A review by katonthejellicoe
Funny Story by Emily Henry

emotional funny inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing sad 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

"All those moments throughout the days, weeks, months that don't get marked on calendars with hand-drawn stars or little stickers. Those are the moments that make a life. Not grand gestures, but mundane details that, over time, accumulate until you have a home, instead of a house. The things that matter. The things I can't stop longing for." ― Emily Henry, Funny Story

Overview:
Daphne Vincent, a practical and organized children's librarian, is on the brink of achieving her dream life—a perfect husband, a lovely house, and her ideal job—until her fiancé, Peter, reveals he’s in love with his childhood best friend, Petra. With her plans and dreams in ruins, she decides to be practical and become roommates with Miles Nowak, a man who is her complete opposite—spontaneous and chaotic. In a hilarious twist, Miles turns out to be Petra’s ex-boyfriend.

Review:
Funny Story is, without a doubt, Emily Henry's funniest book to date. I found myself laughing out loud or chuckling at the witty exchanges between Miles and Daphne, Ashleigh and Julia's quirky yet endearing personalities, and even Peter and Petra's outrageous life choices (like, what do you mean they invited their exes?!).

Yet, the story also delves into raw, vulnerable, and emotional territory. The characters were well-developed and multi-dimensional—most notably Miles Nowak. (He may be my favorite male lead in all her books.) Flawed, chaotic, and too kind for his own good (sounds like a classic people-pleaser, right?), he was also charming, loving, and a walking ball of sunshine. Daphne, on the other hand, is a planner—almost rigid, cynical, and guarded—yet she yearns for belonging and connection, making her impossible not to love.

In true Emily Henry fashion, these characters took me on an emotional rollercoaster that only she can deliver. To no one’s surprise, I absolutely loved this book. Beyond its romantic elements, it prompted deep self-reflection on what it truly means to love someone while not being with them; on how it’s human to crave belonging and companionship; and on how to accept someone for who they are, especially when they fuck up and struggle to love themselves.

Ahhhh, if only I had enough words to fully express how this book led me on such a vulnerable journey. But for now, this review will have to suffice.