First, a confession: I haven’t purchased Funny Story yet. I know, I know. But hear me out! I started collecting Emily Henry’s books in paperback, and all my copies match—perfect sizes, coordinated covers, and that oh-so-satisfying lineup on my bookshelf. But Funny Story? Only out in hardback. And I simply cannot disrupt the harmony of my collection. (I told you it’s a thing!) Rest assured, the moment the paperback drops, I’ll snap it up faster than you can say “bookish OCD.”
In the meantime, I did what any impatient reader would do: I snagged a copy from my local library. Thank you, libraries, for keeping my matching-book aesthetic intact while feeding my bookish addiction.
Quick question: How do you organize your bookshelves? One day I will explain my system.
Here’s the most interesting part of all that. The day the book released; April 23, 2024 one of my favorite local bookstores, The Well~Read Moose, hosted a book launch event and had signed books and everything. I revolted and didn’t go because there were no paperbacks to match my set … oh, and there were going to be a bazillion people. Scratch that, a gazillion. No thanks!
Funny Story by Emily Henry
Now, let’s talk about the story. Emily Henry is my go-to author for delightful banter, swoony romance, and characters who feel like people I’d want to meet for cocoa (or awkwardly run into at the grocery store so long as the meeting is not as mortifying as the one in Book Lovers. Poor Nora! That’s the kind of moment that stays with you forever—in both the best and worst ways). True to form, Funny Story delivers on all these fronts. The humor sparkles, the emotional beats land, and the romance… chef’s kiss.
Here’s what I loved most: the dynamic chemistry between the protagonists. Their conversations crackle with wit and vulnerability, creating that perfect mix of laugh-out-loud moments and quiet, heartwarming intimacy. The setting also shines—Henry’s ability to create a sense of place is unmatched, and this one felt like stepping into a cozy, vibrant world I didn’t want to leave. And, of course, there’s the trademark Emily Henry emotional depth. She masterfully weaves humor with heartbreak, making you feel all the feels without ever becoming overly sentimental. The secondary characters? Absolutely delightful. They add richness and texture, proving once again that no one writes friend and family dynamics quite like Henry.
That said, some aspects of the plot might not resonate with all readers. For me, the stakes felt a little lower compared to her other works. While the humor and charm were there, the central conflict—though well-crafted—didn’t tug at my heartstrings quite as strongly as, say, the professional and personal dilemmas in Beach Read or the bittersweet longing of People We Meet on Vacation. Additionally, the pacing occasionally meandered, with a few sections feeling slower than necessary, which made the story slightly less gripping. These elements didn’t overshadow the book’s strengths but might explain why it lands at the bottom of my Emily Henry ranking.
But here’s the thing: while I thoroughly enjoyed it, Funny Story is my least favorite Emily Henry book so far. (Yes, even the best authors have to have a “least favorite” in the mix.) Don’t get me wrong—it’s still a fantastic book, and I’m giving it five stars because the story deserves every single one. But when stacked against the likes of Beach Read, People We Meet on Vacation, Happy Place, and Book Lovers, it doesn’t quite capture my heart the same way. It’s like ranking your favorite desserts: even if tiramisu lands at the bottom, you’d still happily devour it, right?
So, where does this leave me? Counting the days until the paperback release so I can add Funny Story to my collection, of course. Because even if it’s not my favorite Emily Henry, it’s still Emily Henry—and that means it’s brilliant, heartfelt, and worth rereading (once the covers match).
5 enthusiastic stars and a big shout-out to library love. Emily Henry, you’re still my queen, even when your books don’t release matching copies of all versions from the beginning.
A quick note for readers: While Emily Henry’s books are filled with heartfelt romance and deep emotional resonance, they are not strictly “clean” in a traditional sense. Funny Story includes some open-door romantic moments and mature language. It’s the kind of romance that balances steamy elements with genuine emotional connection, making it both swoony and thoughtful. If you enjoy layered, modern love stories with a bit of spice, this one’s for you, but NOT your teenagers.
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