Monday 26 May 2014

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

To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Publication date: April 15th 2014
My rating: 5 stars 


To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before is the story of Lara Jean, who has never openly admitted her crushes, but instead wrote each boy a letter about how she felt, sealed it, and hid it in a box under her bed. But one day Lara Jean discovers that somehow her secret box of letters has been mailed, causing all her crushes from her past to confront her about the letters: her first kiss, the boy from summer camp, even her sister's ex-boyfriend, Josh. As she learns to deal with her past loves face to face, Lara Jean discovers that something good may come out of these letters after all.

Jenny Han has never let me down with her books, she has the knack of lifting my mood when I’m feeling low and have me grinning away like a fool. With the slump I had been going through, I really should have picked up my copy of All the Boys I’ve Loved Before as soon as it arrived, but I decided to trudge through my pile instead. But when having the week from hell literally, I couldn’t resist any longer. And honestly it was just what I needed, I found myself flying through the pages, with all the stresses around me forgotten. 

To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before was perfect in every way, Han captured perfectly how it would feel like to have all your previous crushes know exactly how you felt like. Lara-Jean was lucky her list only consisted of five guys, as I knew that mine would be so long. But I loved seeing Laura-Jean cope with it all, and despite it being a humiliating time for her, for everything coming out in the open. I adored Lara-Jean. She wasn’t the most confident person (she reminded me of myself at times); she was always in the shadow of her sister Margot and was scared to admit her true feelings at times. So Margot leaving for Scotland and was a good thing for Lara-Jean too, it allowed her to take more responsibility over her younger sister Kitty and around the house and actually do more things she wouldn’t have. And to be honest I wasn’t really a true fan of Margot’s character.

But with the letters being sent out to her crushes, I loved that she got to know one person in particular (highlight to view spoiler). Peter.And yes it wasn’t under the best circumstances, but I adored that what started off as a not so great relationship was able to develop into something so sweet. The small gestures of fluffing of Lara-Jean’s hair, as it looked better, arriving late just so that he could get her donuts and even spending time with his friends, really left a great impression with me. Okay he did at times mess up too, but I loved how when things didn’t go his way, he was quite miffed about it and showed it. This more than anything showed that he did care more than he was letting on. And I truly did end up falling for this character. 

There were also many other wonderful characters that Han created such as Kitty, Josh and Chris. I really thought that Kitty would be a brat, she was only so little, and would throw a strop over the smallest thing when it came to Lara-Jean, but I loved watching her grow and mature and even take Lara-Jean’s side on occasions. Also she was quick to bring a smile to my face in many scenes. Josh was the perfect boy next door. It was just a shame things happened at the time they did, I really do think this was partly down to Lara-Jean changing the subject when something vital was going to happen, like declare their feelings for her or kiss her, and this is the only thing about her that had me miffed. But at the end of the day, I think what she ended up getting instead was way better. But I did enjoy the part that Josh played in the Song sister’s lives. 

Han created a wonderful novel here which centres around family, with having two sisters myself, I loved watching the family dynamics between the Song family, how different and unique each sister was, how they could quarrel over small things, but also be there for each other when it mattered the most. I really did adore the Song family and can’t wait to be back with them once more in book two. To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before really was a wonderful read, it was funny, had smart witty characters, (one who made me swoon) and had some achy beautiful scenes along the way too, and for sure will be one of my favourite reads of this year. 

My sister’s decided it was fun to write a list of All the Boys I loved Before; 

1. Brad Friedel, (I never in my life had a crush on him, I respected him as a incredible goal keeper, but my sister and cousin never let me live this story down) 
2. Tom Hiddleston. 
3. Chris Hemsworth. 
4. Manu Tuilagi. 
5. Fitzgerald Thomas Grant III.



27 comments:

The Bookish Manicurist said...

I love that this book was able to instantly make your life a little better, Jas! It's so fantastic when a book can captivate you and take away all your troubles.

I hope this week is A LOT better for you!

Mands @ The Bookish Manicurist

Mel@Thedailyprophecy said...

Tom Hiddleston :D I love the fact that it centers around the family! I have a sister too, so I always like to read about that.

Gabby said...

This sounds soooo cute!! I have been seeing this one around a lot. I really like the fact they have a good family involvement, just enhances the cuteness. Very excited to read this. Wonderful review Jasprit <3

Joni said...

I lalaLOVED this book. It was such a treat and made for a wonderful escape read. Upon finishing I actually felt the pull of wanting to read it again! And I'm certain I will- especially in preparation for the sequel (which I am VERY impatient for…) ^^

Anonymous said...

I love the sound of this book and am excited to read it. Great review, Jasprit - I'm glad you loved it!

Leanna Elle said...

Brad Friedel, Jasprit! Ha ha! I have a crush on Fitz too, though! I LOVED this book and also gave it five stars. It's just perfect!

Anonymous said...

