What order to read Emily Henry books: A journey through love, laughter, and literary brilliance
Emily Henry has quickly become a household name in the world of contemporary romance novels. Her unique blend of humor, heart, and relatable characters has captured the hearts of readers worldwide. But with multiple bestsellers under her belt, many fans find themselves wondering: what’s the best order to read Emily Henry’s books? Let’s dive into this delightful dilemma and explore the various perspectives on navigating her literary universe.
Chronological Order: Following the Author’s Evolution
One school of thought suggests reading Emily Henry’s books in the order they were published. This approach allows readers to witness the author’s growth and evolution as a writer. Starting with “The Love That Split the World” (2016), Henry’s debut novel that blends contemporary romance with magical realism, readers can experience her early style and storytelling techniques.
Moving on to “A Million Junes” (2017), we see Henry exploring themes of family legacy and young love with a touch of the supernatural. Her next work, “When the Sky Fell on Splendor” (2019), marks a departure from romance, venturing into the realm of science fiction and mystery.
The publication order then leads us to Henry’s adult romance trilogy: “Beach Read” (2020), “People We Meet on Vacation” (2021), and “Book Lovers” (2022). This sequence showcases Henry’s transition into the contemporary romance genre that has made her famous, allowing readers to appreciate her development of witty banter, complex characters, and emotionally resonant storylines.
Thematic Order: Matching Books to Your Mood
Another approach is to organize Emily Henry’s books by theme or mood. For readers seeking a lighter, more humorous experience, starting with “Beach Read” or “Book Lovers” might be ideal. These novels are known for their sharp wit, romantic tension, and satisfying happy endings.
If you’re in the mood for something more introspective or magical, “The Love That Split the World” or “A Million Junes” would be excellent choices. These earlier works delve deeper into themes of identity, family, and the supernatural, offering a different flavor of Henry’s storytelling.
For those who enjoy a touch of mystery and suspense, “When the Sky Fell on Splendor” stands out as a unique entry in Henry’s bibliography. This novel offers a break from romance while still showcasing the author’s talent for creating compelling characters and atmospheric settings.
Standalone vs. Connected Universe
It’s important to note that Emily Henry’s books are all standalone novels, meaning they can be read in any order without missing crucial plot points. However, some readers enjoy finding subtle connections and Easter eggs between the books. For instance, certain locations or minor characters might appear across different novels, creating a sense of a shared universe.
If you’re the type of reader who enjoys spotting these connections, you might want to read the books in publication order to catch these references as they appear. Alternatively, you could read them in any order and then revisit them later to discover the hidden links you might have missed the first time around.
Genre Exploration: From YA to Adult Romance
Emily Henry’s career spans different genres, starting with young adult fiction and transitioning to adult romance. Readers interested in exploring this evolution might choose to start with her YA novels and work their way up to her more recent adult romances. This approach allows you to experience the full range of Henry’s writing capabilities and see how her style has adapted to different audiences and genres.
Alternatively, if you’re primarily interested in contemporary romance, you might prefer to start with her adult novels and then circle back to her YA works if you find yourself craving more of her writing.
Seasonal Reading: Matching Books to the Time of Year
Some readers enjoy pairing books with specific seasons or times of year. In this case, you might want to read “Beach Read” during the summer months, when its beach setting and summer romance plot feel most appropriate. “People We Meet on Vacation” could be a great choice for spring, with its themes of travel and new beginnings. “Book Lovers” might be perfect for fall, with its cozy, small-town setting and bookish themes.
This seasonal approach can enhance your reading experience by aligning the book’s atmosphere with your real-world environment, making the story feel even more immersive.
FAQ
Q: Do I need to read Emily Henry’s books in order? A: No, all of Emily Henry’s books are standalone novels and can be read in any order.
Q: Which Emily Henry book should I start with? A: It depends on your preferences. If you enjoy contemporary romance, start with “Beach Read.” If you prefer young adult fiction with magical elements, begin with “The Love That Split the World.”
Q: Are Emily Henry’s books connected? A: While the books are standalone, there may be subtle connections or Easter eggs between them. However, these are not crucial to the plot of any individual book.
Q: What’s the difference between Emily Henry’s YA and adult books? A: Henry’s YA books often incorporate elements of magical realism or fantasy, while her adult books focus on contemporary romance with more mature themes and characters.
Q: Which Emily Henry book is the most popular? A: “Beach Read” is often considered her breakout novel and remains one of her most popular works, though all of her books have been well-received by readers and critics alike.