.
FTC Full Disclosure – I read a galley, provided by Berkley through NetGalley, with no guarantee of a positive review.
Hi Lesa! I’m so glad you reviewed FUNNY STORY so positively. I also preferred BEACH READ to BOOK LOVERS and wasn’t sure I’d try another Henry book. Now, thanks to you, I’ll get FUNNY STORY, and I’m really looking forward to it.
Thank you, Kim! This one is worth it. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Whenever you get around to it, though, you can mention it here. Not everyone has the same taste, so if you don’t like it, let us know. I suspect you will, though.
Yes! What Kim said. Exactly.
Thanks, Lesa!
You’re welcome, Kaye!
Last time at the library I saw this in their “Lucky Day” display (two weeks + no renewal). I was tempted, but already had a few books in-hand.
I’ve only read People We Meet on Vacation.
My sister’s husband picked it up for her in their library’s “Lucky Day” collection, so she didn’t have to go on the list with 1100 other people.
I couldn’t agree more Lesa! My review has been written and will be up next Thursday.
I think this is one of Emily Henry’s best.
Margie, Since I never finished the others I started by her, definitely one of her best!