“I used to think that the worst thing that could happen to a person was to be rejected... but now I think the worst thing is to be forgotten.”
— Lara Jean reflects on her past experiences and fears.
Archivist's Choice
P.S. I Still Love You
Jenny Han (2015)
Genre
Young Adult / Romance
Reading Time
240 min
Key Themes
See below
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As Lara Jean navigates a fake relationship turned real with Peter, another past crush makes her question if her heart has room for two loves.
Synopsis
Lara Jean Song Covey's fake relationship with Peter Kavinsky is now real, but a viral hot tub video and the return of John Ambrose McClaren complicate things. Navigating her first real relationship with Peter, Lara Jean deals with her insecurities, Peter's past with Gen, and peer scrutiny. John Ambrose, who received one of her old love letters, re-enters her life through volunteer work at a retirement home and a shared past. This stirs old feelings and makes Lara Jean wonder if she can love two boys at once. The story follows Lara Jean as she tries to understand her true feelings, ending in a difficult breakup with Peter and a reconciliation after she realizes he is the one she truly loves.
Reading time
240 min
Difficulty
Easy
Pacing
Moderate
Mood
Sweet, Romantic, Lighthearted, Angsty
✓ Read this if...
You love sweet, high school romance with a love triangle, character growth, and a focus on first relationships.
✗ Skip this if...
You dislike love triangles or prefer more mature, less angsty romantic plots.
Plot Summary
The Aftermath of the Hot Tub
After the first book, Lara Jean Covey and Peter Kavinsky are officially a couple, but their relationship is not simple. The hot tub video from the ski trip has gone viral, leading to uncomfortable attention and questions at school. Lara Jean is embarrassed by the exposure and rumors, while Peter, used to the spotlight, seems less bothered. Their first 'real' date to a diner is awkward as Lara Jean struggles with the shift from a pretend relationship to real feelings and expectations. She deals with the public nature of their romance and her insecurities about being Peter's girlfriend, especially around his ex, Gen, and her friends.
Letters from the Past
Lara Jean starts getting responses to the love letters she wrote years ago and that Kitty mailed. Peter was the first to confront her, but another letter comes from John Ambrose McClaren, a boy from her middle school Model UN days. He sends a thoughtful, handwritten response, expressing surprise and recalling their childhood friendship. Lara Jean is flustered, remembering her crush on John Ambrose. His reappearance stirs old feelings and adds another layer of complexity to her new relationship with Peter, making her question her true affections and feelings for each boy.
The Volunteer Gig
Lara Jean, Margot, and Kitty begin volunteering at the Belleview Retirement Home, a family tradition. Coincidentally, John Ambrose McClaren is also volunteering there, helping his grandmother, Stormy. Their reunion is sweet and natural, and they quickly become easy friends again, sharing jokes and memories. Lara Jean finds herself enjoying John Ambrose's company, appreciating his kindness, intelligence, and genuine interest in her. This renewed connection confuses Lara Jean, as she realizes she still cares for him, even as she tries to make her relationship with Peter work.
Peter's Jealousy and Insecurities
Peter Kavinsky notices Lara Jean's growing closeness with John Ambrose McClaren and becomes jealous. He makes snide remarks about John Ambrose and questions Lara Jean's time with him. Peter still struggles with his past relationship with Gen and his own insecurities about not being 'good enough' for Lara Jean, fearing she might prefer someone like John Ambrose, who is more academic and less of a 'player.' This jealousy creates tension between Peter and Lara Jean, leading to arguments and showing differences in their personalities and how they handle emotions.
The Star-Spangled Banner Ball
Lara Jean attends the Star-Spangled Banner Ball, a themed party, with Peter Kavinsky. There, she again sees John Ambrose McClaren, who is also at the party. The atmosphere is festive, but the underlying tension between the three is clear. Lara Jean feels caught between her commitment to Peter and her comfort and connection with John Ambrose. Interactions at the party reinforce her conflicted feelings, as she sees Peter's more boisterous, popular side contrasted with John Ambrose's quieter, more thoughtful manner, making her question who she truly wants to be with.
The Belleview Ball
The Belleview Retirement Home hosts a themed ball, and Lara Jean, John Ambrose, and their friends help prepare. During the ball, Lara Jean and John Ambrose dance, a tender and important moment for them. Their connection is clear, and Lara Jean feels a deep sense of ease and happiness with him. The dance highlights their deep emotional bond, making Lara Jean's internal conflict even stronger. This event pushes her to confront the depth of her feelings for John Ambrose.
The Secret Treehouse
The middle school friends, including Lara Jean, John Ambrose, Chris, and Lucas, decide to restore their old secret treehouse. This project brings back many nostalgic memories and allows them to reconnect in a meaningful way. During one gathering, they open a time capsule they buried years ago, revealing mementos from their childhood. This shared experience strengthens Lara Jean's bond with John Ambrose and makes her think about the history and comfort she shares with him, contrasting it with her newer, more turbulent relationship with Peter.
