Book Review: P.S. I Still Love You (To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before) by Jenny Han
Ah, Jenny Han. She has this magical ability to make young love feel utterly palpable, which is one reason why P.S. I Still Love You caught my attention once again. Rereading this sequel after the delightful To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before movie release was like slipping back into a cozy sweater—familiar but a bit frayed at the edges. But let me tell you, as I flipped through the pages, I found myself grappling with righteous anger over my ship not sailing. (Oh, the drama!)
This installment dives deeper into the world of Lara Jean Song Covey, who’s navigating the complexities of adolescence, love triangles, and the perils of social media. Lara Jean is still our endearing protagonist, juggling her feelings for Peter and a rekindled connection with John Ambrose McClaren—because, of course, a good love triangle can spice things up!
One thing I found particularly striking in this book was the emotional rollercoaster Lara Jean endures. As much as I adore her maturation journey, I couldn’t help but feel frustrated by Peter’s regression into a boyish hot mess. His previous charm slipped into blandness, leaving me yearning for a deeper connection that never quite materialized. Is it too much to ask for a boyfriend who actually cares about his girlfriend’s passions? I mean, come on, Lara Jean’s penpal and her friendships deserve more than just a passing mention!
Jenny Han’s writing style remains engaging, weaving humor and genuine emotions seamlessly. I found myself chuckling at Lara Jean’s occasional awkwardness, but at the same time, I cringed over her decision-making. The pacing felt uneven; just when I was drawn in, moments of tension fizzled out to bland dialogues, leaving me confused and disengaged.
Now, let’s chat about the characters! While I found myself glaring at Peter’s antics (seriously, the tantrums!), Kitty—the spunky ten-year-old sister—stole my heart completely! Her vibrant personality brightened the otherwise murky waters of the plot. As for John Ambrose McClaren? Sigh. Despite being the “nice guy” we can all root for, he felt more like a puppet set against the backdrop of Lara Jean’s chaos rather than a fully developed character.
The writing has its glimmers of profound moments. Quotes like, “Sometimes, love is not enough,” resonated with me, especially during emotionally charged scenes. However, I couldn’t help feeling disappointed that the narrative ultimately fell back on familiar tropes rather than breaking new ground.
So, who would enjoy P.S. I Still Love You? Fans of YA rom-coms and anyone who appreciates relationship dilemmas wrapped in delicious baking recipes will feel at home here. Just be prepared for some emotional whiplash if, like me, you develop strong feelings about the characters’ trajectories!
In wrapping up this reflective journey through Jenny Han’s world, I’m left wondering about the next installment. Will Lara Jean find her way to a narrative glow-up? Who knows! But one thing is certain: even through my frustrations, I’m still hooked and ready for the next chapter, even at 3 a.m. with a hefty side of indignation about my ships!
Happy reading, fellow bookworms! And please, don’t revoke my card. 🌟
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