Reviews

Beach Read by Emily Henry

missmaereads's review against another edition

5.0

first read: I stumbled upon this book by accident. It was black Friday, and my mom and I decided to go to salvation army to find some deals (the whole store was 50% off mind you) and they had a shopping cart full of books for 25 cents. The cover was the first thing that stood out to me, I knew I have seen it at Barnes & Noble before but wasn't aware that this would become my new favorite read. Emily Henry perfectly told the story of second chances and "happy for now". If you are on the fence about reading this book, take this as a sign to pick it up right now.

second read: this is going to be a yearly reread. It's official.

hannahblue's review against another edition

Had to sell to make room for a move, will rebuy and try again!

_erinsims's review against another edition

adventurous funny lighthearted reflective relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Everything I’m looking for in a rom com. Had so much fun reading and may even read again

rienkat's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

aleciaaa's review against another edition

emotional hopeful fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

paulina_books's review against another edition

challenging emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This is definitely my favourite book of the year so far! I haven't cried this much and so hard in years (I tried to find the last book that made me have such a strong reaction and it was around five years ago!)

I didn't have high expectations going into Beach Read as I read Happy Place last year and didn't quite love it. And I have always being undecided about this book as I thought the plot wouldn't intrigue me but I was so wrong! I loved every second of this, January and Gus are perfectly imperfect and I care so much for them. I love the combination of a romace story with heavy topics like grief, loneliness, and trying to be "the perfect person" for someone else.

This is more of a personal thing but I deeply connected to a lot of the struggles and experiences the two MCs had and I cried multiple times to the point of not being able to read until I could calm down. Needless to say, Beach Read has become and instant all time favourite book and I can't wait to read all of Emily Henry's books!

Note: I read the UK version so I still need to read the adittional ending scene the US one has but I'm not in a rush since I personally prefer the UK ending as it is.

millylewis's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional funny reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75

reece90211's review against another edition

reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

elizabeth_anne's review against another edition

lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

Beach Read is about 2 rival authors that have writers block and decide to switch genres for their next books. January has recently moved to her father’s beach house which is next to Gus. The book had some depth but I wanted more. I also thought there was the perfect opportunity for a plot twist but the storyline stayed linear. Overall kind of forgettable. I will be reading more Emily Henry books soon. Beach Read is Emily’s first major novel and I hope to catch the Easter eggs in the next books and that her writing progresses. 

colechapp's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75