an ode to To All The Boys I've Loved Before

Back in 2014, I picked up the new Jenny Han young adult novel To All The Boys I've Loved Before, and I instantly fell in love. I'd read Han's Summer series and liked it, but I was not prepared with how much I would come to adore Lara Jean and her story. The premise of the novel is this: Lara Jean Song Covey is a girl who gets absolutely consumed by her crushes, so she writes love letters in order to process her feelings. Somehow, the letters get sent out, and Lara Jean has to deal with the consequences, such as her older sister's ex-boyfriend getting a letter. It's a cozy novel about a teenage girl falling in love for the first time, coming out of her shell, and an intimate look at strong sisterly bonds. I was obsessed and desperate for the sequel (since the first book has QUITE the cliffhanger - which you don't often see in YA contemporary novels). I'm a huge fan of romantic comedies, and TALBILB hit that sweet spot that I so desperately crave.

These books have such delightfully beautiful covers!

I didn't love the sequel as much, mostly because I felt it wasn't a really strong ending to Lara Jean's story, and was thrilled when Han announced a third book. I recently reread the first and second books, and can confirm I enjoy the second book much more now that I know there's more to the story. Lara Jean is half Korean, and Han explores the relationship Lara Jean has to her identity. It features strong familial bonds, crush worthy boys, and a girl coming into her own and determining who she wants to be. Lara Jean also bakes a lot, so it's good to go into reading with a bunch of chocolate chip cookies to munch on.

What I really wanted to talk about today is the film adaptation with came out a little over two weeks ago on Netflix. When Han announced her novel was going to be adapted into a film, I was thrilled. With every casting announcement, I grew more and more excited. When Netflix bought the streaming rights, I knew I'd get the chance to rewatch as much as I want. When the trailer dropped? I screamed. Everything about it looked so cute, and I'm so happy Han fought for the Song sisters to remain Asian American, because white-washing the characters would have just ruined some of the spirit of the film.

Hello, I'm in love with both of them!

This movie is... PERFECT. Seriously, I adore it. It perfectly captures the essence of the book. It's adorable and cozy and the perfect film to watch with your girlfriends and a glass of wine (or milk and cookies!). It's incredibly faithful to the book, while also making it a really enjoyable film. Peter Kavinsky (the main love interest whom Lara Jean fakes a relationship with) is just... *chef's kiss*. Lana Condor and Noah Centineo (Lara Jean and Peter) are incredible actors who really embody theri characters. Their chemistry is incredible, and the love story could make any cynic want to fall in love (I'm talking about myself of course). It also feels like an homage to all the classic teen romance comedies of eras before while being uniquely perfect all on its own. Also the set designer created the PERFECT teenage girl bedroom, and the costume designer totally nailed the Lara Jean aesthetic.

This is teen girl bedroom GOALS. Bless this set designer

I know I'm completely fangirling, but honestly? This book and this film just make me so happy. The film is having a moment on twitter where everyone seems obsessed (rightfully so!). It's wholesome, but not prudish. It's funny without being mean. It's dramatic without being unbelievably unrealistic. It'll charm the pants right off of you! This book is a perfect example of how excellent YA novels are to those who are super dismissive of it. Plus, it's current success as a film will hopefully lead to a sequel and more and more YA adaptations. I'm willing to spend the money!!!

The Song Sisters who were EXCELLENT. Anna Cathcart was so funny as Kitty

I'm so happy this book series and the film exist. I've already watched it 3 times, and I know I'll watch it again as I recover from my upcoming ankle surgery. If you need a pick me up, or just want to spend an hour and a half being thoroughly entertained? Watch this film. You'll walk away with a smile and huge crush on Condor and Centineo. I promise you'll thank me.

taking a break

Somehow without meaning to, I've taken August off from writing. It's been a long month (that's not even over) and I've been so busy the whole time. I was working a lot for the first two weeks with a bunch of appointments. I spent an evening at the Taylor Swift concert (which was so much fun). I went off for a week of vacation with my family, which is one of my favorite times of the year. I had time last week to write if I wanted, but instead I decided to stay offline (for the most part) and be present with the people I love. Then this week back at work has been hectic and crazy too as I try to catch up on getting things sorted after being gone a week.

On top of that, I've been absolutely exhausted. My mental health has been all over the place, both good and bad, and it's started to take it's toll on me. Plus, my sleeping habits always get askew when I've been away, so returning to a normal schedule this past week was really hard. I haven't been succeeding. I've been working on new coping strategies to deal with my anxiety thanks to my new therapist. So far it's been helping a bit, but right now I need to be focusing on having good strategies for dealing with my anxiety, (of which I have none!!!)

Lastly, I'm getting surgery next week. I'm having the screws taken out of my ankle because they cause too much pain for me. I'm nervous about it, but I know it's the right thing to do. It means I'll be off my foot again for awhile and I'll have to recover from another surgery, but hopefully it'll be worth it. I'm hoping it leads to my ankle finally starting to feel like normal again.

Here's me on vacation, makeup and hair styling free, sitting on our boat, living my best life. I'd much rather be there than at my desk right now, but I'm grateful for the time I had for a family vacation.