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  • Writer's pictureOlivia Swindler

Nora Ephron Book Pairings

“When I buy a new book, I read the last page first. That way, in case I die before I finish, I know how it ends. That, my friend, is a dark side.”

- Harry Burns, When Harry Met Sally




There are really few things that bring me more joy than a Nora Ephron movie. I think if You’ve Got Mail was the only movie I watched for the rest of my life, I would be totally okay with it! So, if you, like me, automatically equate Valentine’s Day to Nora Ephron, here are five books to pair with her top five (in my opinion) movies.

Happy reading!

If you loved Heartburn, read Heartburn

Admittingly this pairing is kind of a gimme. But, I loved listening to the audiobook version of Heartburn, which Meryl Streep narrates. This book is petty and snarky and perfect if you don’t really feel like celebrating Valentine’s Day this year.

If you loved Julie and Julia, read Taste

Another Meryl Streep connection! Though this memoir does talk about Tucci’s experience working with Streep and the making of Julie and Julia, it is focused on Tucci’s life and the food that shaped him. I absolutely adore this book and am currently making my way through the recipes.

If you loved You’ve Got Mail, read Attachments

This novel is set just one year after You’ve Got Mail was released and follows Lincoln, whose job is to read and monitor company emails to ensure they are keeping to the policy. The writing of this book is wonderfully witty and will remind you of Ephron all the way through!

If you loved Sleepless in Seattle, read Just Haven’t Met You Yet

Just Haven’t Met You Yet follows Laura, a journalist, on a trip to the Channel Islands. Though this pairing is missing the Empire State Building, it contains all of the rom-com tropes that make Sleepless in Seattle the fantastic film.

If you loved When Harry Met Sally, read The People We Meet on Vacation


Spread over the span of a friendship, The People We Meet on Vacation is a wonderful modern version of When Harry Met Sally. I love the friendship that is developed in both this movie and book. “I’ve been doing a lot of thinking, and the thing is, I love you.” - Harry


This post contains Bookshop affiliate links. I earn a small commission when you make a purchase using these links (plus, you support independent bookstores).

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