Monday, March 24, 2014

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


To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han
Book One of the To All the Boys I've Loved Before series
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: April 15, 2014
Rating: 5 stars
Source: ARC won from a giveaway

Summary (from Goodreads):

Lara Jean’s love life goes from imaginary to out of control in this heartfelt novel from the New York Times bestselling author of The Summer I Turned Pretty series.

What if all the crushes you ever had found out how you felt about them…all at once?

Lara Jean Song 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 pours out her heart and soul and says 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.

What I Liked:

I don't even know how to begin this review. I read this book several days ago, and I'm writing this review now, NOT because I'm lazy and couldn't write it right away, but because I couldn't find the words to create a review for this book. I still can't, honestly, but the review is supposed to go up on Monday (which you would be reading now), so I have to write something. I already know I'm not going to be doing this book (or my love for this book) justice, so... just know that I love this book so so so so so SO MUCH. Like, a lot.

This book follows the first person narration of Lara Jean, the middle child of three daughters. Her older sister, Margot, is about to go to college in Scotland for her freshman year. Her younger sister, Kitty, is nine years old, and needs her older sisters. Their mother is dead, and their father is a single parent, raising three daughters. 

But then there is the small problem of Lara Jean's love letters being sent. They aren't really love letters - they're Lara Jean's "goodbyes", letters that were for her to have closure, and for no one else to see. Well, someone sent them. And four of the five boys got the letters (one was sent back). Peter Kavinsky was smug and gloating. Josh Sanderson (who is now Margot's ex-boyfriend) was pensive and slightly regretful. Lucas Krapf is gay. McClaren (I can't remember his full name) never said anything to Lara Jean.

So, this story is really two stories - about Lara Jean's family life, and her personal life. I LOVE how Jenny Han focuses on both - many times in contemporary novels, we see the romance side really fleshed out, but the family side not-so-fleshed-out. In this book, the importance of sisterhood is really there. Lara Jean must "grow up" and be somewhat of a better role model for Kitty. BUT, Lara Jean must also keep a relationship with her sister in Scotland. Also, notice how one of of the five boys that Lara Jean used to love is Josh, the next-door neighbor, the best friend, and Margot's boyfriend (right until she went to Scotland). That is something that the sisters must reconcile. 

I promise I have not given anything away, in terms of the romance. I promise. The romance is so, so perfect, in my opinion. I've seen some reviewers say that they weren't feeling the romance, but I LOVED it. Lara Jean decides to take on a fake boyfriend, so that Josh won't think that she is still interested in him, and so that Margot can get back together with Josh when she comes back in December (and in that way, Lara Jean won't be guilty of liking Margot's ex-boyfriend). But with all things, it's hard not to fall for the fake boyfriend.

So, you might think to yourself, but Alyssa, that sounds a bit like a love triangle? Lara Jean and Josh? Lara Jean and fake boyfriend? Margot and Josh? WHAT?! Trust me, it doesn't seem like a love triangle when you are reading the book. One guy and one girl are CLEARLY meant for each other. I love the romance in this book - it is very well-developed and the progression is gradual and subtle. There were specific scenes that were so poignant and beautiful, but they were the smallest things, like the boy putting his head in Lara Jean's lap, or buying her a donut. LOVE IT.

I'm not telling you who ends up with who or who the fake boyfriend is, but I'm definitely all the way on one boy's side. I don't dislike the other, but there are two distinct pairs and I think the author is going in that direction as well. But I think the author is making the characters work for it, which is a tiny bit irritating but totally worth the read.

The plot of this book is straightforward except not. This book starts in the fall (beginning of a school year), and ends around Christmas time. It's about Lara Jean's romantic journey - figuring out her feelings for Josh and the fake boyfriend and even some of the other letter recipients. It's also about Lara Jean's friendship with a not-so-great influence, Chris. It's about her relationship with her older sister, Margot, her young sister, Kitty, and her father. I would even say it's about her friendship with Josh, even though he is one of the boys she was totally in love with, according to her letter.

The author's writing style is so great! It's cute and girly and definitely fits Lara Jean's personality. I was a bit taken aback when I started reading, because the narration was very informal and bubbly and cute, and I'm so used to a more serious tone. But I really liked this - it worked for Lara Jean, and this book. 

I seriously loved this book so, so much, people. I don't think I've said nearly enough about this book, but I think you all understand. I re-read this book about an hour after I finished it, which almost NEVER HAPPENS. It's rare, these days, that I have a desire to re-read books, especially so soon after reading it the first time. Well, this book had that effect on me! I NEED BOOK TWO!

What I Did Not Like:

That it ended. NOT the way it ended, but the fact that it ended. I HAVE TO WAIT FOR THE SECOND BOOK?! What madness is this?

Would I Recommend It:

Oh my gosh YES! I'm not a contemporary person, but this book BLEW ME AWAY. I was excited to read it beforehand (which is surprising, since it's contemporary), so I had a feeling that I would be pretty good (I don't read just ANY contemporary novel). Well, this book was not just good, or great - it was FANTASTIC. 

