Funny story by Emily Henry : Review 2024

“Trust people’s actions, not their words. Don’t love anyone who isn’t ready to love you back. Let go of the people who don’t hold on to you. Don’t wait on anyone who’s in no rush to get to you.”

Emily Henry is an author whose books I always eagerly anticipate. Funny Story was one of my most anticipated reads of the year, as it seemed lighter in tone than her previous novel, Happy Place. While Funny Story didn’t quite reach the heights of Happy Place for me, it was still a solid and enjoyable story.

Summary of Funny story by Emily Henry

A shimmering, joyful new novel about a pair of opposites with the wrong thing in common.

Daphne always loved the way her fiancé Peter told their story. How they met (on a blustery day), fell in love (over an errant hat), and moved back to his lakeside hometown to begin their life together. He really was good at telling it…right up until the moment he realized he was actually in love with his childhood best friend Petra.

Which is how Daphne begins her new story: Stranded in beautiful Waning Bay, Michigan, without friends or family but with a dream job as a children’s librarian (that barely pays the bills), and proposing to be roommates with the only person who could possibly understand her predicament: Petra’s ex, Miles Nowak.

Scruffy and chaotic—with a penchant for taking solace in the sounds of heart break love ballads—Miles is exactly the opposite of practical, buttoned up Daphne, whose coworkers know so little about her they have a running bet that she’s either FBI or in witness protection. The roommates mainly avoid one another, until one day, while drowning their sorrows, they form a tenuous friendship and a plan. If said plan also involves posting deliberately misleading photos of their summer adventures together, well, who could blame them?

But it’s all just for show, of course, because there’s no way Daphne would actually start her new chapter by falling in love with her ex-fiancé’s new fiancée’s ex…right?

Review of Funny story by Emily Henry

Funny Story is Emily Henry’s funniest and most explicit book yet, but it still maintains the emotional depth and complexity found in her other works. This novel leans more heavily into romance, which I thoroughly enjoyed. While it initially gave me strong rom-com vibes, Emily Henry’s signature emotional storytelling ultimately brought me to tears.

Plot Analysis of Funny story by Emily Henry

Children’s librarian Daphne is happily engaged to Peter, and they’re busy planning their perfect life together. But everything falls apart when Petra, Peter’s best friend, admits her love for him at his bachelor party. With her heart broken and nowhere to go, Daphne ends up unexpectedly sharing an apartment with Miles, Petra’s now ex-fiancé.

What starts as a seemingly odd pairing between the reserved Daphne and the laid-back Miles soon reveals a surprising connection. As their friendship develops, Miles encourages Daphne to break free from her comfort zone, while Daphne provides Miles with a supportive environment to confront his past. Together, they learn that their troubled childhoods don’t have to dictate their future, and they begin to see new possibilities for themselves and each other.

Characters of Funny story by Emily Henry

Daphne Vincent : She is a socially awkward introvert who finds it difficult to connect with others and build lasting relationships. She’s often followed in the footsteps of others, afraid to step out of her comfort zone. It was inspiring to watch her grow and develop a newfound independence.

Miles Nowak: He is one of my favorite male leads in Emily Henry’s books. His infectious humor and warmth draw people to him. Despite being adored by everyone, he feels unworthy of love. Miles longs to be seen and appreciated for who he truly is, flaws and all. I admire his depth and growth, as well as Daphne’s. Emily Henry has a talent for creating relatable and realistic characters who feel like they could exist in our world.

Daphne & Miles : The romance swept me up like a lovesick teenager, with undeniable chemistry and palpable sexual tension. Though filled with constant angst, the relationship was far more than just physical attraction. While they initially connected over shared trauma, their bond felt real and was not merely due to their circumstances. Emily Henry’s approach to the fake dating trope was unique and refreshing, allowing the characters to truly stand out on their own.

Pacing & writing style

Emily Henry’s writing is truly exceptional. She’s my favorite author without a doubt. Her words have a magical quality that draws you in and keeps you captivated until the very end. She has a remarkable ability to paint characters like Daphne so vividly, conveying so much depth in just a few sentences. I could go on and on about how much I admire her writing, but I’ll simply say that she’s a master of her craft.

Emily Henry’s books offer more than just romance and explicit content. They delve into complex themes such as past traumas, heartbreaks, parental issues, and personal crises, providing closure for the characters and allowing them to grow and overcome their challenges.

Tropes of Funny story by Emily Henry

Tropes : Fake dating | Friends to lovers| Opposites attract | Forced proximity | Roommates | Bookish themes | Slow burn | Small town romance.

Trigger warning of Funny story by Emily Henry :

• Alcohol
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Emotional infidelity (not between the main characters)
• Sexual content
• Toxic relationships (familial)
• Trauma

Some quotes I enjoyed

“Life’s short enough without us talking ourselves out of hope and trying to dodge every bad feeling. Sometimes you have to push through the discomfort, instead of running.”

“You, my girl, are whoever you decide to be. But I hope you always keep some piece of that girl who sat by the window, hoping for the best. Life’s short enough without us talking ourselves out of hope and trying to dodge every bad feeling. Sometimes you have to push through the discomfort, instead of running.”

“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.”

“I don’t want to be a part of the wrong we. I’d rather be on my own, even if it hurts right now. Someday I’ll be okay, someday.”

“Feeling are like the weather. They just happen, and then they pass.”

“But you—you make love so easy, Daphne. You make me think I already deserve it, exactly how I am.”

Final Thought

Emily Henry has once again delivered a masterpiece. Her ability to create characters with palpable chemistry and genuine connections to readers is evident throughout this book. She masterfully navigates a highly unbelievable series of events, diving deep into nuanced human emotions along the way.

At its core, Funny Story is a story about self-discovery, finding your voice, and building a supportive community. It’s about finding your home, those little moments that ground you and give you a sense of belonging.

While Happy Place remains my all-time favorite Emily Henry novel, Funny Story has quickly become a close second. Miles and Daphne are a perfect match, and their relationship feels incredibly earned, just like many of Emily Henry’s couples.

About the author

Practical Information for Readers

Funny story by Emily Henry Book Formats

Funny story is available in various formats to suit every reader’s preference:

• Paperback / Hardcover : Ideal for readers who enjoy the tactile experience of holding a physical book.
• eBook: Convenient for on-the-go reading, available on all major e-reader platforms.
• Audiobook : Narrated with emotional depth, available on platforms like Audible.
• PDF Funny story : While some may search for a PDF version, it’s recommended to opt for legal eBook options to support the author.

Where to Find Funny story by Emily Henry PDF

1. Amazon Kindle: Offers a user-friendly interface with customizable reading settings.
2. Barnes & Noble Nook: Another popular platform with a wide selection of e-books.
3. Apple Books: Provides seamless integration with Apple devices and a smooth reading experience.

Funny story by Emily Henry Age Rating

Funny story is recommended for readers aged 16 and up. The novel contains mature themes, including romantic relationships and family dynamics, that may suit older teens and adults.

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