Book Review: Funny Story

Funny Story, by Emily Henry, was not a clean read! No, indeed it veered into graphic descriptions of activities I would prefer to be left to my imagination with a slow fade. Alas, I listened in audio form. I could not quickly skim through and get beyond, but had to barrel through the sensual scenes (I'd say "intimate," but they were casual and to me, intimacy is hard-won through marital commitment). However, again, these scenes popped up after fully invested, and besides, the story was so delightful otherwise. I can understand why it was an instant New York Times bestseller (and Julia Whelan's narration was outstanding, as always).

Daphne and Peter always introduce their impending marriage by explaining the funny story of their meeting and finding love. Only now, Peter has realized he's actually in love with his best friend, Petra. Daphne had moved her entire existence to Peter's Michigan town to be with him and now she is alone, without genuine friends, and seeking a replacement for the one good thing about her life, her beloved job as a children's librarian. Also, she must find a new place to live on the spur of a tragic and traumatic moment.

After Daphne moves in with Miles, Petra's similarly rejected fiancé, she receives a wedding invitation to Peter and Petra's wedding. Why not prove she is not as devastated and lonely as Peter believes? Why not rub in his face that she could move on quickly? Thus, she spins a new funny story. She will attend with her new boyfriend, Miles. Can they keep up the pretense? Is it really a pretense? What does Daphne truly need and will she find it in this sweet Michigan town?

This was entrancing! There were several laugh-out-loud lines! Moreover, I loved the characters. Daphne struggles with inevitable trust issues from a father who was never there for her. Certainly being dumped by your fiancé intensifies trust issues all the more! But Miles is so likeable. He is sweet, endearing, and the kind of guy that everyone falls for. Then again, we're all reeling from the emotional baggage of life.

I have my own funny story... about this book. I didn't begin listening as soon as I received it from the library. It came due before I finished. No worries. I'd seen it available on Hoopla. Alas, only on the neighboring town's catalog. Thus, I had to wait until the audio version came available again (3 weeks). At the checkout, the woman next to me was checking out the hard-cover copy of... Funny Story. (I had also noticed a woman on a recent plane trip reading this same book.) Funny! Delightful! Well-earned reputation.

📒 Content caution: sex, drug use, language