To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han

 

     I finished this right before I had to go in to work and I spent my entire shift thinking what it is I wanted to say about it. I’m not sure I’ve found the right words to describe this yet besides disappointing. 

“If love is a possession, maybe my letters are like my exorcisms.“
(ARC)

     When I heard of the title of this book, I just KNEW it was going to be paired with an interesting premise and even better writing. While I was right on both accounts, the way it was carried out just didn’t do it for me. I expected there to be some out of control fights and multiple dudes all trying to fight for the love and attention of Laura Jean, but it just seemed like two dudes (along with Laura Jean) that couldn’t figure out what they wanted. The letters didn’t even seem to matter that much to the story. I thought they would be the center of the story, but it could have been written without them. And I didn’t like that. I wanted them to have so much meaning they fell for her all over again. And they did, but there was only two. And obviously, I didn’t like the characters as much.

“Life doesn’t have to be so planned. Just roll with it and let it happen.“
(ARC)

     Now when I say I didn’t like them, it was for a legitimate reason. Laura Jean seemed so childish and juvenile. Like the entire scheme? In real life, no one would have went along with that. It was just so non-believable. And for the way the entire scheme began? Yeah I wouldn’t buy it for a second. Most people now a days get mad if you put your arm too close to them, let alone do what Laura Jean did. It just seemed like she was immature and doing things that little girls do. 

“How was I supposed to know what’s real and what’s not? It feels like I’m the only one who doesn’t know the difference.“
(ARC)

     But I did like the writing style. Since this is my first Jenny Han book, I found myself a little worried because of all the hype surrounding her other books. But even with a few issues, I did like some things about her writing. Such as her imagery. I also loved the way she wrote the relationship between the sisters. It was spot on accurate. With me being the middle child and a younger and older sister, I could relate to everything Laura Jean said. Although the person we’re looking out for is my mom, my family is the same way. They annoy me sometimes, but I wouldn’t trade my sisters for the world. 

     With a few issues, my first Jenny Han book was a success. No it wasn’t what I was expecting, but that didn’t make the book bad. I just wish I had known what it would actually be about and that the characters would act their age. 

Overall, I give this