A review by quasinaut
People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry

emotional funny inspiring reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I think I read this book too fast. While I was reading it, I loved it. Poppy brought out a side of Alex that others didn't get to see. They had such a strong friendship that really showed through the writing.

But the final third of the book fell apart for me. I couldn't really understand why they so easily stopped talking, why they so abruptly returned to "normal" when they started talking again, why Alex got mad instead of letting Poppy explain herself better. For two people who had been able to be themselves and communicate so clearly as friends, it didn't make sense to me why that completely fell apart once their emotions developed into something more.

This book strongly reminded me of Beth O'Leary's The Road Trip -- a falling out, chapters that alternate between the present and past, two people coming back together. Ironically, I had a lot of issues with The Road Trip while I was reading it, but I appreciate it more in retrospect... And I suspect I'll like People We Meet on Vacation a little less as I get more distance from it. Huh.
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