My Twitter feed was filled with posts referring to the upcoming film on Netflix which was an adaption of a Young Adult romance novel that I had not read. After reading the blurb For All The Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han, I saw that the story would be something that I would enjoy. I decided that I would read the book first before watching the film – as you know, the book always has more detail than the film.

Genre: Young Adult, romance, contemporary

Blurb:

Lara Jean keeps her love letters in a hatbox her mother gave to her. They aren’t love letters that anyone else wrote for her; these are one’s she’s written. One for every boy she’s ever loved – five in all. When she writes, she can pour out her heart and soul and say 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.

My thoughts: 

While reading this story, I was reminded of why I enjoy reading Young Adult romance novels. The storyline was a breath of fresh air with no overt sexual scenes, and the description of a first love was tender and empathetic. When I read about Lara Jean, I could imagine my own teen daughters experiencing their first love. The interaction between the siblings, as well as between the members of the opposite sex, is believable. I loved this story so much, I could not stop reading it and finished it within a day! I have set the novel aside for my daughters to read – and I have ordered the next book in the series. If you enjoy romance stories, you will enjoy this one (no matter whether you have read a Young Adult book or not). This story is also appropriate for young teens, so there is no need to worry if you daughter or granddaughter wishes to immerse herself in it.

The film: 

As can be expected, the film is not as detailed as the novel. A few minor things have been changed to enable to film to flow fluidly – and to stay within the 99 minutes of the film. Despite the changes in the film adaptation, I enjoyed the film especially as it kept the ethos of the novel.

I give this novel ⭐ ⭐⭐⭐️⭐️ 5 stars.

© Colline Kook-Chun, 2018

(This novel was the 54th in my 50 book pledge for 2018)