There’s very little as enjoyable as a good romcom style book series, particularly when it’s written by Jenny Han.
Han has an ability to understand the complexities of young love and the triumphs of youthful successes in a way that feels genuine and gripping. Her series, To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before, is another feather in her hat in the young love category and it is no wonder the Netflix adaptation films were such a massive success.
A trilogy of three very enjoyable books, the To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before series is a morish selection of books that once started you’ll struggle to put down. Following the ups and downs of main character Lara Jean as her deepest heartfelt desires are made openly known, setting her on a thrilling adventure of learning what happens when you allow yourself to be open and honest with your feelings.
From the blurb of book one: To All The Boy’s I’ve Loved Before;
‘Lara Jean’s love life is about to go from imaginary to out of control.
Lara Jean Song keeps love letters in a hatbox her mother gave her – one for every boy she’s ever loved. She can say anything she wants, because the letters are for her eyes only. Until the day they’re sent out…’
This first book draws you into the funny, complicated, messy world that is Lara Jeans life and offers up the first of two main love interests. While one is painfully off limits, the ever too recently ex of her elder sister, the other is also looking for an out in his own love life. Together he and Lara Jean set up a ploy, the wonderful trope of pretending to be boyfriend and girlfriend, and what was just a game quickly turns into one of the best romances you’ll ever read.
From the blurb of book two: P.S. I Still Love You;
‘Lara Jean didn’t expect to really fall for Peter. They had just been pretending. Except suddenly there weren’t. Now Lara Jean is more confused than ever.
Then another boy from her past returns to her life, and Lara Jean’s feelings for him return too.
Can a girl be in love with two boys at the same time?’
This second book brings in Lara Jeans first real conflict. After her act with Peter grows into something real, she’s made to question whether her feelings, and his, are a symptom of the game or as real as they’ve convinced everyone else they are. As a boy from her past throws her life sideways Lara Jean has to wonder if old feelings ever truly go away? And if they don’t then can they be stronger than new ones?
This second book is a real roller coaster of emotions for readers who want the best for both Lara Jean and Peter. We’re not at the finish line yet though as the third book brings forward the hardest challenge yet. The future.
From the blurb of the third book: Always and Forever, Lara Jean;
‘Life is good for Lara Jean. She is head over heals in love, her dad’s finally getting remarried and her sister Margot is coming home for the summer.
But change is looming. And Lara Jean can’t ignore the big life decisions she has to make – where she goes to college for one. Because that would mean leaving her family – and possibly the boy she loves – behind.
When your heart and your head are saying two different things, which ne should you listen to?’
This third and final novel in the series is easily the most mature of the books. As Han boldly steps into the bigger decisions of teenage life she dose not shy away from the turmoil of these choices and clearly reflects on the mess of emotions which come with such decisions. Han perfectly describes the way relationships change as we make our life choices and begin to step away from one another and our younger selves. She neatly ties in all of the adventure and excitement that keeps us afloat and the pull and push of the future we hope for and the one we need.
We give the To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before Series Four stars.
To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before ISBN – 978-1-407149-07-3 Cover Price - £7.99 Available as an eBook Published by Scholastic
P.S. I Still Love You ISBN – 978-1-407157-98-6 Cover Price - £7.99 Available as an eBook Published by Scholastic
Always And Forever, Lara Jean ISBN – 978-1-407177-66-3 Cover Price - £7.99 Available as an eBook Published by Scholastic