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A review by treadsbooks
Beach Read by Emily Henry
5.0
Tropes featured: academic rivals, pessimist/optimist, forced proximity, second chance, one POV (FMC)
Final rating: 4.5 out of 5
This book follows January Andrews, a broke author with a rapidly approaching deadline experiencing the worst case of writer’s block, through her complicated path of grief – at the loss of her father – and the cracks forming around her previously rose-colored worldview. She spent her entire childhood as a romantic, an optimist, believing that love could transcend all negatives - proved by a perfect example in her parents' relationship. Until, of course, she finds out that her dad has had a secret house and a secret life with another woman while her mom was going through chemo. So what else can she do but go to Michigan and sort through and sell this secret house. Except, that she just so happens to move in next to her college rival and they strike up a bet to help them move through their writer’s block together.
I really enjoyed the character development of both January and Gus throughout this book. January was not “healed” or “saved” by Gus; she was able to separate herself from their relationship and work through the issues she was facing within herself. I feel that this sense of individuality is missing in a lot of romance books, but Emily Henry did a fantastic job of blending this with an insanely cute love story. There are parts of this book that are light and funny, such as the bet and the romantic tension that arises from living across from each other, but there are also sections that cover serious topics, like grief, dysfunctional family relationships, loneliness, and how to move through the hurt. I have seen other reviewers say they felt off about the exploration of a cult for Gus’ novel, but I think this was an interesting (and perfect) way to explore Gus’ worldview.
The way that January and Gus’ personalities balance each other was my favorite theme of the book. Not to mention the banter between the two was top tier!! This book also includes fantastic side characters like Pete, an eclectic coffee shop who makes terrible coffee, and Shadi, the hopeless romantic best friend. I felt a range of emotions throughout this book including happiness, angst, heartbreak, resentment, forgiveness, and pure enjoyment. This is likely going to be one of my favorite reads of the year!!
Final rating: 4.5 out of 5
This book follows January Andrews, a broke author with a rapidly approaching deadline experiencing the worst case of writer’s block, through her complicated path of grief – at the loss of her father – and the cracks forming around her previously rose-colored worldview. She spent her entire childhood as a romantic, an optimist, believing that love could transcend all negatives - proved by a perfect example in her parents' relationship. Until, of course, she finds out that her dad has had a secret house and a secret life with another woman while her mom was going through chemo. So what else can she do but go to Michigan and sort through and sell this secret house. Except, that she just so happens to move in next to her college rival and they strike up a bet to help them move through their writer’s block together.
I really enjoyed the character development of both January and Gus throughout this book. January was not “healed” or “saved” by Gus; she was able to separate herself from their relationship and work through the issues she was facing within herself. I feel that this sense of individuality is missing in a lot of romance books, but Emily Henry did a fantastic job of blending this with an insanely cute love story. There are parts of this book that are light and funny, such as the bet and the romantic tension that arises from living across from each other, but there are also sections that cover serious topics, like grief, dysfunctional family relationships, loneliness, and how to move through the hurt. I have seen other reviewers say they felt off about the exploration of a cult for Gus’ novel, but I think this was an interesting (and perfect) way to explore Gus’ worldview.
The way that January and Gus’ personalities balance each other was my favorite theme of the book. Not to mention the banter between the two was top tier!! This book also includes fantastic side characters like Pete, an eclectic coffee shop who makes terrible coffee, and Shadi, the hopeless romantic best friend. I felt a range of emotions throughout this book including happiness, angst, heartbreak, resentment, forgiveness, and pure enjoyment. This is likely going to be one of my favorite reads of the year!!