Beach Read
by Emily Henry
7.9 / 10 1.8M ratings
- Language
- English
- Published
- 2020
- Publisher
- Penguin
- Pages
- 400
- ISBN
- 9781984806734
January Andrews is a romance author who no longer believes in love. Following her father's death, a discovery shatters her belief in happily-ever-afters, leaving her with writer's block and a secret beach house she never knew existed. Her plan is to spend the summer selling the house and forcing out a new manuscript. The one thing she doesn't plan for is Augustus "Gus" Everett, her former college rival and an acclaimed author of literary fiction, moving in next door. He is cynical, serious, and everything her romantic heroines are not.
Broke, uninspired, and completely stuck, they strike a deal to overcome their creative slumps. January will attempt to write a dark, serious novel, and Gus will try his hand at a story with a happy ending. He'll take her on interviews for his research into a local death cult, and she'll take him on a series of rom-com-worthy field trips. They will finish their books and no one will fall in love. What begins as a writing challenge becomes an exploration of their own stories, forcing them to confront painful truths about their pasts and question everything they thought they knew about life and each other.
Broke, uninspired, and completely stuck, they strike a deal to overcome their creative slumps. January will attempt to write a dark, serious novel, and Gus will try his hand at a story with a happy ending. He'll take her on interviews for his research into a local death cult, and she'll take him on a series of rom-com-worthy field trips. They will finish their books and no one will fall in love. What begins as a writing challenge becomes an exploration of their own stories, forcing them to confront painful truths about their pasts and question everything they thought they knew about life and each other.
Subjects
Original edition
Beach Read: Tiktok Made Me Buy It! the Laugh-Out-loud Love Story and New York Times 2020 BestsellerOriginally published in 2020 English Penguin Books, Limited
Other editions (10)
What other readers say
Liked
Many readers found this to be a captivating and unputdownable romance, frequently citing it as a favorite read of the year. Reviewers praised its ability to evoke a wide spectrum of emotions, from happiness and joy to angst and hurt, describing it as a heart-wrenching experience. Beyond a typical romance, the book was lauded for skillfully weaving in multiple themes such as friendship, family secrets, personal regrets, and professional rivalry. The dialogue between the two main characters, January and Gus, was highlighted as sarcastic, smart, and uniquely entertaining, contributing to their undeniable chemistry. Readers appreciated the depth of characterization, noting January's relatable journey of growth and Gus's portrayal as a complex, admirable male lead. The story's emotional nuance, particularly in handling heavier topics with tenderness, resonated deeply with many, leading to a heartwarming and feel-good reading experience that offered both laughter and tears.
Disliked
Despite widespread acclaim, some readers expressed disappointment, finding the romance between January and Gus lacked genuine chemistry, with their interactions often feeling awkward or stilted. Critiques also surfaced regarding January's character, whom some found to be overly precious, insecure, and prone to overreaction, while Gus was occasionally perceived as a stereotypical brooding figure whose adoration for January lacked clear justification. A common complaint was the writing style, which some described as excessively detailed or "fluffed out," leading to mundane conversations and repetitive descriptions. The book's tonal shifts, moving between lighthearted romance and significantly darker themes like family betrayal, illness, and difficult research topics, were jarring for certain readers and impacted the narrative flow. Furthermore, some felt the "enemies-to-lovers" premise was not fully delivered, as the initial rivalry quickly gave way to immediate attraction, and the genre-swapping plot point was overshadowed by other elements.
In short
Ultimately, this book appears to be a polarizing read, beloved by many for its emotional depth and character development, yet not universally enjoyed by those seeking a more conventional romantic comedy. It is widely acknowledged as more substantial than its title might suggest, delving into complex personal struggles and healing journeys alongside the central romance. Readers who appreciate contemporary romance that blends witty banter and profound emotional themes, exploring character growth through adversity, are likely to find this book deeply rewarding. However, those expecting a purely light, fluffy, and straightforward romantic comedy might find its serious undertones and non-traditional approach to the genre less appealing. It is best suited for readers who enjoy a rich narrative that tackles both the bright and dark sides of life, with a focus on human connection and personal transformation.
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