I Hope This Finds You Summary, Characters and Themes
I Hope This Finds You by Ann Liang is a heartwarming story (continued from I Hope This Doesn’t Find You by the same author) that follows the emotional and personal growth of Sadie Wen and Julius Gong, two high school classmates whose rivalry gradually turns into a deep, meaningful bond. Set against the backdrop of their final semester in high school, the book explores themes of friendship, love, and the uncertainties of transitioning into adulthood.
As Sadie and Julius prepare for their future college lives, they embark on a transformative trip together that strengthens their relationship, allowing them to reflect on their past, confront their fears, and find comfort in each other’s company. Their journey ultimately shows that the most important connections can withstand time and distance, providing a sense of security and hope for the future.
Summary
Sadie Wen is about to graduate high school, and as her final semester draws to a close, she reflects on her changing relationship with Julius Gong, her classmate who was once the source of her frustration but has since become someone very important to her. Julius and Sadie have known each other for years, initially engaging in a long-standing rivalry marked by bickering, competition, and mutual respect.
Despite her efforts to distance herself, Sadie finds herself drawn to Julius, whose presence makes her heart race in ways she can’t quite understand. Julius, with his confident exterior and seemingly perfect demeanor, has become a central part of Sadie’s life, and she begins to acknowledge her growing feelings for him as their friendship deepens.
The bond between them, built over years of rivalry, has started to evolve into something more. This transformation is evident when they make a bet over their upcoming US trip, where they will have control over the trip’s itinerary depending on who scores higher in their final math exam.
Sadie and Julius engage in their usual competitive spirit, but when the test results come in, Sadie scores 97%, while Julius scores 96%. However, Julius uses his charm to negotiate an extra point, bringing their scores to a tie.
As a result, they agree to share the responsibility of planning their trip, which will take them to the US before they head to separate colleges. This bet is more than just a competition; it marks the culmination of their changing dynamic from rivalry to genuine partnership.
As they prepare for the future, both Sadie and Julius feel the weight of the upcoming transition to college life. Sadie will be leaving her family behind and starting anew at Berkeley, while Julius is heading to Stanford.
These upcoming changes bring about feelings of both excitement and nervousness for the two of them. Throughout this time of uncertainty, Julius becomes unexpectedly supportive, offering reassurance and comfort when Sadie expresses anxiety about her new environment.
In turn, Sadie provides him with support regarding his strained relationship with his brother, James Gong. Their ability to rely on each other during this challenging time deepens their connection.
The trip to San Francisco marks a significant turning point in their relationship. The couple spends their time together exploring the city, sharing intimate moments, and reflecting on their shared history.
Julius, initially wanting a luxurious hotel stay, surprises Sadie by opting for a more modest and authentic Airbnb. This thoughtful gesture reveals a new side of Julius—one that is not just confident and charming, but also considerate and caring.
The trip becomes a time for them to enjoy each other’s company without the pressures of school and family, allowing their bond to grow even stronger.
As they navigate their way through San Francisco, Julius and Sadie experience a range of emotions. They visit a fancy art auction, where Julius grapples with feelings of pride and frustration regarding his brother’s success.
Despite James’s effortless achievements, Julius finds solace in Sadie’s unwavering support, which reinforces his sense of self-worth. The moments they share during this trip, from cozy mornings spent baking together to lively evenings out, serve as a reminder of how far they’ve come since their early days of rivalry.
However, the looming start of college creates an air of uncertainty. Sadie worries about how the physical distance and new life changes will affect their relationship.
She fears that their bond might not be able to withstand the pressures of time and space. Julius, on the other hand, reassures her by expressing his unwavering confidence in their connection.
He promises that their bond will endure despite the challenges they are about to face.
The trip serves as a powerful reminder of the strength of their relationship. They visit a bookstore together, and Julius’s thoughtful gestures, like carrying Sadie’s books, make her realize that their connection is more than just a fleeting high school romance.
It’s a deep and lasting bond that has the potential to withstand the challenges of adulthood, no matter how far apart they may be. Sadie begins to see that Julius is someone she can trust and rely on, someone who makes her feel truly seen and loved.
As their time in San Francisco comes to an end, both Sadie and Julius face the reality of their separate futures. Sadie is nervous about leaving home and starting a new chapter in her life at Berkeley, while Julius is preparing for the rigors of Stanford.
