It’s been a while since I read something YA. After Your Letter, I feel I should dive into more such tales. Because, Sori’s tale genuinely immersed me in its heartwarming journey.

What I liked:
I never changed schools, so I would never really be able to relate to Sori’s situation. Yet, her anxiety over her newfound situation made me feel uncomfortable. And when she found the first letter, the journey she embarked on fascinated me just as much. Hoyeon’s slow guiding of Sori in and around his school was nothing short of magical. I was a little conflicted when Sori ends up running into Dongsoon, because I personally don’t like forced romances. However, the romance never sparked (at least not overtly). The characters remained just friends, and I am glad the author kept them that way. We really do need more stories of friendships like these instead of pointless romances.
As Sori and Dongsoon befriend each other, we do get a backstory of Hoyeon and Dongsoon, and how they ended up as friends. While the story navigates themes of bullying, loneliness, and finding where you belong, a large part of the narrative grounds the reader in the present. For all its heavy and hard-hitting truths, Your Letter is a very cosy and comforting read. In fact, the way the letters come to Sori through a crazy treasure hunt, and where they lead Sori and Dongsoon in the end will leave you with a smile and tears in your eyes.
I don’t want to say a lot because I don’t want to spoil the book for anyone. This is a genuinely heartwarming tale.

What I didn’t like:
The art style didn’t quite resonate with me. Some panels felt rushed, and not quite up to the mark. Despite that, the overall emotional journey was evocative and enjoyable. There were a few narrative choices I didn’t fully like, but neither did I dislike them enough to lower my rating.
Also—and this is feedback for NetGalley—I hated how the watermark was so prominently displayed in the centre of all the pages. I understand the need for IP protection, but that shouldn’t come at the cost of our reading experience.

Conclusion:
Your Letter by Hyeon A Cho is a beautifully evocative tale of feeling like an outsider and finding where you belong. Perfect for a cosy weekend read.

A Beautifully Poignant Exploration of Connection ⭐⭐⭐⭐

"Your Letter" by Hyeon A. Cho is an emotionally evocative and beautifully illustrated story that captures the power of kindness and the resilience of human connections. The premise is simple yet deeply touching—Sori receives a mysterious letter and embarks on a heartfelt journey that intertwines her present with her past.

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel that strikes a delicate balance between melancholy and hope. The writing is introspective, offering a deeply emotional and nuanced exploration of love, loss, and the passage of time. The main characters are well-developed, each struggling with their own personal turmoil, which makes their journey feel all the more real and relatable. Exploration of the catharsis that comes with expressing feelings in letters adds a unique layer to the narrative, making it more poignant.
Story was Gripping and binding. One can't feel left-out while reading it.

The narrative structure is a bit unconventional, incorporating letters and fragmented memories to piece together the story. While this technique is effective in pulling you into the characters' inner worlds, it can be a little disorienting at times. However, the emotional payoff makes it worth the read. Also, the Chapter title reads, for say, 4th letter, but story starts with 5th letter. This is bit confusing.

The art, with soft, pastel hues and expressive character, is breathtaking. Designs were perfectly complementing the emotional depth of the story. Author masterfully conveys unspoken feelings through subtle facial expressions and atmospheric details, drawing readers into the characters’ world.

What truly stands out is the theme of hope amidst adversity. The way the story explores forgiveness, understanding and healing feels genuine and relatable without being overly sentimental. It reminds us how small acts of kindness can leave lasting impacts, which is a message that resonates universally.

However, the pacing felt a bit rushed toward the end, leaving some questions unanswered. I would have loved more time to delve deeper into the supporting characters and their stories. Despite this, Your Letter is a heartwarming read that stays with you long after the last page.

For someone who loves to be a fan of 'slice-of-life' narratives with emotional depth and stunning artwork, this is a must-read! And yes, as author mentioned in the last, I too have a dream of having much more paperbacks in my library.

No good deed goes unpunished.” When Sori Lee stands up to a bully at the beginning of Your Letter, she cannot be a bystander anymore. She decides then and there that this had to end. While the friend she stood up for was grateful, it immediately seemed like the wrong thing to do. The bullies turn their attention to Sori, making her life so miserable that she transfers schools for a fresh start.

Originally a webtoon, Your Letter by Hyeon A Cho, published by Ize Press, follows Sori Lee to her new school. As she struggles to get acquainted, she finds a mysterious letter under her desk. This letter sets her on a scavenger hunt to see the rest. The letters are quirky in nature and help her learn about the school, her classmates, and all sorts of hidden gems. Through this journey, she meets Dongsoon Park, who seems to know the writer of the letters, Hoyeon Jung. Sori and Dongsoon end up teaming up to find the rest.

On the surface, this story seems to evolve into a mystery, but the question about doing the “right thing” keeps resurfacing for both Sori and Dongsoon. Dongsoon has his own tale about doing the right thing. His story costs him a friendship, his reputation, and a school suspension. Later, when Sori sticks up for Dongsoon in front of his friend, she regrets the decision. It instantly reminds her of the incident at her old school. Even though she knows she made the right decision, why does it feel so wrong?

