📖 Overview
Lara Jean Song Covey navigates her first real relationship with Peter Kavinsky in this sequel to "To All the Boys I've Loved Before." When their private moment becomes public through a viral video, Lara Jean must face both school gossip and her own insecurities about love.
At her new job at Belleview retirement home, Lara Jean forms a connection with Stormy, a resident who challenges her perspective on relationships. Meanwhile, her younger sister Kitty takes on an unexpected matchmaking project involving their father.
The story presents themes of first love, trust, and family bonds as Lara Jean grows into her own understanding of romance and relationships. This second installment in the trilogy explores how past connections influence present choices, and the complexities of teenage relationships in a social media age.
👀 Reviews
Readers consider this sequel less compelling than "To All the Boys I've Loved Before," with many noting it suffers from middle-book syndrome.
Readers appreciated:
- The authentic portrayal of teenage insecurities and relationship doubts
- Kitty's character development and family dynamics
- The exploration of friendship challenges
- The Korean-American cultural elements
Common criticisms:
- Lara Jean becomes less likeable and more indecisive
- Too much focus on relationship drama
- Slower pacing than the first book
- Some plot points feel contrived
Ratings across platforms:
Goodreads: 4.1/5 (416,000+ ratings)
Amazon: 4.7/5 (5,800+ ratings)
Barnes & Noble: 4.6/5 (900+ ratings)
One reader noted: "The charm of the first book gets lost in unnecessary drama." Another wrote: "The sister relationships remain the heart of the story, even when the romance falters."
Several reviewers mentioned they continued reading mainly to complete the series rather than from genuine interest in the plot.
📚 Similar books
To All the Boys I've Met Before by Jenny Han
A sixteen-year-old girl navigates first love and family relationships when her secret love letters get mailed to her crushes.
The Unexpected Everything by Morgan Matson A politician's daughter finds her structured life turned upside down when she falls for a boy while walking dogs over summer break.
Since You've Been Gone by Morgan Matson A shy teen steps out of her comfort zone by completing a list of challenges left by her missing best friend, leading to romance and self-discovery.
When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Menon Two Indian-American teens navigate culture, family expectations, and romance when their parents arrange for them to meet at a summer coding camp.
Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins An American girl sent to boarding school in Paris finds herself caught between her long-distance boyfriend and her new French classmate.
The Unexpected Everything by Morgan Matson A politician's daughter finds her structured life turned upside down when she falls for a boy while walking dogs over summer break.
Since You've Been Gone by Morgan Matson A shy teen steps out of her comfort zone by completing a list of challenges left by her missing best friend, leading to romance and self-discovery.
When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Menon Two Indian-American teens navigate culture, family expectations, and romance when their parents arrange for them to meet at a summer coding camp.
Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins An American girl sent to boarding school in Paris finds herself caught between her long-distance boyfriend and her new French classmate.
🤔 Interesting facts
🌟 The book was adapted into a Netflix film titled "To All the Boys: P.S. I Still Love" in 2020, starring Lana Condor and Noah Centineo.
🌟 Jenny Han based Lara Jean's character partly on her own experiences growing up as a Korean-American teenager in Virginia.
🌟 The retirement home scenes were inspired by Han's grandmother, who lived in a similar facility, adding personal depth to those interactions.
🌟 The book's iconic love letters were influenced by Han's own habit of writing letters to boys she liked during her youth, though she never sent them.
🌟 P.S. I Still Love You is part of a trilogy that has been translated into more than 30 languages worldwide, showcasing its global appeal.