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.

FIRST IMPRESSION:

I like to save things.  Not important things like whales or people of the environment.  Silly things.  Porcelain bells, the kind you get at souvenir shops.  Cookie cutters you’ll never use, because who needs a cookie in the shape of a foot?  Ribbons for my hair.  Love letters.  Of all the things I save, I guess you could say my love letters are my most prized possession.
—Hardcover edition

SNAPSHOT:
Starry-eyed romantic Lara Jean narrates this light, inoffensive read about crushes and first loves.  Lara Jean doesn’t leave much of a strong impression beyond a nice girl who goes through some of the first actually challenging moments in her young, upper-middle class life since her mother’s early death.

When her letters are sent out accidentally, it’s obvious what happened. Though as it is not treated like a mystery, the late reveal might have some readers wondering why it was a revisited plot point at all given the focus of the novel.

While slow to start, and never fully picking up steam, this one is more about the journey than the destination. Readers are treated to a fairly realistic glimpse into the lives of these characters. While Peter is fun as Lara Jean’s made-up beau, Josh never fully comes to life as deserving her long-time infatuation. The relationships with the boys, while presumably the centerpiece of the tale, actually is overshadowed by the more important relationship Lara Jean has with her sisters, Margot and Kitty.

Appropriate for ages 13+.  Infrequent strong language, some underage drinking, light sexual situations, and much of the plot is built on white lies and tiny deceptions.

Deals with love, longing, bullying, family, sisterhood, and being honest not only with others but with yourself. 

GET IT ON YOUR SHELF:

 If you…

• Love sweet slice-of-life books

• Are a fan of realistic romances

• Enjoy loving family dynamics

• Have ever wondered about your one—or ones!—that got away

THE ESSENTIALS:

YA Contemporary

Hardcover & Ebook, 355 pages

Published April 15th 2014 by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers (ISBN 1442426705)

http://books.simonandschuster.com/To-All-the-Boys-Ive-Loved-Before/Jenny-Han/9781442426702

(Review copy provided by Jodie Hockensmith at Simon & Schuster.)