To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before
Well, ya girl has read another trilogy. Normally, I read Fantasy (with a little Sci-Fi and Contemporary mixed in), but this one… this one was YA Romance. I’m gonna mention that I’m not a fan of Romance as a genre. You might be asking, “Why did you even go for it, Lucy?” and the answer is, well, I don’t actually know. Maybe to try and get into the spirit of Valentine’s day (which is, if I’m being honest, far from my favorite holiday)? In any case, I don’t really like the genre, but this trilogy wasn’t bad.
I’m talking about the To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before trilogy, by Jenny Han. It was well written and captivating enough where I read the three books in four days. However, will I reread it? Probably not. While the main character, Lara Jean, had a consistent voice that was easy enough to read along to, I found her to be childish and annoying. If I’m being honest, I found that to be true about most of the characters. This is how I always feel during Romance books, though, so I don’t know how much of it is the characters and how much of it is my own aversion to the genre?
It’s a complicated matter. My feelings on romance and relationships as depicted online and in media are what could be described as a “Big Oof,” but that’s beside the point. Long story short, I wasn’t digging the whole love set up in this book, and every time Lara Jean mentioned falling in love with a boy she had barely even talked to, I wanted to roll my eyes.
That being said, I WAS digging the whole “fake-dating” trope that the first book played on. That was fun and made things a little more interesting!
I clearly have complicated feelings about this book. On one hand, I read it all, and I read it quickly. On the other hand, I dislike Romance. Conclusion? The book is decent, but… don’t expect me to be reading any more YA Romance any time soon. I’d much rather be reading about an intricate world that has been thrown into a war, and sure… maybe there is some kissy kissy action, and true love conquers all, but also… How will our heroes save the world?!?! Or a sneaky heist with intricate break-ins, dark shadows (and corners), and SECRETS SPILL but only when the mastermind wants them to be spilled (*cough cough* Kaz Brekker). Basically, I love romance when it is secondary. It seems more meaningful/natural that way?
Now I’m just rambling and probably making no sense, but hey! That’s sometimes how it be!
Shop The Trilogy
Individual Books:
Box Set:
