Always and Forever, Lara Jean

April 15, 2017
Lara Jean prepares for college and a wedding.Korean-American Lara Jean is finally settled into a nice, complication-free relationship with her white boyfriend, Peter. But things don't stay simple for long. When college acceptance letters roll in, Peter and Lara Jean discover they're heading in different directions. As the two discuss the long-distance thing, Lara Jean's widower father is making a major commitment: marrying the neighbor lady he's been dating. The whirlwind of a wedding, college visits, prom, and the last few months of senior year provides an excellent backdrop for this final book about Lara Jean. The characters ping from event to event with emotions always at the forefront. Han further develops her cast, pushing them to new maturity and leaving few stones unturned. There's only one problem here, and it's what's always held this series back from true greatness: Peter. Despite Han's best efforts to flesh out Peter with abandonment issues and a crummy dad, he remains little more than a handsome jock. Frankly, Lara Jean and Peter may have cute teen chemistry, but Han's nuanced characterizations have often helped to subvert typical teen love-story tropes. This knowing subversion is frustratingly absent from the novel's denouement. An emotionally engaging closer that fumbles in its final moments. (Romance. 14-17)

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May 1, 2017

Gr 9 Up-A bittersweet conclusion to the charming YA romance series. Lara Jean Song Covey embarks on her senior year with lots to look forward to-her widower father's wedding, a trip to New York City, graduation, and college with her adorable boyfriend Peter Kavinsky. But when her plans for the future start to unravel, the middle Song sister (who has never been good with change) questions what her heart truly wants. Featuring the same endearing sister relationships, mouthwatering descriptions of Lara Jean's cooking, and timeless coming-of-age conflicts, this final volume in the series will continue to delight Han's fans. Though the protagonist has grown over the three books, she is still the thoughtful, crafty, dreamy girl next door with whom readers first fell in love. Just as the characters have grown up, so have the series's themes-the couple discuss the practicalities of their "first time," and Lara Jean gets her first hangover. The beginning of the novel is mostly conflict-less, while the second half is filled with big life choices, breakups and makeups, and lots more. However, the pace is in keeping with the rush of senior year. Peter and Lara Jean's romance takes center stage, but above all, Lara Jean learns to choose for herself, which is refreshing. VERDICT Sparkling dialogue, swoon-worthy scenes, and likable characters make this a gem of a selection for most YA collections where Sarah Dessen, Nicola Yoon, and Jennifer E. Smith are popular.-Shelley M. Diaz, School Library Journal

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