Review of The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han
When I first picked up The Summer I Turned Pretty, I was drawn in by the universal notion of summer—a season filled with nostalgia, warmth, and the sweet ache of first love. Jenny Han, the author of the well-loved To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, has this incredible gift for capturing the essence of young love, and The Summer I Turned Pretty is no exception. As I turned each page, I found myself reminiscing about my own teenage summers, and it became evident that this book is more than just a coming-of-age story; it’s a celebration of the moments that shape us.
At the heart of the novel is Isabel “Belly” Conklin, a relatable protagonist who measures her life in summers spent at her family’s beach house. These summers are filled with adventure, laughter, and, of course, the complicated dynamics of adolescence, particularly her relationships with the Fisher brothers—Jeremiah and Conrad. As I navigated through Belly’s journey, I felt the weight of her anticipation and the bittersweet nature of growing up. Her crush on the aloof Conrad and her friendship with the charming Jeremiah create a poignant love triangle that pulses with the intensity of first love and heartache.
One of the themes that struck me the most was the struggle for identity during the tumultuous transition from childhood to adulthood. Belly isn’t just grappling with boys; she’s also dealing with her place in a world where her childhood friends have now changed in unexpected ways. I found myself rooting for Belly as she navigated this delicate balance, often reflecting on what it means to be desired and the often-unmet expectations that come with it.
Han’s writing style is conversational yet poetic, making me feel like I was deep inside Belly’s head. There’s a knack for capturing fleeting moments—a first kiss, a joyful laughter shared, or the ache of lingering glances—each feels like a tangible thread woven into the fabric of summer. I particularly loved the way she uses flashbacks effectively; they add layers to the story, illustrating both Belly’s growth and the relationships that evolve over time. For example, the moment she recalls her younger self, full of longing and awkwardness, serves as a powerful reminder of how we all grow yet sometimes stay the same at heart.
Throughout the novel, I found myself captivated by its emotional depth. Not only does it celebrate youthful exuberance, but it also touches upon deeper themes like friendship, loss, and the complexities of family dynamics. Belly’s relationship with her mother and her friend Susannah adds further richness to the narrative, as it reflects the multifaceted experiences of women across generations.
If you’re looking for a book that resonates with the visceral, heart-fluttering essence of young love, The Summer I Turned Pretty is a must-read. It captures the essence of those formative years, reminding us that while summers may fade, the memories linger on. I found closure in Belly’s story, and as the last page turned, I couldn’t help but feel that I had relived my own "summer of growing up." Perfect for fans of contemporary romance, YA literature, or anyone who cherishes the beauty of summertime memories, this book will leave you longing for your own summer moments while reflecting on the bittersweet journey of life itself.
So grab your favorite beach towel, settle into your sunniest spot, and allow Jenny Han to whisk you away to a summer that’s just as beautiful as it is complicated. You won’t want to miss out.
You can find The Summer I Turned Pretty (Summer I Turned Pretty, The) here >>