Name: The Summer I Turned Pretty The bestselling YA romance, now a major TV series
Rating: 7.46 (1171236 reviews)
Author: Jenny Han
ISBN: 9780141956749

For Belly, summer has always been the most important time of year. It means freedom from school, salty air, and, most importantly, the beach house at Cousins Beach. Every June, she reunites with the Fisher boys, Jeremiah and Conrad, who have been her summer brothers, her crushes, and her constants. They've spent every summer together, but this year is different. This is the summer Belly turns sixteen. The summer everything begins to change.

Suddenly, she is no longer the invisible little sister figure. Both Conrad, the moody and distant boy she has always loved, and Jeremiah, the reliable and friendly one, see her in a new light. As the long, hazy days unfold, Belly finds herself caught between first love, friendship, and the painful beauty of growing up. This one perfect, terrible summer will challenge everything she thought she knew about her own heart and the boys she thought she would always have by her side.

Subjects

Positives

"The Summer I Turned Pretty" is lauded by many readers as a charming and comforting summer read, praised for its ability to evoke nostalgia for teenage years and first loves. Reviewers often commend author Jenny Han for her talent in conveying emotions and capturing the tumultuous experience of adolescence, making characters and their struggles feel authentic to some. The idyllic seaside setting is a significant draw, contributing to the book's overall appeal and creating a desirable backdrop for the story. Certain characters, particularly Conrad, are frequently described as alluring and captivating, while the unfolding "love square" is seen as intense and engaging by those who enjoyed the romantic drama. The writing style is also appreciated by some for its elegant flow and realistic portrayal of teenage dialogue and internal thoughts, which made the protagonist, Belly, feel relatable to certain readers.

Negatives

Conversely, a significant portion of reviewers express strong dissatisfaction, primarily with the protagonist, Belly, describing her as immature, selfish, whiny, and difficult to connect with. Her actions and thoughts, particularly concerning family, friends, and sensitive situations, are frequently criticized for a perceived lack of depth and empathy. The central love triangle, or "love square," is a major point of contention, with many finding Belly's indecision irritating and the premise of crushing on two brothers off-putting. Critics also often find the plot to be simple, lacking complexity, and note that "nothing happened" for much of the book. The writing style, while praised by some, is deemed simplistic and disjointed by others, with random shifts in timeline and too much dialogue without sufficient emotional impact. Some reviewers also voice concerns regarding the portrayal of consent within the story.

Conclusion

Overall, "The Summer I Turned Pretty" elicits highly polarized opinions, with readers either loving its emotional resonance and nostalgic appeal or strongly disliking its protagonist and perceived lack of substance. It is recommended for readers who enjoy light, character-driven young adult romance, especially those who appreciate summer settings and can overlook character flaws or find them relatable to the teenage experience. The book may particularly appeal to those seeking a comforting read focused on first loves and changing friendships. However, readers who prefer complex plots, mature protagonists, or have low tolerance for common romance tropes may find it frustrating.