The Summer I Turned Pretty (new season)
“The Summer I Turned
Pretty“ is a captivating young adult novel written by Jenny Han that
transports readers into the world of Isabel “Belly” Conklin. Set
against the backdrop of a summer beach house, the story follows Belly’s
transformative journey of self-discovery, love, and growing up.
Belly has spent every summer of
her life at the beach house, accompanied by her mother, her mother’s best
friend Susannah, and Susannah’s two sons, Jeremiah and Conrad. However, this
particular summer proves to be different from the rest. As Belly enters her
sixteenth year, she starts to realize that she’s no longer the little girl they
once knew. She’s blossomed into a young woman, and the boys begin to take
notice.
Her long-standing crush on
Conrad, the brooding and mysterious older brother, becomes more intense. Belly
has always yearned for his attention and affection, but he has never
reciprocated her feelings. This summer, though, there seems to be a shift.
Conrad starts to show glimpses of interest, drawing Belly into a whirlwind of
conflicting emotions.
- As Belly navigates her feelings
for Conrad, she forms an unexpected connection with Jeremiah, the kind and
thoughtful younger brother. They begin spending more time together, sharing
secrets and creating memories. Jeremiah’s presence becomes a source of comfort
for Belly, causing her to question her initial infatuation with Conrad. - Amidst the complicated love
triangle, Belly also grapples with changes in her relationships with Susannah
and her mother. Susannah, who has been like a second mother to Belly, reveals
that she is battling cancer. The gravity of Susannah’s illness forces Belly to
confront her own mortality and the fragility of life. - Throughout the summer, Belly
finds herself torn between the familiar and the unknown, between the longing
for what was and the excitement of what could be. She learns that growing up
means facing difficult choices and embracing the uncertainties that lie ahead.
The story beautifully captures the bittersweet essence of coming of age and the
profound impact that pivotal summers can have on shaping one’s identity.
“The Summer I Turned
Pretty” is a poignant and heartfelt exploration of love, loss, friendship,
and personal growth. Jenny Han’s evocative writing immerses readers in the
sun-soaked world of the beach house, making them feel the warmth of the sand
between their toes and the tug of conflicting emotions in their hearts. As
Belly’s summer unfolds, readers are taken on an emotional rollercoaster,
experiencing the highs and lows of her journey towards self-discovery and
understanding.
This enchanting novel leaves
readers eagerly reaching for the next installment, eager to continue Belly’s
story in “It’s Not Summer Without You” and “We’ll Always Have
Summer.”
