2024 read. Emily Henry writes books that make me feel good. They have ups and downs, and heartbreak too (both the characters and the stories), but I always come away feeling better than I did before I opened the cover. This was no exception. My only complaint is that I've had to stop drinking wine (med interactions) and the vineyard and wines there made me wistful. ( )

This book’s subtitle should be: everyone needs therapy. Also, I loved it! Realistic & healthy relationships, actual character development & honest conversations. Supporting the idea that you need friends and a community, not just one “perfect “ person. Miles & Daphne were a delight with buzzing chemistry. The supporting characters added so much especially Julia & Ashleigh, & the descriptions of Michigan were just the chef’s kiss. This one is one of my favorite of Henry’s books, tied with Book Lovers. ( )

When Daphne's fiance, Peter decides that he is in love with his childhood friend, Petra and calls off their upcoming wedding, Daphne has nowhere to go, so she moves in with Miles, Petra's ex-fiance. Miles is a mess, himself, but commiseration makes dealing with their heartbreak a little easier, so she and Miles become friends and maybe more. Daphne begins to look for alternative employment, but she vows not to leave her dream job at the library before the Read-a-thon she has been planning for her young patrons is completed.

Funny Story straddles the line between romance and women's fiction, doing an excellent job at both. Daphne and Miles are both likable, well-developed characters whose backgrounds are filled with difficult childhoods. Their problems make them seem real and give them depth, while supporting characters add to the narrative as well. Some readers might be put off by the use of marijuana in the story, but none of it is illegal in the context used. While the climax leans towards women's fiction, the conclusion draws the romance to a satisfying close. Overall, Funny Story is an extremely entertaining contemporary romance with characters that grow and change in ways the feel very natural. ( )

maybe 4.5 stars.

Probably tied with Book Lovers for my second favorite Emily Henry book.

Even going in with pretty high expectations I still really liked this book. Emily Henry's books are books that make me want to slow down and savor them, when I usually speed read everything. ( )

Oh Emily, you get me. I am in love with both Daphne and Miles, and adored how they came together while also holding on to who they were as "I" rather than "we." Also, Henry once again sets a book in my beloved northern Michigan (Beach Read was also set there.) Ironically, I started this audiobook (read by the amazing, wonderful, spectacular Julia Whelen, as are all the other Henry books I know of, and I beseech everyone to go for the audio when Julia is onboard) as I was jumping on to Delta to check fares for my annual month in Traverse City, so it was Kismet. I got more excited about my trip as Daphne and Miles found hidden beaches, visited Big Bear Dunes and Leelanau wineries (I wish the wine were really as good as they find it to be, but hanging at the wineries is fun regardless) and chatting about "fudgies" (that would be me.)

A number of others have recapped the basic story, so I am going to avoid that and keep this short, except to say one thing. The book starts with Daphne being dumped by her fiance after his best friend tells him, at his bachelor party, that she is in love with him and they run off together. Daphne moved to this small town in MI for the now ex and has no real support system since she just notched herself into the ex's life. Most romances would just have her fall in love again and find her new center in her mate, but Henry does not do this. Daphne begins to build an alternate support system and also falls in love. The in-love part is great, and also she is willing to risk the in-love part to define herself separately from her romantic partner and build her other connections. Friends matter, family matters, neighbors matter. This is something that happens in many Henry books and I really love it. Thanks Emily, I look forward to 5-starring your next book a year from now. ( )