Reviews tagging 'Emotional abuse'

Funny Story by Emily Henry

312 reviews

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

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emotional funny medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Whenever I think there’s no possible way Emily Henry could write something else I’ve experienced or relate to, I FAFO almost immediately. We begin with Daphne’s perceived rock-bottom with her failed engagement and unbearable shame. All because another person made her feel she was not worthy. It’s so interesting to see how her previous partner gaslit her in most aspects of their relationship, and Daphne was never truly permitted to be her authentic self but rather a more palatable, fictional character she played that more easily fit into Peter’s life. With Miles, we see how he accepted everything about her from the start and how he is the exact opposite of Peter in every way, acting as foils of one another. I found myself easily charmed by Miles just like Daphne and so enjoyed watching her take back her power and accept her place in life with grace, self-love, and joy. 

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lighthearted relaxing fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Beach Read was my first foray into Emily Henry's writing, and it's safe to say that I thoroughly enjoyed this one too. Miles was such a nice character to spend time with.  I also found Daphne's friends in this one way more likable. 

I've also found a new trope that I now know that I love - Fake Dating. The only issue I have with Funny St0ry's fake dating trope is that the fake dating almost instantly devolved into real-dating-but-we're-pretending-we're-not-real-dating-for-*indistinct*. There was also a seed that was planted where Daphne posts a picture of her and Miles onto her social media, and then it's mentioned a single time after that. More photos are taken, but are never posted or spoken about again. It felt a bit pointless and, I think, really added to how quickly the fake dating turned into real dating issue.

I lost interest a bit at the end where the post-revelatory-sex drama felt a bit convoluted and forced, then resolved super randomly.

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emotional funny hopeful medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

I’m over here trying to hate the “fake relationship” trope because it’s annoying and I hate lying, but then Emily Henry has to ruin my high horse and make me love and relate to her stupid characters 😂😂😂

Her stories are so relatable and amusing. I find myself putting down so many quotes from her books into my reading journal. 

“The same universe that dispassionately takes things away can bring you things you weren’t imaginative enough to dream up.” ❤️

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emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced

Without a shadow of a doubt, this story is a beautifully lighthearted, funny story.
It’s about self-healing and self-discovery but also trust and abandonment issues.
Daphne, thanks to Julia Whelan’s narration, takes you on her journey to find and be herself. And, obviously, you’ll meet the cutest and most vulnerable book boyfriend you didn’t know you needed—Miles.

I loved the witty dialogue, all the relatable characters, and the perfect balance of angst and romance.

Tropes:
  • Fake dating
  • Exes who become roommates
  • Sunday adventures
  • Characters in their 30’s

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Not surprisingly, Emily Henry made me fall in love with another of her books. I truly loved Funny Story, I deeply relate to Daphne and except the fiancé-fiasco we basically share the same life story. Henry truly moved my heart with this one, and even helped me heal pieces of my upbringing with this story. Most importantly, it has reminded me to not run away when life gets messy and to be willing to experience the surprises life might throw at you

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emotional funny medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

Oh. My. Gosh! Best Emily Henry book I've read to date (the only one I have left to read is <i>Happy Place</i>. I related a little toooooo much to Daphne and I think that's also part of why I love this book so much. I was in love with Miles, and this book did not suffer from the typical pacing issues Henry usually does. There were even mentions of Portugal (my family's home country). I have the same anxious attachment style as Daphne I fear. It felt like she wrote this one for me. Brava queen Emily Henry, I <i>finally</i> completely understand the hype.

5/5 stars

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
emotional funny lighthearted fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
emotional funny reflective fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

As a person who generally enjoys Emily Henry's books and writing style, I liked this story. But it was not my favorite. 

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
emotional funny medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

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