Someday This Will Be a Funny Story: The Quotable Nora Ephron

by Nora Ephron

From “the queen of quips” (The New York Times) comes a hilarious and inspiring quote collection about everything that matters—love and heartbreak, good food and good company, aging well and writing well.

We all want a best friend like Nora frank but forgiving, wry but caring, someone who knows not only what to say but how to say

Don’t know what to wear? “Black matches with everything, especially black.”
Trouble in love? “You can never know the truth of anyone’s marriage, including your own.”
Searching for a new belief system? “My religion is Get Over It.”

Here is the best of Nora for every season of life, selected from a wide range of writing across her storied career, from her early days in the news media to her cult classic novel, to her unexpected turn as a legendary Hollywood writer. Nora saw it all and, with a wicked sense of humor and shrewd intellect, she made it all deliciously funny.

Filled with unforgettable lines, this is a celebration of the wit and generosity that made Nora so singular—start at the beginning or flip to any page for instant delight.

Genres: Nonfiction

128 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication March 10, 2026

About the author

Nora Ephron was an American journalist, film director, producer, screenwriter, novelist, and blogger.

She was best known for her romantic comedies and is a triple nominee for the Academy Award for Writing Original Screenplay; for Silkwood, When Harry Met Sally... and Sleepless in Seattle. She sometimes wrote with her sister, Delia Ephron.

Reviews

[Mai H.]

Memoir March TBR

Non-fiction November TBR

📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Knopf

[Shereadbookblog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nora Ephron was successful as an author, screenwriter, journalist, playwright, and film director. She left this world all too soon in 2012. For those new to her work, it includes such classics as When Harry Met Sally, Sleepless in Seattle, and Silkwood. This book is a collection of short essays based on her writings.

Her observations and words of wisdom are humorous, inspiring, meaningful, poignant, and incredibly enjoyable. Having read most of her books, I was reminded of how brilliantly witty she was. My only disappointment is that this collection could have been longer, as she had so many relatable and insightful thoughts to share.

Someday This Will Be a Funny Story would make a great gift to give a good friend or a significant woman in your life.

Thanks to @NetGalley and @aaKnopf for the DRC.

[Victoria Morrison · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor for the ARC. I had a hard time following the book at first, but some of the content was relatable or even made me laugh. Some of my fave quotes included: "Do you splurge or do you hoard? do you live every day as if it's your last, or do you save your money on the chance you'll live twenty more years?" "Whenever I read a book I love, I start to remember all the other books that have sent me into rapture, and I can remember where I was living and the couch I was sitting on when I read them".

Some of the sections on divorce, marriage and NYC rubbed me the wrong way, but again it's Nora's interpretation of these things, not my own.

[ct lydon · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Love is homesickness.”

Nora Ephron offers a beautiful, witty reflection on how quickly life moves and how much meaning is tucked into its ordinary moments. Through essays on growing up, falling in love, marriage, children, food, and aging, Ephron proves she has lived many lives—and observed each of them with sharp insight and humor.

Her reflections are both deeply relatable and laugh-out-loud funny, balancing tenderness with her signature wit. This was a quick read, but one that lingers long after the final page, reminding the reader to pay attention, laugh often, and appreciate the fleeting nature of time.

Thank you to Knopf, Pantheon, and Vintage for this ARC—my very first one!

[Helen Wu ✨ · Rating 3 out of 5]

What stayed with me most were the questions about how we live and the quiet love letter to reading. The tension between splurging and saving, rushing and slowing down, felt very real. So did her belief that reading is both escape and grounding. That it makes us feel a little smarter, a little steadier, and more ourselves. Someday This Will Be a Funny Story is a quick read, but it carries a few gentle truths worth lingering on. Not every quote landed, but the ones that did reminded me why books matter in the first place. Thank you to NetGalley and Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor for the ARC.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nora never minces words and this collection of essays and quips proves that yet again. Her musings on New York City in particular really struck a chord with me. "I'd known since I was a child that I was going to live in New York City eventually...and I'd turned out to be right." I loved that I could read just one page and be immediately transported to a place & time in my own life. Aren't we all just doing the same thing over and over? Trying to get by or even better, thrive? Making mistakes and loving people? This book would have a special place on my bookshelf.

Thank you to Netgalley for the advanced copy!

