Funny Story | Emily Henry

"you always assume i’m being so selfless. like it hasn’t occurred to you i might want to hang out with you. so when you turn me down, i have to figure out if you just don’t feel the same way, or if you think you’re doing me some kind of favor. and i never can."

    Emily Henry has once again proven herself as a master of witty, heartfelt storytelling with Funny Story, a novel that is equal parts hilarious, heartwarming, and deeply insightful. Known for her sharp humor and complex character dynamics, Henry delivers a delightful, emotionally resonant read that perfectly balances comedy with the complexities of human relationships. 

    Funny Story centers around the unexpected connection between two characters who are both dealing with major life upheavals. After her engagement goes up in flames, the protagonist finds herself in an unlikely living situation with her ex-fiancé’s new fiancée's ex-partner. Yeah, it's a lot. The setup alone promises plenty of awkward, laugh-out-loud moments, but what follows is a surprising exploration of healing, friendship, and personal growth. While the plot seems simple at first—a woman counting down the days until she can get away from her ex's hometown—the novel digs deeper into what it means to redefine your life and your relationships when everything around you feels uncertain. The story weaves together moments of humor with more poignant reflections on moving forward, letting go, and the messiness of love in all its forms. 

    Emily Henry shines in creating characters who feel real, relatable, and wonderfully imperfect. The protagonist is sharp, vulnerable, and refreshingly honest about her emotional struggles. Her interactions with her ex-fiancé’s stepmother, a character that could have easily been one-dimensional, evolve into one of the novel’s greatest strengths. This unlikely pairing allows for hilarious banter but also a touching portrayal of how people who have nothing in common (on the surface) can find connection in their shared vulnerabilities. Daphne is a very put together, very organized librarian, who thrives on lists and plans. There was a plan she had and a way her life should've turned out, and when it doesn't pan out she is scrambling. Miles, on the other hand, is a scruffy, pot-smoking, seemingly irresponsible manchild, who is completely at odds with her. And yet, as they get to know each other through their ridiculous plot of pretending to date to make their exes jealous, deeper layers are revealed and, unsurprisingly, it turn out they are not what they seem on the surface. Also, unsurprisingly to everyone but them, Daphne and Miles are perfect for each other. 

    As always, Henry’s side characters are full of charm and wit, adding layers to the story without overshadowing the central narrative. The dynamics between these characters often serve as the emotional core of the book, making readers not just laugh, but also reflect on their own relationships and what it means to truly understand another person. 

    One of the most compelling aspects of Funny Story is how it handles the messy, nonlinear process of healing. The novel doesn’t offer tidy resolutions to heartbreak and emotional turmoil but instead embraces the discomfort and humor that come with rebuilding your life. Henry’s exploration of grief, love, and identity is beautifully nuanced, with moments of levity seamlessly woven into more serious reflections. The humor is sharp and perfectly timed, creating laugh-out-loud moments that feel organic to the characters’ personalities. Emily Henry has a gift for writing dialogue that feels witty without being forced, and in Funny Story, the humor acts as a lifeline for the characters, pulling them through difficult situations with grace and a bit of snark. If you’re a fan of books that make you laugh, cry, and reflect, all in the same chapter, Funny Story will resonate with you. It’s perfect for readers who enjoy emotional depth wrapped in humor, as well as those who appreciate stories that capture the complicated, beautiful mess of human relationships. 

    Emily Henry’s signature wit and her talent for writing characters who feel like friends make this book a standout in contemporary fiction. Fans of Henry’s previous works, like People We Meet on Vacation or Book Lovers, will find familiar themes here: relationships built on chemistry and banter, the importance of friendship, and characters who grow not just in love, but in their understanding of themselves. It is a charming, funny, and heartfelt novel that will have you laughing one minute and tearing up the next. It’s a perfect read for anyone looking to escape into a world of witty dialogue, complex characters, and a story that celebrates the unpredictability of life and love. Whether you’re going through a transition yourself or just in need of a good, comforting story, this book offers a delightful reminder that sometimes the most unexpected relationships can help us find the way back to ourselves.