This post will be a combined review of Jenny Han's To All the Boys I've Loved Before Duology.
TO ALL THE BOYS I'VE LOVED BEFORE:
This book is the type of book a girl should pick up when she wants to feel young and lighthearted. Perhaps on a warm spring or summer day laying on a picnic blanket in the grass and enjoying the sun.
It feels like you have the sun on you when you read it which is why I think that would be the perfect place. This book lights up a space.
I had never read any books by Jenny Han but upon a friends request I decided to pick it up. It was January, cold and bleak and I didn't notice the weather because I felt warm and happy inside as I devoured this book.
It has been some time but I think it only took me a day or two to read this book and I loved every minute.
Lara Jean: Our main female character was lovely to get to know. She has a deep love of family, has a descriptive back story, and has a personality with room for improvement.
Kitty: Lara Jean's precocious younger sister adds humor and light to the story.
Peter: Lara Jean's fake/real love interest, hilarious and definitely someone we get to know well in the story.
Josh: The cute next door neighbor.
Margot: The older sister to Lara Jean and the leader of the family as we learn their mother has passed away.
Then there are a collections of side characters that are also fun and unique that add new elements to the story as it goes on like Lara Jean's slutty best friend and many more.
I think the thing I appreciated most about this novel was Lara Jean's personal growth and the family dynamic. Both played such a huge role in the plot and I think it was very well developed and wonderful to see as the story progressed. The Lara Jean who starts this story, the one that is immature, timid, and brainy isn't the one who finishes it, the outgoing, vibrant, intelligent young woman.
If you like cute, warm, fun contemporaries than you are in luck because the story continues in book 2:
P.S. I STILL LOVE YOU:
The story continues and while I don't want to give anything spoiler like away I will say that if you were a fan of the first one you will definitely love the second.
The first book leaves off in a bit of a cliff hanger. If you are like me and had to know what happens next then you will not be disappointed.
Lara Jean and Peter's story continues with adorable appearances from Kitty, Dad, Margot, and the lot.
All the key elements of the first story continue to play out. There is still girl drama at school, but it is highschool so we couldn't expect that to go away. Still questions about growing up and insecurities and still the element of family that made the first book so relatable.
I loved that. I loved feeling like I was rooting for these characters to succeed and for good things to happen to them.
At times the language is a bit immature but I can see it being appropriate for the audience I am sure Jenny Han was aiming for.
I don't want to say to much the overall story arc but I will say that if you enjoyed the contemporary feel and the friendship, dating, and family aspects of the first story you will enjoy this read.
GIVEAWAY!!!
I am giving away a hardcover copy of P.S. I Still Love You by Jenny Han.
TO ENTER:
You must be able to provide an address to ship to within the United States.
You must be 18 or have a parents permission to enter.
You must comment below with your favorite contemporary read.
Must enter by June 16, 2015 by midnight. Winner will be chosen at random on June 17th.
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