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A review by quasinaut
Happy Place by Emily Henry
emotional
funny
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I've such complicated feelings about this book. On the one hand, Emily Henry writes such fun, witty banter and creates groups of friends with distinct personalities. On the other, by halfway through I'm always yelling "just talk to each other! Actually communicate!"
I found Harriet's indecision and people-pleasing thoroughly relatable, if frustrating because she kept doing what she thought others wanted in order to keep the peace, when really that meant she was withdrawing from them and smoothing over some much-needed conversations. I loved that we see characters who love each other deeply, but their love isn't enough to fix their issues and insecurities without everyone individually doing the work to figure their stuff out.
I found Harriet's indecision and people-pleasing thoroughly relatable, if frustrating because she kept doing what she thought others wanted in order to keep the peace, when really that meant she was withdrawing from them and smoothing over some much-needed conversations. I loved that we see characters who love each other deeply, but their love isn't enough to fix their issues and insecurities without everyone individually doing the work to figure their stuff out.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent
Moderate: Mental illness and Alcohol
Minor: Abandonment and Pregnancy