spideyreads's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
I've read this book twice. After reading it a second time, I've realized it's not really worth all the hype. It's just a book that's kind of... there. The protagonists were extremely self-centered and annoying, and even the book acknowledges that they act as if the world revolves around them. Another thing that annoyed me about this book is the age difference and the "practically siblings best friends to lovers" dynamic and how young the protagonist, Belly, is. I'm sorry, I have trouble imagining an eighteen year old wanting to date a fifteen/sixteen year old he's known since birth. I don't know, the age difference just sort of rubs me the wrong way since there's an obvious difference in the characters's maturity levels. I think young adult books should be encouraging teenagers to act their age and be themselves instead of always wanting to be grown, but, not going to lie, that's probably what this book captures the best; the feeling of wanting to be as grown up as your cool older friends. Maybe I'm being too picky, and I'm sure lots of my favorite books also have this problem, but this book just had it showcased front and center.
I'm a big romance reader, so it's pretty shocking I didn't like this book. I recommend To All the Boys I've Loved Before if you want to read something by Jenny Han. Better characters, better writing, and better romance. To All the Boys is definitely worth the hype.
read this book if you like:
I'm a big romance reader, so it's pretty shocking I didn't like this book. I recommend To All the Boys I've Loved Before if you want to read something by Jenny Han. Better characters, better writing, and better romance. To All the Boys is definitely worth the hype.
read this book if you like:
- love triangles
- watching characters grow up
- beachy, summery reads
- teen TV shows
- BookTok
- romance tropes
don't read this book if you hate:
- "Pick me girls"
- will-they-won't-they
- BookTok
- toxic love interests
- bland/boring characters & love interests
- romance tropes
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent, Drug use, and Cancer
Minor: Toxic friendship and Toxic relationship
moonbin's review against another edition
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship and Cancer
Moderate: Toxic friendship and Infidelity
Minor: Body shaming, Drug use, Blood, Violence, Addiction, Bullying, and Death of parent
cdoubet's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Terminal illness and Cancer
Minor: Injury/Injury detail, Alcohol, Cursing, Toxic relationship, Blood, Grief, and Toxic friendship
_mya_'s review
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Read twice. enjoyed both times. exciting.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Toxic relationship
Minor: Alcohol
gissellellamas's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
I think this is the only time I've ever liked a film adaptation more than the book it's based on. Maybe it's just the cast, but the characters are so much more likable in the show. Belly and Conrad were both mostly just annoying in this book. That being said, it's a very quick and mostly enjoyable read, so I would still recommend it. I'm not sure I would rave about it, though. Unfortunately, there were a couple of problematic moments within the writing. One thing I noticed a couple times was the use of the word "gay" as an insult. The first time, Taylor wants to play truth or dare and when Conrad rejects the idea she says, "Don't be so gay." Jeremiah does go on to criticize her for using the word in that sense, but it is played off in a flirty, cute way without any actual repercussions to Taylor. Later in the book, Belly wants to go skinny dipping with Cam and when he, too, rejects the idea, Belly says "Are you serious?" and in the narration, follows that with, "What I really wanted to say was, Are you gay?" What's worse is that the author doesn't really address how this is problematic and acts like it's a normal thing for a teen to say as an insult, which it shouldn't be. In the show, Jeremiah is bisexual, but I haven't seen any indications of that in the book, so I cannot defend the author for including this not once, but twice. Also, Belly gets mad and leaves Cameron for not wanting to go skinny dipping, and this is how they ultimately split up. This feels too much like an insinuation of breaking up with someone because they don't consent to sexual activities. And there is nothing to indicate that the author recognizes that this, too, is a problem. If you overlook these things, the book is decent. However, I think these small additions are reflective of Jenny Han as a person, which is unfortunate because I loved her work in the TSITP show.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness and Cancer
Minor: Homophobia, Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, and Toxic relationship
danicampbell0506's review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship
Moderate: Cancer
Minor: Homophobia and Ableism
izypup's review
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cancer, Toxic friendship, Terminal illness, and Alcohol
Minor: Blood, Death of parent, Fatphobia, Homophobia, Medical content, Misogyny, Sexism, and Toxic relationship
blueeyedshook's review
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
4.0
I can’t believe it’s taken me so long to read this book. I’ve had it in my shelf forever. At the beginning of summer by friend/book dealer told me I HAD to read it this summer. Then when I found out the show was coming out, I made a mad dash to read it so I could follow up with the show.
It’s such a simple, straight forward story that is so addicting. The whole book literally feels like summer as a teenager. Like I felt like I was a teenager again reading the pages, living the moments. Starting the second book immediately.
It’s such a simple, straight forward story that is so addicting. The whole book literally feels like summer as a teenager. Like I felt like I was a teenager again reading the pages, living the moments. Starting the second book immediately.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cursing, Death, Alcohol, and Death of parent
Minor: Cancer, Death, and Toxic relationship
missrosymaplemoth's review against another edition
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Cancer
Moderate: Death of parent, Alcohol, and Cursing
Minor: Toxic relationship
vereadsbooks's review against another edition
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
Rating ★☆☆☆☆
OMG! this book is insufferable!!!
“It was a summer I would never, ever forget. It was the summer everything began. It was the summer I turned pretty. Because for the first time, I felt it. Pretty, I mean. Every summer up to this one, I believed it’d be different. Life would be different. And that summer, it finally was.”
