Funny Story by Emily Henry

A Four-Star Book Review

Funny Story by Emily Henry is a delightful contemporary romantic about losing what you thought you wanted and finding what you are destined to have. It’s a light read with a lot of heart—perfect for the blistering hot and humid summer we’re having!

Summary of Funny Story (No Spoilers)

Children’s librarian Daphne built her life around her fiancé, Peter, going as far to move to his hometown in upper Michigan. Everything is fine until Peter returns from his bachelor party proclaiming that he and his childhood best friend, Petra, are in love and there will be no wedding for Daphne.

With few options, Daphne accepts an offer from Petra’s ex-boyfriend, Miles, to move into their apartment so both jilted like vets can nurse their wounds together. In a moment of panic, Daphne fibs and says she and Miles are now a couple themselves. The two keep up a farce to show their exes that they’ve moved on, and of course, the sparks begin to fly.

What I Enjoyed About Funny Story

I enjoyed Funny Story because of the characters and their chemistry. The story is a classic contemporary romance, but the characters make it shine.

• Daphne: My favorite part of Funny Story was Daphne’s growth. Without spoiling the story, I’ll tell you that she discovers a lot about herself after Peter leaves. That growth isn’t easy; it never is. However, Ms. Henry made the journey realistic and inspiring.
• Chemistry: Daphne and Miles had great chemistry from the beginning. Miles shows a lot of vulnerability, which added to their chemistry. I liked their banter and the feelings that they shared with each other.
• Side Characters: No romance like this would be complete without great side characters. Jules (Miles’s sister) and Ashleigh (Daphne’s librarian coworker) are funny and caring. They bring light to Daphne and Miles’s interactions while having their own experiences and emotions. And, I loved the characters we meet at the library!
• All the books: Daphne’s job as a librarian and her love of books are ever-present in Funny Story, from her descriptions of her first memories as a child in a library to her meticulously planned end-of-summer readathon. I loved that Daphne’s experience at the library seemed to be Ms. Henry’s tribute to booklovers everywhere.

My Final Thoughts About Funny Story

Funny Story brings a few hearty laughs and a lot more love to its pages. This is a strong contemporary romance for anyone who wants to escape to a small town on the shores of Lake Michigan for the summer. I recommend it!