The Breakup
Overwhelmed by her conflicted feelings, constant comparisons to Gen, and Peter's lingering connection to his ex, Lara Jean decides she needs to be honest about her confusion. She confronts Peter, expressing her doubts and the pain caused by his past with Gen. Peter, hurt and frustrated by her inability to fully trust him and her growing closeness to John Ambrose, agrees they should break up. The breakup is tearful and painful, leaving both heartbroken and Lara Jean feeling a mix of relief and deep sadness, questioning if she made the right decision.
The Snow Day Kiss
During a snow day, Lara Jean and John Ambrose are alone at the restored treehouse. The atmosphere is cozy and intimate. They share a tender conversation, and their clear chemistry leads to a kiss. This kiss is sweet and heartfelt, confirming Lara Jean's deep affection for John Ambrose. In that moment, she feels a sense of rightness and comfort, believing she made the correct choice in ending things with Peter and pursuing this new, gentle connection.
The Truth About Gen
After her breakup with Peter and her kiss with John Ambrose, Lara Jean finally talks with Gen, Peter's ex-girlfriend. Gen reveals the truth about her interactions with Peter, explaining that Peter was genuinely trying to comfort her during a difficult family time, and that their 'meetings' were not about rekindling their romance. This revelation helps Lara Jean understand Peter's actions and realize that her jealousy and assumptions were largely unfounded. The conversation with Gen provides clarity and a new perspective on Peter's character and their past relationship.
The Realization and Reconciliation
After her conversation with Gen and thinking about her feelings, Lara Jean realizes that while she cares deeply for John Ambrose, her true love and deepest connection is with Peter. She recognizes that her relationship with Peter, despite its challenges, is the one she truly wants. She finds Peter at the treehouse. She tells him she still loves him, acknowledging her mistakes and insecurities. Peter, who has also been struggling, admits he still loves her too. They reconcile, deciding to face their relationship's difficulties together, with honesty and renewed commitment.
Principal Figures
Lara Jean Covey
The Protagonist
Lara Jean grows from a girl who fears genuine, messy love to someone who understands that true love requires vulnerability, communication, and trust, even when it's difficult.
Peter Kavinsky
The Love Interest / Supporting Protagonist
Peter learns to be more open and communicative about his past and his feelings, understanding that trust and honesty are paramount in a relationship.
John Ambrose McClaren
The Love Interest
John Ambrose remains consistently kind and understanding, serving as a catalyst for Lara Jean's self-discovery, ultimately accepting her choice with grace.
Margot Covey
The Supporting
Margot continues her journey of independence and provides a steady, albeit distant, anchor for Lara Jean.
Kitty Covey
The Supporting
Kitty remains a consistent source of playful chaos and unexpected wisdom, pushing Lara Jean to confront her feelings.
Gen
The Supporting
Gen evolves from a rival into a more nuanced character, offering Lara Jean a surprising perspective and helping her understand Peter better.
Chris
The Supporting
Chris remains a steadfast and supportive friend, offering consistent, albeit blunt, advice to Lara Jean.
Stormy
The Supporting
Stormy acts as a wise elder figure, guiding Lara Jean with her insights into love and relationships.
Themes & Insights
The Complexity of First Love
The novel explores the difficult shift from infatuation or pretend romance to a real, committed relationship. Lara Jean deals with public scrutiny of her relationship with Peter, her own insecurities, and the idea that love is not always a fairy tale. Her internal conflict between Peter and John Ambrose highlights that 'love' can appear in different ways—passionate versus comfortable—and that choosing a partner involves more than just initial sparks. The breakup and reconciliation scenes show the messy, painful, but ultimately strengthening process of true love.
““I realize now that I was not truly in love with him, but in love with the idea of him, the memory of him, the possibility of him.””
Trust and Communication
A main theme is the importance of trust and open communication in a relationship. Lara Jean's insecurities and Peter's lingering connection with Gen create a divide between them, mostly due to a lack of honest talk. Lara Jean makes assumptions about Peter's intentions with Gen, and Peter fails to properly reassure Lara Jean or explain his actions. This theme's climax is when Lara Jean finally talks with Gen, realizing her assumptions were wrong, and then has a frank conversation with Peter, leading to their reconciliation. This shows that even in love, unspoken fears and misunderstandings can be damaging.
““It’s not enough to be in love. You have to be in love and also be a good person.””
Identity and Self-Discovery
Lara Jean's journey in this book is closely tied to her self-discovery. She questions who she is with Peter versus who she is with John Ambrose. She deals with her public image, her shyness, and her desire to be 'normal.' Her volunteering at Belleview and her time reconnecting with old friends at the treehouse allow her to think about her past and present self. In the end, she learns to trust her own feelings and intuition, choosing the path that fits her true desires rather than what seems 'easier' or 'safer.'
