Alright book lovers, listen up! One of Gen Z’s favorite authors Emily Henry released a new book on April 25 called Happy Place, and people are having a lot of intense emotions over it. Henry is known for her hit romance books like People We Meet on Vacation, Beach Read, and Book Lovers (which I’m currently reading, and am obsessed with). These books are also extremely popular on BookTok. While Henry regularly writes lighthearted romance fiction novels, readers seem to notice how Happy Place strays slightly from that trope, and directs itself down a much deeper path.
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly on April 25, Henry said, “When I was writing Happy Place, I was really trying to give my readers permission for happiness.” I’m not sure this actually happens, though, because a lot of reviews have shown people sobbing over this book.
What is Happy Place by Emily Henry about?
This book follows Harriet and Wyn as their eight-year-long relationship comes to an end, but five months after the breakup, the two find themselves on vacation in Maine with their friend group, unable to tell them they’ve broken up. Henry focuses on second-chance romance from a different angle since Harriet and Wyn’s breakup is so fresh. The book also deals with harder topics like depression, the loss of a loved one, and toxic relationships.
The Reviews Are In
Lots of readers are saying they had mixed emotions about this book. TikToker Kristena Carey was in total emotional distress after reading Happy Place, saying it was “a masterpiece written about every version of love, friendships changing, soulmates, and friends who are your forever family.”
The book has only been out for three days and is already taking over the BookTok community. Take @sb.reads, who jokingly says those who don’t like the novel are too mentally stable. TikToker @mendesannna says the novel is for all of the “mirrorball” girlies — a song off Taylor Swift’s album folklore, aka the most heart-wrenching album she’s written. Maybe folklore would be a good soundtrack to listen to while reading this novel.
Happy Place isn’t a typical love story, clearly, but rather a story about all of the emotions and growing pains that come with love. After just a few days on the shelves, it’s safe to say that Emily Henry is back at it again with another hit novel — even if it is a bit out of her own comfort zone.