A Heartfelt Journey with "P.S. I Like You" by Kasie West
When I first stumbled upon Kasie West, it felt a bit like discovering a hidden gem, one that was right under my nose the entire time. After devouring "The Distance Between Us" last summer and falling hard for Xander, I couldn’t resist diving into her latest release, "P.S. I Like You." With its promise of cute romance and some heartfelt letters shared between two high school students, I eagerly anticipated the magic that would surely ensue. Spoiler alert: there were indeed magical moments, but also some unexpected bumps along the way.
At its core, "P.S. I Like You" presents a fresh take on connection and creativity through music. The story revolves around Lily, a girl who feels a bit out of place in her own life. Through a serendipitous moment in her dull chemistry class, she finds solace in exchanging letters with a mysterious pen pal. What starts as a fun distraction quickly transforms into a deeper emotional connection, showcasing the significance of finding someone who truly understands you amid life’s chaos.
The writing style of Kasie West is as light and playful as ever, perfectly capturing the essence of teenage angst and longing. There were moments where the narrative had me giggling, like when Lily muses about the absurdity of not having a faster way to send messages—if only there were some electronic device that could transmit them instantly. I found it relatable and reflective of my own youthful imagination.
I particularly appreciated the quotes that lingered in my mind long after I finished the book:
"Words brought us together though they almost kept us apart."
This quote captures the essence of the push and pull in relationships, reminding us how communication can create bridges but also obstacles.
However, I faced a struggle with my feelings for Lily. Initially, I found her relatable; her family dynamics charmed me. Yet, as the story progressed, her judgmental tendencies became a sticking point that hampered my ability to connect with her. It’s frustrating when you want to root for a character but feel held back by their biases.
Still, I have to take a moment to rave about the mystery surrounding Lily’s pen pal. While I won’t spoil it for you, let’s just say the character had all the qualities that made me swoon—thoughtful, misunderstood, and utterly captivating. Their interactions were the highlight of the book, and once the plot took off after the halfway mark, I was hooked, desperate to see how it all played out.
By the end, I found myself grinning like a love-struck fool, longing for an infinite loop of those butterflies that had finally emerged in the latter half of the story. The thrill of the transformation was akin to the exhilarating drop of a roller coaster, where unexpected moments filled me with delight.
Overall, I rated "P.S. I Like You" 4.5 stars. It wasn’t my absolute favorite Kasie West book—my heart still belongs to "The Distance Between Us"—but it offered fun, warmth, and a sprinkle of self-discovery. I believe anyone looking for a light-hearted contemporary romance, especially fans of the pen pal trope, will find joy in Lily and her mystery admirer. It may not be a life-changing read, but it certainly whisked me away from reality, leaving echoes of laughter and happiness in its wake.
So if you’re in the mood for something that’s sweet, a little nostalgic, and full of those butterfly-inducing moments, "P.S. I Like You" just might be the perfect choice for your next cozy reading session. Happy reading!
