Hi guys it’s Chloë, and I’m so excited to be sharing my thoughts on The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han. This book has been all over the place lately—whether it’s popping up on TikTok or being featured on Amazon Prime, it seems like everyone’s talking about it! So, what’s the deal? Is this really the ultimate summer read, or is it just over hyped? Well, I’m here to tell you all about it, from the characters to the drama, and everything in between. So grab your favorite iced drink, get cozy, and let’s dive in!
The Story (No Spoilers, I Promise!)
The Summer I Turned Pretty follows Isabel “Belly” Conklin, a teenage girl who spends her summers with her mom and brother at a beach house with family friends, the Fishers. But this summer is different—Belly isn’t the awkward, gangly girl she used to be. Now, she’s caught in a whirlwind of emotions as she tries to navigate her changing relationships with the two Fisher brothers, Conrad and Jeremiah. The story is equal parts heartwarming and heartbreaking, exploring everything from first love and complicated friendships to the bittersweet feeling of growing up and realizing that things are never quite the same.
The book captures that golden time of year when everything feels possible, and yet, you can’t help but notice that things are slipping away. It’s the kind of story that makes you feel like you’re on a summer vacation you never want to end. There’s romance, drama, and plenty of moments that’ll have you nodding along or wiping away a tear. Belly’s journey is messy, emotional, and totally relatable for anyone who’s ever felt like they’re caught between childhood and adulthood.
Rating the Story
Plot (9/10):
Okay, let’s talk about the plot. The storyline itself is captivating and kept me hooked from start to finish. What I loved most was how the book explores the dynamics of family and friendships in a very real, relatable way. Belly’s relationship with her mom, her brother, and the Fishers is at the heart of this story, and it really creates a lot of emotional depth. I also loved the romantic tension between Belly and the two brothers—Conrad and Jeremiah. It’s got that perfect mix of slow burn and high stakes that makes you want to keep reading.
However, there were some parts where I felt the plot got a little forced. Some of the drama between the characters, especially with Jeremiah, seemed a bit exaggerated for the sake of creating tension. I found myself rolling my eyes in a few places, like when certain emotional moments seemed to come out of nowhere or were dragged out a little too long. That being said, the overall plot still has a lot of great moments, and I’m all about that nostalgic summer vibe, so I can definitely forgive a few plot hiccups.
Writing (8/10):
When it comes to Jenny Han’s writing, I think it really shines in the way she captures emotions. The book has a very easygoing, approachable style that lets you fall into the world of Belly and her summer adventures without feeling overwhelmed by complicated prose. The writing style is light and breezy, which is perfect for a beach read. Han also does a great job of describing the setting—the beach house, the ocean breeze, and the family gatherings all feel very tangible, almost like you’re there with the characters.
That said, while the writing is pleasant, it’s not exactly groundbreaking. Some of the dialogue felt a little forced, and there were moments where I could predict exactly what was going to happen next. The repetitive emotional beats were another issue for me—it felt like we were getting the same thoughts and feelings from Belly over and over again without much new insight. But again, it didn’t stop me from loving the story—there’s just something about the way Han creates these characters that makes you want to keep reading, even if the writing isn’t perfect.
Interest Level (8/10):
Overall, my interest in The Summer I Turned Pretty was high for most of the book. I was genuinely invested in Belly’s emotional journey and the ups and downs of her summer with the Fishers. The story is easy to get into, with enough twists and turns to keep you hooked, especially with the love triangle and family drama.
However, there were moments that felt a bit forced, particularly in the love triangle. The romantic tension sometimes seemed dialed up for drama, which made it feel less natural. Plus, Belly often revisits the same thoughts about her feelings for Conrad and Jeremiah, leading to a bit of repetitiveness that dragged the pacing down. Still, I was emotionally invested enough to keep reading, so while it wasn’t perfect, I remained engaged with Belly’s journey.
Final Thoughts
In the end, The Summer I Turned Pretty is a beautifully nostalgic and emotionally charged book that’s perfect for anyone looking for a summer read filled with all the drama, love, and growing pains that come with adolescence. While the writing isn’t the most complex and some parts of the plot feel a little forced, the overall experience of reading this book is worth it for anyone who enjoys a good coming-of-age story. Belly’s journey is one many of us can relate to—finding ourselves in the in-between spaces of growing up and trying to figure out what love, family, and friendship truly mean.
So, if you’re looking for a book that’ll give you all the feels and remind you of those carefree summer days, I definitely recommend picking it up. And if you’re ready to dive into The Summer I Turned Pretty for yourself, you can grab a copy through my Amazon link https://a.co/d/13DIlFQ. Trust me, you won’t regret it!
Oh, and before you go—stay tuned! I’ll be reviewing the The Summer I Turned Pretty Netflix series next.
Until next time,
Chloe