Reviews with content warning for Death - People We Meet on Vacation

Although I don’t like Poppy and some flashbacks were unnecessary, this book was so good! Beautifully written and so easy to read. Rare are those books I can finish so fast

Content Warnings

lisavandonselaar's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional funny relaxing medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Content Warnings

chrstnlvly's review against another edition

Go to review page

funny lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

On vacation, you can be anyone you want.

People We Meet on Vacation reminded me how much I love the friends-to-lovers trope. Being friends first is a great foundation for a romantic relationship because you get to know someone deeply as a friend before taking things further.

I loved it, except for the end where I feel a loose thread wasn't tied up: how different Alex and Poppy are.

Spoiler

They differ greatly, particularly on important deal-breakers like having kids (Alex wants them, Poppy doesn't). Alex was right: they don't make sense together. I understand that Alex is willing to do anything for Poppy, as everything (for him) revolves around her, but

I'm bothered by how different they are, even in minor things.

However, I must admit that this book touched me on a personal level. If I had read it five or six years ago, I know I would have made different choices in my life. I would have either waited or chosen a different path. This book was my "what if," my alternate reality, and honestly, it hurts to think about it.

I can confidently say that I'll read anything Emily Henry writes. Although I've only read two of her books so far (and by the way, Beach Read is much better than People We Meet on Vacation and I prefer Gus over Alex by a long shot), I'm eagerly looking forward to reading Book Lovers and Happy Place.

Content Warnings

marieos's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous emotional inspiring lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

Content Warnings

abbeyroad1410's review

Go to review page

emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I absolutely adore Emily Henry (as I have repeated for the past few months as I read through her works).
The highlight of People We Meet On Vacation is truly Poppy's character development and growth throughout the story. She comes across as a real person with real problems and insecurities. Yes, her hometown brings back bad memories, but it is where her people are. Yes, her job brings her success but she feels unfulfilled. Acting on feelings for her friend gives her anxiety, and it's taken so long you don't know how it will end.
Additionally, per usual, Emily Henry's male lead is everyone's dream guy. He's soft and understanding and has the maturity some guys lack. Additionally, you see him work on himself throughout the novel.
Of course, this book has it's shortcomings. The biggest one for me was the rapid resolution of various plots. As someone currently dating her long-time friend, even after you admit your feelings there can be this long game of chicken (a part that we didn't get a clear view of but rather a montage). Additionally Alex should have been a lot angrier about the lie that R&R was paying for the trip because it didn't make a lot of sense to lie about. Instead, it felt like Alex was mad for two seconds.
Overall, this book was a wonderful read, and I can't wait for Emily Henry's next novel in Summer 2024.

Content Warnings