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This book was cute. The book really dragged, and I couldn't stand the main character until the letters are sent and things start to pick up. Lara Jean is your typical privileged teenager who believes her world is crashing down around her because "boys" and she gets herself into an interesting pickle. I really liked her sass but at times she was too naive and innocent for it to be believable. But by the end I had become emotionally invested in where the story goes so I will read the second book!
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Every time Lara Jean is in love she writes a love letter to her crush, the only way she know how to express her feelings. Now 16 years old, she has written five letters including one to her sister's boyfriend, Josh. When her letters are sent out to their intended recipients, Lara Jean must arrange a fake relationship with popular, lacrosse player Peter in an attempt to save face in front of Josh. Always in control, Lara Jean finds her love life getting out of control as she develops unexpected feelings for Peter.
This is a really feel-good read. The characters are very developed and feel familiar by the end of the story. The short chapter length and fast pace make it engaging. I liked the relationship that develops between Lara Jean and Peter as he pushes her out of her shell a bit and surprises her with how thoughtful and kind he can be. The strong relationship between the Song girls adds depth to the story as well. I found Lara Jeans voice to be a little immature especially because she calls her dad "daddy" and mom "mommy". However, I think it fits with her innocent and naive character. The hyper-controlled and "perfect" energy of Lara Jean's life made me anxious. I do not think I would be friends with Lara Jean in real life, but I still enjoyed reading her story.
This is a really feel-good read. The characters are very developed and feel familiar by the end of the story. The short chapter length and fast pace make it engaging. I liked the relationship that develops between Lara Jean and Peter as he pushes her out of her shell a bit and surprises her with how thoughtful and kind he can be. The strong relationship between the Song girls adds depth to the story as well. I found Lara Jeans voice to be a little immature especially because she calls her dad "daddy" and mom "mommy". However, I think it fits with her innocent and naive character. The hyper-controlled and "perfect" energy of Lara Jean's life made me anxious. I do not think I would be friends with Lara Jean in real life, but I still enjoyed reading her story.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
cute story
Feel-good YA romantic novel. It's simple yet good, it didn't feel too cheesy to me. Loved it!
Read it in a single sitting good.
Lara Jean is a Korean American junior in high school who is very close to her older and younger sisters. Her tale is a coming of age story in which she adjusts to her oldest sister's journey to college in Scotland and navigates the rough terrain that is a love triangle.
Lara Jean's preferred coping mechanism is to write love letters to the boys she's developed strong feelings for, but whom she feels she needs to say goodbye to. She never sends these letters, rather she keeps them in a hatbox given to her by her deceased mother. When an argument with her younger sister goes a little too far, Lara Jean suddenly finds herself having to explain the content of her letters written long ago, but just recently sent out without her permission or knowledge.
The love letters bring to light the complicated feelings Lara Jean harbors for her sister's ex-boyfriend who is practically family. In order to save face, she devises a plan to secretly date her first crush who also happens to be one of the most popular boys at school. The two knew each other during middle school, but have since grown apart in the late high school years which adds humor and layers of complexity to their relationship.
There's so much to love about this book! Characterization is great. Each of the Song sisters has a unique personality and the way they relate to one another makes for compelling reading. There's some great description of family rituals/traditions, especially as they relate to Korean customs.
The love triangles are well scripted and complex. The push and pull as the characters grow together and face the challenges that threaten to tear them apart make it hard for the reader to champion for any one relationship in particular which makes the story so engrossing overall. Each scene is very well imagined and realistic. There's a nice balance to Lara Jean's life and she doesn't devote every second of her time to love triangle drama.
The only issue I had was Lara Jean's voice. At times, she felt like a 12 year old instead of the 16 year old she was supposed to be. Part of me thinks this was intentional as she is growing into her own person and she is fairly innocent compared to some of her peers. I really liked the book overall, so I tend to view this minor issue as a storytelling device rather than a weakness in characterization.
Highly recommended for teens.
Lara Jean is a Korean American junior in high school who is very close to her older and younger sisters. Her tale is a coming of age story in which she adjusts to her oldest sister's journey to college in Scotland and navigates the rough terrain that is a love triangle.
Lara Jean's preferred coping mechanism is to write love letters to the boys she's developed strong feelings for, but whom she feels she needs to say goodbye to. She never sends these letters, rather she keeps them in a hatbox given to her by her deceased mother. When an argument with her younger sister goes a little too far, Lara Jean suddenly finds herself having to explain the content of her letters written long ago, but just recently sent out without her permission or knowledge.
The love letters bring to light the complicated feelings Lara Jean harbors for her sister's ex-boyfriend who is practically family. In order to save face, she devises a plan to secretly date her first crush who also happens to be one of the most popular boys at school. The two knew each other during middle school, but have since grown apart in the late high school years which adds humor and layers of complexity to their relationship.
There's so much to love about this book! Characterization is great. Each of the Song sisters has a unique personality and the way they relate to one another makes for compelling reading. There's some great description of family rituals/traditions, especially as they relate to Korean customs.
The love triangles are well scripted and complex. The push and pull as the characters grow together and face the challenges that threaten to tear them apart make it hard for the reader to champion for any one relationship in particular which makes the story so engrossing overall. Each scene is very well imagined and realistic. There's a nice balance to Lara Jean's life and she doesn't devote every second of her time to love triangle drama.
The only issue I had was Lara Jean's voice. At times, she felt like a 12 year old instead of the 16 year old she was supposed to be. Part of me thinks this was intentional as she is growing into her own person and she is fairly innocent compared to some of her peers. I really liked the book overall, so I tend to view this minor issue as a storytelling device rather than a weakness in characterization.
Highly recommended for teens.
To all the boys I've loved before by Jenny Han is an amazing. It is filled with drama, gossip, love and it makes want to just keep reading. If you like teenage/ high school drama and love, then you will love this book. I t definitely left me with a different perspective on things when I finished the book and I got a little emotional towards the end. This book was so amazing and I loved it so so so so so much! Even if you aren't a fan of love stories you should read this book because it has so many cool things about it that I could go on forever talking about.
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes