I Wish You Would: A Heartfelt Summer Read That Captured My Heart
There’s something magnetic about titles inspired by Taylor Swift, isn’t there? As soon as I stumbled upon the cover of I Wish You Would, penned by Katherine Webber, I felt a spark of recognition and excitement. It promised a blend of youthful romance with a dash of angst—the sort of story that can only be described as perfectly suited for lazy summer afternoons. Having just wrapped up this delightful read, I’m thrilled to share my thoughts!
At its core, I Wish You Would is a playful yet poignant YA romance that beautifully explores themes of friendship, miscommunication, and self-discovery. The story opens on senior sunrise, where lifelong friends Ethan and Natalia are reunited after a summer of ghosting each other following a prom that hovered tantalizingly on the edge of something more. Talk about tension! Their attempts to retrieve scattered letters—part of a heartwarming senior tradition—become a charming metaphor for piecing together their fractured relationship.
Webber does an excellent job of using dual POVs to draw us deeper into Ethan and Natalia’s psyches. Initially, their communication struggles had me tearing my hair out in frustration! I mean, seriously, if they had just talked for ten minutes… But as I learned more about their insecurities, my annoyance transformed into empathy. Each character wrestles with their fears and pasts: Natalia, in particular, exhibits a vulnerability that many readers can relate to, struggling with self-acceptance while striving for perfection. Her character arc is one of my favorite aspects—she evolves beautifully, showcasing authentic personal growth despite the chaos around her.
Ethan stole my heart from his very first appearance. With his flirty nature and an affinity for literature, he quickly became my favorite. I was especially moved by his reflections on identity and self-worth—his journey from a bullied teen to navigating the overwhelming spotlight of newfound popularity struck an emotional chord with me. The tenderness of his connection with Natalia is palpable, making the miscommunication trope all the more frustrating yet relatable.
The writing style is engaging and fast-paced, drawing you in with memorable quotes like, "light shines through him, and he creates color for me…" This lyricism mirrors some of Taylor Swift’s most evocative lines, encapsulating the intensity of young love and friendship.
On a lighter note, the side characters added rich layers to the narrative. Characters like Rainn and Sienna serve not just as comic relief but as catalysts for Ethan and Natalia’s realization of their feelings. Rainn’s quote about their “snow globe thing” is a lovely reminder that sometimes love can feel like a beautiful, if chaotic, world unto itself.
As for my final thoughts? I Wish You Would is ideal for readers seeking a heartfelt summer romance with the delightful turmoil of miscommunication. If you love second-chance romances and don’t mind a little chaos woven through the plot, this book is a must-read. Personally, it holds a special place in my heart as my first ARC, and I feel grateful to have been part of Ethan and Natalia’s journey.
So, grab your favorite iced drink, settle into a sunny spot, and indulge in this charming tale. You won’t regret it!
Happy reading!
Love, Hannah 💌
