“I used to think that the worst thing that could happen to me was losing Peter. Now I see that it’s me losing myself.”
— Lara Jean reflects on her biggest fear during a particularly stressful period.
Archivist's Choice
Always and Forever, Lara Jean
Jenny Han (2017)
Genre
Young Adult / Romance
Reading Time
360 min
Key Themes
See below
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As senior year unfolds with perfect plans of college and cookies with Peter, Lara Jean must navigate the heartbreaking choice between her carefully crafted future and an unexpected path that challenges everything she thought she wanted.
Synopsis
Lara Jean Covey has a perfect senior year, with plans for prom with her boyfriend Peter Kavinsky, a class trip to New York City, Beach Week, and her dad's wedding. She wants to attend the University of Virginia with Peter, allowing her to stay close to her family. However, her future changes when she is rejected from UVA but accepted into the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. This makes Lara Jean confront a future that differs from her expectations and affects her relationship with Peter, who is set on attending UVA. As she experiences NYC, prom, and Beach Week, Lara Jean struggles with what she wants versus what she knows is right. She decides to attend UNC, a decision that initially disappoints Peter but leads them to make a pact to stay together despite the distance, committing to a future that includes change while holding onto their love.
Reading time
360 min
Difficulty
Easy
Pacing
Moderate
Mood
Heartwarming, Sweet, Nostalgic, Reflective
✓ Read this if...
You love sweet, feel-good romance with relatable characters, enjoy stories about navigating the transition to college, and appreciate a focus on family dynamics.
✗ Skip this if...
You prefer high-stakes drama, don't enjoy coming-of-age stories, or are looking for a romance with more conflict and less introspection.
Plot Summary
Senior Year Bliss and Early College Decisions
Lara Jean Covey is enjoying her senior year, filled with anticipated events like prom, Beach Week, and her father's upcoming wedding to Ms. Rothschild. Her relationship with Peter Kavinsky is strong, and their plan to attend the University of Virginia (UVA) together seems set, promising a future where they can remain close. Lara Jean also applies to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) and William & Mary, mostly as backup options. Peter, a star lacrosse player, receives an early athletic scholarship offer from UVA, making his attendance there certain. This strengthens Lara Jean's belief that her future, both academically and romantically, is perfectly aligned with Peter's at UVA.
Rejection from UVA and the UNC Acceptance
The first problem in Lara Jean's perfect plan appears when she receives a rejection letter from UVA, the school she and Peter had envisioned attending together. She is devastated, as this news challenges her carefully constructed future. Shortly after, she receives an acceptance letter from UNC Chapel Hill, a school she had applied to almost as an afterthought. While UNC is a good university, it is significantly further away from Peter and her family than UVA. This unexpected turn makes Lara Jean confront the reality that her future might not unfold exactly as she had imagined, creating a significant emotional conflict between her desire to stay close to Peter and the opportunity for a new academic path.
The NYC Trip and a New Perspective
Lara Jean goes on a senior class trip to New York City, a journey that offers her a temporary escape from her college worries. During the trip, she spends time with her friends, especially Chris and Lucas, exploring the city. Away from Peter and the comfort of her hometown, Lara Jean finds herself thinking more about UNC. She begins to see the appeal of a new environment and the opportunity for independent growth, despite the distance from Peter. This trip becomes a moment where she starts to consider a future that doesn't solely revolve around Peter and her established life.
Prom Night and Peter's Reaction
Prom night arrives, and Lara Jean and Peter have a wonderful evening, fulfilling one of Lara Jean's romantic fantasies. They dance, take pictures, and share intimate moments, showing their deep connection. However, the tension about their differing college fates — Peter going to UVA and Lara Jean's acceptance to UNC — remains unspoken but present. While they try to enjoy the present, the impending decision about their future after high school makes their perfect night less joyful. Lara Jean feels the pressure to make a choice that will impact not only her life but also their relationship.
