People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry

Title: People We Meet on Vacation
Author: Emily Henry
Publisher: Berkley
Genre: Romance, Contemporary Fiction
Year of Publication: 2021
Date of Publication: May 11, 2021
Pages: 400
ISBN-10: 1984806750
ISBN-13: 978-1984806758
Audiobook Narrator: Julia Whelan

Our Rating of This Book

Summary

People We Meet on Vacation is a novel about friendship, love, and second chances. Poppy and Alex have been best friends since they met in college. They have completely opposite personalities and have taken a vacation together every year for a decade. However, a falling-out two years prior left them estranged. Determined to repair their bond, Poppy invites Alex on a trip where unresolved feelings and personal revelations come to the surface.

People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry

Main Plot & Characters

The story alternates between past and present. You get a good sense of how the friendship first started, how it developed over the years and a chronicle of Poppy and Alex’s yearly trips and their evolving relationship. Poppy is outgoing, funny and adventurous, while Alex is reserved and grounded. Despite their differences, their deep connection is undeniable.

On their latest vacation, old wounds heal, secrets are revealed, and they confront the possibility of a romantic future together.

Key Themes of People We Meet on Vacation

Friendship and Love: Explores the fine line between platonic and romantic relationships.
Self-Discovery: Highlights personal growth through experiences and introspection.
Communication and Misunderstanding: Examines how unspoken words can impact relationships.
Adventure and Routine: Contrasts the allure of spontaneity with the comfort of familiarity.

Writing Style

Emily Henry’s tells the story using a lot of humor. The story is told using a narration style but mostly from Poppy’s perspectives. It is definitely a character-driven and is written in a way that as a reader you can easily relate with the characters and their feelings.

People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry_Book vs Movie

We loved both main characters. Both Poppy and Alex are likeable and their sense of humor really shows why the friendship works. If you are someone who has a close friend you will understand that this story is well-written. There are part of the story that will have you screaming for them to express their true feelings.

Audiobook_People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry

Final Thoughts on People We Meet on Vacation

The novel resonates with readers for its realistic portrayal of friendship and romance. It sparks discussions about taking risks for love and the importance of cherishing meaningful relationships. It became a New York Times bestseller.

People We Meet on Vacation has been adapted into a movie starring Emily Bader as Poppy and Tom Blyth as Alex. It premiered on Netflix on January 9, 2026.

What are your thoughts on this book? Have you had a chance to read it? Let us know in the comments!

Authors

Nathaniel Adebayo

Nathaniel is a Media Content Specialist at Verayea, where he specializes in curating content and gathering data for the company’s extensive book library. He is also dedicated to writing insightful reviews, offering thoughtful perspectives on a range of media. His work ensures that Verayea’s library is comprehensive, well-organized, and informative, providing valuable resources for its audience.
Ufuoma Akpotaire

Ufuoma Akpotaire is a passionate book, movie and music reviewer with a love for travel and culture. She combines her enthusiasm for storytelling with her experience exploring new places and stories. Through her reviews, she celebrates creativity and inspires readers to appreciate the connections between books, movies, music, travel, and global cultures.