Bookmarked by Reese's Book Club: Episode Summary

Title: Emily Henry & Yulin Kuang Talk Romance, Reading Red Flags and Cinnamon Roll Men
Hosts: Danielle Robay
Guests: Emily Henry, Yulin Kuang
Release Date: June 24, 2025

Introduction

In the premiere episode of Bookmarked by Reese’s Book Club, host Danielle Robay welcomes two renowned figures from the romance literary world: acclaimed novelist Emily Henry and multifaceted screenwriter, director, and author Yulin Kuang. Both authors are celebrated members of Reese’s Book Club, with Emily’s Great Big Beautiful Life and Yulin’s How to End a Love Story serving as recent picks.

Danielle Robay (02:06):

"Great books and great shoes. They both take you places."

Favorite 90s Rom-Coms

To kick things off on a light note, the trio shares their favorite 90s romantic comedies, reminiscing about classics like Pretty Woman and Notting Hill.

Danielle Robay (05:42):

"I'm Pretty Woman. Anything. Julia Roberts."

Yulin Kuang (06:00):

"Notting Hill. You know, I'm just a girl standing in front of a boy asking him to love her."

The Renaissance of Romance

The conversation delves into the current renaissance in the romance genre, highlighting the shift towards more complex and emotionally rich characters.

Emily Henry (11:19):

"I write flawed female and male characters... choosing each other and trying really hard to give the other what they need."

Yulin Kuang (11:57):

"It's worth it. They have to feel like they're choosing each other now rather than just one person sacrificing all."

Adaptations: Bridging Books and Screen

Emily and Yulin discuss the intricate process of adapting romance novels into films, emphasizing the balance between staying true to the source material and creating a standalone cinematic experience.

Emily Henry (22:15):

"The Hunger Games adaptations are phenomenal."

Yulin Kuang (25:00):

"Adaptation is to bring new readers to the source material. It has to stand as a work of art on its own."

They share insights into their collaborative process, including the challenges and creative decisions involved in adapting People We Meet on Vacation and Beach Read. Notably, they reveal Easter eggs embedded within the adaptations:

Yulin Kuang (30:59):

"In People We Meet on Vacation, I wrote a recreation of the COVID cover that made it into the final film."

Emily Henry (31:49):

"Alix is reading an Augustus Everett book... an Easter egg on an Easter egg."

Impact of BookTok on Romance

The duo explores how BookTok and online fandoms have transformed the romance genre, introducing new tropes and influencing publishing strategies.

Yulin Kuang (38:56):

"The distillation of tropes from fanfiction was not as prevalent before. BookTok makes it a marketing tool."

Emily Henry (39:16):

"Tropes only matter if you care about the characters... how these two very specific characters operate in this situation."

Audience Engagement and Fan Questions

Engaging directly with their audience, Emily and Yulin address fan questions about their writing processes, favorite books, and the nuances of translating romance from page to screen.

Fan Michelle from Texas (39:35):

"If you could live in any place you've written about, where would it be and why?"

Emily Henry (39:35):

"Waning Bay, Michigan... or Palm Springs, where Alex and Poppy go."

Speed Read Segment

The episode features a rapid-fire segment where Emily and Yulin share their literary preferences and personal interests:

• Trope to Ban:

  • Emily: "Billionaire romance."
  • Yulin: "Secret pregnancy."

• Trope to Defend:

  • Emily: "Friends to lovers."
  • Yulin: "Forced proximity."

• Favorite Book to Recommend:

  • Emily: "Anything by Vari McFarlane or Kennedy Ryan."
  • Yulin: "Luck of the Draw by Kate Claiborne."

• A Book That Shaped Their Worldview:

  • Emily: "The Giver."
  • Yulin: "Sanford Meisner's book on acting."

Personal Insights and Future Endeavors

Towards the end, Emily and Yulin share personal aspirations and the fears they’re overcoming to grow both personally and professionally.

Yulin Kuang (41:37):

"I'm committing to taking a dance class, even though it's hard."

Emily Henry (42:56):

"I have been playing tennis... I'm a perfectionist to keep doing it even though I'm bad at it."

Conclusion

Danielle wraps up the episode by applauding Emily and Yulin’s descriptive storytelling and collaborative spirit, inviting listeners to join the ongoing conversation on social media and future episodes.

Danielle Robay (47:52):

"This has been a joy. Thank you so much for taking the time. This was so fun."

Key Takeaways

• Complex Characters: Modern romance thrives on flawed, relatable characters who grow together.
• Adaptation Insights: Staying true to the essence of the book while making it work for the screen is crucial.
• BookTok’s Influence: Online communities like BookTok are reshaping romance tropes and marketing.
• Personal Growth: Both authors emphasize the importance of stepping out of comfort zones to achieve personal and creative growth.

Notable Quotes

• Emily Henry (09:22):

  "I think there's nothing more human or more powerful than love."

• Yulin Kuang (20:44):

  "People who have great taste... really smart... see them as mirrors."

• Emily Henry (35:34):

  "Tropes only matter if you care about the characters."

This episode offers deep insights into the evolving landscape of romance literature and its adaptation into film, enriched by the personal anecdotes and professional experiences of Emily Henry and Yulin Kuang. Whether you're a longtime romance reader or new to the genre, this conversation provides valuable perspectives on love, storytelling, and the impact of modern media trends.