Rekindling Old Connections

After two years of silence, Poppy Wright impulsively contacts her former best friend, Alex Nilsen, hoping to rekindle their friendship. Despite the initial awkwardness, they exchange playful banter reminiscent of their past camaraderie. Poppy suggests a spontaneous trip, and Alex surprisingly agrees. This sets the stage for a journey that could mend their fractured relationship or reveal deeper issues that have kept them apart.

The Awkward Reunion

Arriving in Palm Springs for Alex's brother's wedding, Poppy and Alex's reunion is a mix of nostalgia and tension. They navigate the awkwardness of seeing each other after so long, with Poppy feeling a mix of excitement and fear. Their Airbnb is less than ideal, with a single bed and faulty air-conditioning, adding to the discomfort. Despite these challenges, they attempt to reconnect, but the shadow of their past looms large.

Heatwave and Heartache

The oppressive heat of Palm Springs mirrors the simmering tension between Poppy and Alex. Their accommodations exacerbate the situation, with a broken air conditioner and a cramped space forcing them into close quarters. As they try to enjoy their vacation, the unresolved issues from their past threaten to boil over, leaving Poppy questioning if they can ever return to the easy friendship they once had.

Unspoken Truths Emerge

As the trip progresses, Poppy and Alex are forced to confront the unspoken truths that have kept them apart. Alex reveals his desire for a stable, traditional life, which clashes with Poppy's free-spirited nature. Poppy struggles with the realization that Alex might be considering rekindling his relationship with his ex, Sarah. This revelation forces Poppy to confront her own feelings and the possibility that their friendship might never be the same.

The Weight of the Past

Poppy grapples with the weight of her past decisions and their impact on her relationship with Alex. She reflects on their history, the trips they've taken, and the moments that defined their friendship. As they navigate the complexities of their emotions, Poppy realizes that her feelings for Alex run deeper than she admitted, complicating their already fragile dynamic.

A Glimpse of Vulnerability

Alex's back injury forces him into a vulnerable position, both physically and emotionally. Poppy steps up to care for him, reigniting the intimacy and trust that once defined their friendship. This moment of vulnerability allows them to reconnect on a deeper level, but it also highlights the unresolved tension between them. Poppy is left wondering if this trip will bring them closer or push them further apart.

The Unraveling of Secrets

As the trip nears its end, secrets and unspoken feelings threaten to unravel the fragile peace Poppy and Alex have found. Poppy discovers Alex's potential plans to move to New York, a revelation that shakes her. The possibility of Alex rekindling his relationship with Sarah looms large, forcing Poppy to confront her own desires and fears. The trip becomes a turning point, challenging them to decide what they truly want from each other and their futures.

Revelations and Emotional Turmoil

Poppy is moved to tears by Alex's short story about a boy with wings who finds happiness only after accepting his limitations. This story resonates deeply with Poppy, evoking childhood fears of loneliness and the inability to truly connect with others. It symbolizes her realization that with Alex, she feels a profound connection that transcends her past loneliness. This moment marks a turning point, as Poppy acknowledges the depth of her feelings for Alex, realizing that as long as she has him, she will never feel alone again.

Tinder Troubles and Realizations

Poppy discovers Alex's overly detailed Tinder profile and critiques it, leading to a playful exchange about dating preferences. This interaction highlights Alex's awkwardness in the dating world and Poppy's protective nature. As they joke about potential matches, underlying tensions surface, revealing Poppy's jealousy and Alex's uncertainty about what he truly wants. This moment underscores their deep connection and the unspoken feelings that complicate their friendship.

Confrontations and Confessions

During a heated argument, Poppy and Alex confront the unspoken truths about their relationship. Poppy admits her fear of losing Alex, while Alex reveals his struggle with vulnerability and the fear of being alone. This confrontation forces them to acknowledge their deep-seated feelings for each other, leading to a moment of vulnerability and honesty that has been long overdue.

