NEW YORK (AP) — “Nothing forces you to face your demons like falling in love.”
And it’s almost always worth it, Emily Henry says during a recent interview ahead of Tuesday’s release of her latest novel, “Funny Story.” She would know, having churned out a new bestselling romance read every year since 2020.
“You find out so much about yourself by how you react to the complicated feelings of falling in love, and that can lead into something very toxic and exhausting. But it also can lead into something so beautiful and life changing,” she says.
Henry talked with The Associated Press about her journey to becoming a novelist, why people shouldn’t feel shame about reading romance and how her personal mental health journey influences her characters. She also dives into whether books are better than movies, with a few insights into the film adaptions of her books in the works.
This interview has been edited for clarity and length.
HENRY: You could try writing a book. That’s only halfway a joke, because I really do feel like “Beach Read” was the most meta thing I’d ever done.
There’s a reason that most of my books have ended with one or both characters going to therapy. For a happy ending to be sustained, for a relationship to continue growing and changing, you probably need some help.
Also getting on medicine was huge for me. I thought I was doing more or less OK until I found out what it felt like to be OK.
Mystery artist who erected signs comparing pothole
What to listen for during Supreme Court arguments on Donald Trump and presidential immunity
Tennessee lawmakers join movement allowing some teachers to take guns into schools
Surging auto insurance rates squeeze drivers, fuel inflation
Who is Jacob Zuma, the former South African president disqualified from next week's election?
Edmunds: What you need to know about wrapping your car
Zoe Ball announces death of her 'dear mama' Julia following short battle with pancreatic cancer
Election 2024: Puerto Rico Republicans award Trump all 23 delegates
Inquiry slams UK authorities for failures that killed thousands in infected blood scandal
A portrait by Gustav Klimt has been sold for $32 million at an auction in Vienna
Saudi Arabia is going to sponsor the WTA women's tennis rankings under a new partnership
Russia likely to veto a UN resolution calling for prevention of nuclear arms race in space