Book Review: I Hope This Finds You by Ann Liang
From the moment I laid eyes on I Hope This Finds You, I knew I was in for a treat. I mean, who could resist a story that promises a blend of academic rivalry and heartfelt romance? Ann Liang has a knack for weaving tales that resonate, and this novella absolutely delivers on that front—think of it as a written therapy session for all the emotions a reader could possibly feel. Trust me, my therapist might hear about this!
At its core, I Hope This Finds You chronicles the charmingly tumultuous relationship between Sadie and Julius, two academic rivals whose banter is as vibrant as their love. With themes like jealousy, competition, and acts of service, I found myself chuckling and swooning; it felt like Liang had plucked the very essence of my romantic ideals and put them into words. The title promises connection, and oh, what a connection it was!
The writing style is crisp, engaging, and laced with the kind of humor that sparks joy. Liang’s pacing kept me enraptured, even though this gem is just 73 pages long. It’s a wild ride that indeed leaves you craving more. I mean, can we get just a little extra for our Sadie and Julius content? The characters felt authentic, no unnecessary misunderstandings or drama just for the sake of it—these are just your lovable nerds, destined to compete for grades and each other’s affection.
I found the character dynamics particularly engaging; Sadie’s sharp wit balanced perfectly with Julius’s jealousy, creating delightful tension. It’s no surprise that a quote like, “If you’re going to kiss me like that whenever you’re jealous, I’ll have to make you jealous more often,” made me laugh out loud. Can we just take a moment to appreciate how effortlessly Liang crafts these moments that blend humor and romance?
And then there’s the domestic fluff! Seriously, if my future husband doesn’t make me twirl barefoot in the kitchen or remember my favorite granola bar flavor (yes, different flavors exist!), watch me prepare those divorce papers! I can practically envisage a petition for more married Sadie and Julius content because their love is just that wholesome.
The icing on the cake? The adorable “acts of service” that the characters show toward each other, especially in Julius’s seemingly effortless, protective gestures that just melted my heart. He’s the main character I never knew I needed, and I’m sure readers will resonate with his thoughtfulness as much as I did.
In conclusion, I Hope This Finds You is a heartfelt portrayal of young love, rivalry, and all the delicious banter in between. If you’ve enjoyed a good mix of swoon-worthy moments and comedic timing found in the likes of The Hating Game or Red, White & Royal Blue, this novella will satisfy those cravings and then some. I cannot recommend it highly enough—it’s a true reading gem that left me feeling elated and perhaps a tad envious of Sadie and Julius’s connection.
So grab your copy and prepare to be enchanted—because I’ll be over here rereading until I have every delightful moment etched in my heart. Who’s with me? 📚✨