Despite the fear and uncertainty, they part ways with a renewed sense of hope for their future together. Their relationship, founded on years of friendship and rivalry, has evolved into something much more profound.
They have grown as individuals and as a couple, and they are ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead, confident that their bond will carry them through the transition to adulthood.
In the end, I Hope This Finds You is a story about the power of connection and the importance of facing change with someone who understands you completely. Sadie and Julius’s relationship serves as a testament to the idea that love and friendship are not bound by time or distance, but are instead defined by the mutual support and understanding that two people share.
As they move forward into their new lives, their bond remains unshakable, offering hope for what lies ahead.
Characters
Sadie Wen
Sadie Wen, the protagonist of I Hope This Finds You, is a reflective and thoughtful individual, grappling with the complexities of her final year in high school. At the heart of Sadie’s character is her evolution from viewing Julius Gong as a mere rival to recognizing him as someone who is indispensable in her life.
Initially, she attempts to distance herself from him, especially due to the deeply ingrained rivalry they’ve shared for over a decade. However, as the story unfolds, Sadie’s feelings for Julius gradually transform, revealing her vulnerability and her growing attachment to him.
She is intelligent, driven, and ambitious, preparing to leave her family behind and start a new chapter at Berkeley. Despite her external confidence, Sadie experiences internal turmoil, particularly when it comes to her fears about the future and the uncertainty of her relationship with Julius as they both prepare for different paths.
Her strength lies in her ability to balance her ambition with her emotional depth, making her a relatable and multi-dimensional character. Throughout the story, Sadie’s bond with Julius proves to be a grounding force, offering her comfort and assurance as she faces life’s transitions.
Julius Gong
Julius Gong, Sadie’s long-time rival turned closest companion, is the epitome of confidence and charm, with his good looks and academic brilliance. He appears to have it all together, exuding a sense of self-assurance that often masks his deeper insecurities.
While his rivalry with Sadie initially serves as the foundation of their relationship, Julius’s true depth comes through as their bond shifts from playful competition to something far more genuine and intimate. Despite his outward success, Julius carries a burden in the form of his complicated relationship with his brother, James Gong, which often causes him frustration and self-doubt.
His willingness to share his struggles with Sadie highlights his vulnerability, adding complexity to his character. Julius is thoughtful and caring, particularly when he takes Sadie on their trip to San Francisco, making decisions that reflect his growing affection and thoughtfulness, such as choosing a simple Airbnb over a more luxurious hotel.
His relationship with Sadie is characterized by mutual respect, support, and a deep understanding of each other, indicating that beneath his confident exterior, Julius is a person who deeply values connection and emotional intimacy.
James Gong
James Gong, Julius’s older brother, plays a significant yet subtle role in the story, primarily through his strained relationship with Julius. James’s effortless success and sophisticated demeanor serve as a source of both pride and frustration for Julius, creating a sense of rivalry that stretches beyond mere sibling competition.
While James’s achievements may seem to come easily, they underscore the emotional tension he shares with Julius, who often feels overshadowed by him. James’s presence in the narrative helps to illuminate Julius’s insecurities and struggles, especially regarding his self-worth in relation to his brother’s achievements.
Despite his lack of a more direct role, James’s influence on Julius is undeniable, shaping many of Julius’s actions and emotional responses throughout the story.
Themes
Transition and Growth
In I Hope This Finds You by Ann Liang, the theme of transition and growth is deeply embedded in the narrative, primarily through the characters’ movement from high school into adulthood. The looming changes that come with the end of high school and the beginning of college are not only physical but emotional as well.
Sadie and Julius, both at the threshold of a new chapter in their lives, must confront the inevitable changes that come with leaving behind familiar surroundings and stepping into a future that is uncertain. The characters are forced to grapple with their personal insecurities, fears, and the dynamics of their evolving relationships.
For Sadie, the thought of leaving her family behind to start anew at Berkeley is both an exciting and daunting prospect. Similarly, Julius faces his own set of challenges, particularly as he deals with the complexities of his relationship with his brother.
Their growth is a delicate dance between fear of the unknown and the desire to embrace the possibilities of the future. As they face these changes together, they begin to redefine who they are, both as individuals and as a couple.
