Introduction

Romantic comedies can be tricky to nail down. Some focus too heavily on steamy scenes, while others drown in overly sentimental tropes. However, Emily Henry strikes the perfect balance in her hilarious and heartwarming novel People We Meet on Vacation. In this review, I’ll share why this book is a must-read and why it left me wanting more of her work.

First Impressions

I’ll admit, romance novels aren’t usually my go-to genre, but after hearing so much about People We Meet on Vacation, I had to give it a try. And let me tell you, it lived up to the hype! The story revolves around two best friends, Poppy and Alex, who clearly love each other but take decades to figure it out—only realizing their true feelings after years of vacationing together.

Plot Overview

The book alternates between “this summer” and flashbacks of previous ones, exploring how Poppy and Alex’s friendship grows over the years. Two years before, something happened on a trip to Croatia that threw a wrench into their relationship. As we follow them through new adventures, we’re led back to that fateful trip to uncover the truth and watch them rebuild their connection.

A Rom-Com with a Focus on Friendship

While romance is at the heart of People We Meet on Vacation, it doesn’t dominate the narrative. What makes this novel stand out is its focus on the friendship between Poppy and Alex. Their witty banter and the quirky dynamics of their relationship make for a refreshing read. Emily Henry excels at creating dialogue that’s both sharp and playful, drawing readers into their bond without overloading on romantic tension.

Why I Loved Poppy and Alex

Poppy and Alex are the type of characters you can’t help but root for. Their chemistry is undeniable, but what I loved most was how they embraced each other’s quirks. Poppy, with her spontaneous and colorful personality (she even wears orange bell bottoms!), had me laughing out loud with her sarcasm and wit. She’s like a more down-to-earth, sarcastic version of Poppy from Trolls.

Alex, on the other hand, is more reserved. But with his dry humor and slightly obsessive personality (think younger Danny Tanner with the face of Paul Rudd), he’s the perfect foil to Poppy’s free-spirited nature.

The Friendship Dynamic

What sets People We Meet on Vacation apart from other rom-coms is its emphasis on friendship over romance. Yes, there’s romantic tension, but their shared experiences and easygoing friendship take center stage. I love stories where best friends fall in love, especially when they’re quirky and don’t care about societal norms. Poppy and Alex’s vacations, phone calls, and oddball games (like connecting movies to Keanu Reeves in six degrees) felt real and relatable, making their journey from friends to lovers all the more satisfying.

Favorite Quirky Moments

• Poppy’s Mom: The constant references to baked goods and cleaning every time Poppy mentions her mom are hilarious and heartwarming.
• The Keanu Reeves Game: This random game that Poppy plays with her brothers is so bizarre but also brilliant. It’s the kind of thing I could see myself doing with friends just to pass the time.
• This Quote: “Khakis just make a person look like they’re both pantsless and void of a personality.” Enough said.

The Big Reveal

For most of the book, we’re left wondering what happened in Croatia two years ago. Without spoiling too much, I’ll say that the reveal surprised me. I had convinced myself it involved Alex’s cat somehow, but I was way off! The build-up to the reveal kept me hooked, and when it finally came, it added depth to their already layered relationship.

Movie Adaptation

As of now, there’s talk of a movie adaptation of People We Meet on Vacation in the works, though no casting decisions have been made. While I’m excited to see it brought to life on the big screen, I’m also nervous—will Hollywood get it right? Fingers crossed they cast actors who can truly capture the charm of Poppy and Alex without losing the essence of what makes their story special.

Author Bio: Emily Henry

Emily Henry is an American author known for her heartwarming and humorous contemporary romances. With a background in creative writing, Henry has quickly gained recognition for her relatable characters, witty dialogue, and unique takes on modern love stories. Her other bestselling works include Beach Read and Book Lovers, both of which showcase her talent for blending romance with thoughtful storytelling. When she’s not writing, Henry enjoys exploring new places—just like her characters.