The UNC Decision and Peter's Disappointment
After much thought and a talk with her dad, Lara Jean decides to commit to UNC Chapel Hill. She realizes that while staying close to Peter is important, attending a school where she can thrive academically and personally, even if it's further away, is important for her own growth. When she tells Peter her decision, he reacts with disappointment and a sense of betrayal, as he had believed they would attend UVA together. This creates a significant problem between them, as Peter struggles to accept a future that differs so much from their shared vision, leading to awkwardness and tension in their relationship.
Beach Week and Relationship Strain
The senior class goes on Beach Week, a post-graduation tradition. Lara Jean and Peter attend, but the fun is overshadowed by the unresolved tension regarding their college choices. Their relationship feels strained, with moments of closeness mixed with arguments and silences. Lara Jean feels isolated at times, even among her friends, as she navigates the emotional results of her decision and Peter's lingering hurt. The celebratory atmosphere of Beach Week is tinged with the sadness of their impending separation and the uncertainty of their future as a couple, showing the difficult transition period they are both experiencing.
Peter's Doubts and Lara Jean's Fears
During Beach Week, Peter tells Lara Jean his fears and doubts about their ability to maintain a long-distance relationship. He admits that he doesn't know if he can make it work, given the physical distance and the new experiences they will both encounter in college. This confession deeply upsets Lara Jean, who had hoped they could overcome the distance. His honesty, while painful, makes her confront the real possibility that their relationship might not survive their separate college paths, increasing her anxiety and heartbreak.
Dr. Covey and Ms. Rothschild's Wedding
Lara Jean's father, Dr. Covey, marries Ms. Rothschild in a beautiful backyard ceremony. This happy occasion brings the Covey family, including Margot, Kitty, and their extended family, together. Despite her personal worries about Peter and college, Lara Jean finds comfort and happiness in witnessing her father's love and the blending of their families. The wedding is a reminder of the lasting power of love and family, offering a moment of warmth and stability amidst the turbulence of her own young adult life. It's a bittersweet event, celebrating new beginnings while Lara Jean struggles with her own.
The Yearbook Signing and a Difficult Conversation
During the senior yearbook signing, a tradition filled with nostalgia and goodbyes, Lara Jean and Peter have a serious, heartfelt conversation about their future. Peter signs her yearbook, writing a personal message that acknowledges their love but also his fears. They discuss their relationship's viability with Lara Jean going to UNC and Peter to UVA. Peter expresses his love but repeats his uncertainty about long-distance. Lara Jean, heartbroken but determined, feels the weight of his honesty. This conversation marks a turning point, making the reality of their impending separation and the potential end of their relationship clear.
A Moment of Clarity and Hope
After the difficult conversation, Lara Jean feels immense sadness but also a surge of determination. She realizes that despite the challenges of distance and Peter's doubts, her love for him is strong, and she isn't ready to give up. She decides that she will try a long-distance relationship, understanding that it will require effort from both of them. This realization brings her a sense of peace and renewed hope. She recognizes that love isn't always easy or convenient, but it's worth fighting for if it's true. This marks a shift from passive worry to actively deciding.
The Pact and a Future Together
Lara Jean confronts Peter, expressing her deep love and her desire to make their relationship work, even with the distance. She proposes a new agreement, acknowledging the challenges but affirming her commitment to him. Peter, seeing her resolve and realizing his own love for her, agrees. They decide to try a long-distance relationship, promising to visit each other and put in the effort required. This agreement shows a mature understanding of love and commitment, where they choose to face the uncertainties of the future together, rather than letting fear control their path. It's a hopeful, yet realistic, ending to their high school romance.
Principal Figures
Lara Jean Song Covey
The Protagonist
Lara Jean transforms from a girl who dreads change and wants a perfectly planned future to one who bravely chooses her own path and commits to fighting for her love, even when it's hard.
Peter Kavinsky
The Supporting
Peter learns to confront his fears about the future and long-distance relationships, choosing to commit to Lara Jean despite the uncertainties.
