I Hope This Doesn’t Find You

By: Ann Liang

This book was … I don’t even know what to say. I have found my new favorite book. Well, after A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder and The Inheritance Games of course! Here’s the basic plot:

Snarky and romantic, I Hope This Doesn’t Find You is Never Have I Ever meets To All the Boys if Lara Jean wrote hate emails instead of love letters.

Sadie Wen is perfect on paper: school captain, valedictorian, and a “pleasure to have in class.” It’s not easy, but she has a trick to keep her model-student smile plastered on her face at all times: she channels all her frustrations into her email drafts. She’d never send them of course — she’d rather die than hurt anyone’s feelings — but it’s a relief to let loose on her power-hungry English teacher or a freeloading classmate taking credit for Sadie’s work.

All her most vehemently worded emails are directed at her infuriating cocaptain, Julius Gong, whose arrogance and competitive streak have irked Sadie since they were kids. “You’re attention starved and self-obsessed and unbearably vain . . . I really hope your comb breaks and you run out of whatever expensive hair products you’ve been using to make your hair appear deceptively soft…”

Sadie doesn’t have to hold back in her emails, because nobody will ever read them… that is, until they’re accidentally sent out.

Overnight, Sadie’s carefully crafted, conflict-free life is turned upside down. It’s her worst nightmare — now everyone at school knows what she really thinks of them, and they’re not afraid to tell her what they really think of her either. But amidst the chaos, there’s one person growing to appreciate the “real” Sadie — Julius, the only boy she’s sworn to hate…

I love the academic competition between Julius and Sadie. Flaunting their good grades to the other. Exhilarated when you get higher than the other. Downright bloodthirsty when you get the lower grade.

5 stars is not enough.

✔️ Academic rivals to lovers
✔️ Forced proximity
✔️ Slow burn

It’s also very funny:

“He pauses, leans closer to inspect the displays. Reaches out, as if to grab something, then retracts his hand. And starts walking all over again.

After ten minutes of this, I lose my patience. “Are you here to select bread, or a future wife? What’s taking so long?

His smile is sharp, taunting. “The latter.”

This one’s for all the people out there who feel everything but keep it to themselves because they don’t want to bother anyone. It’s for the people pleasers and those constantly seeking academic validation. Yep, that includes me too.

I loved Sadie and Julius’ constant banter, bickering, chemistry and development. Ann Liang is making me fall in love with her characters and hate some others. Also I can’t believe that *Insanely loud car passes by as I continue talking* sent those emails! I totally didn’t see that coming. Well, I thought about it but I didn’t think I was right!

Sadie Wen:

My admiration for her stemmed from her unwavering determination and drive. She consistently pushed herself to excel in every aspect, and I deeply respect her for that. Her resolute nature and refusal to back down were truly inspiring, and I found myself drawn to her for these reasons. Although she made an few impulsive decisions in her quest for perfection, it’s something relatable for many of us. We all seek some measure of control in our lives, and we each have our own inner drive propelling us forward. Seeing her growth and realization of the unhealthy nature of relying on others’ feelings for her happiness was truly uplifting. It felt realistic to see her react to others’ anger, because I would likely feel similarly in that situation.

Julius Gong:

So frigid on the surface, yet simmering within. A mix of animosity and affection, brimming with intense passion and devotion for Sadie. The way he blushed for her was simply adorable, and I couldn’t help but smile at his charming gestures. The times he gallantly offered his coat, or went out of his way to get revenge on Sadie’s behalf, were totally swoon-worthy. His witty remarks would tantalize and agitate her, and I couldn’t help but adore him. 💖

“You distract me when my brain is being cruel. you sharpen my edges when the world tries to wear them down.”

The conclusion of the story has completely captured my heart. Sadie’s letter to him had me grinning and laughing so much. I adore the bond between these two lovely (and competitive) individuals. Sadie has finally opened up to Julius and allowed herself to be vulnerable around him. I can’t help but feel proud of her.

my only complaints: I wanted more depth to julius and for his character to be explored more. it was so relatable for everyone to have sky-high (No, that’s not high enough. Higher than the sky. Star-high? Idk) expectations of him but him not knowing where he fit in.

Gods. Where are people like Julius Gong? They are so rare these days! I mean, Julius punched a dude because he was indirectly rude to Sadie, he won a race (for her) and gave her the medal, and he cleaned up the mess after her party. Is it too much to ask?

XOXO

Aaradhyaa

#SadieJuliusForever

PS: Well, when I said the letter was amazing, I thought I should show you why. Because I say amazing for everything. So. Now you see why I think the letter was amazing. Here’s a quick view of the letter:

“Julius,
I’m writing this to inform you that you’re the most infuriating person I’ve ever met. You, with your smug, razor- sharp smiles, your mocking eyes, your arrogance, and your vanity.

…

I want you to tell me every story, want to listen to you speak until the night sinks in the sky and the stars fade out. I want you to hold me like a grudge, keep me like a promise, haunt me like a ghost.

Maybe you’re expecting an apology after all this time, so I’ll cut to the chase: It’s not coming. I apologize far too much— I’m working on it, I promise— but I’m not sorry for those emails.

…

If not, then let me establish for now and forever that you will never be second. You will never be inadequate. You will never be anything but good.
Because you care how your parents see you. … you challenge me, you distract me when my brain is being cruel, you sharpen my edges when the world tries to wear them down. Because every time I tired during class, I would catch your eye across the room, and remember why I needed to keep going.

Since I’ve decided to peel back my pride for the length of this email, let me tell you a little secret. …

…

And now there’s you. This whole time, it’s been you, and I didn’t even realize.

…

For ten years I thought I was preparing to destroy you, when really I was preparing to love you.

All of which is to say I really hope this finds you. And I hope you find me too.
Sadie

I receive his reply within ten minutes. It’s only two sentences… ”

No, that’s not how the book ends. But if I tell you what Julius replies with, I will never forgive myself and you guys won’t forgive me either.

Now, farewell (for real this time) dear readers!