Funny Story

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

I genuinely did not expect to love Funny Story as much as I did, but wow—this book completely swept me away. I binge-read it in one sitting, and I regret nothing.At first glance, it seemed like it would be your typical rom-com, but it turned out to be a surprisingly heartbreakingly sweet story that hit me in the feels in all the right ways. Emily Henry has this incredible ability to write characters that feel so real, so raw, and so deeply human.The FMC, with her sharp wit and deeply rooted cynicism, resonated with me on a personal level. She’s messy and guarded and painfully relatable. And then there’s Miles—Miles! The kind of cinnamon roll MMC who quietly steals your heart and makes you root for him from the very first page he appears on. Their chemistry is slow-burn perfection, and the way their relationship evolves feels honest and earned.I absolutely adored the second-chance romance aspect and the cozy, chaotic found family they build around themselves. It gave the story so much warmth and depth, balancing out the heartbreak with moments of joy, connection, and hope.Funny, tender, and full of emotional nuance, Funny Story isn't just another love story—it’s the kind of book that lingers with you long after the last page. Five stars, hands down.

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.

Great humor. Clever. Enjoyed the characters, including the town and landscape. Complicated but familiar family relationships. Perfect summer romance read.