To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
What if all the crushes you ever had found out how you felt about them…all at once? Lara Jean Song keeps her love letters in a hatbox her mother gave her. They aren’t love letters that anyone else wrote for her; these are ones she’s written. One for every boy she’s ever loved—five in all. When she writes, she pours out her heart and soul and says all the things she would never say in real life, because her letters are for her eyes only. Until the day her secret letters are mailed, and suddenly, Lara Jean’s love life goes from imaginary to out of control.
First of all, this book has an adorable premise. As a writer, I love that Lara Jean copes with her emotions by writing brutally honest letters she never plans to send.
Lara Jean is quirky but endearing. She and her two sisters have a very strong relationship, in large part due to the loss of their mother. I thought this book was stronger because of the sibling dynamic, and because of the struggles the girls face as they grow up and come to terms with all the “inner demons” they’ve been ignoring in order to stay strong for one another. So it wasn’t all about the romance, as books like this sometimes are.
Two other aspects of this book I really appreciated: Lara Jean learns it isn’t right to judge others. This theme didn’t come across as preachy or blatantly obvious, but was rather subtle and realistic for a teenage girl who has both judged and been judged. Also, there is no insta-love. Lara Jean builds a solid friendship with her love interest FIRST, and that was definitely refreshing!
I’ve read several reviews of this book, and I’d have to agree with the readers who have pointed out that the book is more about Lara Jean’s fake relationship with Peter than it is about her letters. And that’s totally okay, but the description of the book is just a little misleading.
Overall, this book was incredibly funny and enjoyable. I recommend it. 🙂
Have you read this book? Share your thoughts!