To all the boys I've loved before
First of all, Amazing book to movie transition. I watch that movie at least once a week.
The book itself is similar to any other YA romance novel. A quirky shy girl falls in love with a popular jock, and they end up together in the end. Lara Jean, an Asian American teen whose mom passed when she was younger, navigates love by writing letters. She never sends them, but she stores them in a teal hatbox her mother gave her. One day, all her letters get sent. One to her sister's ex boyfriend Josh, one to a kid from camp, to a friend from model U.N, someone she danced with at a freshman homecoming, and her 7th grade crush Peter Kavinsky. As a younger child, I thought this was so innovative and cute. And you know what, I still do. This book is great. I own three copies of the first book and one of each of books two and three. The movies and books are still great comfort movies.
However, as I grow older, it becomes more comfortable in terms of familiarity rather than viewing it as an ideal and/or moving romance story. Peter Kavinsky can be annoying and arrogant, the trope of the popular jock becomes less and less ideal. There are a few scenes where he sort of clings to an ex, betraying the trust of Lara Jean, but “it's all okay because he wrote her little love notes.”
In the end, I still really enjoy the books and movies. Its fun to watch on a rainy day.
I actually love the movies so much (no matter how cringey they are). I still need to read the books tho.
ReplyDeleteI have not read the books yet but I have seen the show and I totally agree with your points. The movie is definitely a comfort movie with good vibes but the plot is not the greatest. As you mentioned the storyline is also very "tropey" which makes it entertaining but probably not the best writing.
ReplyDeleteI haven't read the books yet, but I really want to. I agree that these movies are great comfort movies (I love these movies so so much), but if I'm really being honest John Ambrose was a better canidate...The little notes being one of the reasons that Peter's actions were labeled as "okay" sort of annoyed me and I'm glad you brought that to light!
ReplyDeleteHey Olive! This post is really well-written! I also enjoyed the movies and the books are for sure on my TBR!
ReplyDeleteThe title definitely got my attention. I'm for sure going to be reading it and watching the movie too!
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