Review: Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry

Great Big Beautiful Life held over a pink flower

Alexis: 

Great Big Beautiful Life is Emily Henry’s new novel, and I’m happy that I got it fairly fast from the library!

This had the classic addicting Emily Henry writing style and banter. I loved how it was set in Georgia (my birth state!) and as a writer, I’m always a sucker for a novel about writers.

⁣Through interviews, it had a story within a story, which I enjoyed. This brought a more literary and mystery feel to Great Big Beautiful Life than her other books, which I liked! 

The story follows Alice, a writer who is asked to meet with Margaret, an ex-celebrity, for a chance to write her biography. But Alice finds out that Margaret is also looking into another writer named Hayden. While Margaret gives them a month-long trial period, Alice and Hayden try to win the job while also navigating their growing feelings for each other.

While the twist at the end was predictable, I really enjoyed this one overall and appreciated the stronger plot. I also always find Henry’s characters compelling and charming, but I especially loved Alice and her optimism. 

Have you read this one yet? 

We Met Sugar Run’s Author, Mesha Maren!

Yesterday, we visited the Fountain Bookstore in Richmond to hear author Mesha Maren talk about her new book, Sugar Run.

Sugar Run has already gotten a lot of attention in the book world, and we loved hearing her talk about her book. Maren discussed her research, writing processes, and inspirations. She discussed how West Virginia, where she grew up, was her inspiration for the book. She even told a story about building a log cabin with her dad when she was 17, a log cabin that is now her writing space.

We enjoyed listening to her talk about identity and how she and her main character, Jodi, navigate being LGBTQ in West Virginia.

We look forward to reading and reviewing Sugar Run!