“It was a summer I’d never, ever forget. It was the summer everything began. It was the summer I turned pretty.”
— Jenny Han, The Summer I Turned Pretty

Summer has a way of changing things. It’s a season of firsts—first love, first heartbreak, and first big changes. The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han perfectly captures that feeling. It’s a story about growing up, falling in love, and learning that not everything stays the same.

I picked up this book expecting a lighthearted summer romance, but it turned out to be much more. It’s about family, friendship, and the bittersweet moments that shape us. Belly, the main character, has spent every summer at Cousins Beach, but this year is different. The Fisher brothers—Conrad and Jeremiah—see her in a new way. And she starts seeing them differently, too.

In this review, I’ll share my thoughts on the plot, characters, and writing to help you decide if this book is worth reading.

About the Book

The Summer I Turned Pretty is a young adult contemporary romance novel written by Jenny Han, the bestselling author of To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before. This book, the first in a trilogy, tells the story of Isabel “Belly” Conklin, a teenage girl who spends her summers at Cousins Beach with her mother, brother, and the Fisher family.

Every summer has felt the same—until this one. Belly is older now, and for the first time, she is being noticed differently, particularly by the Fisher brothers, Conrad and Jeremiah. But with this new attention comes complicated emotions, heartbreak, and the realization that growing up isn’t as magical as she once thought.

Jenny Han’s novel explores love, nostalgia, self-discovery, and family dynamics, making it more than just a romance—it’s a coming-of-age story filled with bittersweet moments.

Plot Summary

• Isabel “Belly” Conklin: The protagonist, who has always had a crush on Conrad but starts seeing both Fisher brothers differently this summer.
• Conrad Fisher: The brooding and emotionally complex older Fisher brother, who is distant and carrying unspoken burdens.
• Jeremiah Fisher: The charming and easygoing younger Fisher brother who is always there to support Belly.
• Susannah Fisher: The loving and warm-hearted mother of Conrad and Jeremiah, who shares a deep bond with Belly and her mother.
• Laurel Conklin: Belly’s strong-willed and practical mother who wants to keep her daughter grounded.

Belly has spent every summer at Cousins Beach, but this one feels different. She has matured, and for the first time, Conrad and Jeremiah start noticing her in a romantic way.

However, Conrad is distant and moody, dealing with personal struggles that he won’t talk about. Belly has always loved him, but his unpredictable nature leaves her confused and heartbroken. Meanwhile, Jeremiah remains her fun, loyal friend, and it soon becomes clear that he might feel something more for her.

As the summer progresses, Belly experiences first love, jealousy, heartbreak, and self-discovery, all against the backdrop of family secrets and an unforgettable summer. By the end of the book, she realizes that growing up is more complicated than she ever expected.

My Review

Writing Style & Pacing

Jenny Han’s writing is simple yet engaging, making the book an easy and immersive read. The novel is written from Belly’s first-person perspective, which helps readers feel connected to her emotions. The flashbacks interwoven throughout the book provide depth and allow us to see how the relationships between the characters have developed over the years.

The pacing is steady, though some readers might find it a bit slow at times. Since the novel is more character-driven than plot-heavy, it focuses a lot on Belly’s internal thoughts, past summers, and subtle emotional shifts rather than dramatic events.

Themes & Emotional Impact

One of the book’s strongest aspects is how it captures the nostalgia of summers, growing up, and first love. The story isn’t just about romance—it also explores:

• Coming-of-age experiences: Belly is learning that love, relationships, and growing up are more complicated than she imagined.
• Family bonds & struggles: The relationships between the parents and children, especially Susannah’s storyline, add emotional weight to the story.
• Unspoken emotions: A lot of what happens between Belly, Conrad, and Jeremiah is about what isn’t said, making it feel more realistic.

Things I Loved About the Book

1. The Setting – Cousins Beach: The descriptions of the summer house, the ocean, bonfires, and lazy beach days make this book feel like a nostalgic summer memory.

2. The Emotional Depth: While it appears to be a light romance, the book has deeper themes of loss, change, and self-growth, making it emotionally impactful.

3. Complex Characters: The Fisher brothers and Belly feel realistic and flawed. They don’t always say or do the right things, which makes them more human.

4. Family Dynamics: The relationship between Belly and her mother, as well as Susannah’s presence in the story, adds a layer of emotional warmth and heartbreak.

Things That Could Have Been Better

1. Belly’s Immaturity: While Belly’s perspective is authentic to a teenage girl, there are moments where she comes across as self-centered and naive.

