The People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry

The People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry weaves a tale of friendship, love, and the complexities that come with evolving relationships over time. The book features Poppy and Alex, who are best friends with contrasting personalities. Poppy is the ever-optimistic and adventurous spirit. Alex is the cautious and thoughtful soul. Their bond is cemented through an annual tradition of summer vacations. Each trip is a testament to their deep connection and the memories they cherish.

And here is my review about: The People We Meet on Vacation

The story uses a dual timeline, toggling between the present and flashbacks of their vacations, to unravel the story of a single trip that led to their estrangement in Croatia. This structure heightens the intrigue about what went wrong but also enhances the reader’s understanding of their relationship showcasing its depth and the challenges it faces.

Emily Henry portrays the characters and their development, crafting dialogues and situations that are relatable. She explores themes of change, the courage it takes to confront one's feelings, and the idea that true love encompasses acceptance and growth alongside another person. This is set against the backdrop of varied vacation settings adding escapism and adventure, showing how new experiences can shape relationships and personal growth. It can also inspire you to think of vacations you want to take as you read about their trips. I was able to relate to their trip in Palm Springs as I spent a lot of time there growing up and knew the places they went to having visited them myself. You do have to go at the right time avoiding the summer heat which they learn in the book.

The story navigates the complexities of love and friendship. Henry's blend of humor, heartfelt moments, and dynamic characters makes for a compelling read that resonates with anyone who has ever questioned the nature of their relationships and the paths they lead us on.

I would recommend this book to romcom fans. This is a contemporary romance book with witty banter, friendship and fun travel to daydream about.  If you enjoy films like “When Harry Met Sally,” you will definitely enjoy reading this book. In fact, Emily alludes to this movie as inspiration for the book. Alex and Poppy share an epic car ride after they met just like Harry and Sally. I also enjoy the bright colors that Emily Henry uses for her book covers. This book is no exception as it is bright orange with palm trees. The orange, reminiscent of Poppy’s wardrobe like her infamous “orange polyester traffic cone bell bottoms” and the palm trees, for her unforgettable Palm Springs trip. I heard that the book will be adapted for film in the future. Can’t wait to see how it will play out on the big screen.

You can purchase the book from Amazon.