Author Jenny Han on the Netflix adaptation of To All The Boys I've Loved Before

*Originally published on August 14, 2018

When author Jenny Han was in high school, she found the best way to avoid an awkward interaction with a crush was to write them a love letter. She would outline her thoughts and feelings and seal the envelope, but instead of sending it, she would tuck it away in a box at the very back of her closet.

Her New York Times best-selling novel To All The Boys I've Loved Before is pulled from that experience, and now, it's been adapted into a Netflix film that comes out on Friday, August 17.

In her work, Han tells stories about teenage girls who happen to be Asian — and not vice versa — because she wants young Asian readers to be able to see themselves in coming-of-age stories. Today, she joins Tom Power live from New York to talk about why the teenage experience fascinates her and the importance of representation on screen. 

Listen to the full conversation with Jenny Han above. 

— Produced by Vanessa Nigro