The Summer I Turned Pretty Book Review
Note: I am so sorry! I know it’s been almost a MONTH since the last review I posted. This is most definitely NOT a habit I intend on having. I’ve been having a few technical difficulties on my end, most of which I have fixed, but some I’m still working through. Again, I’m sorry for this lapse, and hope I never need to go that long between reviews again ❤️.
The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han book review and recommendation with NO SPOILERS
Date: 8-03-25 Post Written By: MK Overall Rating: 6.9/10
Book Cover Rating: 9.2/10
(My personal opinion)
Title: The Summer I Turned Pretty
Author: Jenny Han
Pages: 276
Genre: Young Adult, Romance
Subplots: Summer Read
Romance Level: 2/3 (no spice, but prominent part of plot)
Series: Summer #1
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers
First Published: 2009
Number of Editions: 157
Goodreads Rating: 3.75/5
Number of Goodreads Ratings: 1,009,334
Amazon Rating: 4.4/5
Number of Amazon Ratings: 59,202
Common Sense Media Age Recommendation: 13+
Movie/TV Show?? : Yes! TV show!
Book Type: Standard
POV Type: Single, First Person
Pacing: Medium
Hook: To Belly, all that matters is summer. Everything in life is either summer, or anticipation of it. After all, her summers feel perfect. Summer means spending three whole months at her beach house. Well, technically, it’s not hers, it’s Susannah's. Susannah, who has been friends with Belly’s mom for years, and her two sons, Jeremiah and Conrad. Belly has been spending summers at the beach house with them for her whole life. Summer, and the people who come with it, means everything to her. But, summer is changing: in some ways for the better, some for the worse.
My Review
Main Characters:
Isabel (Belly) Conklin- Belly is a 15 year old girl. She LOVES summer, and feels that the rest of the year is in anticipation of it. She does not like being treated as a kid (though often is), and has a bit of an impulsive streak. She can be sweet and kind, but is also stubborn at times. She has been going to the summer house for her whole life.
Conrad Fisher- Conrad has also been going to the summer house for his whole life. He is 17 years old. He is adventurous and bold, but also often described as ‘dark and brooding.’ He often deeply suppresses his emotions.
Jeremiah Fisher- Jeremiah is Conrad’s younger brother so, of course, he’s been going to the summer house for his whole life too. He is 16 years old, and plays football. He is more expressive and likes having a good time.
To be completely honest: I liked these characters, and they felt very relatable at times. But, some of them were SO overly dramatic. NO hate, but they just graded on me at times. The way they talked and acted felt so cliche and clingy sometimes. Overall, I still liked them, and it was really interesting to see their unique dynamics. They went through some growth and development, and some of their personalities did have surprises in them.
Character Rating: 5.9/10
Setting:
This book takes place in Cousins Beach, North Carolina.
A large portion of this book is centered around of the idea of this ‘perfect’ beach house. And the writing certainly described it as one! Details were constantly being added for the reader about the house. It truly felt like a peace, safe place. Jenny Han did a great job with these descriptions!
Setting Rating: 9.0/10
Plot:
This book’s plot was entertaining, but it honestly wasn’t much else to me. I wanted to keep reading, but was fully aware of the fact that it had a certain, shallow feeling. It had a more simplistic, beachy vibe to it, which makes perfect sense given its main topic, but it’s just something to be aware of. It was a carefree read, just the thing you are looking for sometimes, but other times….not so much.
Plot Rating: 5.6/10
Writing:
I really think Jenny Han’s writing matched the book well. It was simplistic, but entertaining. I learned a lot about Belly by reading her thoughts and motives- I’m so glad Jenny chose for this book to be written in first person. I see why she is such a loved author. Her writing is easy to follow, and makes the book feel like comfort read.
Writing Rating: 8.5/10
Ending:
People who truly loved book one, probably do run to the bookstore once this finishes. I really didn’t even see it as an ‘ending’. There wasn’t much buildup, just some lingering questions. It clearly flows right into book two, and was CLEARLY not meant to be read as a standalone book. I didn’t quite see it as having any ‘cliffhangers’, but it did leave you wanting to know more. I almost feel like this book was just written to get you hooked into the series. I hope the next few books really get into plot and growth.
Ending Rating: 5.9/10
The Overall:
Overall, I would describe this book as a fun, entertaining book…but not much else. It felt simplistic and…..don’t hate me….. shallow sometimes. There is absolutely a time and a place for that! This book seems like a great, easy, comfort read. When it comes to the plot, I didn’t really feel like there was much. It was entertaining, but don’t expect anything too deep. The characters were fun and relatable most of the time, but honestly, they also felt almost clingy. Some of their motives and actions felt VERY cliche. The writing definitely matched this book, easy to read, fun, entertaining, but shallow. So, I really see why some people LOVE this book. It’s a super easy one to fly through. It’s a great, beachy read. Just do not go into it with any high expectations for deep plot or thoughts.
Overall Book Rating: 6.9/10
I would maybe recommend this book
Would recommend if looking for: An easy, carefree, summer romance book.
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Or buy on Amazon: The Summer I Turned Pretty
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Author of The Summer I Turned Pretty series, To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, and more
Co-showrunner of The Summer I Turned Pretty
Her books have been published in a variety of languages
Born in Virginia
For more information, view Jenny Han’s website: jennyhan.com
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Extra!! For those who have read this book, are you team Conrad, Jeremiah, or Cam??
So, was The Summer I Turned Pretty book worth the hype??
I would lean towards…..no. I certainly wasn’t impressed, BUT, I do think this book did a great job being a simple, beach read. I definitely see how people could fall in love with this book, and the idea behind it. Personally, I just don’t think it was nearly the “Best book I’ve ever read” like some people describe it as.
What did you think of this book??
Reach out below anytime! Whether to share your opinion of this book, comment on mine, ask for similar suggestions, or ask for more clarity/spoilers for this book. I’d love to answer any questions, share more opinions, or hear your thoughts!! Thanks so much!!
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