I recently dove into The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han, and let me tell you, it was an emotional and nostalgia-filled journey through young love and coming-of-age struggles. I’ve always had a penchant for stories that delve into the complexities of youth, particularly those that beautifully capture the bittersweet nature of first love. When I stumbled across this title—especially being part of the much-loved Summer trilogy—I felt an undeniable pull to read it both for its reputation and its enchanting cover.
The premise of the book is compelling, with Belly Conklin measuring her life in summers, and everything good happening during those sun-drenched months at Cousins Beach. It’s a tale of her evolving relationships with the Fisher boys—Jeremiah and Conrad—who’ve been part of her life since childhood. Reading about Belly’s progression from a girl desperately trying to fit in with the boys to navigating the waters of adolescence and conflicting emotions was captivating.
One of the standout elements for me was the nuanced exploration of friendship and romantic crushes. Belly’s relationship dynamics with Jeremiah, who’s the goofball and her steadfast friend, and Conrad, the aloof yet mysteriously captivating older brother, were portrayed authentically. The way Han weaved in Belly’s childhood memories into the present timeline elevated the storytelling, making it relatable and poignant. It almost felt like a love letter to the innocence and complexities of young love, a sentiment echoed by another reader who described the writing as such.
However, I wouldn’t be honest without mentioning a couple of drawbacks. While the overall emotional depth was engaging, some parts dragged slightly, especially when certain reflections felt repetitive. At times it was a bit challenging to keep track of the timeline shifts that jumped between Belly’s various ages—12, 15, and so forth. I found myself agreeing with a review that pointed out how these jumps could be confusing and detract from the immersion in the story when they felt abrupt.
That said, the emotional weight of Belly’s experiences—the first kiss, first love, and even the heartaches—were beautifully captured and made me reflect on my own summers of youth. Han’s prose is gentle, reminiscent of a warm summer breeze, pulling you into Belly’s world with ease. The coming-of-age aspects are prevalent, shedding light on not only Belly’s evolution but also offering glimpses into the complicated lives of the adults around her—particularly her mother and Susannah.
Overall, while the pacing had its moments of unevenness, the emotional resonance of the narrative more than compensated, making me invested in Belly’s journey and her love triangle. I walked away not just entertained but deeply touched by the tale.
In conclusion, The Summer I Turned Pretty is a delightful summer read that makes you feel all the feels associated with growing up—beautifully complicated friendships, slow-burning crushes, and the inevitable heartaches that come with first loves. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone who appreciates contemporary romance and the poignant bittersweetness of adolescence. Whether you’re a teen or just nostalgic for your own summers gone by, there’s something here for everyone. I, for one, can’t wait to continue Belly’s journey in the next two books!
“Discover the unforgettable journey of love and self-discovery in The Summer I Turned Pretty.” >>