Funny Story by Emily Henry

Summary: Daphne has uprooted her life to move to Waning Bay, Michigan to begin a picture perfect life with fiancé Peter. When Peter calls off their engagement after realizing he’s in love with his childhood best friend, Petra, Daphne finds herself with no home and no friends. Just a job she loves as a children’s librarian but that barely pays the bills. Practicality leads her to move in with Miles, Petra’s ex. To save face on social media, Miles and Daphne post a picture that implies that they’re more than roommates. After all, a harmless white lie couldn’t lead to anything deeper, right?

Review: LOVE. I’ve read Emily Henry’s whole catalogue and often feel like she’s writing the stories just for me. Before I read Funny Story, I staunchly defended Happy Place as her best novel. This one, though, had me laughing, crying, and contemplating my existence as a single 30-something. Henry’s characterization of her FMCs rarely misses and Daphne is no exception. Her interests, pet peeves, and rich inner life create a character I half expect to come waltzing past the booth where I’m currently sitting at my local library.

I crave stories like Funny Story. Yes, there’s a romance at the plot’s core but it’s so much more than a “romance novel.” It’s about the dismantling and careful restructuring of the life Daphne wants to create for herself. When I finished the book and placed it back on the shelf, I knew the story wouldn’t stay there. For the last week I have thought of a quote, moment of growth, or funny moment from Funny Story every day. It’s safe to say I’ll read this one again.

xo Bookstore Heroine