-from To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han
I cannot express how deeply I was able to identify with this book. Much like Lara Jean, I was too afraid of the emotional repercussions of being in a relationship when I was in high school, so instead I sat on the sidelines and found ways to appease my emotions without involving myself with real boys. I never wrote love letters (and if I did, I certainly would not have addressed them!), but I do have many pictures of my friends posing with the boys I "loved" in the background because I wanted a picture to preserve the experience in a similar way (creepy, right?). My best friend Jenna will also tell you that I was obsessed with Hanson because they were distant enough to be safe; but I digress...
Lara Jean, despite her stupidity of addressing those letters (which I think every review I have read has complained about, too), is a very realistic and likable character. In fact, all of the characters in the book are strong and real. I especially appreciated that every character was so dynamic, none were finite, "all good/all bad". Han's talent for making realistic, enjoyable characters gives an especially strong platform for their interactions with each other which, to me, really made this book a fun and satisfying read.
There were, however, a few things that I felt this novel was lacking and I think everything could have been fixed with stronger editing. Some of the scenes felt like they could have been cut or at least compacted to make for a more concise story. Similarly, I wanted some things fleshed out more, like the boys Lara Jean "loves" who aren't main characters. I also was disappointed that we didn't get to read all of Lara Jean's letters, only a few. I think a good editor might have brought attention to this and how it just made the story feel incomplete. And I know I'm bringing this up a third time, but maybe Lara Jean could have mentioned the necessity of addressing those letters! ;) Maybe in the sequel there will be some mention of that.
Overall, I really enjoyed To All the Boys I've Loved before. It was one of the most fun and refreshing new released I've read this year and I cannot wait to continue Lara Jean's story when the sequel comes out. The ending was a bit abrupt for my liking which makes me almost wish I waited a year to pick this one up! This was the first book I've read by Jenny Han and I am excited to read more of her work!
Bottom Line: If you love romantic YA, this is the book for you! Sweet, emotional and wonderful characterization make this a quick read. I think it could have been combed through by an editor another time or two, but it works. 4/5 Stars.
i can relate to this character too. though i never write a single love letter. i was a bit ignorant too in high school regarding boys. haha,,
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you liked this one, too! I feel you on some of the editing and the other characters that got letters! AND THE ADDRESSES omg. But like you I liked it and found the characters realistic! I'm really excited and impatient for the sequel!
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