Book Review: Beach Read by Emily Henry
Book 22 of 2025
Note: I must confess that almost 3 months have passed since I finished Beach Read.
Beach Read is an entertaining novel narrated by January, a romance author who is desperate to finish her next book. She finds inspiration in an unexpected person, a former classmate named Gus turned “serious” author who just happens to be staying next door. They make a deal: she will write literary fiction, and he will write a romance to fulfill their looming publishing deadlines. Their coupling is a slow burn but the fits and starts feel natural, especially for two people who once related to each other in a college setting. January is also reckoning with another relationship in her life; her recently deceased father willed her the beach house where she is working. Gus is contending with family issues of his own, which impact his ability to be optimistic about their future. Can there be a happily ever after?
This doesn’t feature too prominently, but the topic of January’s novel makes me snicker. It’s about a traveling circus. And clowns. Yes, clowns. It could have been about literally anything, and that’s what Henry chose. Perhaps she was inspired by the late, great TV show “Carnivale” on HBO?
Romance novels are pretty far outside my comfort zone, but this was very pleasant to read while I was traveling via an overnight flight. That’s not criticism! It kept my attention and wasn’t about death.
Highlights:
The banter between Gus and January is on point, especially when they are making signs to share through the windows of their houses in a form of primitive texting. I definitely laughed out loud at a couple of their exchanges.
The descriptions of Lake Michigan are delightful. I want to visit.
Criticisms:
It verges on steamy. Verges. Never quite gets there.
I would have loved a chapter or ten from Gus’ point of view.
Rating:
2 stars out of 5. I enjoyed it while reading but it didn’t stay with me.
