The Summer I Turned Pretty Book Summary
“The Summer I Turned Pretty” by Jenny Han is a coming-of-age story about a girl named Belly Conklin and the summers that changed her life. The book is filled with themes of love, friendship, and family, all set against the backdrop of a picturesque beach town.
Belly looks forward to every summer because she spends it at Cousins Beach with her family and the Fisher family. Susannah Fisher, her mom’s best friend, owns a beautiful beach house where they all stay. Susannah’s sons, Conrad and Jeremiah, have been a big part of Belly’s life for as long as she can remember. Every summer, Belly hopes this will be when everything changes.
The book begins with Belly arriving at Cousins Beach for another summer. But this year feels different. Belly is no longer a little girl; she’s turning sixteen, and people start to notice. “It was the summer I turned pretty,” she says, capturing the essence of this transformative time in her life.
Belly has always had a crush on Conrad, the older Fisher brother. He’s mysterious, brooding, and doesn’t seem to notice Belly the way she wants him to. Jeremiah, on the other hand, is sweet and fun, and he’s always treated Belly like a best friend. This summer, Belly finds herself caught between the two brothers, leading to a lot of emotional turmoil.
Throughout the summer, Belly navigates her feelings for both Conrad and Jeremiah. She spends time with Conrad, hoping he will finally see her as more than just a little sister. But Conrad is dealing with his own issues and keeps pushing Belly away. Jeremiah, always the reliable friend, starts to show signs that he might have deeper feelings for Belly, too.
The story also touches on the relationships between the parents. Belly’s mother, Laurel, and Susannah share a deep bond, but there’s tension as well. Susannah is hiding a serious illness from the kids, which adds a layer of sadness to the otherwise carefree summer.
One memorable quote from the book is when Belly reflects on her feelings: “I’d ached for him for so long, and he didn’t even know it. I’d loved him for so long, and he was completely unaware.” This quote encapsulates the heartache and longing Belly feels throughout the summer.
As the summer progresses, Belly’s emotions become more complicated. She enjoys the attention from boys at the beach, but her heart remains torn between Conrad and Jeremiah. A pivotal moment occurs during the Fourth of July celebration when tensions between the characters come to a head. Secrets are revealed, and relationships are tested.
Belly’s journey in “The Summer I Turned Pretty” is not just about her romantic interests. It’s also about growing up, understanding herself, and dealing with the complexities of family dynamics. She learns that love is not always straightforward and that growing up means facing difficult truths.
By the end of the summer, Belly realizes that things will never be the same. The carefree days of childhood are behind her, and she is entering a more complicated world. Jenny Han beautifully captures this transition with her engaging writing and relatable characters.
“The Summer I Turned Pretty” is a heartfelt story that resonates with anyone who has experienced the bittersweet moments of growing up. Jenny Han’s portrayal of first love, heartbreak, and the bonds of family and friendship make this book a memorable read.