“What Light” is a young adult romance novel by Jay Asher, the bestselling author behind “Thirteen Reasons Why,” and the premise itself is quite intriguing. This book dives into themes of true love, redemption, and optimism, delivering an old-fashioned love story about two teens who meet and fall for each other during the Christmas season, even though there are plenty of obstacles that might keep them apart.
The main character, Sierra, is a high school junior living on a Christmas tree farm in Oregon. Her family moves to California every Christmas season to sell their trees, so she essentially has two lives and two sets of friends. This particular year is different because her family is facing financial troubles and might not be able to continue the business in California. Romance is the last thing on Sierra’s mind, but that changes when she meets Caleb, a diligent young man who uses his earnings to buy Christmas trees for those in need. Sierra finds herself immediately drawn to him.
As their romance blossoms, complications arise. Sierra discovers that Caleb has a troubled past and a bad reputation around town due to a significant mistake he made years ago—a mistake that’s both shocking and unsettling. Despite this, Sierra believes in his ability to change and sees who he is now, holding onto the hope that true love can conquer all.
One of the novel’s standout elements is its setting, particularly for readers with nostalgic ties to Christmas traditions. The setting resonated with me personally because my own family used to run a seasonal Christmas store when I was in high school, which made the story feel even more special.
Jay Asher’s writing is engaging, and he dares to embrace old-fashioned romance in a straightforward, heartfelt manner. Although the storyline is simple, it’s a quick and entertaining read, perfect for the holiday season.
That said, the book may not appeal to everyone. Caleb’s past mistake might make some readers uncomfortable, and it’s a curious choice by Asher for the character. However, if you, like Sierra, can look past Caleb’s history, this touching story of love and transformation will likely captivate you as it did me.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a sweet holiday romance with a bit of depth, “What Light” is a great pick, despite a few slow moments. It would also make an excellent Hallmark movie, given its classic romance, themes of redemption, and cozy Christmas tree farm setting.
Content Note: The book has PG-like content due to some mild violence but no profanity or explicit content.
