Review by nightfell - Beach Read

nightfell 's review for:

Beach Read by Emily Henry

4.5

challenging funny hopeful lighthearted reflective sad 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

Beach read was meant to be a fun rom com and instead all I received was pain. I didn't anticipate the complicated backstories of the main characters, and I thought they linked together in such an interesting and thought-provoking way. I loved the main character, January, she was such a mess and she's so casually charismatic and funny. AUGUSTUS EVERETT HAS MY HEART. "When I watch you sleep, I feel overwhelmed that you exist" EXCUSE ME. And the hand holding and thigh bumping under the table got me. They had such good chemistry, and they really helped each other with their personal challenges they each faced in the book. It was one of those situations where I completely understood, and yet it was so painful, my heart broke for Gus and January.
I loved the commentary on how other writers, and people in general, view romance books and authors who write romance exclusively or at all, especially if they're a woman. I wasn't expecting it and I loved it.
It's so sad how people hype Emily Henry's other book so much more when this was the deeper book with more complex characters in comparison to People we meet on vacation, however I know a lot of people are just looking for a cute romance which that book also has, but still.
Overall this book was amazing and everyone should read.

Content Warnings