To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, by Jenny Han | Book Review #204

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.

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To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before (TATBILB) is the first book in the duology-turned-trilogy written by Jenny Han. TATBILB is a YA Contemporary.

I can honestly say that the first time that I read To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, I ended up not liking it; I had a whole myriad of emotions concerning Lara Jean and the rest of the book. — However, this second time around, I ended up really liking Lara Jean’s story! I had a bunch of laughs, which was a bit unexpected since I didn’t like the book the first time I read it.

During the two times that I’ve read this book, both read throughs haven been pretty quick. Which is great, since I seem to be back in this books’ good graces! To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before is an incredibly cute book.

I love Lara Jean’s story, and Lara Jean as a character. We see Lara Jean’s character grow immensely. At the beginning of this book, the first time I read it, I remember Lara Jean being incredibly bratty and annoying. This second time reading her story though, I found that Lara Jean just acted like the typical middle teenage child. As a middle child myself, I found quite a few similarities in our personalities.

Lara Jean is a girl in high school — speaking of high school, Han has done a pretty good representation of high school life. At least when I was in high school.The things that happened during the book to Lara Jean are incredibly cruel. Which is why I believe that Han has a pretty good grip on high school life. Lara Jean being bullied, and Lara Jean’s reaction to being bullied, is completely realistic. I would have reacted the same way to be honest.

I really like Peter and Lara Jean together. They just feel…like they go together. Lara Jean’s story and her involvement with Peter honestly feels like a story that Lara Jean could tell to her kids, and be able to relay everything to them fondly. Like a Mom and Pop story.

To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before has everything that this book needed. Betrayals, sisterly fights…and more!

The first time I read To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, I gave this book 4 of 5 stars. I’m sticking with those 4 stars! I really, really liked this book.

Have you read To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before? What are you thoughts? 

I can’t wait to re-read P.S. I Still Love You!

Happy Reading!
Adele