“I finish underlining the date with my ruler so it’s perfectly straight. This is like my version of drugs.”

Imagine your most private, unfiltered thoughts- the ones you’d never dare say out loud- suddenly becoming public. Ann Liang’s I Hope This Doesn’t Find You takes this nightmare scenario and turns it into a heartfelt, relatable, swoony, and unforgettable story about

the messy consequences of honesty. Perfect for people pleasers and romance lovers alike, this beautifully written rom-com is as relatable as it is charming. 

About the Author

Ann Liang is a 25-year-old Chinese-Australian writer. She has

 been recognized by the New York Times and USA today as a bestselling author of young adult and adult fiction. She was born in Beijing but she grew up in both Australia and China. Currently, she has 7 published books, with many more on the way. Her first book, If You Could See the Sun, went viral on TikTok back in 2022, and her following books continued the success.

Plot

I Hope This Doesn’t Find You is a YA contemporary romance about a teenage girl, Sadie Wen. Sadie is a diligent and determined student- she is a school captain, valedictorian, and a perfectionist, and she prides herself in being the best student she can possibly be. She always keeps most of her opinions to herself- she tries her hardest to get a model-worthy smile on her face. She wouldn’t ever hurt anybody, so all her frustrations go into writing emails. Hate emails, to be exact. These emails would never be sent out, obviously, but writing these emails in her drafts allows her to keep that smile plastered on her face. Almost all of the emails are directed at Julius Gong- her aggravating rival. Julius and Sadie have had a competitive rivalry that has irked Sadie since they were in grade school. His perfect grades, his effortless ability to be liked, his perfect smile…”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 never holds back in her emails- after all, nobody will ever see them, right? But that all changes when they’re accidentally sent out.

Within the span of one night, Sadie’s brick-by-brick placed, amicable life had crumbled. Everyone now knows what she really thinks of them, and their opinion of her will be as kind as she terribly strived for. Through this new-found chaos, as Sadie struggles to rebuild her life and reputation, the only person who seems to appreciate this genuine Sadie is… Julius Gong, the boy she had swore to hate forever.

“I want you to hold me like a grudge, keep me like a promise, haunt me like a ghost.”

My Review

With its sharp wit, relatable protagonist, and exploration of the consequences of unfiltered honesty, I Hope This Doesn’t Find You is a standout read. I would give it a 5-star rating- something I rarely do. I found the Asian representation accurate and resonant, adding significant depth to the plot. Ann Liang’s writing style is witty, descriptive, and full of heart all at the same time, with brisk pacing that keeps readers entranced and turning the pages. 

The majority of the characters were also enjoyable and easy to understand while still having layers that made them feel real. As someone who has always struggled with the fear of being judged, Sadie’s journey resonated deeply with me.  Her accidental honesty forced her to confront the wieght of other people’s expectations- something I think many readers will relate to. Sadie is a protagonist you can’t help but root for. Her determination, vulnerability, and sharp wit make her incredibly relatable and compelling. 

Julius, on the other hand, is more than just a rival-turned-love interest. His own struggles and growth add layers to his character, enhancing Sadie’s story and making their dynamic even more engaging. While Sadie and Julius’s blooming relationship was a focus of the book, there is much more plot to it- tension, personal growth, and a story that extends beyond the romance aspect of it, keeping it grounded and real. 

 Overall, I Hope This Doesn’t Find You is a relatable must-read for fans of heartfelt, character-driven stories with a perfect blend of humor, romance, and self-discovery.