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adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Death of parent, Abandonment, Alcohol
Moderate: Animal death, Cursing, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, Grief, Religious bigotry, Pregnancy, Toxic friendship, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Bullying, Cancer, Homophobia, Infidelity, Mental illness, Toxic relationship, Vomit, Medical content, Medical trauma, Abortion, Classism
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Characters: 7.5/10
Look, I liked Poppy and Alex. I did. But I wouldn’t exactly call them “distinctive.” Poppy is your standard quirky-travel-girl-who’s-secretly-sad, while Alex is the emotionally constipated cardigan man who probably alphabetizes his vitamin bottles. The friends-to-lovers setup should have given them room to feel nuanced and layered, but their emotional arcs were more like a scenic loop — you keep seeing the same terrain over and over. They had chemistry, sure, but sometimes it felt like they were just playing out a script called How to Delay the Obvious for Twelve Years. I wanted to care more. I really did. But at a certain point, they started to feel like banter bots stuck in a loop.
Look, I liked Poppy and Alex. I did. But I wouldn’t exactly call them “distinctive.” Poppy is your standard quirky-travel-girl-who’s-secretly-sad, while Alex is the emotionally constipated cardigan man who probably alphabetizes his vitamin bottles. The friends-to-lovers setup should have given them room to feel nuanced and layered, but their emotional arcs were more like a scenic loop — you keep seeing the same terrain over and over. They had chemistry, sure, but sometimes it felt like they were just playing out a script called How to Delay the Obvious for Twelve Years. I wanted to care more. I really did. But at a certain point, they started to feel like banter bots stuck in a loop.
Atmosphere/Setting: 6.5/10
This book hopped through destinations like a budget airline itinerary, but somehow most of them felt like stock images. There were a few standout moments — misty redwoods, a bar called only BAR, the hellish Palm Springs Airbnb with no AC and too much “ambience” — but for a book that leans so hard into “wanderlust-core,” it rarely made me feel transported. I never got that delicious, immersive vacation feeling. Honestly, the settings felt like props for Poppy and Alex to angst against. I wanted lush. I got functional.
This book hopped through destinations like a budget airline itinerary, but somehow most of them felt like stock images. There were a few standout moments — misty redwoods, a bar called only BAR, the hellish Palm Springs Airbnb with no AC and too much “ambience” — but for a book that leans so hard into “wanderlust-core,” it rarely made me feel transported. I never got that delicious, immersive vacation feeling. Honestly, the settings felt like props for Poppy and Alex to angst against. I wanted lush. I got functional.
Writing Style: 8.5/10
Emily Henry’s prose is razor-sharp and emotionally aware in that “this line will destroy you, but it’ll be kind of funny about it” way. She balances introspection and sarcasm like a tightrope walker in a rom-com circus. The banter? Electric. The pacing? Mostly tight. But sometimes the tone slipped too far into “voicey for the sake of voicey,” and I could feel the effort behind the charm. Still, it’s hard to stay mad when she drops a line that punches you right in your soft underbelly.
Emily Henry’s prose is razor-sharp and emotionally aware in that “this line will destroy you, but it’ll be kind of funny about it” way. She balances introspection and sarcasm like a tightrope walker in a rom-com circus. The banter? Electric. The pacing? Mostly tight. But sometimes the tone slipped too far into “voicey for the sake of voicey,” and I could feel the effort behind the charm. Still, it’s hard to stay mad when she drops a line that punches you right in your soft underbelly.
Plot: 6.5/10
I love a slow burn, but this one tested my damn patience. The dual timeline gimmick gave us flashbacks to past summer trips intercut with the present-day Not-At-All Romantic Vacation™, but the tension became repetitive fast. They almost kiss. They don’t talk about it. They almost kiss again. Still no talking. We spend the whole book waiting to hear what happened in Croatia and when the Big Reveal finally hits? Underwhelming. Not bad, just not worth the slow-drip torture. And their whole “we haven’t talked in two years because of One Thing” felt like an over-inflated balloon that popped with a whimper.
I love a slow burn, but this one tested my damn patience. The dual timeline gimmick gave us flashbacks to past summer trips intercut with the present-day Not-At-All Romantic Vacation™, but the tension became repetitive fast. They almost kiss. They don’t talk about it. They almost kiss again. Still no talking. We spend the whole book waiting to hear what happened in Croatia and when the Big Reveal finally hits? Underwhelming. Not bad, just not worth the slow-drip torture. And their whole “we haven’t talked in two years because of One Thing” felt like an over-inflated balloon that popped with a whimper.
Intrigue: 7.5/10
Yes, I kept turning pages — but it was mostly out of a stubborn need for resolution. I wasn’t so much enchanted by the story as I was emotionally held hostage by two adults who had the communication skills of damp toast. I wouldn’t say I was riveted, but I was invested. There’s a difference. I didn’t want to care this much about whether these two muppets would get it together — but I did. And that says something.
Yes, I kept turning pages — but it was mostly out of a stubborn need for resolution. I wasn’t so much enchanted by the story as I was emotionally held hostage by two adults who had the communication skills of damp toast. I wouldn’t say I was riveted, but I was invested. There’s a difference. I didn’t want to care this much about whether these two muppets would get it together — but I did. And that says something.
Logic/Relationships: 6/10
You cannot convince me that these two people, allegedly best friends for a decade, never once sat down and talked about their feelings. I don’t care how avoidant they are. That’s not tension — that’s emotional malpractice. Also, their life choices don’t always hold up under scrutiny. Poppy’s identity crisis is valid, but the resolution felt cheapened by the “oh wait, I just miss Alex!” epiphany. Meanwhile, Alex’s entire emotional life is a fortress of repression built on a foundation of sad childhood stories, and we’re supposed to believe he’s healed enough to be in a stable relationship because of… one trip and a margarita?
