Book Review: To All The Boys I've Loved Before

Author: Jenny Han
Genre: YA, Romance
Type: Fiction

This is the first book of a trilogy and I liked the lighthearted read. I chose this book for Popsugar prompt 29 - A book with 'love' in the title.

The story revolves around a 16 year old Lara Jean. In order to let go of her crushes and move on, she has a habit of writing letters to her crushes expressing all her thoughts. But these letters are for her eyes only and are not intended to be posted ever. One of her crush is her sister’s ex-boyfriend Josh who is also a childhood friend and neighbour. Lara Jean’s world turned upside down when her elder sister leaves for college and Lara has to be the mother of the house. To make things matter worse, all of her letters get mysteriously posted. How does Lara Jean confronts the mayhem after that is the crux of the story.

Lara Jean is a shy girl and shares most of her private time with her family only. She has a deep relationship with her elder sister Margot who seems to be the most efficient and responsible person of the family. And it makes sense why Lara Jean looks upto Margot for approval. It is also nice to have an understanding dad like Dr. Covey. I am simply amused by Kitty’s character. She is a kid but as the story goes, I feel she is sensible enough to be Lara Jean’s elder.

The drama between Lara Jean and Peter is cute and as the story moves along we get the sense of where this goes.

The writing and the plot is simple and quick to read. Both the book and movie are equally good. I hope the other two books are as engaging as this one.

Verdict: This is a sweet, lighthearted, contemporary fluff but adorable nonetheless. Recommended for YA romance fans.

Book review: A Little Something Different

Author: Sandy Hall

Genre: YA Romance
Type: Fiction

I read this book for POPSugar prompt 17 A book set on a college or university campus.

It is a pure college so-called romance story between Gabe and Lea. Lea is a new student enrolled for creative writing class and Gabe is enrolled in the same class. He is a shy guy and is back to college after a sabbatical. Both of them are attracted to each other but are held back by a few apprehensions. Gabe has a secret that only his brother and his friend know. Lea is confused whether he is interested in her or not. Do Gabe and Lea cross their hurdles and get together forms the remaining story.

The story is told from multiple POVs though none from Lea and Gabe. Every other character in Lea and Gabe’s universe roots for them to be a couple. Not just their friends, but their teacher, coffee shop baristas, food delivery guy, bus driver. Everyone!! So it felt completely surreal and the romance element did not work for me. Stereotypical awkward conversations, shy glances, let the other person approach scenes are being used here. Nowhere could I see the spark of romance that says they are meant to be with each other. May be if Lea and Gabe were allowed to say their perspective of the story, it would have worked.

A little something different was different only in using the bench and a squirrel as characters. I wish I was able to root for the couple as the characters did. I love romance and tried to find that something to hook me into the story but this book was not for me.

Verdict: This was an easy read with no fluctuations on the emotions and will recommend only if you like mild YA romance.

Book Review: The Hunger Games

Author: Suzanne Collins
Genre: Dystopian, Young Adult, Adventure
Type: Fiction

No-nonsense book after a very long time. The story has all the right elements to make it a page-turner. Katniss, the kickass female protagonist has no emotional outbursts despite standing on a knife-edge situation. Being a dystopian novel, I was expecting a very depressing story line. Of-course, there are no joyful incidents, but they do not bring down the emotional state of the readers, rather, it focuses more on how any tribute is going to win the hunger games. The tragic killings of the fellow tributes were shown in a less gruesome manner than I anticipated. So that's a relief. This book is also a first-person account from Katniss and gives us insight of a young girl hardened by life. She is compassionate, selfish at times, dexterous, not emotionless but is not weak. 

I am still thinking why I never attempted to read this book before. I am looking forward to continue the trilogy. The author demands an applause for the designing the characters and the dystopian world in such a way.

My Verdict: This book is a tease for those who cannot handle anticipation