[Anastey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley and Nora Ephron for sending me this advance review copy for free. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This was a fun little read.

I really enjoyed reading all the quotes on various topics. They were witty and often hilarious. I can see this being a fun addition to a gift basket, or sitting out on a coffee table for people to pick up and read a few snippets.

Overall I loved it, and it kept me smiling the entire time I was reading. We can all use a little bit of snarky joy in our lives.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fun book of Nora Ephron's quotes. Some of the quotes were relatable, funny, and light. The book is divided into seven sections. Some sections explore reading and writing, parenting, marriage and divorce, New York City, and more. I really liked the sections on reading and writing, New York City, and parenting. There were a few I couldn't relate to. I love that the quotes came from Nora Ephron's books. I've only read two of her books, but I definitely plan to read the rest.

*Thank you, NetGalley, for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review.*

[cass (cassreadsfiction) · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I almost felt sorry for myself. But it was time for lunch." Period.

If there is one thing I am drawn to, it's quotes. I have so many written down, so many saved, if my whole bookstagram account could just be book quotes, it would be. There's nothing new in here, but I enjoyed its bones.

Nora Ephron is a someone I've admired my whole life, her work is just incredible, in film, in writing, every avenue. While I don't hold dear too many works of hers book wise I found this collection pretty relatable at moments. A nice reminder to not take life so seriously.

[Lexi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this in one sitting! But Nora’s quotes and life reflections will be something I return to on occasion. Some of my favorite movies and stories were crafted by Nora Ephron. I enjoyed getting to know her more through this compilation. This book would make a great gift or coffee table book - something refreshing to flip through and read a few of her quotes from time to time.

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This small book is a collection of quotes from several of Nora Ephron’s books. Memorable, still relevant and definitely relatable words of wisdom and wit, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. Recommended especially for those who have enjoyed Ephron’s books and would make a great hostess - or other - gift.

Thank you to Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor and and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this ebook.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5 Stars

The quotes in the book are excellent and flow really well in each section. I even highlighted a few to share with friends. It’s the perfect length for a coffee-table or gift book. I gave it 4.5 stars because I wish there were photos of Nora throughout, or at the end. I would have loved to see Nora in different eras of her life—loving New York and wearing black!

[Emily | bookwhispererem · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nora Ephron’s writing is such a treasure, and this collection of quotes is no exception. It’ll have you laughing, reflecting, and finishing this short but fun collection in one sitting. With Ephron’s wit, intelligence, and endless charm, readers are in for an amusing ride!

Thank you to Nora Ephron, Knopf, & NetGalley for the ARC! All opinions are my own.

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nora Ephron was such a talent. Her books and movies are iconic and fabulous. She passed away in 2012, unfortunately.

This book is a collection of essays from the best of Nora Ephron. She was witty and funny and so smart. You will laugh, you will cry. I enjoyed this book oh so much.


Thank you to NetGalley and Knopf for the ARC. This is my honest review.

[Erin Wyman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having read all the primary source material for these quotes, the book was very familiar, and has Ms. Ephron’s voice (RIP). I loved the structure and art work. I’m thinking this will be a terrific Mother’s Day Gift.

[Alyssa Snow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely delightful. Quips to live by, certainly, but, more importantly, to recognize that humanity shares experiences via emotions. May we never stop sharing.

Thank you to Netgalley and Knopf for the Advance Reader's Copy in exchange for an honest review!

[Tiffany (areyoutellingstories) · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I ALMOST FELT SORRY FOR MYSELF. BUT IT WAS TIME FOR LUNCH."

Wise words to live by! Why wallow when thresygood good to be had? This was a fun book, perfect for a coffee table or even light reading for those that enjoy time spent on a toilet!

[Carrie Allen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a book of Nora Ephron quotes. I don’t agree with all of her thoughts and ideas but found her writing entertaining. She has a way with words that made me think ghat I need to work on my quips

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just read it. Cute, funny and definitely relatable!

[Jill Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet collection, although I am not sure there was anything new here... I'm a huge Nora Ephron fan so didn't mind, but I'm pretty sure I've seen/read most of these quotes before. So if you're looking for something new, this isn't it - but it is a fabulous group of fun(ny) quotes and thoughts from a very talented writer!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my obligation-free review copy.