Why I DNF’d Funny Story by Emily Henry: Rushed Romance, Cringe Tropes & Secondhand Embarrassment

I tried to read Funny Story by Emily Henry, but I could not finish it. The setup felt rushed, and the relationships gave me second-hand embarrassment. I simply could not with the main character’s personality. This type of forced proximity and opposites-attract did not hit the way I wanted it to. I was hating more than enjoying.

Read the full description here if you want to give it a shot. If you don’t care about spoilers, please continue.

It opens with a flashback to Daphne and Peter’s so-called “meet-cute,” but I’m sorry—it was not cute. Maybe I’m alone here, but even Peter seemed unimpressed. She wrapped her life around his in just five weeks, and they were engaged within a year? That’s not soulmates, that’s speed-running heartbreak.

Peter dumps her for his girl best friend, and somehow Daphne’s still calling her “amazing.” Girl, she helped him cheat—before your wedding! And then they made you move out within a week. Oh, and Peter had the nerve to kiss your forehead goodbye like he didn’t just shatter your life.

So Daphne moves in with the ex of her ex’s new girlfriend. He’s her total opposite. Cue the forced proximity and awkward tension. I tried to roll with it, but the tropes were overwhelming and took me straight out of the story:

• “I thought you were a delivery guy” — even though he’s worked at that winery for seven years

• Cue the drunk confessions and sudden horniness

• “He smells like gingersnaps” …okay??

• RSVPing to the wedding was wild

• Dating app twist where the roommate is obviously her match.

At some point (page 70 to be exact), I just couldn’t do it anymore. Closed the book. No regrets.

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