🌞 Book Review: The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han
A nostalgic coming-of-age romance that captures the magic—and messiness—of growing up.
Jenny Han’s The Summer I Turned Pretty is the first book in her beloved Summer Trilogy, and it’s a sun-soaked, emotionally charged story that explores first love, family bonds, and the bittersweet transition from childhood to adulthood. With its dreamy beach setting and heartfelt drama, it’s no wonder this novel has become a YA classic and inspired a hit TV adaptation.
📖 Plot Summary
Every summer, Isabel “Belly” Conklin spends her vacation at Cousins Beach with her mom, her brother, and the Fisher family—especially Conrad and Jeremiah, the two brothers who’ve always been part of her life. But this summer is different. Belly’s grown up, and the boys are starting to notice.
As Belly navigates her feelings for both brothers, she also begins to uncover the deeper emotional currents running through the adults around her—especially the quiet sadness surrounding Susannah, the boys’ mother. What unfolds is a love triangle, a family drama, and a personal awakening all wrapped in the golden haze of summer.
💬 What Makes It Shine
- Atmospheric Setting: Han’s writing evokes the warmth, freedom, and melancholy of summer with vivid detail.
- Authentic Teen Voice: Belly’s narration is impulsive, emotional, and sometimes frustrating—but it feels real.
- Emotional Depth: Beneath the romance is a story about grief, change, and the complexity of growing up.
- Timeless Themes: First love, friendship, identity, and the ache of nostalgia are all front and center.
⭐ Reader Reception
- Goodreads Rating: 4.11/5 from over 760,000 readers
- Praise: Readers adore the emotional resonance and relatable teen drama.
- Criticism: Some find Belly’s indecision and immaturity grating, and the love triangle trope predictable.
As one reviewer put it:
“Jenny Han absolutely nails the summery vibe… but Belly? Oh, Belly. She’s just not my kind of protagonist.”
🏁 Final Verdict
The Summer I Turned Pretty is a tender, sun-drenched story that will resonate with anyone who remembers the intensity of their first crush or the bittersweetness of growing up. If you’re in the mood for a nostalgic escape with emotional highs and lows, this one’s worth diving into.