““I think about how I almost missed him, and I'm so glad I didn't. I'm so glad I got a second chance.””
The Power of the Past
The past greatly shapes present relationships. The love letters from Lara Jean's childhood, her middle school crush on John Ambrose, and Peter's history with Gen all reappear to challenge and define the current story. The treehouse restoration and the time capsule opening symbolize how shared memories and experiences last. The novel suggests that while the past can create problems, it also provides a foundation for understanding and growth, and that acknowledging and facing it is key for moving forward.
““It’s funny how old feelings can sneak up on you, like a ghost from the past.””
Plot Devices & Literary Techniques
The Love Letters
The catalyst for Lara Jean's romantic entanglements.
The letters, written by Lara Jean to her past crushes and mailed by Kitty, continue to drive the plot. While the first book focused on the immediate fallout, this sequel explores the long-term consequences, specifically with John Ambrose McClaren. His thoughtful response to her letter reintroduces him into her life and directly creates the central love triangle. The letters symbolize Lara Jean's romantic idealism and her tendency to process emotions internally, setting the stage for the external conflicts she faces when those private feelings become public.
The Viral Hot Tub Video
A public display of intimacy that forces Lara Jean to confront her private relationship.
The video, filmed without Lara Jean's consent, becomes a major source of anxiety and public scrutiny for her. It thrusts her private relationship with Peter into the harsh spotlight of high school gossip and social media. This device highlights Lara Jean's discomfort with public displays of affection and her struggle with external validation. It forces her to confront the reality of being in a 'real' relationship, where perceptions and rumors can be just as impactful as genuine feelings, and adds another layer of pressure to her already fragile romance with Peter.
The Love Triangle
Lara Jean's choice between two distinct romantic interests.
The central love triangle between Lara Jean, Peter Kavinsky, and John Ambrose McClaren is the primary engine of the plot. Peter represents the exciting, passionate, but sometimes tumultuous first love, while John Ambrose embodies comfort, understanding, and a gentle, familiar affection. This device forces Lara Jean to deeply examine her feelings, desires, and what she truly values in a partner. It allows for exploration of different types of love and helps her understand her own identity and priorities as she navigates complex emotions and makes a difficult choice.
The Treehouse and Time Capsule
Symbols of childhood, nostalgia, and the enduring power of the past.
The old, secret treehouse and the time capsule buried within it serve as powerful symbols. They represent Lara Jean's childhood, her past crushes, and the shared history with her old friends, particularly John Ambrose. The act of restoring the treehouse and opening the time capsule triggers nostalgia and allows Lara Jean to reconnect with a simpler time. This device contrasts sharply with the complexities of her current relationships, emphasizing the comfort and familiarity of the past, and making her decision between Peter and John Ambrose even more poignant by highlighting different emotional connections.
Critical analysis
Notable Quotes
“You never know the last time you’ll see a place or a person, so you should always make sure to say goodbye, just in case.”
— Lara Jean considers the impermanence of things and people.
“It’s not like in the movies. It’s better, because it’s real.”
— Lara Jean experiences a genuine romantic moment that surpasses fictional expectations.
“I think you have to be ready for love to find you. I think you have to be open to it.”
— Lara Jean's thoughts on finding love.
“It’s funny how you can live your life thinking one way, and then all of a sudden, something shifts.”
— Lara Jean observes a change in her perspective.
“The worst part is that I don’t know if I’m strong enough to face it.”
— Lara Jean expresses her vulnerability about a difficult situation.
“Maybe that’s what love is, finding the person who makes you feel like you’re not alone in the world.”
— Lara Jean ponders the meaning of love.
“I’m not a fan of surprises, but I’m a fan of you.”
— Peter Kavinsky says this to Lara Jean, showing his affection.
“It’s okay to be scared. Being scared means you’re about to do something really, really brave.”
— A character offers encouragement to Lara Jean.
“Sometimes I wonder if I’m just a placeholder until the real thing comes along.”
— Lara Jean expresses insecurity about her relationship.
“Having a sister is like having a best friend you can’t get rid of. You know whatever you do, they’ll still be there.”
— Lara Jean reflects on her relationship with her sisters.
“I don't want to be with someone who's only with me because they're afraid to be alone.”
— Lara Jean articulates her desire for a genuine relationship.
“It’s never a mistake to care about someone.”
— A character offers advice about emotional vulnerability.
“The world is full of boys, but there’s only one Peter Kavinsky.”
— Lara Jean's internal thought about Peter, highlighting his uniqueness to her.
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Key Questions (FAQ)
Lara Jean's central conflict revolves around her evolving feelings for Peter Kavinsky, her fake-turned-real boyfriend, and the re-emergence of John Ambrose McClaren, a recipient of one of her old love letters. She grapples with the possibility of being in love with two different boys simultaneously, questioning the nature of her affection for each.
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.
