By Mysia Haight, Audible Editor

TO ALL THE BOYS I'VE LOVED BEFORE IS ABOUT MORE THAN YOUNG LOVE

Ah, young love! The thrill never gets old. That’s why one of my favorite escapes is YA Romance—and I’m far from alone. Based on a study by Publisher’s Weekly, more than half of young adult fiction fans are older adults. I also have a fondness for the art of writing love letters. (Though I'm hoping a certain ex-boyfriend burned the many gushy missives I mailed him over the course of our three-year long-distance relationship.) So, it’s no surprise that I was drawn to Jenny Han’s To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before. I first heard about the book when I saw the trailer for the Netflix movie, which features one of my fave actors, the hunky and sensitive John Corbett. in the role of a caring single dad. (Yes, back in my Sex in the City fangirl days, I was team Aidan—and I absolutely adored Corbett in My Big Fat Greek Wedding.) After watching the movie, I wanted to spend more time with these characters, so, naturally, I gave the book a listen.

To All the Boys I've Loved Before is the story of 16-year-old Lara Jean Song Covey, who lives in Virginia with her two sisters and their dad. She’s the middle child and, though they’re only two years apart, has been protected by her big sister, Margot, since their mom died six years ago. Lara Jean cherishes the lovely teal hatbox her mother gave her, and that’s where she keeps her secret letters. Whenever she has a crush on a boy, she writes him a love letter, pouring out her heart and soul. She addresses them to each boy but never intends to send them—they’re a way for her to work through her feelings. The letters are for her eyes only. Lara Jean has written love letters to five boys—including Peter from seventh grade and their neighbor Josh, who is now Margot’s boyfriend—and moved on. Or so she thinks—until, one by one, the boys tell her they got her letter.

The plot, which centers on Peter and Josh, is filled with twists and tension. It involves a carefully orchestrated fake relationship, rumors, jealousy, misunderstandings, and the spark of first love. Romance aside, what I love about this novel is how Lara Jean evolves from a naïve, shy, dreamy girl to a self-aware, responsible young woman. Throughout, Han emphasizes the importance of culture—the girls are half Korean and honor their mom’s heritage—and family. Surviving pettiness and anger, the bond between the Song sisters is unshakeable, and that’s truly something for readers and listeners of all ages to love."

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