Always And Forever Lara Jean Book Review
Lara Jean Covey is undeniably a captivating protagonist. She’s endearingly awkward, incredibly kind, and the epitome of the good girl her upbringing intended her to be. As someone noted in her yearbook, “it’s always the quiet ones that are the most interesting.”
Watching Lara Jean’s journey from a sweet sixteen to an almost college-bound eighteen-year-old is both heartwarming and challenging at times, but it’s a quintessential part of teenage growth. Her denials, insecurities, and her deep love—for her family, her friends, and Peter—make her story compelling.
Plus, her fashion sense is impeccable! Pinterest-worthy outfits, pastel colors, knee-high socks, and cute girly clothes—all these elements perfectly encapsulate her aesthetic. It’s reminiscent of everything I aspired to be at her age (and maybe even now? LOL). Her style, heavily influenced by Korean pop culture, is both cute and alluring, and I wish there had been more emphasis on her Korean heritage.
Then there’s Peter. Oh, Peter. In a world filled with potential book boyfriends, Peter’s charm is unique but not the most heart-wrenching or intense.
However, his simplicity makes him special. From the very first pages, Peter K. reclaims his place as a captivating character. His adorable gestures, like the braiding, the Fight Club couple costumes, and the promposal, are endearing. In this book, Peter is more developed and open with Lara Jean, reflecting a deeper and more mature relationship.
Their story reminds us that it’s the little things that truly matter in a relationship.
And let’s not forget the family dynamics. Beyond the romance, the series profoundly explores family relationships, especially among the Song sisters and their memories of their mother. The emotional moments related to their mom are poignant and deeply moving, resonating even more as I recently lost my mother.
The depiction of their family life is the bedrock of their interactions and relationships. The Song sisters—Lara Jean, Margot, and Kitty—are inseparable in our minds, each contributing to the story’s depth.
“How crazy, how thrilling that your whole life trajectory can change in just one night. I’ve always been scared of change, but right now I don’t feel that way. I feel excited. I’m seeing now what a privilege it is, to be excited about where I’m going.”
This book eloquently addresses the inevitable changes that accompany growing up and the excitement that comes with new possibilities. It beautifully balances not just Lara Jean and Peter’s love story but also themes of family, friendship, and personal growth. Life is a complex tapestry where different aspects overlap, just like in Lara Jean’s story.
This resonates with the bittersweet transition from high school to college, a time filled with drama and excitement. Reflecting on that period brings a smile to my face.
This series concludes with a poignant farewell that mirrors real life so closely, making it impossible not to become emotionally attached. Weddings, college decisions, and farewells form the perfect closure. I wouldn’t have it any other way.