Every time I pick up a new Emily Henry book, there’s a tiny voice in my head whispering, Okay, maybe this will be the one that’s just fine. Maybe this one won’t completely emotionally wreck me. And every time, Emily barrels right through that doubt like a freight train and says, Absolutely not.
Funny Story is no exception. It’s funny, obviously. But it’s also full of feeling in that signature Emily Henry way, where the humor is layered over something tender and real. And honestly? This might be one of her most satisfying books yet.
The setup alone deserves its own rom-com movie poster. Daphne gets dumped by her fiancé, Peter, who runs off with his childhood best friend Petra. And who does Daphne end up living with? Petra’s ex, Miles. Yes, that’s a real sentence. No, it never stops being deliciously awkward.
Daphne and Miles decide to be roommates out of sheer necessity. She needs a place to live. He has a spare room. They have zero intention of becoming anything more than two people with heartbreak in common. I’ll give you three guesses how that goes.
What unfolds is the slowest of slow burns, and I mean that in the most satisfying way. This is a story where the fake dating is top-tier, the banter is full of sharp little sparks, and the pining is… it’s so real. Like, make questionable life choices because of one long look across a kitchen real.
But underneath all the fun, there’s something quieter and deeper happening. Daphne is not just mending a broken heart. She’s realizing she’s been living the life she thought she was supposed to want, instead of figuring out what she actually wants. Watching her come into her own is half the joy of this book.
And then there’s Miles, who is chaos in human form but also deeply thoughtful and kind in ways that sneak up on you. He is not just the goofy rebound guy. He’s navigating his own grief and growth, and the emotional payoff of their connection feels earned and honest.
Also, small request to the entire romance genre: more scenes where characters overshare feelings while tipsy on an empty stomach and eating questionable snacks. That is the good stuff.
The side characters in this book really hold their own too. No one feels like a throwaway. Everyone has a purpose, whether it’s to nudge Daphne closer to who she’s becoming or to remind her of what she’s outgrown. And the small-town vibe is spot-on, with just the right mix of cozy and claustrophobic.
Now, let’s talk about Emily’s writing. She is the queen of lines that make you laugh and then punch you in the gut immediately after. The dialogue is sharp. The pacing never drags. And every metaphor feels like it was plucked directly from your own messy little heart.
Funny Story is the kind of book that makes you feel seen in all your messy, hopeful glory. It is romantic without being saccharine, emotional without dragging you into despair, and genuinely joyful in a way that feels like a breath of fresh air.
It is a love story, yes. But more than that, it is a story about learning to let go of what you thought your life was supposed to look like and embracing the weird, wonderful version that’s actually meant for you. And if that is not peak Emily Henry magic, I don’t know what is.
Our Rating
Discover more from itsm3g
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
