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emily henry happy place reviews
emily henry happy place reviews
@kristenacarey on TikTok/@bonreviewsbooks on TikTok
Culture > Entertainment

BookTok Is Emotionally Distraught Over Emily Henry’s New Book, ‘Happy Place’

Sabrina Bernard

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.

@kristenacarey

a masterpiece written about every version of love, friendships changing, soulmates, and friends who are your forever family #emilyhenry #happyplace #emilyhenrybooks #emilyhenrywrites #emilyhenryhappyplace #happyplaceemilyhenry #taylorswift

♬ right where you left me – bonus track – Taylor Swift

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. 

@bonreviewsbooks

When a romance book is so good it hurts #romancebooktok #emilyhenry #emilyhenrybooks #romancebooks #bookrecommendations #booktok

♬ original sound – bonnie

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.

Sabrina Bernard

Queen's U '25

Sabrina Bernard is a writer Her Campus' National Program. She writes lifestyle content on the site, including entertainment, news, and experiences. Beyond Her Campus, Sabrina is heavily involved at her university, where she is an Orientation Coordinator for the largest not-for-profit orientation in Canada, she is the Co-President of the English Department Student Council, and models for her university's Sustainable Fashion club. She also volunteers at the local Animal Shelter when she goes home. Sabrina is currently a junior at Queen's University, majoring in English Literature with a certificate in French. She has also been a panelist at several literary conferences for her works. In her free time, Sabrina enjoys reading, playing with her cat Poppy, and petting every cat she can find on the streets. She's also a huge Modern Family fan and has rewatched the series multiple times.