I Wish You Would: A Heartfelt Journey of Love and Secrets
There’s a certain allure that comes with the chance to dive into the complexities of young love, nostalgia, and secrets, and I Wish You Would by Eva Des Lauriers delivers on that promise in a truly remarkable way. When I first stumbled upon this book, the premise had me at “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before meets You’ve Reached Sam.” As a fan of both stories, I was eager to see how Des Lauriers would weave relatable characters with a plot that promises both charm and emotional depth. Spoiler alert: It did not disappoint!
At the heart of this novel are Natalia and Ethan, best friends navigating the tumultuous transition to senior year, haunted by unresolved feelings from their near-kiss at junior prom. When their school adopts a tradition of writing heartfelt letters to themselves—dreams of what they hope to accomplish if they were braver—things take a humorous and chaotic turn as a gust of wind scatters these confessions across the beach. The resulting hunt for the letters forces Natalia and Ethan to confront not just their feelings but also the explosive secrets that could change everything.
What I found particularly compelling was the delicate exploration of vulnerability and communication, themes that resonate deeply with anyone who’s ever faced the uncertainty of teenage relationships. The author captures those awkward and sometimes painful moments with an authenticity that makes you want to root for these characters every step of the way. It reminded me of being young, blissfully buried under a pile of insecurities while still hoping for the courage to speak your truth.
Lauriers has a graceful writing style that sweeps you along with the tide of emotions. Her dialogue sparkles with authenticity and humor, which had me chuckling at moments and introspective at others. One particularly poignant 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.” It’s a profound reminder of how we often guard our hearts, sometimes to our own detriment.
The characters, rich and diverse, stand out in vivid colors, each with their own backstories and struggles. Natalia, a representation of the Latina experience, navigates her anxieties and aspirations while yearning to reconnect with Ethan, who also grapples with self-doubt. I appreciated that the book doesn’t shy away from tough topics, from relationships to societal pressures, instead integrating them seamlessly into the fabric of the narrative. Side characters like Prashant add layers of complexity while ensuring that nobody feels like a mere plot device.
This book isn’t just for those romantic at heart. It’s an ode to friendship, personal growth, and the messy beauty of adolescence. I would recommend I Wish You Would to anyone who enjoys sweet, engaging YA contemporary romances that resonate with genuine emotional stakes. It’s perfect for readers who want to feel seen in the complexities of youth, reminding us that every ending can become a new beginning.
In a world where we often feel disconnected, this book served as a beautiful reminder of the power of vulnerability, connection, and the transformative nature of love. As I closed the last page, I found myself hoping for more from Eva Des Lauriers—someone who has crafted a narrative that will linger in my heart long after I’ve moved on to my next read.