"Book Lovers" by Emily Henry (Review)

Earlier this year, Netflix released People We Meet on Vacation based on the novel by Emily Henry. The adaptation felt lackluster. Emily Henry is known for her witty and sharp banter; however, the banter between Poppy and Alex felt forced and, at times, cringey. The film adaptation also deviated from the book, which is nothing new when adapting a book to the screen. In this case, these changes ultimately lose what made the book feel so special. That being said, watching People We Meet on Vacation motivated me to read Book Lovers.

I have attempted to read Book Lovers two times, yet, as the saying goes, the third time's the charm. Book Lovers centers on Nora Stevens, a literary agent from New York. She arrives late to a meeting with book editor Charlie Lastra after her boyfriend breaks up with her over the phone. The meeting starts badly and gets worse, leaving Nora with a bad first impression of Charlie.

A few years later, Nora and her sister Libby decide to travel to Sunshine Falls, North Carolina. Once they arrive, Nora repeatedly encounters book editor Charlie Lastra. Though Nora initially feels irritation towards Charlie, her feelings towards him gradually grow into attraction.

Nora and Libby's relationship serves as the subplot. Libby is pregnant with her third child, and the trip serves as a way for her to take a break from responsibility. Henry does a good job of depicting each sister and her personality. They have a very close, loving relationship. The two share a strong bond, made stronger after the sudden death of their mother.

Though not my favorite Henry novel, I did enjoy reading about Nora and Libby. While in Sunshine Falls, Libby presents Nora with a list of experiences she wants to do, such as wear a flannel and save a small business. Henry does an amazing job fleshing out the familial dynamics with Nora and Libby, as well as Charlie and his family. The romance between Nora and Charlie felt uninspired. The ending, in particular, was predictable and trite.

With Book Lovers, Henry plays with the "small-town romance" trope and cleverly subverts it.