To All the Boys I've Loved Before
| Industry | Publishing |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | United States |
| Products | Books |
To All the Boys I've Loved Before is a 2014 young adult romance novel authored by American writer Jenny Han and published by Simon & Schuster on April 15, 2014. Han's inspiration stemmed from her teenage practice of composing love letters to boys she admired. This book initiated a popular series, which continued with P.S. I Still Love You (2015) and Always and Forever, Lara Jean (2017).
A movie adaptation premiered on Netflix in 2018, closely mirroring the storyline of the novel with only slight modifications.
Plot
Lara Jean Song Covey, a sixteen-year-old half-Korean American residing in Virginia, shares a close bond with her sisters Margot and Kitty. She safeguards love letters addressed to five boys inside a teal hatbox, a keepsake inherited from her deceased mother. The recipients include Margot’s boyfriend Josh Sanderson, a summer camp acquaintance named Kenny, Peter Kavinsky from seventh grade, Lucas from homecoming, and John Ambrose from model UN. After Margot departs for university in Scotland and ends her relationship with Josh—who is also their neighbor and Lara Jean’s friend—Lara Jean begins to experience renewed feelings for Josh.
When Peter Kavinsky confronts Lara Jean regarding a letter she had written him years prior, she clarifies it was an old crush originating from a seventh-grade kiss. Following the unexpected mailing of her letters, Lara Jean fabricates a story to Josh about dating Peter to conceal her emotions. Peter consents to this pretend relationship after his breakup with long-term girlfriend Genevieve, who happens to be Lara Jean’s rival.
As Lara Jean and Peter spend more time together under their agreed-upon terms, authentic emotions start to emerge. Josh’s jealousy leads to a kiss with Lara Jean, which helps her recognize that she favors Peter. During a school ski trip, Peter reveals his desire for a genuine relationship; however, rumors spread that they were intimate in a hot tub, creating conflict.
After misunderstandings involving Josh and Margot come to light, Kitty admits to taking Lara Jean’s hatbox and sending out the letters in an effort to protect her own feelings for Josh. Once reconciled, Lara Jean reads the notes Peter left during their staged romance and chooses to write him an honest love letter.
Reception
The novel remained on The New York Times Best Seller list in the Young Adult fiction category for 40 weeks and has been translated into 30 languages.
Film adaptation
In June 2014, Overbrook Entertainment—actor Will Smith's production company—acquired the film rights, with Annie Neal tasked with adapting the screenplay. The film was produced by Smith and James Lassiter and directed by Susan Johnson from a script written by Sofia Alvarez. Featuring Lana Condor, Janel Parrish, Anna Cathcart, Noah Centineo, Israel Broussard, and John Corbett, filming commenced in Vancouver in July 2017. Netflix released the movie on August 17, 2018, where it garnered favorable reviews.