Review: Witty friends bond in 'People We Meet on Vacation'

A truly good romantic comedy, whether it be a novel or a movie, justifies why two people are drawn to each other

“People We Meet on Vacation,” by Emily Henry (Berkley) A truly good romantic comedy, whether it be a novel or a movie, justifies why two people are drawn to each other. It builds a case for the relationship so it makes sense why they’re together. In Emily Henry’s latest book, “People We Meet on Vacation,” she does just that, introducing Poppy and Alex, two polar opposites who met in college but happened to both be from the same town in Ohio. It’s a shared ride home for the summer (hello, wink to one of the greatest rom-coms ever, “When Harry Met Sally”) where they talk about everything and anything, and a friendship is born. The two remain best friends even beyond college when their lives take them to different places. Poppy moves to New York to become a travel writer. Alex moves back home to teach. They establish a tradition to take a vacation together every year to catch up. Each time they reunite, Poppy and Alex reestablish their rapport, as if no time has passed. The vacation is a sacred ritual to look forward to, no matter who they’re dating or what they’re doing.