Review of I Hope This Finds You by Ann Liang
From the moment I stumbled upon I Hope This Finds You, I was instantly intrigued. Ann Liang’s ability to weave heartfelt and authentic narratives is like a warm blanket in the chilly world of academia and relationships. Trust me, if you’re in search of an emotional palate cleanser, this novella is the delicious refreshment you’ve been craving.
At its core, I Hope This Finds You showcases the intricate dynamics of Sadie Wen and Julius Gong—two fierce rivals turned lovers navigating the complexities of life at Berkeley. Their story is infused with the thrilling electricity of academic competition and the tender sweetness of a budding romance. I couldn’t help but root for them, feeling each twinge of jealousy and every sweet moment they shared. Liang deserves immense praise for crafting characters who feel so vivid and relatable that I found myself wishing I could jump into the pages and hang out with them.
The writing style is engaging and rhythmic. Liang has a knack for balancing humor with poignant emotional depth, creating an atmosphere where the lighthearted moments dance playfully with the heavy themes of love, uncertainty, and personal growth. The pacing, particularly in a novella format, keeps the reader turning pages without feeling rushed, inviting us to savor each scene.
One of the standout aspects for me was the authentic portrayal of Sadie and Julius’s relationship. As Sadie navigates her feelings, we see her grappling with insecurity and burgeoning love. Yet, it’s Julius who nearly stole my heart with his quiet but powerful gestures of affection, like carrying her purse and remembering the color of her skirt from their first date. The line, “If you’re going to kiss me like that whenever you’re jealous, I’ll have to make you jealous more often,” encapsulates their playful dynamic perfectly, leaving me smiling long after I finished reading.
The secondary characters, too, offer depth without overwhelming the primary story arc. I found myself nodding along with Sadie’s internal monologues and struggles, recognizing pieces of my experiences reflected in her thoughts about love and the chaos of university life. It’s such relatable content that it honestly felt like therapy for me—thank you, Ann Liang!
The novella’s brevity is both a blessing and a curse. While I adored every moment spent with Sadie and Julius, I couldn’t help but wish for more. Those 73 pages flew by like a sweet dream, ending just as I was becoming deeply entrenched in their world. The ending left me both fulfilled and yearning for an extended escape into their lives—definitely a testament to Liang’s compelling storytelling.
I Hope This Finds You is not just a love story; it’s a celebration of growth, rivalry, and the little moments that can shape a lifetime. If you’re someone who enjoys contemporary romance with a dash of humor and heartfelt introspection, grab this novella. Trust me, you won’t regret losing yourself in the pages.
In conclusion, reading this novella was an absolute joy and has left a lasting imprint on my heart. So, if you’re ready for a journey filled with laughter, tears, and a hint of jealousy, dive into I Hope This Finds You—let Sadie and Julius’s love story sweep you off your feet!
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