Author Jenny Han references songs from popular culture throughout this book. What is the main purpose of this in the novel? Use at least three examples from the text to answer.

The novel broaches the subject of teenage sex from several perspectives in Always and Forever, Lara Jean. Address Lara Jean’s point of view that she feels comfortable telling some and not others at school. How does this compare to its treatment in other coming-of-age novels?

Always and Forever, Lara Jean is the third book in a trilogy; author Jenny Han admitted she never planned to write this third installment. What can this text bring for a reader who may be unfamiliar with the first two in the series? What might they learn from reading this text on its own?

Lara Jean’s family points out her tendency to resort to baking when she is stressed. With this example in mind, find two other situations in the text where a character’s actions reflect an aspect of their mood. Why might Han include markers such as these in her novel?

Han creates tension and conflict between Lara Jean and her sisters with the introduction of Trina Rothschild. Assess the differing opinions of Trina as expressed by Margot, Lara Jean, and Kitty. As an important subplot, what does this tension add to the narrative as a whole?

An important theme in Always and Forever, Lara Jean is romantic love, and its necessity throughout life—as explored in the form of first love between Lara Jean and Peter, and Lara Jean’s father and Trina as they plan their (second) wedding. Why is love such a common theme in YA fiction? What is Han adding to the discourse?

Always and Forever, Lara Jean addresses the importance of the father figure. Lara Jean and Peter’s relationships with their fathers are drastically different. How has this difference influenced their perspectives on the world and their personalities as individuals?

Lara Jean and Peter have each grown up with an absent parent, though the circumstances have been quite different. Define this difference. What choices does Han make to highlight their grief in the text? Using at least three specific examples, explore Han’s consideration of grief through the perspective of the teenage experience—particularly from within the nuclear American household.

Lara Jean and her sisters are of mixed race and continue to celebrate their Korean culture despite their mother’s absence. How is their culture addressed differently within the home and in the larger world of the novel? Why might Han have chosen to present the sisters in this way?