I'm so glad to hear you enjoyed this, Jasprit. I put off reading it because there were so many mixed reviews and I just didn't feel the enthusiasm. But since you and I share very similar thoughts on contemporaries, I think this will work for me. I love the sound of Peter although he does makes some mistake. Lara Jean sounds great too. I definitely need to read this book sooner. Lovely review, Jasprit.
Also, your sister is the cutest! :) I approve very much of Tom Hiddleston and Chris Hemsworth! ;)

Mary @ BookSwarm said...

I like that there's a strong family in this one! This sounds so adorable -- it's on my list to read. Maybe by the pool this summer.

Unknown said...

Five stars is impressive! It's so awesome when you have an author who's books always leave you happy.
Thanks for the review, Jasprit!

Michelle Chew said...

Great review! Wow! I regret not getting the book from the bookstore just yesterday! It really sounds like a good read from your review. :)

Michelle

Heidi@Rainy Day Ramblings said...

I have got to read this one. Everyone is loving it and it seems like the perfect summer romance read. How bad am I ? I don't recognize any of the names on your crush list? I need to do some googling.

Sam (Realm of Fiction) said...

Oh I LOVED the donuts moment. I'm nearly done with this book and having so much fun with it - probably more than I thought I would! I'm really loving the family dynamics here too. Your review is spot on, Jasprit. I'm so glad you enjoyed it!

brandileigh2003 said...

I too loved how featured the family was in this one. And ended up liking the faux relationship into more.

Zoe N. said...

This sounds absolutely wonderful! And the fact that it got 5 stars from you is awesome! <3 It sounds like a really well-done light, fluffy read; and I'm definitely going to have to give it a try! I love the sound of the romance and the characterization, and the fact that family plays such a big role in the story is a plus, as we don't see enough of that in YA!

Thanks for sharing Jasprit, and, as always, BRILLIANT review! <3

~ Zoe @ The Infinite To-Read Shelf

Jasprit said...

Thank you Aman, I really hope you do end up enjoying this book when you get back to it!

Jasprit said...

Joni, I definitely think that I will be re-reading this book a few times before the sequel is released too! So glad that you enjoyed this!

Jasprit said...

*high five* for the Fitz love Leanna :)

Jasprit said...

I really think that this would be your sort of read Nick, I can't wait to see how you get on with it! :)

Maji Bookshelf said...

hahahahahaha, my list wouldn't have consisted of five guys only either! lol! Yess, Jenny Han's books are amazing huh? I will definitely pick this one up if I'm ever feeling down and in a reading slump. Great review, so excited to read this!
- Farah @MajiBookshelf

Unknown said...

I wish I could saw the same to you…I started reading To All The Boys yesterday and fell asleep like out-cold kind of sleep. I had no idea what was happening. Her new release has the same style as her Pretty Series so I was disappointed since I hated that series. *Sigh Thanks for sharing!

www.lite-rate-ture.com

Lisa @ Lost in Literature said...

I really want to love this! The reviews are all over the place. I'm so happy to see how much you loved it. :)

Faye M. said...

Tom Hiddleston and Chris Hemsworth! Now if only I could write them letters and they reply back.. I would love for that to happen for realsies. In any case, awesome that you loved this one, Jasprit! I'm still on the fence as I'm extremely picky when it comes to Contemporary, and I've seen some negative reviews for this one, too. But at least my heart is lighter knowing you gave it 5 stars! :)

Faye at The Social Potato Reviews

BookOwl93 said...

I'm so glad I ended up choosing this book! I haven't read it yet (I know, I know...) but I promise I will soon! Especially since you loved it so much! ^_^ And I had no idea there would be another book! :-O When did that happen?! Either way, I'm excited for it :D

Anonymous said...

At first, this book didn't seem like it was for me, but as I read more and more reviews, I can't help wanting to read it. Like you said, it seems like the perfect read for when you're feeling down or having a tough week. Plus, I'm anxious to see who the love interest ends up being. haha And Tom Hiddleston is so crushworthy so I don't blame you! ;) great review, Jasprit!

Carina Olsen said...

Aw, I love your review :D Thank you for sharing sweetie. <3 I'm so glad you loved this book. I do think it sounds cute. I'm just not sure yet if I would enjoy it ;p But it makes me really happy that you did. <3

Amanda said...

I love that you included a list of your crushes! So cute.
The more I hear about this story, the more eager I am to read it for myself. It sounds like the perfect mix of light, cute storytelling mixed with more serious topics and you can never go wrong with a focus on sisterhood (in my opinion).
I'm glad that this book was exactly what you needed at exactly the right time, Jasprit!

Wendy Darling said...

Wow, 5 stars! I love the premise behind this book, it sounds pretty cute. I'm glad you loved it, Jasprit, and it's adorable that you shared your list of crushes. I'm with you on Chris Hemsworth--that's a fine-looking man. With a great voice.

Wendy @ The Midnight Garden

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