Read this off the Libby app.
Genre: Teenagers Being Awkward And In Looooooove
Book Summary: Lara Jean writes love letters (some of which are high key insulting) to the boys she’s had major crushes on. They “mysteriously” get mailed out. For a better summary, you can find it here.
Rating: 4/5
Review:
This book has what I like my romances to have: Awkward moments, lots of baking, and characters who grow fond of each other because of who they are as people. Also, the premise was very funny and cute. The idea that Lara Jean writes love letters to these boys she’s had crushes on sounds like that of a romantic heart. In fact, it’s something I probably would have done when I was her age. Plot was straight forward and the pacing was done pretty well.
Lara Jean is, to me, a super relatable character. She lies about the things she does and doesn’t know to avoid appearing naive or dumb. She dodges the people’s she’s mad or upset with like a dodgeball champion. She doesn’t all the time make great decisions but she’s trying her best.
Peter is a great character as well. He has his flaws – he’s perpetually late. But mostly, he’s late because he is being thoughtful like when he picks up donuts. He, like Lara Jean, doesn’t always think his actions through but he’s trying his best.
The side characters were all done well. I actually felt bad for Margot. I don’t want to give too much away but girl tries so hard to be the person everyone wants her to be. Kitty is awesome as the youngest siblings tend to be (*coughcough*). I also felt for Josh. Poor guy is confused throughout the book and wants to work things out. And yet! And yet.
The only thing I wish was expanded upon in this novel is the character of Genevieve. We’re told she’s kinda awful and we don’t really see an in scene presence with her. Either she’s in the background or we hear stories from others. I can think of one scene where she actually has lines off the top of my head but otherwise, she’s kinda just….a looming figure? It would have been nice to have a solid reason to understand why Lara Jean is intimidated.
Loved the book and will be watching the movie soon.
May you get lost in a book,
Chrissy