You cannot convince me that these two people, allegedly best friends for a decade, never once sat down and talked about their feelings. I don’t care how avoidant they are. That’s not tension — that’s emotional malpractice. Also, their life choices don’t always hold up under scrutiny. Poppy’s identity crisis is valid, but the resolution felt cheapened by the “oh wait, I just miss Alex!” epiphany. Meanwhile, Alex’s entire emotional life is a fortress of repression built on a foundation of sad childhood stories, and we’re supposed to believe he’s healed enough to be in a stable relationship because of… one trip and a margarita?
Enjoyment: 8/10
Despite all my complaining — and I have done a lot — I had fun. I laughed. I cringed. I wanted to throttle them both and then throw rice at their eventual wedding. This book is like watching two of your dumbest, hottest friends finally figure out they’re in love after twelve years of denial: maddening, emotionally exhausting, but undeniably satisfying. Was it perfect? Absolutely not. Would I read it again? Honestly… maybe.
Despite all my complaining — and I have done a lot — I had fun. I laughed. I cringed. I wanted to throttle them both and then throw rice at their eventual wedding. This book is like watching two of your dumbest, hottest friends finally figure out they’re in love after twelve years of denial: maddening, emotionally exhausting, but undeniably satisfying. Was it perfect? Absolutely not. Would I read it again? Honestly… maybe.
Final Verdict: 7.2/10
People We Meet on Vacation is a deeply entertaining, occasionally infuriating, emotionally rich slow burn that overstays its welcome but still leaves a mark. Not quite a perfect escape — more like a trip where the weather sucked, the Airbnb was cursed, but the company made it worth remembering.
People We Meet on Vacation is a deeply entertaining, occasionally infuriating, emotionally rich slow burn that overstays its welcome but still leaves a mark. Not quite a perfect escape — more like a trip where the weather sucked, the Airbnb was cursed, but the company made it worth remembering.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Infidelity, Grief, Death of parent, Alcohol
Minor: Cursing, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Medical content
This book primarily explores themes of emotional growth, love, loss, and personal fulfillment rather than heavy trauma. While it does touch on grief, unspoken tension, and self-doubt, it remains lighthearted and hopeful overall. If you're sensitive to themes of loss, relationship struggles, or existential uncertainty, be aware—but nothing in the book is deeply disturbing or graphically portrayed.
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cursing, Sexual content, Alcohol
Minor: Death, Death of parent
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol
Moderate: Cursing, Sexual content, Grief, Death of parent
Minor: Pregnancy
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
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
Normally not one for romcoms, but this made me feel all kinds of happy and invested. Loved the descriptions. I loved Alex. The emotions were so tangible. And frustrating on occasion. Just learn to communicate!
The only complaint I have is that the incident that made them not talk for two years was partially what I expected and also underwhelming. There was a lot of build up to it for it to be kind of a "that's it?" moment.
But, still worth it.
The only complaint I have is that the incident that made them not talk for two years was partially what I expected and also underwhelming. There was a lot of build up to it for it to be kind of a "that's it?" moment.
But, still worth it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Grief, Death of parent
Moderate: Animal death, Cursing, Alcohol
Minor: Drug use
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
tense
slow-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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Minor: Cursing
adventurous
emotional
funny
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Minor: Cursing, Death of parent, Injury/Injury detail
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Bullying, Cursing, Sexism, Toxic relationship, Grief, Pregnancy, Alcohol
Minor: Drug use, Mass/school shootings, Death of parent, Injury/Injury detail
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
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:
Complicated
So I know I said that Funny Story was my fav Emily Henry, and I STILL ADORE AND LOVE THAT BOOK, but this one just hit different.
Alex and Poppy’s story just felt so genuine and sweet and you could really feel the history and friendship and care that went into their relationship. The book spanned over a decade and you really got to watch them grow with each other and understand themselves all the more through it. IT WAS BEAUTIFUL OK?!?!
I loved it very very much.
Alex and Poppy’s story just felt so genuine and sweet and you could really feel the history and friendship and care that went into their relationship. The book spanned over a decade and you really got to watch them grow with each other and understand themselves all the more through it. IT WAS BEAUTIFUL OK?!?!
I loved it very very much.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Cursing, Sexual content, Death of parent, Pregnancy, Alcohol
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
As always, Miss Henry does it again!
I really wish I had more thoughts to add about this book but I think just because of how long it took me to read it, I've kind of forgotten all my thoughts lol.
What I will say is that, while I'm typically not a fan of slow burn, I did thoroughly enjoy how the slow burn of this one feels like something of a 2000s romcom. I surprisingly did enjoy the "I have to love myself before I can love you" vibes.
Anyway, tldr is that I love Emily Henry and she could publish her to-do list and it would still be in my top reads of the year <3
I really wish I had more thoughts to add about this book but I think just because of how long it took me to read it, I've kind of forgotten all my thoughts lol.
What I will say is that, while I'm typically not a fan of slow burn, I did thoroughly enjoy how the slow burn of this one feels like something of a 2000s romcom. I surprisingly did enjoy the "I have to love myself before I can love you" vibes.
Anyway, tldr is that I love Emily Henry and she could publish her to-do list and it would still be in my top reads of the year <3
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Alcohol
Moderate: Cursing, Grief
Minor: Drug use, Death of parent, Pregnancy, Injury/Injury detail