Funny Story by Emily Henry

Posted on by marjorieseidenfeld

Daphne feels like such a fool. Only days before, her life had seemed like it was on a seamless track: engaged to Peter, she had moved into his beautiful home, became a part of his life, even ingratiated herself with his family and his friends. She was happy – or so she thought. But it has been blown to pieces now, with his sudden proclamation that he is, in fact, in love with his supposed “best friend” Petra (who is also engaged – to Miles). Still in shock, she barely even registers that Peter and Petra are going away for a week together to give her a chance to move out. But where is she to go??? Fortunately, Miles offers Daphne extra room in his apartment – a situation that will, of course, be temporary. In fact, living in the town Peter and Petra were still inhabiting is going to be temporary. She just has to get through her one major work project – and then she can leave. But will she?

This is a sweet, albeit predictable, romcom that will engage and entertain you. Emily Henry has a gift for creating charming characters with unexpectedly complicated backstories and clever, witty banter. There is a warmth that radiates off the pages and even the more troublesome characters have a vulnerability that shines through. And while you may guess the ending, there is a circuitous route that leads there, keeping you engaged and entertained just ever so much longer.

If you’re looking for a light, summer read – or listen! – here’s your next book! It’s cute, warm, and with just enough humor to keep you smiling throughout the pages.

Book Lovers by Emily Henry

Posted on by marjorieseidenfeld

Nora Stephens has been convinced by her younger and very pregnant sister Libby to come away with her for a few weeks to a small town made famous by a book Nora has actually promoted. While Nora is usually impossible to tear away from either her work as a literary agent or her home in NYC (and her Peleton…), she agrees to come because she will do anything to make her sister happy, as she’s done since their mother died when they were teenagers. So here she is, in this sad little town, still trying to sneak a bit of work into her day, in spite of the task list Libby has created for them to try to break out of their usual routines. And no good deed goes unpunished, for the only spot where she can find any bit of reliable wifi is where she runs into – to her utter shock – her absolute work nemesis, Charlie Lastra. Immediately, there is an email exchange between them which grows into an outright battle of wits. And even as Nora is focused on her sister and her sister’s welfare, she finds herself becoming more and more entangled in this mystery that is Charlie Lastra.

If you’re looking for a light, fun, and very summery/vacation-y read, this should be the first thing you pack to take along. While it is somewhat predictable – ok, very predictable – it is also replete with witty (giggle-along-with) dialogue, endearing family drama, and even a few steamy romance scenes. While Nora thinks of herself as being a “shark” and not exactly a people-person, she is actually someone who loves deeply and protects those she loves with the ferocity of a mother bear. She becomes the character we cannot help but love back – and this makes the story so utterly engaging.

So even despite the many romcom tropes to be found here, I still found this book a delight to read (or, in truth, listen to). I believe you will too!

Dial A for Aunties by Jesse Q Sutanto

Posted on by marjorieseidenfeld

Meddie feels a bit like she’s lost herself. She knows when she was in college, she was her truest self, at her most independent. There, free of her “Ma” and her aunties, she was able to speak up for herself, to pursue love, and explore her passions. But somehow, on moving home, her drive and ambition became swallowed up in the dynamic of her mother and her aunties. So much so that when her mother poses as Meddie on a dating app, she actually goes along with it and goes to meet the guy. Big mistake, as it turns out… and one that leads to another, and another and another…

This is an outrageous, madcap romcom that is just pure fun. Once you are able to suspend disbelief and just go with the absurdity, you will not be able to resist the humor, warmth and the joy here. The characters are kind, the plot is dizzying, and there is a chuckle on every page.

I love that Meddie is repeatedly torn between being annoyed by her interfering aunties and being just bowled over by their loyalty and love. We cannot miss how they, for all their hilarious quirks, misguided actions, and internal feuding, are also eternally devoted to each other. I suspect many of you will be able to relate to this, no matter your background, your culture. I think parental/family guilt is often an expression of love, part of what makes the world go round in so many cultures. If we don’t laugh at it, we are doomed to over-pathologize it. And then we miss out on that love that is likely underlying it.

If you’re looking for an escape – and who isn’t right now??? – this is your answer! Enjoy!