So, contemporary fan or not, you should read this book! It's *kind of* like Rowell's Fangirl - in the sense that anyone can read this book and love it, because it's easy to relate to this heroine and her life in some way or another. I highly recommend to anyone and everyone (which is super helpful, I know. Just trust me). 

Rating:

5 stars. This book was simply AMAZING. I loved everything about it, even the heartbreaking yet beautiful ending. Trust me when I say that I will be HUNTING DOWN every and any advanced reader copy of the second book (if they are printed), because I must read that book AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.


Was this review helpful? Please let me know in the comments section!

22 comments:

  1. I'M SO EXCITED TO READ THIS AND SO JEALOUS YOU ALREADY HAVE AND OFBOIWNGIWEN ahhhh! *Calms down*

    Also, thank GOD it's not an actual love triangle, because that would've ruined the book for me before I'd have even read it.

    I'm so glad this has lived up to expectations :D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Honestly, I still can't believe I got a copy - it was pure luck! But there is less than a month to wait! And seriously do NOT worry about a love triangle - it might seem like there is one, but fear not!

      ME TOO, ALLIE! Me too ^_^

      Delete
  2. Ok, now you've compared it with Fangirl and now I feel like I must read this book!
    I wasn't too sure if I'd go for this one or not since like you I'm not a big fan of contemporaries but seems like I really need to give this one a try!
    I thought it was a standalone, is there a book two?? I'm confused there now!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I hope I have hyped it up too much for you, Pili! I seriously love this book and can't enough of it and I already re-read it twice!

      There are two books to this series, and it's NOT a companion series. There is NO WAY that this book could end the way it did, and so I'm glad there is a book two.

      Delete
  3. Ooooh, 5 stars for a contemp! I know you're not a big fan of them like I am so thsi one sounds really good :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. YES! Quite high, no? I usually don't like them but THIS ONE. This one is amazing. You MUST read it, Nereyda!

      Delete
  4. I haven't read anything by Jenny Han before, but I've been looking forward to this book for some time now. I'm so glad to hear that you loved it so much. I am confused about all that romantic drama though. I'm curious to see how everything is going to be played out and I'm happy that there is no love triangle. I'm strictly against any love triangle these days.
    Lovely review!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have not either! But I love this one, so I will definitely be looking into her other books. I feel the say way about romantic drama - but it's not bad in this book, I promise. It's enjoyable to read. And I HATE love triangles, so I understand.

      Thank you, Nick!

      Delete
  5. Wow. Sounds like I need to give this book a chance. I figured it wasn't for me as I don't tend to like contemp romances but after that glowing review how can I not? I am going to hunt down a copy.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. YES YES YES! I don't usually like contemporary novels either though! So if I liked it, you might too! I really hope you read this one, Heidi! Thank you for the comment!

      Delete
  6. The only Jenny Han book I've read are from her really early books like the Summer trilogy, which I wasn't a total fan of, but I feel like this one would be a great hit for me and she just gets better and better as she writes more books. And yay for being able to balance two "lives" in one book :) Glad you loved this one!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aww, I'm sorry to hear that! But it definitely seems like her books are getting better. This book was really well-written and balanced. I'm happy the way it turned out, for me! I hope you give it a chance, Eileen.

      Delete
  7. The heavy romance element and "bubbly, cute" narration makes me a little wary...but I have been trying to add a little more contemporary into my TBR pile. I might give it a shot. :) Thanks for the great review!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Trust me, Kel. I usually really dislike contemporary novels - and books that are mostly romance-based. But this one clicked for me. I've been trying to read more contemporary novels as well, and this one was definitely a hit! Thank you, Kel.

      Delete
  8. For one moment I thought you were going to say you didn't like it, lol. I never read a book by Jenny Han, but I guess I should really read one. And this one sounds really, really cute, so maybe this will be my first Jenny book.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. No no, I loved it! I haven't read any other books by this author, but this one is definitely a great place to start. I hope you read and enjoy this book, Anatea!

      Delete
  9. O.M.G. I want this book so so so SO bad right now! Darnit Alyssa! I am swamped with books and yet you make me want to drop everything when this one comes out! I might have to make an exception because reading your review makes my heart accelerate in anticipation. LOL

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Girl you better drop everything when this comes out and read it! Better yet, clear your schedule for April 15th! I'm so glad my review resonated with you - thank you for commenting! Hope you love this one just as much as I did :D

      Delete
  10. I want to read this book so badly!

    ReplyDelete
  11. 5 star?!! Okay,you got me there. Will read it,must read it,asap.Thanks for posting.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ha! I'm glad I have you sold! I hope you read this one. You're welcome!

      Delete

I love comments! I will always try and reply to your comments, as well as leave some comment love on your blog! :)

Also, this an award and tag free blog. While I am flattered that you would think of me, I really do not have the time to follow up. Thank you!