Finding Love and Losing Patience: A Review of P.S. I Still Love You
When I first dove into P.S. I Still Love You, the second installment in Jenny Han’s beloved To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before series, I was riding high on nostalgia—both for the book and its recent movie adaptation. It’s hard not to reflect on how adaptations can shine a new light on the source material, sometimes elevating it to heights that the original struggled to reach. However, as I flipped through the pages and revisited Lara Jean’s world, I found myself navigating a rollercoaster of emotions, particularly regarding the ship I once fervently cheered for.
At its core, P.S. I Still Love You is about the complexities of young love, the trials of personal growth, and the bittersweet nature of relationships. We find Lara Jean, still grappling with the fallout from her heartfelt letters (which led to that iconic “fake dating” fiasco). As she juggles her feelings for Peter Kavinsky, the jock with "swishy hair and good eyebrows," and the re-emergence of the charming John Ambrose McClaren, I felt as if I were caught in a whirlwind of teen angst and sweet moments, with just a sprinkle of frustration.
Was it the maturity of a thirty-something looking back at high school that made me realize how annoyingly stunted both Lara Jean and Peter could be? Or perhaps it’s just that I’ve aged since my first read, and the prospects of emotional manipulation now hit differently? As I read, I felt a surge of anger when Peter threw fits over Lara Jean not baking cookies or missing his “jockfests.” Can someone say “red flag”? It made it hard to root for him as the romantic lead.
And then, there’s John Ambrose—who, admittedly, I warmed up to more than I expected. He embodies the supportive boyfriend that Lara Jean deserves! Their conversations sparked joy where Peter’s did not, emphasizing that love should build you up, not bring tantrums. Yet, I couldn’t help but feel Han’s narrative tugging me back toward Peter, leaving me with that awful sense of frustration; my ship wasn’t sailing smoothly at all.
Jenny Han’s writing flows effortlessly; her ability to craft genuine and relatable dialogue shone through, especially when showcasing the dynamic between Lara Jean and her irrepressible sister, Kitty. Honestly, if there’s ever a spinoff about Kitty, I’d read it in a heartbeat! Her zest was a highlight, reminding me not only of the depth of sisterhood but also adding much-needed humor to the narrative.
As I closed the book, I found myself reflecting on how frustratingly sweet it was—the candy-flavored dialogue, the heartwarming moments interspersed with teenage turmoil, and yes, even the plotlines that veered toward the absurd (internet drama, anyone?). This installment is simultaneously delightful and grating; much like overdosing on cotton candy, it leaves a cavity for both your heart and your mind.
In conclusion, if you’re a fan of YA romances that revolve around self-discovery and the bittersweet nature of young love, then P.S. I Still Love You is worth your time, even if it’s just to experience the delightful chaos of Lara Jean’s world. While it may not have captivated me the same way upon rereading, it certainly made me reflect on the rollercoaster that is adolescence. Plus, Jenny Han’s mastery at crafting characters will keep you invested—even just to scream at them occasionally. So grab a cozy blanket, maybe some cookies (for Lara Jean’s sake!), and dive into this sweet, tumultuous ride.
Do you think I’ll brave the next installment? Of course! After all, I’ve got more ships to root for, and maybe a few more emotionally stunted characters to watch grow.
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