Emily Henry’s “Funny Story” is Heading to the Big Screen

Funny Story by Emily Henry

What would you do if your fiancé dumped you for a woman he’s known his whole life? You move in with the only other person who understands your emotional distress, battered sense of self-worth, and rainy-day mood, of course. Even if that person is the ex-boyfriend of your ex’s new fiancé. In her latest novel, Funny Story (Berkley), author Emily Henry shows us that, even though the path to healing is rarely a straight line, the reward for taking the scenic route is more than worth the journey. Emily Henry has learned this lesson herself — without a TikTok account or book tours, she’s soared to fame. Funny Story is heading for the big screen and will be the first of her books that Henry herself will adapt.

Exes, Weddings and Newfound Friendship

Living with Miles Nowak may not be the smartest thing librarian Daphne Vincent has ever done, but neither was moving to Waning Bay, Michigan, to be with the love of her life. Peter was perfect, and now Peter and Petra are perfect together, a fact that becomes apparent when she and Miles both receive an invitation to their exes’ wedding … to each other. 

Daphne had no choice but to RSVP as Miles’ plus one. Certainly, none as appealing as pretending to date her sexy, increasingly intriguing roommate. Especially if he’s a willing participant. They might have little in common, but Daphne is only in Waning Bay for as long as it takes to find a new job and reset her life. It’s only temporary. 

But the more Daphne learns about Miles, the more she suspects her judgments of him may have been wrong. Worse, her newfound friendship with the man Petra left behind is making her question if what’s truly best for her is the life she left behind, or the one she could have. When both of their pasts come knocking at their door, Miles and Daphne have no choice but to face the truth. Can they learn to trust themselves and each other, or will their story end before it’s even begun? 

A New Gem From Emily Henry

Witty, hilarious, and paced to perfection, Henry’s latest gem will make you attempt to stifle laughter on a quiet plane packed with strangers on a six-hour flight. Well, make that two six-hour flights to and from the west coast, which is exactly how long it took me to start and finish this book. Spoiler alert: you won’t succeed. 

This novel is a treat made with Henry’s usual mix of comedy and poignancy and tied with a bow of genius. I loved the concept from page one — two people thrown together into a situation neither asks for that feels so wrong at first and then oh, so right. There’s true complexity in the shared experiences of these characters, and the way Henry entwines their insecurities with the major conflict is startlingly effective. Her characters are engrossing in a way that urges you to be their most vocal cheerleader. 

And it’s not just Daphne and Miles you’ll want to root for. Henry’s secondary characters are just as compelling. I was just as invested in Daphne’s and Miles’ quirky friends and family as I was in them. There was never a single moment when I was bored, which is saying a lot, considering where I was when I read this one. 

Fighting For The Life You Want

This story is about taking the bull by the horns and fighting for the life you want to live. It’s about becoming the master of your own universe and doing it in a way that’s meaningful and true. It’s about letting go to make space for what comes next, and finding love in the most unexpected places, even when you’re not looking for it. Especially when you’re not.

Thanks to the Rolling Stones, I know I can’t always get what I want, but I needed this book. It was a solid reminder that it’s not our experiences, but how we respond to them that defines us. A reminder that, if we want to, we can rewrite our stories and make our lives into something we can be proud of anytime. 

Even at 30,000 feet.