This exploration of when doing the right thing doesn’t always end in a “happy ending” was sobering. The hero’s journey, so to speak, is that of someone who does the right things, and usually, they are instantly rewarded. It feels good, people are saved, everyone clapped, the end. But what if stepping in and doing “what’s right” makes matters worse? Your Letter showcases how, in Sori’s case, it turned her into the victim at that moment. Even months after the incident, she can’t feel good about what she did. It isn’t until she later hears from the old bullied friend that she gets some closure surrounding the events.

The truth in life is often more aligned with what happened to Sori and Dongsoon. You do the right thing, and there is no praise. Sometimes you don’t immediately feel good because there isn’t an immediate resolution or happy ending. Sometimes the right thing is the harder choice of two hard options, it’s the one that causes less pain but still causes pain. It’s the choice between feeling good in the moment or feeling good at the end of an uncertain future.

Although both Sori and Dongsoon face difficult consequences as a result of “doing the right thing,” Your Letter instills the fact that it is worth it. It is worth leading with integrity and sticking up for those who can’t do it for themselves. It is worth it to take the harder path, the road less traveled, even if only you know the true reason why you chose that path.

Your Letter combines this deep question of righteousness with a wonderful scavenger hunt, with its story bordering on whimsical and realistic. It’s a nice read to get through in one sitting and has a satisfying end, only I wish there was more! These characters really grew on me, and they have so much potential for more life lessons and adventures.

Thank you NetGalley and Yen Press | Ize Press for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
A drama with some mystery. What is short about this story is intense and beautiful. In such a short amount of chapters it manages to introduce three characters that end up earning their place in the heart of whoever reads it. I loveeeee the way it develops the ability to heal through companionship and assertiveness (even if you don't know the other person's background).

4’5/5 ✨First of all, thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of “Your letter”. I’ve found this graphic novel very cute and heartwarming, the art is amazing and the ending was the best part 🥹🖤

What a beautiful and hopeful story! I read this short graphic novel in one sitting and absolutely loved it. There are some tough topics covered, such as school bullying, but I felt that these added to the emotional impact at the end.

The length of the story was just right and meant that intrigue about the letters was maintained throughout. I found the ending to be satisfying, too. My favourite part about the book was the artwork, which had a ghibli-esque vibe. The colours used were vibrant and complimented the story perfectly. This is a story that I can see myself coming back to again.

great art, a wonderful story and might make you cry - it's not sad, but it will make you feel stuff.
the ending oh my god 😭😭😭

Truly lovely story. I mean, I don't even know where to begin. Both the story and the characters were written really well. And while the beginning is sad it picks up really fast and it doesn't disappoint. The art was also so so pretty! I absolutely loved it and I might buy a physical version in the future.

I'd like to send my thanks to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for providing a free pdf version of this comic book in exchange for an honest review.

That was so... heartwarming. Soft and tender, sweet and magical.
I was moved to tears here and there, though mostly smiled through it, and deeply felt with all of the characters. It has stirred me so profoundly, especially the ending, left me with an unexplainable longing, that I’m a bit too awestruck to form any words.

...

I’ve found it on Webtoon and re-read the entire thing right after, and ... I’m still touched and slightly melancholic, but have regained the memory to form words and find adjectives to describe this piece of art.

It starts off a bit heavy and tense, tackling bullying issues. But as soon as Sori finds the first letter, which already happens in chapter 1, things gradually get better. The scavenger hunt takes her through school, to corners one can not find with their eyes. These little adventures slowly bring her uplifting spirit back, she makes a friend, even two, and as she warms up to her environment, so do the people around her.

A journey of what an act of kindness can achieve, of what a tiny spark can ignite. Quite inspiring and hopeful.

Plus, simple-ish (and diverse) character designs with calming backgrounds, all in full-color!

I truly am sad that it’s so short, but at the same time glad, cause I feel the story wouldn’t have had the same effect if it was longer. There’s just something about subtle touches that linger longer than a deep dive.
Though I do wish to see the characters again, perhaps in a sequel or short stories. Or even an anime adaptation?

(Ps: in my head-canon, they’re a triad.)

~

Thanks so much to Ize Press for a digital review copy. 💌

-11.03.25

Still teary-eyed! What a beautiful story, and art, and characters—this book is a warm hand up after a nasty fall. A perfect read if you need reminding of the cyclical nature of kindness and bravery.

I want it on my shelf yesterday.

Thank you so much Yen Press & Netgalley for the ARC! All opinions are my own.

I finished this over lunch, and was trying not to tear up the entire time. Equal parts sad, heartwarming, and sweet, with a hint of magic- I absolutely loved this. The paneling is wonderfully done, the art is amazing- I can’t find a single complaint. Friendships, anxiety, bullying- the main characters went through it all, and got the happy ending they so badly wanted. Theres nothing I can really say other than you should give this a chance. This is one of the best stand-alone volumes I’ve had the privilege of reading.

I've been meaning to read more graphic novels, manga, and webtoons this year, and Your Letter by Hyeona Cho was my first one since I made that resolution. It's kind of a hybrid between those genres: from what I gathered, it was originally a webtoon before it was published in book format.

