A review by lindseyhall44
Book Lovers, by Emily Henry
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Book Lovers was one of my most anticipated releases of 2022, and I’m happy to say that it did not disappoint.
Following literary Agent Nora Stephens-nicknamed the shark because of her success and strong ambition (think “the man” by Taylor Swift)-readers get a front row seat to the small town romance trope dismantled, as she and her sister Libby leave New York to visit Sunshine Falls, North Carolina. Only Nora is not the woman who gains love in these sort of situations, in fact, she is usually the one left behind. So when she finds herself in close proximity to Charlie Lastra (an enemy editor from back home), it’s not like the Romance gods will be rooting for them or anything. Right?
I’ve been a fan of Emily Henry ever since reading Beach Read (probably my favorite of hers), but Book Lovers is her smartest work yet. Through the experimentation of classic tropes, which are later configured, the plot allows for the highlighting of thoroughly well rounded characters. While poking fun at rom com staples we all know and love, insecurities, hopes, and connection are really brought out to the surface. That being said, the relationships (not just romantic, familial) are the most complex of Henry yet, and I loved the older sister perspective.
Overall, this is a book for anyone who finds comfort in books, and I would highly highly highly recommend (after checking trigger warnings).
Following literary Agent Nora Stephens-nicknamed the shark because of her success and strong ambition (think “the man” by Taylor Swift)-readers get a front row seat to the small town romance trope dismantled, as she and her sister Libby leave New York to visit Sunshine Falls, North Carolina. Only Nora is not the woman who gains love in these sort of situations, in fact, she is usually the one left behind. So when she finds herself in close proximity to Charlie Lastra (an enemy editor from back home), it’s not like the Romance gods will be rooting for them or anything. Right?
I’ve been a fan of Emily Henry ever since reading Beach Read (probably my favorite of hers), but Book Lovers is her smartest work yet. Through the experimentation of classic tropes, which are later configured, the plot allows for the highlighting of thoroughly well rounded characters. While poking fun at rom com staples we all know and love, insecurities, hopes, and connection are really brought out to the surface. That being said, the relationships (not just romantic, familial) are the most complex of Henry yet, and I loved the older sister perspective.
Overall, this is a book for anyone who finds comfort in books, and I would highly highly highly recommend (after checking trigger warnings).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Death of parent, Grief, Pregnancy, Sexual content, and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Cursing