Books with Babes — Session 1
Happy Place by Emily Henry
Chapters 1-8
Meeting Date: 2/1/24
First Impressions:
Dionne: I am not a big fan of the main character’s name—Harriet. Maybe it will grow on me. I imagine Parth to look like Zayn Malik for some reason. But I forgot how they described his appearance in the book, so I am not even sure if that is even an accurate possibility in this case.
Most favorite parts:
Dionne:
The nights Harriet and Wyn would stay up, talking and getting to know each other.
The friendship dynamic and platonic love Harriet has with her group. Reminds me so much of my friendship with Pauline.
Pauline:
The initial meeting and banter between Harriet and Wyn.
The way Harriet describes Parth reminds me a lot of Dionne. No matter the intention someone may have of interacting with her, she offers the space of listening and seeing that there is always something to gain from human interaction, whether it be a new connection or a new lesson. Parth’s love of people reminds me of Dionne’s love of people.
Memorable quotes (if any):
Pauline’s picks:
"My best friends taught me a new kind of quiet, the peaceful stillness of knowing one another so well you don’t need to fill the space. And a new kind of loud: noise as a celebration, as the overflow of joy at being alive, here, now.”
— Harriet, p. 3
“The real Parth is better than the myth. It’s not just that he’s fun. He loves people. Loves throwing them parties, picking out perfect gifts, making introductions between people he thinks should meet, finding the quietest person in the room and bringing them into the thick of things. The world has never felt so kind, so positive. Like everyone is a potential friend, with something fascinating and brilliant to offer.”
—Harriet on Parth, p. 28
“A silent conversation passes between us: Hi and Hi back and You’re smiling at me and No, you’re smiling at me.”
—Harriet on Wyn, p. 68
Dionne’s picks:
“Now all her rough edges are my favorite parts of her.”
—Harriet on Sabrina, p. 8
“I tell him I’m still not used to all the casual physical affection between our friends. How Cleo snuggles into my side like a cat nestling into towels fresh from the dryer, and Sabrina hugs me hello and goodbye, and Parth tousles my hair as he’s passing through a room.”
—Harriet p. 78
Reflections thus far:
any sort of relatedness to your life, personal experiences, yourself, someone you know, etc.
Dionne:
This dynamic between Harriet and her friends is one I deeply admire and long for in this lifetime. As I get older, I feel like casual physical affection opens the door for countless ways to show platonic love. Platonic love is the most special, loyal, and rare kind of love that not everyone gets to say they have come by. This aligns heavily with how I love others.
Pauline:
I reflected a lot on moments where words are exchanged with just looks.
The way Harriet describes Parth reminds me a lot of Dionne. No matter the intention someone may have of interacting with her, she offers the space of listening and seeing that there is always something to gain from human interaction, whether it be a new connection or a new lesson. Parth’s love of people reminds me of Dionne’s love of people.
