I'm Only Me When I'm With You

People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry:

I can see how people compare this book to Normal People by Sally Rooney, however this book is the Gen Z version of a millennial love story. Poppy and Alex were insufferable. I was cringing the whole book. They literally had the weirdest experiences and I could not stay entertained.

The only thing that got me through was their sarcastic banter. I found myself skipping paragraphs of long description just to get to the text exchanges or dialogue. Which is ironic to compare the book with Normal People where there are no quotations of dialogue.

My favorite part about this book is how I can see myself as Poppy and Alex in my female friendships. My best friend and I are always giggling over potty humor. So when I read Poppy and Alex are crossing the Golden Gate Bridge and she’s pretending to climb the railing, Alex says “that makes me feel like I’m going to have diarrhea” I was immediately taken back to my college days of joking with her.

Also an honorable mention to our country savior, Kenny Chesney. He is a huge part in my best friend’s friendship. Just reading his name in the book, I immediately texted her. Heck I immediately texted her when I saw he was in a Peloton campaign with Kim Kardashian. 2 pop culture living legends running a marathon together. I mean get out of here.

Gosh for a book I really hated, I have a lot to say.

As true slow burn page turner, I don’t think I was excited to pick this book up until 65% in. 3 days I was absolutely certain about liking this book.

1. The last night at the AirBnB when Poppy and Alex sharing their feelings for each other

2. The rehearsal dinner

3. David’s wedding.

I’m not sure if there was a writing change or what, but I could relate to Poppy when she was describing the butterflies Alex gave her and how she processed in the moment moments with Alex compared to what she wished could happen. That was the most relatable feeling of a friends to lovers trope. I could even feel the way Poppy was so anxious at the wedding and couldn’t fully enjoy the moment knowing the pain of the last day before separating.

It had way too much build up for it to be gone so quickly.

To top it all off, I didn’t even like the ending. Once the vacation was over - so was my interest. However, I’m fully convinced this book has a 4.5 starts is because of the ending. As much as I hate to admit, it was a rather realistic ending.

No one more than I was shocked I finished this book. I did have to take a small break and read another book in between. However, I couldn’t let myself not finish a book so early into my reading resurgence. I persevered by forcing myself to read 75 pages a night. Which somehow worked.

The book was just nonsense fluff that captures readers who want to transport to another reality. Maybe it was the overuse of 2021 trends throughout, trying too hard to relate to readers that turned me off. Maybe I have a book hangover from Romance novels but this book was 300 pages of nothing. This is actually now how I meet people on vacation and don’t think I would take any advice from the book.

Taylor Swift Song Association: I’m Only Me When I’m With You

Rating 2/5 Stars