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abbypeekreads 's review for:
Beach Read
by Emily Henry
emotional
funny
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
I picked up Beach Read (my first Emily Henry book) due to all the hype surrounding Henry on bookstagram, and I'm so happy to report that I absolutely adored it! It was exactly what I was looking for--a fun, light, summery read that had emotional depth at the same time.
As a writer, I loved and appreciated the focus on books and writing. I was able to relate to January and Gus in a lot of ways because of that, and thoroughly enjoyed reading their conversations about the craft. But I also appreciated how the book could appeal to non-writers as well, and how it could have different themes depending on how you approach it.
I instantly fell in love with Gus and January as characters. Their emotions were very palpable--from their pain and anger to their happiness and longing--to the point where I was laughing and crying and feeling all the things along with them. Their backstories were gripping, engaging, and well thought out, giving them great and satisfying arcs. And the chemistry they shared with each other felt very real and was honestly just amazing to read.
My only complaint is that the progression of their relationship felt a bit funky at times to me. The enemies-to-lovers trope ended fairly quickly after they initially reconnected, and it took me a second to adjust. But once I did, I just couldn't get enough of this book. I highly recommend this book if you're looking for something lighthearted and has a lot of heart. I'm looking forward to reading more by Emily Henry!
As a writer, I loved and appreciated the focus on books and writing. I was able to relate to January and Gus in a lot of ways because of that, and thoroughly enjoyed reading their conversations about the craft. But I also appreciated how the book could appeal to non-writers as well, and how it could have different themes depending on how you approach it.
I instantly fell in love with Gus and January as characters. Their emotions were very palpable--from their pain and anger to their happiness and longing--to the point where I was laughing and crying and feeling all the things along with them. Their backstories were gripping, engaging, and well thought out, giving them great and satisfying arcs. And the chemistry they shared with each other felt very real and was honestly just amazing to read.
My only complaint is that the progression of their relationship felt a bit funky at times to me. The enemies-to-lovers trope ended fairly quickly after they initially reconnected, and it took me a second to adjust. But once I did, I just couldn't get enough of this book. I highly recommend this book if you're looking for something lighthearted and has a lot of heart. I'm looking forward to reading more by Emily Henry!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Grief
Moderate: Cancer, Child abuse, Death of parent