Book Review: Beach Read ~ Heidi

Book Review: Beach Read by Emily Henry

*MINOR SPOILERS*

In this review, I will be talking about Beach Read by Emily Henry. Beach Read is about two authors who have extreme writer's block. Augustus Everett is an acclaimed author of literary fiction who does not believe in happy endings; January Andrews writes best-selling romance, which almost always ends in happily ever after. The only thing they have in common is their neighboring beach houses. Until one night, they come up with a deal designed to cure their massive writer’s block. Augustus Everett will write romance, and January Andrews will write literary fiction. It's only a book deal, no one is going to fall in love right?

 First off, I am going to rate this book on its beach readiness (literally in the name). I feel this title is a bit misleading because it does not take place on a beach, more like a lake, and it takes place in literal Michigan. When I hear the word beach read, I think about sunshine state Florida or golden state California, not cool northern Michigan! The book does not include much about beaches either, so I feel a little cat-fished, therefore 3.5/5 on beach readiness.

As for the book, the way Emily Henry writes is excellent and cozy. You almost feel like she is telling you this story during an afternoon brunch conversation. The story's pace is also fast, making Beach Read an easy read and perfect for anyone in a reading slump. Although the pace of the book is enjoyable, the icing on the cake is the characters. While the author builds up each character, she provides plentiful context and explanations, letting the readers connect tightly with each character deeply. Even with characters that committed betraying actions (such as cheating), the reader learns to like them for their flaws. Although it is easy to hate a character that did something imperfect, Emily Henry reflects genuine human nature through her characters and writing so well it is difficult to hate anyone. 

 This book is classified as a romance, but I liked the realistic fiction aspects more. Throughout the book, January struggles with the loss of her father along with the shocking news that he was cheating on her mother. She builds an unhealthy amount of pent-up anger and sadness because she believes she cannot and should not grieve his death properly. She does not allow herself to grieve the death of someone very close to her or accept an idea that contradicts the image she painted in her head. I believe the way she develops as a character aligning with this idea is more important than the romantic part of the book entirely. That’s not to say the book lacks romance, considering January and Gus are goals and the exact image of a healthy relationship.

I also have to note her dad leaves her written letters for every birthday, which is unbelievably sad. Like absolutely heart wrecking sad. Prepare some tissues because YOU ARE going to need it. I was expecting a chill read for a day on the beach, but this book gets DEEP. I was not expecting it at all, but I am here for it! Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I would recommend it to anyone!