Book Review: I Wish You Would by Eva Des Lauriers
The moment I stumbled upon I Wish You Would by Eva Des Lauriers, the comparison to To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before and the emotional tug of a Taylor Swift song drew me in like a moth to a flame. As a book blogger—who, let’s be honest, has a soft spot for young adult romance—I couldn’t resist the chance to dive into this story of love, secrets, and the sweet awkwardness of growing up.
From the very first page, I found myself immersed in the world of Natalia and Ethan, two best friends navigating the rocky terrain of high school—and their deep-seated feelings for one another. The backdrop of Senior Sunrise—a beach overnight filled with tradition and anticipation—was a clever setting that perfectly embodies the intoxicating uncertainty of youth. After a near-kiss at junior prom leaves their friendship hanging in the balance, the two have spent the summer navigating the aftermath, both ghosting the other in an attempt to sidestep their feelings.
One of the themes I appreciated most was the exploration of communication—or the lack thereof. Lauriers perfectly captures the essence of teenage angst and miscommunication, presenting a believable scenario where the fear of vulnerability can keep young love apart. As Natalia pours her soul into her letter, her desperation to be understood is palpable. There’s something so relatable about her journey, a reflection of our own insecurities during those tumultuous years.
The pacing of the story flows gracefully, moving between moments of light-hearted banter and more serious undertones that provide depth. Lauriers excels in creating well-drawn side characters, each adding to the richness of the narrative. I couldn’t help but feel connected to them, especially Prashant, whose charm provided some much-needed comic relief amidst the tension.
A memorable quote that resonated with me was, “Secrets are like a wall. They protect you by keeping others out. Or they protect others but keep you locked in.” This encapsulates the heart of the story; as Natalia and Ethan scramble to retrieve the scattered letters filled with their classmates’ confessions, they not only confront their own secrets but also realize the power of openness and honesty. This layered approach makes the book a delightful read that mirrors real-life doubts and triumphs.
Lauriers’ writing is engaging and approachable, making it easy to get wrapped up in the characters’ struggles. The exploration of more serious topics—such as sexual harassment, infidelity, and identity—is handled with sensitivity, making this book not just about romance but the complexities of growing up.
Ultimately, I believe I Wish You Would will resonate with anyone who has ever been caught in the whirlwind of young love. It’s perfect for readers seeking a heartfelt, contemporary romance that explores the trials of adolescence while delivering a touch of humor and sincerity. Whether you’re still in those high school halls or simply reminiscing about them, this book is an emotional journey worth taking. I finished it feeling a sense of nostalgia mixed with hope, as if I had just relived my own high school days through Natalia and Ethan’s eyes.
If you’re looking to dive into a story that captures the complexities of friendships and first loves interspersed with the kind of tearful joy found in a Taylor Swift lyric, then seek out I Wish You Would. You won’t regret it!
You can find I Wish You Would here >>