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A review by kristynpittman
Happy Place by Emily Henry
emotional
reflective
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
I have a bold claim. Happy Place has moved into first place on my official Emily Henry ranking. WOW!
Happy Place follows Harriet and her 5 closest friends in a dual timeline through college and early adulthood. The way they navigate these relationships as their lives ebb and flow was so deeply relatable. The bonds of friendship you form in college is unlike any thing else. Harry and her friend turned lover Wyn soon find that the real world isn't the happy place they began their relationship all those years ago.
While there is absolutely a central love story I would never classify this as a 'romance'. It's so much more. The evolution of the friendship between the three girls as they grow up is so beautiful. I think we all have those friends who defy the label of friend to become more. A sister. A limb. A lifeline.
I also really connected to Harriet's internal struggle over her career. Her academic drive that got her through college and then left her feeling lost once she left those hallowed halls is something I see time and time again amongst the most gifted and focused students. Myself included!
Even if you haven't historically been an Emily Henry fan this book might change your mind. It's for sure her most emotional book that she's ever put out. When I say I started tearing up at 6% in I'm not being hyperbolic. Have some tissues on hand!
Happy Place follows Harriet and her 5 closest friends in a dual timeline through college and early adulthood. The way they navigate these relationships as their lives ebb and flow was so deeply relatable. The bonds of friendship you form in college is unlike any thing else. Harry and her friend turned lover Wyn soon find that the real world isn't the happy place they began their relationship all those years ago.
While there is absolutely a central love story I would never classify this as a 'romance'. It's so much more. The evolution of the friendship between the three girls as they grow up is so beautiful. I think we all have those friends who defy the label of friend to become more. A sister. A limb. A lifeline.
I also really connected to Harriet's internal struggle over her career. Her academic drive that got her through college and then left her feeling lost once she left those hallowed halls is something I see time and time again amongst the most gifted and focused students. Myself included!
Even if you haven't historically been an Emily Henry fan this book might change your mind. It's for sure her most emotional book that she's ever put out. When I say I started tearing up at 6% in I'm not being hyperbolic. Have some tissues on hand!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent and Grief
Minor: Alcohol