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

emotional lighthearted 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

3.5

Alex and Poppy don't have much in common. He's dressed in khakis, she's a wild child. He loves to stay home with a book, whereas she has an insatiable need to travel. They have been the best of friends ever since a tragic car share from college many years ago. She is in New York City and he is in their little hometown for the majority of the year, but they have spent one wonderful week of vacation together every summer for the past ten years.

Poppy is in a rut despite having everything she should want. She is certain that the tragic, last trip she took with Alex was the last time she felt completely content. She makes the decision to make it all right by persuading her best buddy to go on one more trip with her. Amazingly, he consents.She now has a week to make everything right. If only she can avoid the one major reality that has silently persisted throughout their ostensibly ideal relationship. 

I was surprised to find that I enjoyed this book. I had heard mixed reviews, so I didn't really expect it. I don't particularly love it, but I also don't despise it. It's in the middle of the spectrum, perhaps leaning more toward the loving end.

The characters in Emily Henry's novels all accept their flaws, which is a characteristic of her writing. Emily Henry also writes character studies and not just romantic novels. I enjoyed Poppy's persona even though I don't really relate to her. At least for me, Alex seemed quite relatable. Although I wished I had seen more of the other characters, I found both of them to be engaging.

The chemistry between the characters was definitely strong, it was there, it was making itself known. Don't get me wrong, the buildup was incredible, but I wasn't especially fond of the story's climax. I don't like the miscommunication trope, which is something about me, but the trope that irritates me the most is when the characters abruptly stop their relationship without even trying to communicate with one another. Even though it was ultimately quite realistic, i didn't like it. I might have found it tolerable if the execution had been better.

The repeated mention of their height and Alex's obsession with baths were the two elements in the novel that irritated me the most. Like, yeah, we understand! Poppy is small in comparison to the tall, strong Alex. You don't have to say it each time they lock eyes with one another. I initially didn't mind that Alex liked showers, but if I'm being completely honest, Poppy bringing it up roughly every two chapters started to irritate me. But yet again, I need someone who will value me as much as Alex cherishes his showers.
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