Kitty Covey
The Supporting
Kitty continues to be a supportive and integral part of the Covey family, adapting to her father's new marriage.
Margot Covey
The Supporting
Margot continues to offer a mature perspective and support to her younger sisters as she navigates her own path in college.
Dr. Dan Covey
The Supporting
Dr. Covey finds new love and remarries, bringing a new chapter of happiness to the Covey family.
Ms. Rothschild
The Supporting
Ms. Rothschild marries Dr. Covey, becoming an official member of the Covey family and a new maternal figure.
Chris
The Supporting
Chris remains a steadfast friend, offering support and a different perspective to Lara Jean as they both navigate the end of high school.
Gen
The Supporting
Gen solidifies her friendship with Lara Jean, moving past their past rivalry and offering genuine support.
Lucas Krapf
The Supporting
Lucas continues to be a fun and supportive friend to Lara Jean, offering emotional levity and companionship.
Themes & Insights
Identity and Self-Discovery
The novel explores Lara Jean's self-discovery as she moves from high school to college. Her rejection from UVA and acceptance to UNC makes her rethink her ideas of her future, separate from Peter. She struggles with who she is outside of her relationship and family, choosing a path that puts her individual growth and academic goals first. This theme is central to her decision to attend UNC, embracing independence.
“"I used to think that I wanted to be like Margot, but now I know I just want to be myself, and that's okay. I don't have to be perfect. I just have to be me."”
The Evolution of Love and Relationships
This theme examines how love changes and grows when faced with real-world challenges like distance and different life paths. Lara Jean and Peter's relationship, initially a high school romance, is tested by their college decisions. They move beyond the fairytale ideal to confront the practicalities and fears of a long-distance relationship. Their eventual agreement to make it work means a deeper, more committed love that acknowledges difficulties but chooses to fight for connection, showing that love isn't always easy or convenient.
“"Love is scary: it changes; it can go away. That's the part of the risk. I don't want to be scared anymore."”
Coping with Change and Uncertainty
Lara Jean's biggest struggle is her fear of change and her desire for a perfectly planned future. The unexpected college rejections and acceptances make her confront the uncertainty of life. She learns to adapt, make difficult choices, and accept that not everything will go according to plan. Her journey is about embracing the unknown and understanding that growth often comes from stepping outside one's comfort zone, preparing her for adulthood.
“"Life doesn't have to be perfect to be wonderful."”
Family Bonds and Support
The strong bond of the Covey family, particularly the sisterhood between Lara Jean, Margot, and Kitty, is a constant source of support throughout the novel. Her father's wedding to Ms. Rothschild also highlights family expanding and finding new happiness. The family provides a safe space for Lara Jean to process her worries and decisions, offering love, advice, and stability amidst her personal turmoil. Their unwavering support helps Lara Jean make her own choices.
“"It's a good thing I have my sisters. They're my anchor, my compass. Without them, I'd be lost."”
Coming of Age and Adulthood
The novel is a coming-of-age story, focusing on Lara Jean's transition from adolescence to young adulthood. She makes her first major independent life decisions (college choice), navigates the complexities of a serious romantic relationship facing real obstacles, and learns to prioritize her own needs and aspirations. Her senior year experiences make her mature, take responsibility for her choices, and understand the implications of those choices on her future and relationships.
“"I don't know what the future holds, but I know who I want to be in it."”
Plot Devices & Literary Techniques
College Acceptance Letters
A tangible representation of future paths and a catalyst for conflict.
The college acceptance and rejection letters serve as a central plot device, directly driving Lara Jean's internal and external conflicts. The UVA rejection shatters her carefully constructed future, while the UNC acceptance presents an unexpected but ultimately beneficial alternative. These letters force Lara Jean to confront her fears of change and make independent decisions, propelling the narrative forward and highlighting the theme of identity and self-discovery. They are physical manifestations of the choices and uncertainties of young adulthood.
