We've all longed for a love letter at some point in our lives, and some of us have even written them. There's no better feeling than finding out that someone has noticed and appreciated even the tiniest things about you. Getting a handwritten letter with a summary of everything that makes you great would be so exciting for most people. For Lara Jean, however, love letters aren't a way of professing love, but a way of saying goodbye.
In a hat box from her late mother, Lara Jean Song Covey keeps the goodbye love letters she's written to a few select boys from her past. The moment she knew she needed to cut romantic ties with them, she would write a letter, address it, and put it in the box. Of course, these letters were only to be seen by her eyes alone. This gave her closure, and she was able to use it as a safe outlet.
Everything in her life changes, of course, when her precious letters suddenly disappear and end up in the hands of the boys they were addressed to. Her friendships, love life, and even familial relationships are at stake when chaos ensues.
When I first read the description of this novel, I wasn't overwhelmed. I felt like it would be predictable, so I put it back on the book store shelf. After a few weeks, though, I hadn't stopped hearing raving reviews about the story. I figured it was time to pick it up and give it a try. As soon as I began reading, I couldn't put it down. On the walk to school, I was reading. In class, I was reading. The book is very well written and Lara Jean is such an intriguing character. It feels very natural and real to read from her perspective.
The familial relationships and friendships are such tight bonds, and the reader experiences this from Lara Jean's memories and emotions. This book has a lot of romance, but is even more about family and the importance of loyalty and forgiveness.
The story is full of twists and turns, and will leave you wanting more! Luckily, there are two sequels out. I can't wait to get my hands on the next one. Be sure to pick up "To All the Boys I've Loved Before," by Jenny Han. Once you've given it a read, let me know what you think in the comments!
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