Pages: 288
First published: 2014
Source: Own book
To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before is the story of Lara Jean, who has never openly admitted her crushes, but instead wrote each boy a letter about how she felt, sealed it, and hid it in a box under her bed. But one day Lara Jean discovers that somehow her secret box of letters has been mailed, causing all her crushes from her past to confront her about the letters: her first kiss, the boy from summer camp, even her sister's ex-boyfriend, Josh. As she learns to deal with her past loves face to face, Lara Jean discovers that something good may come out of these letters after all.
Thoughts: I was first introduced to the work of Jenny Han back in 2008 with her best-selling novel The Summer I Turned Pretty, a key essential in most summer reading lists. I liked The Summer I Turned Pretty, but from what I can remember it wasn't one of my favourites or a book I'd strongly recommend. Nonetheless, it was adorably heartwarming and that's why I turned to Jenny Han again.
To All The Boys I've Loved Before is narrated by teenager Lara Jean, a middle child, hardcore scrapbooker, love note collector, and overall 'good girl'. From afar, she has admired five different boys who were oblivious to her affection; starting with a crush she developed back when she was only a kid. Unfortunately, Lara Jean's affectionate love letters - wrote with the intention to be kept secret - are posted in the mail and received by nearly every boy she's written to. Starting with Peter.
Peter is an interesting character, a one who I feel I can compare boys I know to. While Peter is a the player and popular guy, a typical guys guy, he's also deeply emotional and affectionate and we definitely see these traits flourish as the novel progresses and when he is placed in difficult circumstances. Similarly, I linked Lara Jean's friendship with Chris, a provocative teen who shows symptoms of HPDS, to a character I knew in real life also. At times, Chris did annoy me, she hardly bothered with Lara Jean because she had great priorities was too busy 'hooking up with guys'. Although Chris remains fairly flat and undeveloped during the novel, I felt that she was a realistic character with flaws.
There were some feelings of ambivalence for me towards the character of Josh. Josh was definitely cute and his character portrayed him as a nice guy, but he was also a confusing one too. Many teenagers go through an awkward period when they're growing up, I understand that, but flirting with your girlfriend's younger sister takes that a little too far in my opinion. I was happy to see that Josh's character eventually calmed down, but I did feel sympathy towards him after Lara Jean shut him out completely from her life. I definitely feel that this method of reverse psychology - on Lara Jean's behalf - backfired.
While this book initially focuses on boys, and confessing your admiration to them in the form of private letters, the aspect of family life is not neglected. Quickly into the novel we learn that Lara Jean's mom passed away and her eldest sister, Margot has taken over her role. Margot leaves the family quite quickly to study abroad and Lara Jean is now responsible for the family, which includes herself, her dad and her little sister Kitty. The progression from being cared for to being the carer is difficult for Lara Jean and we see this throughout the novel. She helps out as much as she can, but she often shows feeling of anxiety and confusion as she tries to mimic the role of a responsible adult.
To All The Boys I've Loved Before is a quick and exciting read, guaranteed to awaken the feelings of first love, crushes and growing up. You will fall in love, not only with Jenny Han's writing style but with the lives of the character's too. Since completing this book, I have gone on to read Jenny Han's novel Burn for Burn which I also immensely enjoyed and I will probably post a review on it shortly. I would recommend this book to anyone.
My rating: ★★★★★
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