Let’s be real—most romance novels make love seem like a fairy tale with perfect timing and zero awkward morning breath. Emily Henry’s Funny Story throws that script out the window and replaces it with something far better: a hilariously imperfect, achingly real love story that’s already being called “the When Harry Met Sally of 2024.”
If you’ve ever:
- Sent a drunk text you regretted (then laughed about it)
- Lived off cereal after a breakup
- Pretended to be over someone while secretly stalking their Spotify playlists
…then Funny Story is your literary soulmate. Buckle up for the rom-com that’s fresher than your ex’s new haircut (and way more satisfying).
Meet Daphne & Miles: The Most Reluctant Roommates Ever
Here’s the juicy setup:
- Daphne just got dumped by her fiancé Peter… for his childhood best friend, Petra.
- Miles just got dumped by Petra… for her childhood best friend, Peter.
- Now these two heartbroken disasters are stuck sharing an apartment in quirky Waning Bay, Michigan.
Cue:
- Passive-aggressive Post-it wars
- “Accidental” shirtless encounters
- A fake-dating scheme to survive wedding season
Emily Henry (queen of banter so sharp it could slice tomatoes) turns this trainwreck into pure magic. Their chemistry crackles with lines like:
“If we pretend to be dating, we’ll both look pathetic.”
“We are pathetic,” he said. “That’s why it’ll work.”
Why This Isn’t Your Grandma’s Romance Novel
- It’s a Love Letter to Messy Growth
Daphne’s journey—from people-pleasing librarian to unapologetic weirdo—will make you cheer. Her “Revenge Life List” (including “Kiss someone just because I want to”) is iconic. - Small-Town Shenanigans Galore
From a drag queen brunch to a lake monster legend, Waning Bay steals every scene. Think Gilmore Girls meets Schitt’s Creek. - The Audiobook is a Masterclass
The Audible narrator nails Daphne’s “trying-to-keep-it-together” voice and Miles’ gravelly charm. Perfect for listening while painting your nails or rage-cleaning post-date.
Steal These Funny Story Life Hacks
- The “Two Truths and a Lie” First Date Trick (Miles’ version: “I’ve wrestled an alligator, I hate pizza, and I still have my wisdom teeth.”)
- How to Fake Confidence (“Stand like you’re in a Marvel poster” – Daphne)
- The Ultimate Breakup Playlist (Spoiler: It’s not sad. It’s ABBA’s “Dancing Queen” on repeat.)
Who Will Love This?
✔ Emily Henry stans (Book Lovers fans, this is your next obsession)
✔ Anyone who’s ever rebounded… questionably
✔ People who like their romance with equal parts humor and heartache
✔ Audiobook listeners needing a pick-me-up during commutes
The Dark Side of Funny Story
Warning: This book will:
- Make you crave small-town adventures
- Ruin you for mediocre real-life banter
- Have you side-eyeing your partner until they ask “Why are you looking at me like Miles would?”
Final Verdict: The Rom-Com That Gets It Right
Funny Story is like the perfect first date—sparkling with wit, surprisingly deep, and over too soon. It’s a reminder that love isn’t about perfect timing… it’s about finding someone who laughs at your terrible jokes.
As Daphne says: “The best relationships start as funny stories you tell friends.” And honey, this one’s a five-star anecdote.
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Available in hardcover, ebook, and audiobook. Read it before your ex’s wedding RSVP is due.https://amzn.to/4cFWaWO