A New Beginning or Goodbye?

As their trip nears its end, Poppy and Alex must decide the future of their relationship. Poppy's heartfelt confession of love is met with Alex's uncertainty about their compatibility. The fear of losing each other and the potential for a deeper relationship creates a tension that neither can ignore. This pivotal moment challenges them to consider what they truly want from each other and their lives.

Finding Home in Each Other

After a series of emotional revelations, Poppy and Alex finally admit their love for each other. They realize that despite their differences, they are each other's home. This newfound understanding allows them to embrace their relationship fully, accepting the risks and uncertainties that come with it. Their journey concludes with the promise of a shared future, built on the foundation of their deep and abiding love.

Characters

Poppy Wright

Poppy is a travel writer who thrives on spontaneity and new experiences. Her vibrant personality often masks deeper insecurities and a fear of settling down. Her friendship with Alex is one of the most significant relationships in her life, and the two-year silence has left her feeling lost. Poppy's journey is one of self-discovery, as she grapples with her feelings for Alex and what she truly wants from life.

Alex Nilsen

Alex is a high school English teacher with a penchant for routine and stability. His relationship with Poppy is a source of both joy and confusion, as he navigates his feelings for her and his desire for a traditional life. Alex's vulnerability is a key aspect of his character, and his back injury serves as a metaphor for the emotional pain he's been carrying. His potential move to New York represents a crossroads in his life.

Sarah Torval

Sarah is Alex's on-again, off-again girlfriend, whose presence looms over Poppy and Alex's relationship. Her history with Alex is fraught with tension, and her potential return into his life forces Poppy to confront her own feelings. Sarah represents the life Alex thinks he wants, but also the complications that come with it.

Nikolai

Nikolai is the owner of the problematic Airbnb where Poppy and Alex are staying. His dismissive attitude and lack of concern for their comfort add to the stress of the trip. Nikolai's character serves as a catalyst for Poppy and Alex to confront their issues, as they are forced to rely on each other in the face of adversity.

Plot Devices

The Summer Trip

The annual summer trip is a tradition that symbolizes the bond between Poppy and Alex. It represents freedom, adventure, and the possibility of rekindling their friendship. The trip serves as a backdrop for their emotional journey, highlighting the tension between their past and present selves.

The Faulty Airbnb

The problematic Airbnb, with its single bed and broken air-conditioning, forces Poppy and Alex into close quarters, exacerbating the tension between them. It serves as a physical manifestation of their unresolved issues, pushing them to confront their feelings and the state of their relationship.

Back Injury

Alex's back injury is a plot device that forces him into a vulnerable position, both physically and emotionally. It highlights the care and intimacy that still exist between him and Poppy, while also serving as a reminder of the fragility of their relationship. The injury becomes a turning point, allowing them to reconnect on a deeper level.

Emotional Vulnerability

The theme of emotional vulnerability is central to Poppy and Alex's relationship. Their willingness to confront their fears and insecurities allows them to connect on a deeper level. This plot device highlights the importance of honesty and openness in building a meaningful relationship.

Miscommunication

Miscommunication is a recurring plot device that creates tension and conflict between Poppy and Alex. Their inability to express their true feelings leads to misunderstandings and missed opportunities. This device underscores the importance of communication in overcoming obstacles and building a lasting relationship.

Analysis

"People We Meet on Vacation" by Emily Henry is a poignant exploration of love, friendship, and the complexities of human connection. Through the lens of Poppy and Alex's relationship, the novel delves into themes of vulnerability, miscommunication, and the fear of loneliness. The story highlights the importance of confronting one's fears and being open to emotional risks in order to build meaningful relationships. The annual summer trips serve as a metaphor for the journey of self-discovery and the evolution of their friendship into a deeper, more profound love. Ultimately, the book conveys the message that true happiness and fulfillment come from embracing one's emotions and finding a sense of home in the people we love.