“A Million Junes” by Emily Henry -- Review
To preface this, I am A HUGE EMILY HENRY fan – meaning this is just a love letter to her writing. “A Million Junes” is her YA novel and her most underrated book, in my opinion. This follows Jack “June” O’Donnell as she enters her senior year and collides with Saul Angert. Her family has two rules: No jumping in the falls and avoiding the Angerts at all costs.
This novel covers SO many topics, and despite being YA, there’s SO MUCH DEPTH! June is still grieving the loss of her dad, despite losing him 10 years ago. Saul had lost his sister, Bekah, three years prior to the events in the book. And we see how they navigate through their losses, especially as it ties into the magical realism aspect of the novel.
Additionally, the themes of friendship are so strong in this novel. June’s best friend, Hannah, is ALWAYS there for her. They’re literally platonic soulmates and I loved their bond, it was so so sweet, and some of their quotes made me cry.
Speaking of soulmates, June and Saul have their own little “forbidden” relationship going on (because their families hate each other) and it’s just written so well. They have such witty banter, and make light of the situations they’re in. But they’re also there for each other, especially when the other needs them. I also will never get over how Emily Henry writes about hand holding – something so mundane, yet so monumental in all of her books.
I loved this book, so so so much. It made me laugh, it made me cry and it just solidified that Emily Henry is my favorite author ever. I recommend this to anyone who loves “Beach Read,” or YA novels that have depth to them, or magical realism, or just a really well-written book!
Here are some of my favorite quotes:
“She’s most beautiful when she’s this relentless kind of happy. Maybe that’s when everyone is their most beautiful, especially to those who love them” (50).
(I loved, loved, loved this description of Hannah from June’s perspective. With true friendship, you love to see your friends shining and this was just so sweet.)
“It’s almost funny, in a tragic way, that the fiery thing at the center of my universe did die and that I, a girl whose name is synonymous with summer, am expected to live without it” (66).
“He smiles, and I anticipate then physically feel the cusp of his gritty laugh rise then slip down back his throat, and a tiny and hopefully nonessential piece of my heart flakes off” (80).
“I expect him to take his hand away, but he doesn’t, and I’m acutely aware of every spasm in my hand, the way my fingers involuntarily arch up between his as if to pull his fingers down through mine. His thumb starts moving gently back and forth on the back of my hand, which makes my whole body feel like I’m standing outside in a lightning storm” (107)
(I could quote the whole book, but I’m trying to convince you to read it sooo that’s where I’ll leave off for now)
