Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Family, Responsibility, and Growing Up
Love and Fear
Social Structure, Reputation, and High School
Lies vs. Honesty
Summary
Analysis
Lara Jean has to go to the grocery store; the food situation is dire. Margot’s car is fixed. Lara Jean tells herself that she has to practice for when Peter and Genevieve get back together, and she no longer has a ride to school. So, she tells Kitty to come with her, and they get in the car. Kitty scolds Lara Jean for driving so conservatively, but she helps Lara Jean check her blind spot to change lanes. On the way home, Lara Jean changes lanes all by herself—and nothing bad happens. They make it home just fine. Lara Jean hates that Kitty can’t rely on her like she can rely on Margot. That night, Lara Jean makes Mommy’s special veggie rice balls for her and Kitty’s lunches tomorrow.
Lara Jean may feel like she’s struggling to grow up and be as responsible as she thinks she should be, but her coming-of-age process is complicated. Mommy’s death caused Lara Jean to grow up in some ways, while Margot taking charge meant that Lara Jean didn’t have to grow up in others. So, in some areas—such as driving—Lara Jean is starting from a disadvantage. But yet, Lara Jean still finds that she can care for Kitty.
Themes
