It can be hard to get out of a reading slump, especially when your collection comprises classical or philosophical literature that consumes too much of your brain to connect with the material. Not only can it be hard to find the time to read, but I am also facing a chronic case of professional burnout, making it intrinsically awful to complete any task requiring critical thinking. Finding myself using books to prove my academic prowess meant it was time to reflect and make a change. This is when the joy and magic that comes with reading was lost upon me and much to my demise it felt like work. I reluctantly decided to purchase a book that has been circulating through self-proclaimed critics on social media. To my surprise, the title foreshadowed just how I would feel after finishing the story. “The People We Meet On Vacation” felt like chatting with an unexpected friend one meets on a trip where each of you takes turns telling the other about your life. For all of my girlies who know what a situationship is... I am sorry and know your pain. Evidently so does Emily Henry, which is so effortlessly displayed in her storytelling of this book. The reader is guided through the present experiences of the main character Poppy in some chapters, but then sent back in time to two, or three Summer’s ago giving nuanced context to why Poppy feels so lost throughout the book. (Siri play The Great War by Taylor Swift) The last five chapters made me kick and squeal like a middle school girl reading a note in class between two people having crushes on one another. Slight disclaimer this book gets a little sexy, and it was thankfully not in the least bit cringey or uncomfortable. It felt as if I could not read the words fast enough. Henry's descriptive writing may be arguably chatty in other parts of the novel, however, her attention to detail pays off when it matters most. I could picture every scene in my head and cannot wait for the film adaptation with Tom Blyth. The relationships Poppy has with her job, family, and even her best friend Alex are almost too relatable. Another moment of realizing one’s experience in girlhood is more than likely universal and not necessarily genuine to my being. Overall, this novel will lead you through a winding road of love with Invisible String by Taylor Swift taking us to the end. If you know, you know...
In summation, check yourself and who you are trying to appease with your life. Read a book you never thought you would, try something past you would hate. Why not? You might just like it.
Until next time,
Cheers.