Funny Story by Emily Henry

Amy      

Lynnie  

romance, contemporary fiction

Daphne’s fiancé broke up with her upon his return home from his bachelor party. Apparently, his best friend since childhood--a gorgeous, nearly perfect woman--confessed to him that she’d always been in love with him and, upon hearing this news, he admitted that he had always been in love with her! So, having nowhere else to go, Daphne moved in with her ex-fiance’s new girlfriend’s (ex)-boyfriend.

Amy's Review

 

I assume everyone can guess who ends up together in the end of Funny Story. 😊 But it was a very fun romance. Like Emily Henry’s other novels, the banter between the characters was witty, the characters themselves were likeable people who had their own unique issues, and books played an important part of the story. I did feel that Daphne’s and Miles’ hangups/internal fears seemed a bit overplayed, to my dismay. But, of course, they managed to eventually muddle through their issues until they were able to emerge from their self-punishment and see reality more clearly.

I must say I loved two little things that Henry threw in to this book. First, one of the character’s sons is named Mulder, after the X-Files character! Hilarious! Second is that a barbershop quartet was mentioned at one point. Hooray! I sing barbershop so I loved this little shout out to all of us out there who love harmony.

I both listened to the audiobook and read it on my Kindle, alternating as needed. The audiobook narrator was Julia Whelan who has narrated all four of the other Henry novels I’ve read. She does a great job with these romance novels, obviously. I will say that some of the sex scenes in this one seemed funny to me even though I don’t think they were intended to be. I think this was due to Henry’s writing rather than Whelan’s voice acting. But I also don’t think it would’ve been quite as funny if I’d been reading those scenes instead of listening to them. I actually laughed out loud once at the ludicrous awkwardness. Anyway, I’ll give Julia an A- for this one.

Lynnie's Review

 

It really is the year of the romance novel for me - I have read more romances this year than I ever remember reading in previous years - possibly combined - but honestly... it's kind of nice to know a happily-ever-after is on tap with all the drama in the real world. Funny story is a "meet cute" smorgasborg. Daphne and Peter meet on a windy day while chasing a runaway hat. Then Peter's gorgeous best friend professes her love to Peter and he decides he has always loved her too (sorry Daphne)! Then, Daphne, looking for a place to live, moves in with the Peter's new girlfriend's former fiance, Miles. Whew! Are you keeping track of all that? Obviously, shenanigans ensue.

The hallmark of these novels--miscommunication, bad timing, surprising commonalities and coincidences--all come together to create a genuinely feel-good, tug-at-your-heartstrings story. Daphne and Miles are wonderful (if a little whiny) and as always, Emily Henry has written side characters that make all your best friends look a little bad. Add in a library as one of the settings and what could possible go wrong?

Everything, obviously. But watching the pieces get put back together is a delight. Extra points to Emily Henry for not stretching out the "oh, no this will never work" portion of this romance any longer than necessary (especially after the last one I read!).

I listened to the audiobook and read the Kindle version simultaneously. I've listened to other audiobooks by Julia Whelan (who will ALWAYS be Grace Manning to me...#OnceAndAgain!) and I have the same complaint I had before. I love her character voices - she has a great repertoire - but her regular "narration" voice when she isn't in a character is kind of boring. And I thought the voice she chose for Miles was odd - I liked pretty much every other male voice she did OTHER than Miles, the main character, better. Still, I give her an A- for never letting me forget who's speaking- which is the most important part.

Bottom line, if you enjoyed Emily Henry's other books, you're going to enjoy Funny Story. Also, it might be my favorite cover of any romance book in a while, for whatever that is worth.