Review: To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Release date: April 15, 2014
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 1442426705
Pages: 355
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Lara Jean 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 can pour out her heart and soul and say 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.

MY THOUGHTS

To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before is the first book in a duology. This book was so cute and brought back so many memories of being a teenager.. except my life was never as exciting as Lara Jean’s.

This book doesn’t just focus on the romance. It’s also a book about family and self-identity. It’s about figuring out who you are and where you fit in. I thought the message in this book was great and would be relatable in some way to anyone reading it.

I think the best part of this book were the characters. They were so endearing and adorable. I thought Lara Jean was an easy character for any girl to relate to. At first, she seemed a little bit juvenile for her age but as the book progressed, I was able to get past that and noticed it less and less. I think Lara Jean definitely became more mature as a result of having to take care of herself and her little sister, now that her older sister isn’t around to play mum anymore. I really liked the character development I saw in Lara Jean. My favourite character was probably Kitty. I loved her sass and her personality, and I’d read the book all over again just for her! I really liked both Josh and Peter as love interests so I was a little bit torn as to who I wanted to end up with Lara Jean. But that aside, I really enjoyed how the boys interacted with Kitty.

I’m glad that the book didn’t have a strong focus on the love triangle. I was worried going into the book that it would be really cheesy, but I’m thoroughly satisfied with how the romance turned out. I’m also glad that not all of the boys she wrote letters to came back into her life because that would have been way too much.

The writing in the book was spectacular. It was fun, fast-paced and adorable, and I finished it in one sitting. The book ends on a little bit of a cliffhanger, but there is a sequel to this book that addresses some of the things that are left hanging. You can check out my review of the sequel, PS. I Still Love You, here.