The story follows Sori, a kind, principled girl who always stands up for others—traits that make her a target for bullies at school. Hoping for a fresh start, she transfers to a new school, only to face similar challenges. But when she stumbles upon a series of mysterious letters leading her on a magical scavenger hunt, she realizes someone is looking out for her. As she follows the trail, uncovering secrets and forming unexpected bonds, Sori learns about friendship, nature, and the hidden kindness in the world around her.

Bullying is a huge topic in Korea, so I wasn't surprised that it played such a huge part in this school narrative. However, the overall tone remains lighthearted and optimistic. I would say this kind of also falls into the 'healing fiction' category because it's obvious that the author tries to console those affected by bullying through this story. She is also offering a more positive outlook on life by showing that there are good people out there.

The story was cute and simple, but I can see it having a very powerful effect on younger generations. I heard it was extremely successful in Korea, so it sounds like those who needed Your Letter the most were able to find it. And even though I'm older, as a former bullied kid this meant the world to me. I'm pretty sure I would have loved it and found comfort in its pages back when I was 11.

The art is extremely beautiful and the style I love the most. The characters are more on the realistic side and there are a lot of gorgeous interiors and nature depictions. It's similar to the cover image though, so if you like that you'd probably find the whole graphic novel pretty.

Thank you Netgalley and Yen Press for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion 💜

Your letter is one beautiful beautiful book. Sori stands up for a friend in her school, but the friend goes to transfer in other school. In the school, sori finds a letter and starts a journey of finding letters and discovering life and much more through them.

The art style, the story ,the idea and the execution everything was good. Only thing is it was very difficult to make any connection as we are not told one important part of the story till the very end. Why is hyeon writing for sori. Coz it didn't make sense as he didn't know her but actually he did. This book is such a heartwarming and heartbreaking read. I had tears in my eyes when I finished it.

A story about friendship and love and warmth. It felt like a warm blanket.

Thank you Netgalley and yen press for the wonderful book in exchange of an honest review.

Lush with color and wonder, my teens at the library will love this graphic novel! I can't wait to read more.

The last page had me in tears! The three of them and their friendship is so wholesome and heartwarming. I'm rooting for everyone throughout this book, My only complaint is how Sori never mentioned she was sick and in the hospital growing up. I wish that was hinted at at least once to help with the transition before hearing both grew up in the same hospital. Otherwise, everything was beautiful!

Once again, you gotta wish life played out more like fiction. In books, high school involves stuff like fun scavenger hunts where you grow and become more self-assured, make cool friends, and get a smart, sensitive love interest as well. In real life, high school is awkwardness, misery, and being buried in homework and tests. :sighs:

Luckily we’ve got fiction to scratch that itch in our brains when it comes to high school, give us the resolutions and excitement we’ll never get in real life, along with protagonists we can live through vicariously and root for.

“Your Letter” gives us all of this along with truly gorgeous artwork, nearly all of it suitable for framing. I would love to read more about these characters and more of this writer’s works.

Actually, I already read the webcomic version a few years ago on Webtoon! It's a short comic and I finished it in one sitting.

I love the story. It's simple yet it's page-turner and entertaining. The story is really heart-warming. This book pulls me out of my reading slump. If you need a light reading to put you out of slump, you should give this book a try!

Review in exchange of ARC.

-----------------------------------------
♟️Rating:4/5⭐
-----------------------------------------
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review!

This was such a heartwarming story to read that definitely left a deep impression on me even though there’s only 10 chapters. It brought me back to the time when I was reading ‘How Do You Live’ by Genzaburo Yoshino. Simple and sweet, yet emotional. It’s almost magical at times like a studio ghibli film, yet it keeps us rooted to reality with its realistic portrayal of life.

The premise is actually very simple, a newly transferred girl from another school trying to find letters as if she’s on a small treasure hunt. Despite the simple premise, it touched on important topics such as bullying and friendship which is still a prominent issue in Korea. Moreover, I love the character dynamics and I adore how the characters start warming up to each other with each page. The pacing is quite well done considering how this is a pretty short comic, where the plot doesn’t dwell on for too long or is abruptly cut short. With that being said, there are some minor details which I wished were addressed more deeply, but even so it doesn’t ruin the pacing.

The stylistic art choice matches the premise very well and I appreciate how the artist redrew some of the panels so that it flows better in the paperback version. (Once again, I still wished that the panelling could be a little more experimental.)

Overall, one of the better webtoon I have discovered recently and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who’s looking for a quick emotional read after a long day at work.

This was such a beautifully written story.

Surely one of my top reads this year and something I will recommend.
I was initially intrigued by the "girl who stood up to a bully" premise, but this is much more than that - a heartwarming adventure, with many pure friendships, treasure hunts, and gentleness.

The art was wonderful and complimented the story.

10/10 from me.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for giving me this ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.

I love this. A light eye-pleasing graphic novel about friendship. It started off with something harsh, but turned out to be something powerful and inspiring. I kinda want to read more about them.

Loving the art styles and colour combination!!! Oh, and the little twist at the end.

If you're into friendship, treasure hunt, and standing up for bullies, give it a go!!!