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A review by rainbowofcrazy
Funny Story by Emily Henry
emotional
funny
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
5.0
I absolutely LOVED this book! This is only my second Emily Henry book, but what I've quickly learned is that she excels at writing nicely fleshed out characters. They feel like real people with real flaws and I absolutely LOVE that. I dreaded knowing that the book was about to end because I didn't want to let go of these characters and their journeys. They became friends that you just want to keep hanging out with and cheer on.
With romance books, I tend to find quirks about the leads that turn me off. The bad boy. The bratty girl. The aloof, grumpy man. The wishy washy woman. But I felt so much for both Daphne and Miles. They were both so likeable and relatable. I loved them both. Everyone needs a Miles and Daphne in their life. (And an Ashley. And a Julia. But I digress!)
The story itself is so comically a, well, rom-com, but Emily Henry somehow makes it work SO WELL that I have absolutely nothing to complain about. IS SHE A MAGICIAN because my mind is still blown. There are some of these classic romance tropes but Henry takes them, runs with them, and somehow makes it all work SO WELL. I'm still in awe.
I also appreciate that as a romance book, it doesn't just focus solely on a romance. If you're looking for lots of spice, this won't quite fill that quota. But for a lovely romance that allows lots of room for the characters to breathe, for relationships to develop, and for characters to grow, this is a winner.
If you want more laughs, Book Lovers would be my pick, because that was HYSTERICAL. But I LOVED Funny Story for the deep dive into a quirky but emotional relationship born out of unusual circumstances.
And, as always, Julia Whelan is such a treasure. Her narration was so wonderful. She really nails the humour and the emotional moments of this book. Amazing.
With romance books, I tend to find quirks about the leads that turn me off. The bad boy. The bratty girl. The aloof, grumpy man. The wishy washy woman. But I felt so much for both Daphne and Miles. They were both so likeable and relatable. I loved them both. Everyone needs a Miles and Daphne in their life. (And an Ashley. And a Julia. But I digress!)
The story itself is so comically a, well, rom-com, but Emily Henry somehow makes it work SO WELL that I have absolutely nothing to complain about. IS SHE A MAGICIAN because my mind is still blown. There are some of these classic romance tropes but Henry takes them, runs with them, and somehow makes it all work SO WELL. I'm still in awe.
I also appreciate that as a romance book, it doesn't just focus solely on a romance. If you're looking for lots of spice, this won't quite fill that quota. But for a lovely romance that allows lots of room for the characters to breathe, for relationships to develop, and for characters to grow, this is a winner.
If you want more laughs, Book Lovers would be my pick, because that was HYSTERICAL. But I LOVED Funny Story for the deep dive into a quirky but emotional relationship born out of unusual circumstances.
And, as always, Julia Whelan is such a treasure. Her narration was so wonderful. She really nails the humour and the emotional moments of this book. Amazing.