The story explores how transition can be both a source of anxiety and a catalyst for personal growth, showing how the characters evolve and become more self-aware as they navigate the challenges of moving forward in life.
Rivalry and Friendship
The dynamic between Sadie and Julius is initially defined by rivalry, a constant push and pull between competition and camaraderie. The foundation of their relationship is rooted in years of mutual respect and playful banter, but it is through this rivalry that their bond deepens over time.
Their competitive nature, especially over their math scores and the stakes of their upcoming trip, serves as a vehicle for them to better understand each other’s strengths, vulnerabilities, and dreams. This rivalry is not just a surface-level competition but a reflection of their deeper connection, as it challenges them to push each other while also revealing the nuances of their feelings.
The tension between them transforms from one of antagonism to one of cooperation and mutual support. By the time they embark on their trip to San Francisco, their relationship has evolved into a beautiful partnership.
The once antagonistic elements of their interactions have turned into a comfortable dynamic of understanding and trust. Through their playful competition, they discover the significance of teamwork and how their shared experiences strengthen their connection, allowing them to move from rivals to partners in the truest sense.
Love and Emotional Intimacy
At the heart of the story lies the exploration of love and emotional intimacy. What starts as a simple rivalry between Sadie and Julius gradually evolves into a tender and profound relationship.
Their bond grows as they spend time together, supporting each other through the uncertainties and pressures of their impending futures. Love, in this context, is not just about grand romantic gestures but also about the quiet moments of connection—like baking together, comforting each other, or simply being present when one is anxious.
The emotional intimacy between the two is shown in the way they are able to share their fears, insecurities, and hopes for the future without judgment. For Sadie, Julius’s thoughtful gestures, such as choosing a modest Airbnb over a luxurious hotel and offering reassurance when she is anxious about their future, reveal the depth of his care for her.
Their emotional connection is the cornerstone of their relationship, and it is this intimacy that makes them resilient in the face of the challenges they encounter. Their love is not just a fleeting high school romance, but a bond that has been cultivated over years of rivalry, friendship, and mutual growth.
The novel beautifully portrays how emotional intimacy can transform a relationship, making it capable of withstanding the trials of distance and time, as both characters come to realize that their bond is one that will endure the changes ahead.
Family and Relationships
In I Hope This Finds You, the theme of family and relationships plays a crucial role in shaping the characters’ identities and their understanding of love and support. Both Sadie and Julius’s family dynamics influence how they approach their relationship and their future.
For Sadie, the idea of leaving her family behind is a source of both excitement and fear, as it marks the beginning of a new phase in her life. Similarly, Julius’s relationship with his family, particularly with his brother James, is complicated by feelings of pride and frustration.
Julius’s struggle with his brother’s success and his own perceived shortcomings adds a layer of emotional depth to his character. It is in these moments of familial conflict that the characters learn the importance of support systems outside of their families.
Sadie and Julius’s bond grows stronger as they offer each other the comfort and reassurance that they need in the face of familial pressures. This theme emphasizes that while family plays a significant role in shaping who we are, the relationships we form outside of it—especially romantic partnerships—can provide the emotional sustenance needed to navigate life’s challenges.
Through their evolving relationship, Sadie and Julius discover that love and understanding, not just within the confines of their families, but with each other, are what ultimately help them face the future.
Fear of the Future
The fear of the future is a recurring theme throughout I Hope This Finds You, as both Sadie and Julius are on the cusp of major life transitions. The impending start of college brings with it a sense of uncertainty about how their relationship will survive the distance and the inevitable changes that come with moving on to new environments.
Sadie, in particular, is apprehensive about how their bond will hold up when they are separated by miles and new experiences. Julius, though confident, is not immune to these fears and offers his support as they both face the unknown.
Their shared anxiety about the future is reflective of the universal experience of transitioning from one stage of life to another. The novel delves into the emotional complexities of preparing for change, where excitement is often tempered by the fear of losing the connections that have defined one’s past.
Despite these fears, Sadie and Julius find comfort in each other’s presence and commitment, realizing that their connection is strong enough to withstand the uncertainty of the future. This theme highlights how fear can serve as both a barrier and a motivator, and how embracing the future, even with its uncertainties, can lead to personal and relational growth.