guess what happened?…
Hello book lovers, I’m back with another review/recommendation. “What Happens In Amsterdam” by Rachel Lynn Solomon!!
I was immediately drawn to this book because of its title - having just visited the Netherlands for a summer school program, the Amsterdam setting felt extra meaningful and personal. 🤭 (background pictures are all from my trip which I miss dearly hehe)
I expected a romance, but turns out, I got more than that. This book felt like comfort. The story follows Dani, who has always felt the pressure of being a “miracle baby”. She always felt overprotected and was constantly searching for her true calling. Wouter, on the other hand, is someone who seems like he always had things figured out. 🥹🥹
In Amsterdam, he unexpectedly enters her life during this self-discovery journey. Their paths intertwine in a place where romance blossoms (in the most interesting, but also questionable manner) against the backdrop of exploring identity, expectations, and what it means to find and create your own path.
✨ Self-Discovery:
Dani’s struggle to figure out who she is resonated with me deeply. Like her, I’ve also felt the weight of health-related overprotection and the pressure to live up to expectations, or sometimes just feeling like you’re incapable and never enough respectively.
In addition, when it came to her journey of finding her “thing”, it was something very relatable. I have always found it to be very impressive and also feeling a little envious of the people around me who seems to have figured out their path and what their heart desires. But again, reminding myself that everyone has their own journey and I’ll find my own way at the right time.
💞 Romance & Connection:
Beyond the setting, what made the story so heartwarming was how Dani finds someone who doesn’t try to change her, but instead brings out her best self, though this was not how it started between them.
🌍 Setting:
The Amsterdam atmosphere felt special — it added a layer of nostalgia and connection since I had just experienced parts of the Netherlands myself. In fact, it was extra remarkable as it was also my first time travelling with my partner.
In fact, let me just jot down some of my thoughts that has been lingering in my mind:
Coming back from my summer exchange in Utrecht, I couldn’t shake this feeling: the grass always seems greener on the other side.
In the Netherlands, life felt slower, more present 🍃🍃 People lingered by the canals, biked everywhere, and conversations weren’t always about the next deadline.
But back in Singapore, it feels like I’ve been dropped straight back into the rat race🏁🐀. Everything is fast and stressful, leaving me with this sense of productivity guilt.
Even when I take a break, my mind runs laps around all the things I “should” be doing. It’s exhausting. Instead of enjoying the present, I’m constantly thinking about the next best thing, or trying to solve problems that don’t even have a one-sitting solution. My brain just won’t switch off😖
So I also decided to add 2 quotes of motivation, depending on what you need to hear today. They’re what I’ve been telling myself to push me to get by.
The Harsh Truth is; “The world won’t slow down for you. Sometimes, you just have to keep moving. If you want something, chase after it.”
The Gentle Push on the other hand is; “Stop comparing, stop racing. You’re not behind — you’re only competing with yourself. Everyone has their own pace.”
Thank you for reading till the end 💛 If you’re into stories that mix romance, identity, and the beauty of new places, What Happens in Amsterdam might just be your next favorite read. Definitely still more wholesome than the 2 romcoms I’ve been watching (TSITP & MLWTWB iykyk..)
Happy reading!! 📚📖 and wishing everyone well!!
#MyPOV #MyFreeTime #mindfulchapters #BookReview #amsterdamrecommendation
Reflecting more on Dani's journey in "What Happens in Amsterdam," I realize how powerful stories that explore identity and expectations can be in helping us understand our own struggles. Dani's feeling of being a "miracle baby" and the pressure to live up to external standards really hit home for me. I’ve often felt overwhelmed by others’ expectations too, and seeing her navigate this while discovering who she truly is reminded me that growth is never linear. The romance between Dani and Wouter stood out because it wasn’t just about love at first sight—it was about connecting with someone who supports and uplifts you without trying to change your essence. Their imperfect and evolving relationship mirrors real-life connections where vulnerability leads to genuine understanding. The Amsterdam setting adds an enriching layer to the story. Having experienced the calm, slower pace of life there myself, I felt nostalgic reading about its canals and relaxed vibe. It’s a lovely contrast to the hectic pace I face back home, and this contrast deepened the theme of finding balance between external pressures and inner peace. I also found the motivational quotes included in the article uplifting. The “Harsh Truth” encourages persistence in pursuing what you want despite obstacles, while the “Gentle Push” reminds us to be kind to ourselves and respect our unique rhythms. Both resonated with my daily mindset, especially when overwhelmed with expectations or productivity guilt. If you’re someone who appreciates a story mixing heartfelt romance, self-discovery, and vivid travel vibes, "What Happens in Amsterdam" offers much more than a typical love story. It speaks to anyone feeling the pressure to have it all figured out and encourages embracing your own pace and path.
