ReadingNook

Like many of you, I found myself completely swept away by the charm of XO Kitty's second season. But here’s a confession: watching Kitty navigate her new life in Korea immediately sent me on a nostalgic trip back to the world of To All The Boys I've Loved Before (TATBILB). It got me thinking, are these two shows truly related? And by related, I mean beyond just sharing a character. Well, the answer is a resounding YES! For anyone asking, 'Is TATBILB and XO Kitty related?' – you're onto something big. XO Kitty is a delightful spin-off series, deeply rooted in the beloved TATBILB universe. Our clever, matchmaking protagonist, Kitty Song Covey, is none other than Lara Jean Covey’s younger sister! This connection is the very heart of XO Kitty, as we follow Kitty's own romantic adventures and personal growth at a boarding school in Seoul, where her deceased mother once studied. It was such a joy to be back in this world, even if Lara Jean and Peter Kavinsky themselves weren't the main focus. The spirit of their story, of finding love and self-discovery, absolutely lives on through Kitty. I remember settling into my cozy reading nook, perched on my comfy white armchair with a brown and white checkered pillow, a Monstera plant adding a touch of green, and the 'To All the Boys I've Loved Before' book series stacked on my side table. It felt like the perfect setting to dive into Kitty’s story, seeing how her journey echoes Lara Jean’s in some ways, yet is entirely her own. What I loved most about this connection is how it expands the universe without diluting the magic of the original. While TATBILB focused on Lara Jean's high school romances and finding 'the one,' XO Kitty explores cultural identity, long-distance relationships, and the complexities of finding your own voice far from home. It’s a natural evolution that shows how the Covey family, specifically the Song sisters, continue to inspire stories about young love and self-acceptance. So, if you’ve watched XO Kitty and are curious about TATBILB, or vice versa, I highly recommend diving into both. You'll gain a richer understanding of the characters and appreciate the subtle nods and shared history. It truly makes you ponder: are you Team TATBILB or Team XO Kitty? For me, after this recent binge, I think I’m proudly both! Each series brings its unique flavor, but together, they create a wonderfully interconnected world of romance, family, and growing up.