Happy Place

The book alternates between the present and the past, showing how Harriet and Wyn met, fell in love, and broke up. How did this structure affect your reading experience? Do you prefer a more linear structure or did you enjoy the contrast between the past and the present?

Emily Henry is known for writing witty and heartfelt romances that balance humor and emotion.  How did you find that balance in this novel?  Would you have liked it to be lighter or more serious, or did she get it just right for you? 

The book features a group of six friends: Harriet, Wyn, Sabrina, Parth, Cleo, and Kimmy. How would you describe their friendship? What are some of the strengths or challenges of their group dynamic? Which character did you relate to or like the most and why?

Harriet and Wyn keep their breakup from their friends and then decide to pretend that they’re still together for their last week at the cottage with their friends. What do you think of this decision? In your opinion, were they being considerate or selfish?

Despite his easy nature and good looks, Wyn contrasts himself negatively with his sisters’ and Harriet’s brilliance.  How does his lack of self-confidence impact his relationship with Harriet?  

A key breakthrough in Harriet and Wyn’s reconciliation is when they enthusiastically fight with each other, in contrast to Harriet’s previous pattern of avoiding conflict and holding back her emotions.  Are you someone who keeps their emotions close to the chest or do you lay it all on the line?  What are the pros and cons of each approach and how did they play out for Harriet?  

Harriet is not close with her sister or parents and feels uncomfortable at home.  Instead, she creates a “found family” through her college friends and Wyn’s family.  At the end of the book however, she takes tentative steps towards growing closer with her sister and mother.  What does “family” mean to you?  What is the difference in the role of biological vs. found family?  Why might both be important? 

The conflict in the book is driven by miscommunication among people who love each other – not just Harriet and Wyn, but among Harriet, Sabrina and Cleo.  Why do you think they have trouble telling each other what they’re going through?  How would you have suggested they communicate better?

The book ends with Harriet and Wyn reconciling and deciding to give their relationship another chance. Were you satisfied with this ending or did you want something different? Do you think Harriet and Wyn will have a happy future together or will they face more challenges?

It’s clear at the end of the novel that the friends are entering new phases in their lives, though they still care for one another.  Do you think they’ll continue to vacation together and find a new “happy place”?

Do you have a location or place in your life that evokes similar feelings for you as the house in Maine did for Harriet? Ultimately, for you, is a “happy place” about a place or about the people you’re with?

How did Happy Place make you feel while reading it? Did it make you laugh, cry, swoon, or something else?