Book Summary
Jenny Han’s The Summer I Turned Pretty follows 15-year-old Belly (Isabel) as she returns to Cousins Beach for her annual summer vacation with her family and their close friends, the Fishers. This year, however, everything changes when brothers Conrad and Jeremiah—her lifelong crushes—start seeing her as more than just “little Belly.” What unfolds is a sun-drenched coming-of-age story blending first love, family secrets, and the bittersweet pain of growing up .
The novel alternates between present-day summer events and flashbacks to previous summers, creating a layered narrative about how relationships evolve. While the love triangle drives much of the plot, deeper themes emerge through subplots like Susannah Fisher’s battle with cancer and the complex dynamics between the adults. Some critics note the protagonist’s immaturity , but others argue this authentically captures teenage self-absorption .
Key Themes
The Illusion of Summer Perfection: Han contrasts Belly’s romanticized view of summer (“everything magical happens between June and August”) with harsh realities like illness and heartbreak. The beach house becomes a metaphor for clinging to childhood even as adulthood looms .
First Love vs. Familial Love: Belly’s relationships with Conrad and Jeremiah blur lines between romantic and brotherly love, creating tension. The novel explores whether childhood attachments can mature into healthy romances .
What Makes It Unique
Atmosphere as Character: Han’s vivid descriptions of beach bonfires, midnight swims, and lazy porch days make the setting feel alive. Readers consistently praise how the novel “transports you to summer” .
Flawed but Relatable Protagonist: Unlike typical YA heroines, Belly is unapologetically self-centered—obsessing over boys while ignoring serious family issues. This polarizing trait sparks debate about authentic teen portrayal versus likability .
Reader Reactions
Fan reviews highlight the book’s nostalgic appeal: “It made me remember my own summer crushes!” . However, some criticize the love triangle’s predictability, with Conrad’s brooding archetype feeling “overdone”. The TV adaptation has renewed interest, with many viewers appreciating how the show expands on secondary characters like Susannah .
Goodreads shows divided ratings (27% 5-star vs. 28% 3-star), reflecting how Belly’s characterization either resonates or frustrates readers. Team Conrad vs. Team Jeremiah debates dominate online discussions .
About the Author
Jenny Han is a #1 NYT bestselling author best known for the To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before series. Before her Netflix fame, she wrote The Summer I Turned Pretty trilogy (2009-2011), drawing from her love of coastal summers and complex family dynamics .
While this early work shows less polish than her later books, it established Han’s signature style: wistful nostalgia, multi-generational storytelling, and romantic tension balanced with emotional depth .
Memorable Quotes
“It was a summer I’d never, ever forget. It was the summer everything began. It was the summer I turned pretty.”
“Moments, when lost, can’t be found again. They’re just gone.”
Where to Buy or Download PDF of The Summer I Turned Pretty
- Amazon (paperback)
- Bookshop.org (Support indie stores)
- Goodreads (3.8/5 from 1M+ ratings)