When each summer begins, Belly leaves her school life behind and escapes to Cousins Beach, the place she has spent every summer of her life. Not only does the beach house mean home away from home, but her favorite people are there: Susannah, her mother's best friend, and her sons, Conrad and Jeremiah. Belly has been chasing Conrad for as long as she can remember, and more than anything, she hopes this summer will be different. Despite distractions from a new guy named Cam and lingering looks from Conrad's brother, Jeremiah, Belly's heart belongs to Conrad. Will he offer his to her? Will this be the summer that changes everything?
“For me, it was almost like winter didn't count. Summer was what mattered. My whole life was measured in summers. Like I don't really begin living until June, until I'm at that beach, in that house”
The read was super light as there is no plot. Absolutely nothing happens in the book. The book is supposed to have a love triangle between Belly and the Fisher brothers. Yet, nothing substantial happens between any of the protagonists.
“I love Conrad and I probably always would. I would spend my whole life loving him one way or another. Maybe I would get married, maybe I would have a family, but it wouldn’t matter, because a piece of my heart, the piece where summer lived, would always be Conrad’s”
The book isn't even romantic or cute. It's just Belly complaining about everyone. She is childish and annoying. She throws tantrums whenever something doesn't go her way.
Belly is so focused on her that she can't see the suffering around her. She has a total disconnect with reality and a lack of empathy towards others. Everything revolves around her and her feelings.
“I grabbed his shirt sleeve. “Admit it. You were mad when I started hanging out with Cam. You wanted me to still be your little admirer”. “What?” He shook me off. “Get your head out of your ass, Belly. The world doesn’t revolve around you.” My cheeks flamed bright red; I could feel the heat beneath my skin. It was like sunburn times a million.
Not only does she use Cam to make Conrad jealous, but she also throws him away when he no longer serves her. She does the same thing she does with Jeremiah.
“He stepped closer to me. “One minute you like me. Then Cam…” Conrad paused. “And then Jeremiah. Isn’t that right? You want to have your cake and eat it too, but you also want your cookies and your ice cream…”
“Shut up!” I yelled. “You’re the one who’s been playing games, Belly.”
She believes that Conrad's self-destructive behavior is because of her when it is actually because of her mother's illness. Even when that secret comes out, Belly manages to make the whole situation revolve around her.
“But they did know” I whimpered. “Everybody knew but me. I’m the only one who didn’t know and I love Susannah more than anybody.”
In general, the characters are not well developed. There isn't depth to their personalities, and there isn't much improvement as the plot progresses. I do feel that Jenny Han evolved a lot in her writing over time. To all the boy I've loved before is superior in several aspects.
Books I have read from this author
To All the Boys I've Loved Before ★★★★☆
P.S. I Still Love You ★★★ ½
Always and Forever, Lara Jean ★★★☆☆
OMG! this book is insufferable!!!
“It was a summer I would never, ever forget. It was the summer everything began. It was the summer I turned pretty. Because for the first time, I felt it. Pretty, I mean. Every summer up to this one, I believed it’d be different. Life would be different. And that summer, it finally was.”
When each summer begins, Belly leaves her school life behind and escapes to Cousins Beach, the place she has spent every summer of her life. Not only does the beach house mean home away from home, but her favorite people are there: Susannah, her mother's best friend, and her sons, Conrad and Jeremiah. Belly has been chasing Conrad for as long as she can remember, and more than anything, she hopes this summer will be different. Despite distractions from a new guy named Cam and lingering looks from Conrad's brother, Jeremiah, Belly's heart belongs to Conrad. Will he offer his to her? Will this be the summer that changes everything?
“For me, it was almost like winter didn't count. Summer was what mattered. My whole life was measured in summers. Like I don't really begin living until June, until I'm at that beach, in that house”
Spoiler
“I love Conrad and I probably always would. I would spend my whole life loving him one way or another. Maybe I would get married, maybe I would have a family, but it wouldn’t matter, because a piece of my heart, the piece where summer lived, would always be Conrad’s”
The book isn't even romantic or cute. It's just Belly complaining about everyone. She is childish and annoying. She throws tantrums whenever something doesn't go her way.
Belly is so focused on her that she can't see the suffering around her. She has a total disconnect with reality and a lack of empathy towards others. Everything revolves around her and her feelings.
“I grabbed his shirt sleeve. “Admit it. You were mad when I started hanging out with Cam. You wanted me to still be your little admirer”. “What?” He shook me off. “Get your head out of your ass, Belly. The world doesn’t revolve around you.” My cheeks flamed bright red; I could feel the heat beneath my skin. It was like sunburn times a million.
Not only does she use Cam to make Conrad jealous, but she also throws him away when he no longer serves her. She does the same thing she does with Jeremiah.
“He stepped closer to me. “One minute you like me. Then Cam…” Conrad paused. “And then Jeremiah. Isn’t that right? You want to have your cake and eat it too, but you also want your cookies and your ice cream…”
“Shut up!” I yelled. “You’re the one who’s been playing games, Belly.”
She believes that Conrad's self-destructive behavior is because of her when it is actually because of her mother's illness. Even when that secret comes out, Belly manages to make the whole situation revolve around her.
“But they did know” I whimpered. “Everybody knew but me. I’m the only one who didn’t know and I love Susannah more than anybody.”
In general, the characters are not well developed. There isn't depth to their personalities, and there isn't much improvement as the plot progresses. I do feel that Jenny Han evolved a lot in her writing over time. To all the boy I've loved before is superior in several aspects.
Books I have read from this author
To All the Boys I've Loved Before ★★★★☆
P.S. I Still Love You ★★★ ½
Always and Forever, Lara Jean ★★★☆☆
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Death, Cancer, Drug use, Toxic relationship, Alcohol, Grief, and Infidelity