Always and Forever, Lara Jean: To All the Boys I've Loved Before, Book 3

Book review by Andrea Beach, Common Sense Media
Always and Forever, Lara Jean: To All the Boys I've Loved Before, Book 3 Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 13+

Sweet finale to upbeat romance series.

Jenny Han Romance 2017
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Parents say

age 13+

Based on 2 reviews

Kids say

age 13+

Based on 15 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this book.

Stands out for and .

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Always and Forever, Lara Jean is the conclusion of a popular trilogy by Jenny Han that began with To All the Boys I've Loved Before. Reading the first two books first is recommended for a deeper appreciation of the characters, and neither the title nor the last line of the book will make much sense unless you do. There's a lot of talk about sex and virginity; for example, in a game of truth or dare a gay character's asked if he's ever had sex with a dude. The only sexual activity described are a few kisses and some light making out, even when two teens are in bed with only underwear on. Strong language includes "f--k," "s--t," and "d--k." Adults and teens drink, Lara Jean gets drunk enough to throw up once, and teens smoke pot at a party once. One friend smokes cigarettes. Lara Jean comes from a tight-knit family of positive role models. Positive messages are about making decisions that are right for you, adapting when things don't go how you planned, and appreciating the time you have with family and friends.

Community Reviews

Brooke C.
Brooke C. Adult
September 6, 2017
age 12+

uhhhhhhhhhh

its okay

This title has:

Educational value
Great messages
Too much sex
Too much swearing
Too much drinking/drugs/smoking
rebma97
rebma97 Adult
May 28, 2017
age 13+

Beautiful conclusion to a wonderful trilogy

Always and Forever, Lara Jean is a wonderful conclusion to To All The Boys I've Loved Before trilogy. It's a very realistic look at young adults and relationships. You can't help but swoon for Lara Jean and Peter, feel for their triumphs and struggles, Lara Jean's relationships with her family, etc. I do feel like the ending could have been longer and tied more loose ends, but overall it was a great book. Sex: Kisses, references to french kissing, masturbation, virginity, sex, etc. Two characters are about to have sex; they take off their shirts and the guy puts on a condom, but they stop before anything happens. Mentions of Lara Jean's dad keeping condoms in the house in case she or Margot ever used them. Margot mentions sleeping in the same bedroom as her boyfriend and wants to do the same when they visit her parents. Language: Strong language such as "f--k" and "s-t" are used multiple times, mostly by Peter. Drinking/drugs/smoking: Margot drinks (the legal drinking age in Scotland is 18). Lara Jean gets drunk in one scene. A woman smokes at one point during the story, and Lara Jean's friend Chris smokes.

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
Too much sex
Too much swearing
Too much drinking/drugs/smoking
See all 2 parent reviews

What's the Story?

In ALWAYS AND FOREVER, LARA JEAN, senior year of high school promises to be a busy and exciting time. College applications, class trips, prom, and a wedding to plan (her dad's) are enough to keep Lara Jean running at full speed. Best of all is having the handsome lacrosse star Peter as her official boyfriend through it all. But Lara Jean's bright future suddenly looks a lot dimmer when she gets some shocking news. Nothing about the future is certain anymore. Can Lara Jean find a way to adapt to new circumstances and come up with a plan B?

Is It Any Good?

This is a sigh-worthy romance that teen fans are sure to enjoy. With Always and Forever, Lara Jean, author Jenny Han finishes off Lara Jean's story still playing to her strengths" believable, likable characters and a vivid, lively family life that's the real heart of a sweet teen romance.

The story's easy to follow if you haven't read the first two books, but you'll get a much deeper appreciation of, and feel a greater connection to, the characters if you know their histories. Otherwise, the title won't make much sense, and the ending will be better understood and more satisfying, too.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how the main character is portrayed in Always and Forever, Lara Jean and the first two books in the series. What do you like about Lara Jean? Is she a believable character? What are some of her strengths and weaknesses?

  • Have you read the first two books in the series? Which did you like best? Are you sad to see the series end?

  • Did the story turn out the way you thought it would? What do you predict or hope will happen to Lara Jean in the future?

Book Details

Our Editors Recommend

Themes & Topics

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