The Summer I Turned Pretty Trilogy by Jenny Han is a captivating coming-of-age series that beautifully blends romance, nostalgia, and summer escapades, making it a must-read for fans of contemporary young adult fiction. I was drawn to this series due to my love for stories that capture the bittersweet nuances of teenage love and personal growth. Knowing it’s now an Original Series on Prime Video added to my curiosity about the source material. I wanted to discover what made Belly’s summer love story so compelling that it translated into a successful screen adaptation.
The boxed set includes all three novels: The Summer I Turned Pretty, It’s Not Summer Without You, and We’ll Always Have Summer. Belly’s journey at Cousins Beach is incredibly relatable, as she navigates the complexities of growing up alongside her childhood friends, the Fisher brothers, Conrad and Jeremiah. One of the standout elements of the series is Han’s ability to evoke a strong sense of place. I found myself longing for summer days, the salty air, and the feeling of carefree youth, which Han captures so vividly. The romance is layered, filled with tension and emotional depth, especially as Belly finds herself torn between the brothers who love her in different ways.
In terms of positives, I truly appreciated Han’s realistic portrayal of teenage heartbreak and the weight of choices that come with growing up. The emotional turmoil Belly experiences is both authentic and relatable. As she grapples with her feelings for Conrad and Jeremiah, I became invested in her journey, sympathizing with the difficulty of choosing between two love interests. It reflects a broader theme of accepting change, which resonated with me.
However, I can’t ignore some drawbacks that others have noted as well. At times, I found the pacing a bit uneven, particularly in the middle books. Some chapters dragged on where I felt a faster tempo might have maintained my engagement. Additionally, while Belly’s character development is significant, I occasionally wished to see more growth in the supporting characters, especially Conrad and Jeremiah, whose motivations sometimes felt under-explored.
Despite these minor setbacks, the overall reading experience exceeded my expectations. The heartfelt moments were balanced with fun, lighthearted summer adventures that made me smile. As the series reaches its climax, the stakes for Belly and her relationships are raised, and I was compelled to keep turning the pages, eager to see how everything unfolded.
The collection beautifully showcases the ups and downs of love, loss, and self-discovery, making it a commendable read for anyone who appreciates emotional journeys set against the backdrop of warm summer nights. Whether you’re a fan of young adult romance or simply looking for a series to binge-read, I wholeheartedly recommend The Summer I Turned Pretty trilogy. It’s a charming escape to a world filled with love, laughter, and the intricate dance of growing up.