(image taken from author’s goodreads profile)

Editorial Reviews

“What Henry is especially skilled at is writing dialogue. The banter between Poppy and Alex is so natural, quick and witty that it would make Shonda Rhimes do a slow clap.”
—The Associated Press

“Beach Read fans, assemble. Emily Henry is back with another smart, steamy romance….Warning: you will feel all the feels. And probably shed a few tears.”
—The Skimm

“Emily Henry is my newest automatic-buy author, and People We Meet on Vacation is the perfect getaway: a heartfelt, funny, tender escape that you wish could last forever.”
—Jodi Picoult, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Book of Two Ways

“People We Meet on Vacation is a gorgeous slow-burn romance, full of sexual tension and tantalizing possibility. I fell head over heels for Alex and Poppy, and loved travelling all over the world with them both.”
—Beth O’Leary, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Flatshare

“This is a perfect rom com, and I completely adored it. I think Emily Henry might be our generation’s answer to Nora Ephron. A witty, warm page turner.”
—Sophie Cousens, New York Times bestselling author of GMA book club pick This Time Next Year

“Emily Henry is a STAR! Deeply emotional and starkly funny, People We Meet on Vacation cements Emily Henry as the Queen of Banter. Rom-com fans will swoon over this slow burn friends-to-lovers romance. Poppy and Alex are real and flawed and ultra-lovable, and their Summer Trips will scratch an itch for those of us who’ve missed traveling. A perfect summer read!”
—Alexis Daria, bestselling author of You Had Me at Hola

“A compulsively readable book full of sparkling wit, dazzling prose and a romance that grabbed me by the heart and wouldn’t let me go.”
—Abby Jimenez, USA Today bestselling author of Life’s Too Short

“An absolute delight: swoony, legitimately moving, and packed with witty banter that makes Alex and Poppy jump off the page. We are already waiting impatiently for whatever Emily writes next.”
—Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan, USA Today bestselling authors of The Royal We and The Heir Affair

“Henry’s biggest strength is in the sparkling, often laugh-out-loud-funny dialogue, particularly the banter-filled conversations between Poppy and Alex. The end result is a story that pays homage to classic romantic comedies while having a point of view all its own. A warm and winning When Harry Met Sally update that hits all the perfect notes.”
—Kirkus Reviews

Similar Books to Enjoy

If you loved People We Meet on Vacation and Emily Henry’s fresh, funny, and feel-good rom-coms, here are a few more books to add to your reading list:

1. Beach Read by Emily Henry – Another delightful rom-com by Henry, where two authors with writer’s block form an unexpected friendship.
2. Book Lovers by Emily Henry – A love letter to readers and book lovers, full of charming dialogue and bookish banter.
3. The Hating Game by Sally Thorne – A classic enemies-to-lovers story packed with tension, humor, and undeniable chemistry.
4. The Flatshare by Beth O’Leary – Two people share an apartment but never meet in person, until their post-it notes bring them together.
5. Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston – A charming rom-com about the First Son of the U.S. and a British prince falling in love.
6. You Deserve Each Other by Sarah Hogle – A hilarious rom-com where a couple on the verge of breaking up rekindle their romance through pranks.
7. One Day by David Nicholls – A love story spanning decades, perfect for those who enjoy slow-burn romances.
8. People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry – Another Henry classic, focusing on two opposites who take yearly vacations together.
9. The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion – A quirky rom-com about a socially awkward professor searching for love.
10. One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston – A time-travel romance with humor, heart, and a touch of magic.

Final Thoughts

If you’re in the mood for a feel-good rom-com that’s heavy on humor and light on over-the-top romance, People We Meet on Vacation is the perfect pick. With charming characters, witty dialogue, and a friendship that blossoms into love, this book has it all. I’m officially a fan, and if all of Emily Henry’s books are like this, I’ll be diving into the rest of her collection soon!