To All the Boys I've Loved Before

Lara Jean is cautious about her feelings for Peter. She has been scorned in love before, and she is overall confused about where her life is. She’s not talking to her beloved older sister, she’s in a fake relationship with a popular boy she actually really likes, and meanwhile there is still Josh. So far, Peter and Josh have avoided one another. They’re two different guys who have some sort of interest in Lara Jean, but neither of them has expressed any real feelings for her. Their jealousy of one another is an odd tension for Lara Jean to navigate around. Peter and Josh seem to intuit more from one another than Lara Jean can see, and both of them feel comfortable telling Lara Jean their negative opinions about the other.

When Josh tells Lara Jean she acts differently around Peter, like all the other girls at school do, Lara Jean disagrees. To the reader, this doesn’t seem accurate. After all, Lara Jean calls Peter out on his ego and his inability to take things seriously. She doesn’t let him get away with everything, and she stands her ground. Han uses this interaction to give the reader an opportunity to wonder about Lara Jean’s point of view and self-characterization. It is possible that she acts differently with Peter, but it’s also possible she acts herself with Peter and differently with Josh. Josh’s opinion on this matter doesn’t hold much weight when he kisses Lara Jean in the heat of an argument. This is a crucial plot twist. Lara Jean has worked hard for the entire novel to convince herself that she needs to get over Josh, that Josh is, and always will be, Margot’s. Peter is the first person who senses that Josh is interested in Lara Jean, but it’s hard for the reader to trust Peter’s take on it since he seems jealous that Lara Jean is so close to Josh. Now, both Josh and Lara Jean have betrayed Margot. They haven’t been honest about their feelings, and the end result is this random kiss from Josh.

Ironically, Lara Jean is seeing almost all of her desires come to fruition just as everything is also falling apart. She’s in a relationship with the gorgeous and funny Peter Kavinsky, and even if it’s fake, their friendship is real and she’s enjoying the experience. She’s making new friends and is finally part of a group. She is conquering her fear of driving. She is spending more time with Chris, who will help her navigate the intimidating social situation of the school ski trip. Kitty and Dr. Covey seem happy and well. And of course, her long-term love interest Josh has finally kissed her. Not all fantasies are meant to come true, so now Lara Jean has to be honest with herself and figure out what she truly wants. She must tap into her inner Margot and become decisive.