13 Differences Between The Book, "Always And Forever, Lara Jean" And The Movie, "To All The Boys: Always And Forever"

Whoa, whoa, whoa, Peter K. and Lara Jean are back!

The final installment of the hit Netflix series is finally here. To All the Boys: Always and Forever is based on the 2017 novel, Always And Forever, Lara Jean, by Jenny Han. As expected, there were differences between the inspiration and the adaptation, but the true heart of the story definitely still shines.

Via Simon and Schuster, Netflix

Keep in mind that there will be book spoilers ahead. Now, let's jump in.

1. The spring break trip to Korea opens the movie.

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This is a big one. In the book, the Song-Covey sisters are surprised with a trip to Korea as Lara Jean's graduation present. It's a monthlong excursion with their maternal grandmother, and a source of conflict between LJ and Peter K. because they won't get to spend their final summer together. But in To All the Boys: Always and Forever, we start right smack in Seoul during spring break, and the whole family is there! Even Trina, Mr. Covey's girlfriend and soon-to-be fiancé.

The travel montage is set to "Gee" by Girls' Generation and narrated by Lara Jean's letter to Peter K. back home. This trip puts the family's heritage center stage and a perfect opener to the film.

2. New York City has a life-changing role.

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In the movies, the greatest city in the world becomes a catalyst to Lara Jean's decision to go to a college far away from Peter K. During their senior trip, Lara Jean gets a taste of what makes NYC one of a kind. The decision is solidified when she hits up an NYU party, which is ~way~ fancier than any college party I've ever been to (that's the beautiful thing about movies)! Lara Jean has one of *those* New York City nights that involves helping a group of strangers carry a pink couch on the subway.

In the books, which are set in the East Coast instead of the West Coast, New York is a possible future for both Peter K. and Lara Jean. He imagines them living in a high rise with a gym, and she imagines them living in the West Village near bookstores. But the dream city that captures Lara Jean's imagination is the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. #GoTarHeels.

3. Peter's "promposal" is literally sweeter in the movie.

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Peter K. and Lara Jean's diner scenes are now iconic. It's the place where they had their first real talk, and now it's the place where he asks her out to prom.

The books are way different. Peter Kavinsky tries so hard to live up to the romance-movie heroes that his girlfriend loves so much. During the school trip to New York, he decides to reenact the teddy bear scene from Sleepless in Seattle. Only, it all goes awry when a security guard at the Empire State building viewing deck confiscates the bear. Apparently, Peter didn't realize what "if you see something say something" meant in the Big Apple.

4. We don't get to say goodbye to Stormy.

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Stormy was one of my favorite characters in P.S. I Still Love You, but she's missing from this movie altogether. In the novel, Stormy gives Lara Jean advice on life: "Never say no when you really want to say yes." Lara Jean is the kind of character who puts others above herself, so Stormy's advice pushes her to follow her dreams and go out of state for college.

*HUGE SPOILER ALERT* Stormy dies in her sleep. My favorite part was when Lara Jean mentions her mentor wanted LJ to put her memoirs together and call it Stormy Weather.

5. John Ambrose McClaren's charming smile was only in the books.

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With the movie clocking in at just under two hours, it would have been too much to include the micro storyline of John Ambrose McClaren. Always a foil to Peter K., John Ambrose McClaren (you have to say all three of his names, it's the rule) is also considering going to the same school as Lara Jean. While there are no sparks, JAM really gets under Peter K.'s skin. Don't worry Peter, we all know who is end game.

6. Lara Jean doesn't lie.

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Sweet Lara Jean wouldn't lie to her boyfriend! But she does panic and send off the wrong text message, creating a miscommunication with Peter K. The king of grand gestures, he shows up outside of her house decked out in Stanford gear, pulling a Say Anything moment for a modern era. Still in panic mode, Lara Jean omits the truth and waits to tell Peter when they're on their trip to New York City.

7. Margot's storyline was cut short.

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Just like in the books, Margot has been in Scotland for college. Out of all the Song-Covey sisters, she's the one who wanted to travel the world and have adventures. But when she's home, she wants everything to remain the same. That spirit is in the movie, but when she clashes with future stepmom Trina, there's a lot more tension in the novel. As the oldest, and with more memories of their mom, Margot has a hard time accepting all the changes in their house. Book Trina also doesn't like spicy Korean food, which is a huge problem for Margot, who is the most vocal about ties to their Korean roots. I'm with Book Margot on this one. But, the longer they spend time together, the more they realize how much they have in common.

Margot even brings home her new boyfriend Ravi, whose story doesn't make it into the main plot of the movie. The Ms. Marvel actor, Rish Shah *is* listed in the full cast as "Ravi" but it's unclear if there was material that was cut. In the book, Ravi is a dashing Indian British college student who visits the family and ends up endearing himself to Lara Jean and Peter K. Ravi's presence is also an excellent vehicle to discuss safe sex in the book!

8. Meanwhile, Kitty discovers boys.

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Kitty, who is only 12 in the books, meets a cute boy while in Seoul, and they continue chatting until they have a disagreement about their favorite books. Look, we've all been there, Kitty. This girl deserves her own show!

9. Dr. Covey's engagement is a lot safer indoors.

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Dr. Covey gets engaged! His onscreen engagement is intimate and sweet. In the books, he enlists the help of his daughters. In the novel, they're a lot more of an outdoor family, so they go on a long hike. Trina chokes on a mint and if I remember correctly, there was some Heimlich involved. Hey, in both versions, Trina says yes.

10. Peter K.'s dad is nicer in the movie?

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Peter K. has always had a tenuous relationship with his father. In the books, his effort is half-assed, to say the least. He even no-shows on graduation day without a word. Movie-version Dad makes a little more of an effort, even if he does call our girl "Laura." At least, Peter K. is there to check him.

11. There's no bowling in the books.

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Before Peter's dad accidentally crashes their date, Peter K. and Lara Jean go on an amazing date, which is basically a shot-by-shot reenactment homage to The Big Lebowski, which would definitely make sense as one of Peter's favorite movies. The Dude abides.

12. Lara Jean's hatbox of memories for Peter K. was originally a scrapbook.

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Lara Jean. LARA JEAN. Okay, we've all been there. We want to end the relationship before it ends us. In an attempt at a sweet gesture, Lara Jean puts together memories for Peter K. In the novel, it's a scrapbook. In the movie, it's the hatbox she presents after prom. The reason behind it is the same. "Something to remember us by." Lara Jean is already trying to protect her heart. It's her way of completing their love story and putting a neat bow on it. There's no sex in the book, but Lara Jean takes this opportunity in the movie to jump Peter K.'s bones again. But Peter K. isn't ready to let go yet and instead, they're headed for heartbreak. LOOK AT HIS FACE :(

13. The movie adds a beautiful epilogue that isn't in the books.

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Always and Forever, Lara Jean ends with an amendment of Peter K. and Lara Jean's contract and a sweet night looking at the stars the night before they go off to college. To All the Boys: Always and Forever gives us a little bit more of their future. It's not a spoiler to say that Lara Jean and Peter K. work things out. They are end game. They are THE love story that has survived fake dating, old loves, rumors, scandal, family drama, self-doubt, and more. A little thing like distance can't stand in their way.

It's bittersweet saying goodbye to the characters brought to life by Lana Condor and Noah Centineo. Always and Forever was a charming end to a couple that will always be rom-com goals. As Lara Jean says in the novel, "it all started with a love letter."

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