To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han | Spoiler free review

Lara Jean keeps her love letters in a hatbox her mother gave her. 

They aren't love letters that anyone else wrote for her, these are ones she's written. One for every boy she's ever loved—five in all. When she writes, she can pour out her heart and soul and say all the things she would never say in real life, because her letters are for her eyes only. Until the day her secret letters are mailed, and suddenly Lara Jean's love life goes from imaginary to out of control. 

Rating: 3/5
Genre: YA, Contemporary, Romance

While I don't read as much contemporary literature as I did in my early high school years, I still like t0 visit the genre when a recommendation is thrown my way. I had read Han's The Summer I Turned Pretty awhile ago, but could never quite get into the story--it didn't seem very alive to me. I decided to try out this series, and hoped for the best, but unfortunately I still wasn't impressed.

Lara Jean, as a character, is meant to be imperfect and immature, but I still expected some growth, which I sadly did not see. In my opinion she also wasn't the most enticing narrator to follow, but those kinds of things are more personal than fixable. I found Lara Jean's family much more interesting to read about--especially Kitty. The plot also takes a long break in the middle of the novel, and then the climactic events seem almost thrown together in the end. The "break" I talk about was mostly used for relationship growth between characters, which is necessary, but it didn't feel natural. I felt disconnected from the story and instead of being engrossed I wondered instead what significance the event had to the plot/characters.

Overall, it had all the usual elements of a contemporary YA novel, but I personally couldn't connect with it--I'm guessing something with the voice is pulling me away since it also happened with Han's previous series. It's still a nice read if you're looking for something this summer, and it has a cute factor to it that can give you that happy-bubbly feeling. It wasn't my cup of tea, but there's plenty of others who are in love with this book.

To All The Boys I've Loved Before is also a part of a series, and the sequel just came out a couple days ago. I'm not sure if there will be more, but you can always ask the author on twitter!

Saint Anything by Sarah Dessen | Spoiler free review

Sydney has always felt invisible. She's grown accustomed to her brother, Peyton, being the focus of the family's attention and, lately, concern. Peyton is handsome and charismatic, but seems bent on self-destruction. Now, after a drunk-driving accident that crippled a boy, Peyton's serving some serious jail time, and Sydney is on her own, questioning her place in the family and the world. 

Then she meets the Chatham family. Drawn into their warm, chaotic circle, Sydney experiences unquestioning acceptance for the first time. There's effervescent Layla, who constantly falls for the wrong guy, Rosie, who's had her own fall from grace, and Mrs. Chatham, who even though ailing is the heart of the family. But it's with older brother Mac--quiet, watchful, and protective--that Sydney finally feels seen, really seen, at last. 

Saint Anything is Sarah Dessen's deepest and most psychological probing novel yet, telling an engrossing story of a girl discovering friendship, love, and herself.

Rating: 4.5/5
Genres: YA, Contemporary, Family, Romance

I first discovered Sarah Dessen's books about 8 years ago. I was 13, maybe a bit too young for her intended audience, but I loved her writing instantly. I'm a character development kind of gal, and Sarah's novels have always spoken to me in that way. Sure, her novels can get repetitive and slow at times, but I've always been able to look past it because of her narrators. First person can be tricky to write because the reader is put directly into the head of a character--if the reader can't connect, then they're done--but Sarah has got the right formula. The writing and voice are very approachable, and I'm constantly impressed by it.

Her newest novel, Saint Anything, will most definitely be one of my favorites of hers. Putting aside some personal connections, it's a wonderful book that can speak to everyone. It's got her classic family issues/romance theme to it, but this novel seems like a new and improved version. It's a little darker, more organized, and has better focus. Sydney comes first in all aspects (which I find ironic since Sydney personally thinks she's invisible), and the romance or drama doesn't take away from that. Every character is given at least some focus and background, but it's never unnecessary. And even though Sydney puts other before herself, the reader is always on her side like her own guardian angel. A fierce connection is created between Sydney and the reader, and it's hard to let her go.

There were some symbols or reoccurring ideas that I wasn't quite sure were needed, or they seemed a bit too cliche, but they were small enough that it didn't take too much away from the story.

Overall, I will admit some bias when it comes to Sarah Dessen, but I truly believe Saint Anything is one of her best yet.

(And yes, that is my personal signed copy in the picture above that I ordered online from Flyleaf Books.)