— Melissa Goldberg / Senior Editor / Washington, DC
“Funny Story” by Emily Henry
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Stop what you’re doing.The queen of romance is back with “Funny Story” — just in time for reading-in-the-park season.This time, you’ll be transported to a cozy Michigan town, where Daphne, a children’s librarian, is putting the pieces back together afterher fiancé left her for his childhood best friend.The solution? Move in with that childhood friend’s ex-fiancé, Miles, and “fake date” him for jealousy’s sake. We asked Henry — whose other bestsellers include “People We Meet on Vacation” and “Happy Place” — a few questions. Here’s what she had to say…
Q: For so long, reading romance novels had a certain stigma attached, but that seems to be changing. Why do you think that is?
Henry: [It’s] largely readers.When I was growing up, romance novels were treated as shamefuland the women who read them were mocked … I’m sure that’s why I didn’t pick one up until I was a full-blown adult. That was more or less the case for anything marketed to women, in my experience. Those things were treated as silly, superfluous, or desperate. Now romance readers, on BookTok and elsewhere, are unabashed in their love for the drama. They share their favorite love confessions and sex scene excerpts without batting an eye. The younger generation seems generally less apologetic for liking what they like,and I find that inspiring and encouraging. Also, while there’s been a ton of debate around the cutesy illustrated cover trend, I do think it’s led to a lot of new fans of the genre. I was one of them!
Q: Your books feature some of romance’s most beloved tropes. Is there one that’s your favorite? Or one you’d never touch?
Henry: I love writing rivals or enemies to lovers, because there’s an automatic tension, which I think is the most important thing in a romance novel. I find writing friends to lovers harder for that reason. As far as reading, I love a good marriage of convenience. I used to think I’d never write a book with the “secret baby” trope, but who knows? It might be a fun challenge to take a trope I’m not wild about and see if there’s a way that feels right, grounded, and realistic to me to write.
Q: A lot of people devour your books while on vacation. What was the last great book you read on a trip?
Come spring, we’re all about things that taste light, bright, and crunchy — whichprobably explains our lettuce wrap obsession. With lettuce wraps, it’s all about 1) crisp-yet-soft bibb lettuce and 2) a savory filling for what’s essentially a handheld salad. One of our all-time favorite fillings? Damn Delicious’s Korean Beef Bulgogi. The tenderly cooked meat is soaked in a pear and brown sugar marinade with a subtle red pepper kick — so it’s a little sweet, a little spicy, and like having dinner at the best Korean BBQ restaurant you know, without leaving the house.
The Time Commitment: 15 minutes the night before to cut the meat, make the marinade, combine them, and refrigerate. Plus, 15 minutes the next day to actually cook the beef. To save time now or in the future, you can either replace the marinade with this premade sauce, or you can make a larger batch of marinade to freeze.
Key Tip: To make the lettuce wraps, you’ll need a few extra ingredients. Lettuce, obviously. But also, steamed rice, kimchi (for extra spice), and sliced cucumbers or radishes (for extra crunch). You could even top the meat with this simple scallion salad.
The Canadian Town That’s More Than a Ski Destination
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You think Canada, you usually think cold. But the town of Canmore, located next to one of North America’s most beautiful national parks, shines in summer. It’s got all the natural wonders and exciting outdoor activities of Banff, with far fewer people. Psst…this club will send you emails when they find unreal airfare deals (we’re talking up to 90% off flights to bucket list destinations leaving from your home airport). Like roundtrip tickets to Canada from $124. And if you sign up by midnight tonight, it’ll only cost you $1 to try. Yes, really.
🛏 The Malcolm Hotel is the best of both nature and luxury. It’s got fine dining onsite, a picturesque creekside location, and a rooftop heated pool with panoramic mountain views. A boutique locale more your style? Give Paintbox Lodge a try. Their more intimate spaces can accommodate any group, from studio suites perfect for a duo to a private lodge that sleeps up to 21 guests.
⛰️ In the Canadian Rocky Mountains, incredible vistas are always just steps away. A short hike (or even shorter drive) gets you to Grassi Lake, a glacial lake that’s outside of the national park, but no less spectacular. Don’t skip a walk down the Policeman’s Creek boardwalk, or a quick scenic visit to the historic Canmore Engine Bridge either.
🔦 The area’s famous for its high peaks, but adventurous travelers will find just as much to see underground on a cave tour — which gets bonus points for being a great rain-or-shine option. For an outdoor experience at a family-friendly pace, take a float tour. It has a river rafting feel but there’s very little risk of getting wet. Make a day trip into nearby Banff National Park to take a gondola to the summit of Sulphur Mountain, or visit Lake Louise and Lake Moraine, which are so blue they must be seen to be believed.
🍴 For a meal with a view (and a lovely laidback atmosphere), hit The Wood’s mountainside, pet-friendly patio. Or try Crazyweed for what they call a “fancy, not-so-fancy Canmore dining experience.” Stop in to try a local draught at one of Canmore’s local breweries or distilleries, and follow it up with something sweet from family-owned Le Chocolatier.
Get there for 90% less by…joining this club for just $1 before midnight tonight. They’ll keep you posted on can’t-miss travel deals like $190 round-trip flights to Banff or $500 off a summer Eurotrip. Don’t believe us? Ask their 1 million happy members.*
We asked you to vote on an etiquette question you’d like answered. The winner was:
Q: I’ve recently noticed that my friend has been making passive-aggressive comments, especially when I’m feeling good about myself or I’m excited to share something. I don’t think it’s intentional, but how can I raise this with her?
“Dealing with passive-aggressive behavior can be really challenging, but it’s better to address it directlyand get to the root of the problem than let the behavior continue affecting the friendship.
Approach that conversation with empathy. [You] could say, ‘I feel hurt when I hear you making sarcastic comments or backhanded compliments when I share something I’m excited about. What’s bothering you?’
If that doesn’t work, be really direct. Stay calm and use a kind, clear, and confident voice. The last thing you want to do is mirror that passive-aggressive behavior. Say something like, ‘The snide remark you just made is hurtful and passive-aggressive. Help me understand how you’re really feeling, so we can find a way to fix this and so it doesn’t hurt our friendship.’
If the friend is not responding well, it’s important to say, ‘If you continue to make these comments that hurt my feelings, then we might not be able to continue our friendship.’ You’re going to have to set those boundaries, and you’re going to have to stick to them.”
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