Yearbook Signing
A symbolic tradition marking the end of an era and a space for crucial conversations.
The senior yearbook signing functions as a nostalgic and emotionally charged setting for Lara Jean and Peter's most pivotal conversation about their future. It symbolizes the end of their high school chapter and the impending transition to separate lives. Peter's heartfelt message in Lara Jean's yearbook encapsulates their shared history and his fears, making the moment deeply significant. This tradition provides a natural, bittersweet backdrop for them to confront the reality of their relationship's challenges, adding weight to their final decision.
The Pact/Agreement
A recurring element signifying commitment and the evolution of their relationship.
The 'pact' or agreement between Lara Jean and Peter is a recurring motif from previous books, and it reappears as a significant plot device here. Initially, their relationship began with a fake dating pact. In 'Always and Forever,' a new pact is formed, representing their mature commitment to trying a long-distance relationship. This device signifies their willingness to consciously work at their love, adapting to new circumstances rather than letting fate decide. It underscores the theme of evolving love and active choice in a relationship.
The Covey Family Home
A symbol of comfort, stability, and family bonds.
The Covey family home, with its familiar routines and comforting atmosphere, serves as a symbolic anchor for Lara Jean. It's where she bakes, spends time with her sisters, and processes her emotions. The wedding taking place in the backyard further solidifies its role as a place of love and new beginnings. For Lara Jean, the thought of leaving home for college is daunting, making the house a representation of the security and warmth she fears losing, and the foundation from which she eventually gains the courage to venture out.
Critical analysis
Notable Quotes
“It’s not just about who you love. It’s about who you are when you’re with them.”
— Lara Jean ponders the nature of her relationship with Peter and her own identity.
“I guess that’s part of being a grown-up, too. Not everything is going to be perfect. You have to learn to roll with the punches.”
— Lara Jean faces a setback and considers the realities of adult life.
“Sometimes I think I’m afraid of being happy, because every time I get too happy, something bad happens.”
— Lara Jean shares a vulnerable thought about her past experiences and emotional caution.
“You can’t just stop loving someone. It’s not a light switch.”
— Lara Jean struggles with her feelings and the permanence of love.
“Maybe the best way to know what you are is to know what you’re not.”
— Lara Jean reflects on self-definition while making big life decisions.
“I want to be the kind of person who makes things happen, not the kind of person who waits for things to happen.”
— Lara Jean expresses her desire for agency and control over her future.
“It’s funny how you can think you know someone so well, and then they surprise you.”
— Lara Jean observes a new side of someone she thought she understood.
“There are some people you meet, and you just know you’re meant to be friends.”
— Lara Jean reflects on the immediate connection she feels with certain individuals.
“Life doesn’t have to be perfect to be wonderful.”
— Lara Jean embraces imperfection and finds joy in her current circumstances.
“Sometimes you have to let go of the picture of what you thought it would be like and just embrace what it is.”
— Lara Jean learns to accept reality over her idealized expectations.
“It’s a strange thing, to be so in love with someone and also so afraid of losing them.”
— Lara Jean grapples with the intense emotions of love and vulnerability.
“The future is always a little bit scary, but it’s also full of possibilities.”
— Lara Jean considers her upcoming transition to college and new beginnings.
“You don't have to choose. You can have both.”
— Lara Jean realizes she doesn't have to sacrifice one important aspect of her life for another.
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Key Questions (FAQ)
Always and Forever, Lara Jean is about Lara Jean Covey's senior year of high school as she navigates her future plans, particularly her college choices, while maintaining her relationship with Peter Kavinsky and dealing with the impending changes in her family, such as her father's marriage to Ms. Rothschild.
About the author
Jenny Han is an American author of young adult fiction and children's fiction. She is best known for writing the To All the Boys series and The Summer I Turned Pretty trilogy, which were adapted into a film series and TV series, respectively.
