by Julia Hershkowitz
People We Meet On Vacation might just be the rom-com of our generation. If you’re like me, you’re probably guilty of judging books by their covers and titles, even though we’re not supposed. Every once in a while, you decide to give one of these books a try and it turns out that it’s your favorite book and you almost didn’t read it!
I first saw Emily Henry’s novel on that center table as soon as you walk into Barnes and Noble. I was looking for a summer book, and I picked it up, looked at the title, and thought this just has to be some millennial, unrealistic, “Colleen Hoover’’ kind of book. I didn’t even look at the blurb. I took a look at that modern cover and assumed the heck out of it. But then, a couple of months later, I was in the Oceanside Library and I overheard some people talking about how great People We Meet on Vacation was. Then there was a new Netflix movie and I watched the trailer. Why did the title seem so familiar? I realized it was the book I had turned down, and here I was in love with just the trailer. So I placed a hold on the copy at Oceanside library and pressed play on the movie.
In the age of romantic tension between male and female characters who begin as best friends, Henry’s novel really nails it. Poppy, the main character, is relatable because of her outspoken quirkiness, her chaotic nature, her vulnerability, and her fear of rejection. She has this charm that you’ll either love or laugh at. Poppy and Alex, her best friend, are total opposites. She’s outgoing and is always looking forward to what’s next, while Alex always looks like he’s stressed out or uncomfortable. He makes sure that things get done, and Poppy attemts to get Alex to come out of his shell.
At first, you’d think Alex is just a miserable neat-freak, but you’ll discover that Poppy and Alex might just have the biggest hearts. When Alex is around Poppy, he opens up. Alex is a little startled at first from Poppy’s care-free attitude, but then he values it and shines himself. The chemistry between them is awesome, and the growing romantic tension is mastered in both the book and the movie. You want Poppy and Alex to be together.
Their adventures are fun and Emily Henry provides readers with a “breath of fresh air” about relationships. The movie definitely has great visual appeal too, from the colors that pop on-screen to Poppy’s outfits to the places the character’s visit. For people who love to travel or aspire to travel, this movie is eye candy. Go read the novel or watch the movie or do both! People We Meet on Vacation will not disappoint.