2. Conrad’s Distant Behavior: Conrad’s brooding personality makes him intriguing, but his lack of communication can sometimes frustrate Belly and the readers.

3. The Love Triangle Feels Predictable: Although Jeremiah and Conrad are very different, the love triangle dynamic is one we’ve seen before in many YA books.

EXPLICIT SPOILER WARNING

• Susannah’s Illness: The revelation that Susannah is battling cancer adds a heartbreaking layer to the story. This explains a lot about Conrad’s distant behavior, as he is struggling to cope with this reality.
• Belly and Conrad’s Tension: Their relationship is filled with silent longing, missed moments, and heartbreak, making their connection a slow burn rather than an instant romance.
• Jeremiah’s Confession: Jeremiah starts developing romantic feelings for Belly, setting up the love triangle that will play out in the next books.

Ratings and Reader Opinions

“Moments, when lost, can’t be found again. They’re just gone.”

Goodreads Rating & Reader Opinions

• Goodreads Rating: 3.9/5
• Total Ratings: 400,000+ reviews

Goodreads Reader Reviews:

• “A beautifully nostalgic book that captures the feeling of summers and first love.” – 4 stars
• “Loved the emotional depth but wished for better character development.” – 3.5 stars
• “A perfect summer read, but Belly’s decisions frustrated me!” – 3 stars

Amazon Reviews:

• “Jenny Han’s writing makes you feel like you’re experiencing summer along with Belly.” – 5 stars
• “Conrad was too closed off for my liking, but the book’s atmosphere was amazing.” – 4 stars

What Authors Have to Say About the Book

Many well-known authors have praised The Summer I Turned Pretty for its emotional storytelling and nostalgic charm.

• Sarah Dessen, bestselling author of Just Listen and The Truth About Forever, said:
  “Jenny Han captures the magic of summer and the bittersweet beauty of growing up. This book is full of warmth, longing, and emotions that feel so real.”
• Morgan Matson, author of Since You’ve Been Gone, wrote:
  “A perfect summer novel—full of romance, family, and heart. Jenny Han’s storytelling is effortless, making you wish you were spending your own summer at Cousins Beach.”
• Stephanie Perkins, author of Anna and the French Kiss, called it:
  “A nostalgic, dreamy story that makes you feel like you’re experiencing first love all over again.”

The book has resonated with both readers and writers because it perfectly captures the emotional intensity of being a teenager, with all the excitement, heartbreak, and lessons that come with it.

Is Reading The Summer I Turned Pretty Worth It?

“Everything good, everything magical happens between the months of June and August.”
— Jenny Han, The Summer I Turned Pretty

Reading The Summer I Turned Pretty is like stepping into a nostalgic summer memory—warm, bittersweet, and unforgettable. The book isn’t just about romance; it’s a story of growing up, shifting relationships, and the moments that shape us.

Jenny Han’s writing captures the essence of summer, making Cousins Beach feel like a real place, full of tradition and change. Readers who love atmospheric settings and emotionally layered storytelling will find themselves completely immersed.

One of the strongest aspects of the book is its relatable coming-of-age themes. Belly’s journey isn’t just about love; it’s about learning to see people for who they truly are, dealing with unspoken emotions, and realizing that childhood summers don’t last forever.

The story also explores family bonds and personal growth, particularly through Belly’s relationship with her mother and Susannah. There is a sense of melancholy woven into the warmth, making the book feel both lighthearted and deeply emotional at the same time.

However, the novel has its flaws. Belly’s immaturity and self-centeredness can be frustrating, as she often focuses more on her romantic dilemmas than the bigger changes happening around her. Conrad, while an interesting and complex character, is so emotionally distant at times that it’s hard to connect with him.

Readers who prefer fast-paced, action-driven plots may also find the story too slow and introspective. The love triangle feels predictable, especially for those familiar with YA romance tropes, though the emotions behind it feel authentic.

For those who enjoy YA contemporary romance, character-driven stories, and slow-burn relationships, this book is worth reading. If you love coming-of-age stories with emotional depth, you’ll appreciate the way Jenny Han explores first love, heartbreak, and the passage of time.

If you prefer dramatic, high-stakes romance with bold declarations and twists, this book might not be for you.

Ultimately, The Summer I Turned Pretty is a quiet, nostalgic, and emotional read. It may not be for everyone, but for those who appreciate stories about love, loss, and the fleeting nature of summer, it’s a book that stays with you long after the last page.

If You Like These Genres or Story Arcs, You Should Try It

• YA Contemporary Romance: If you love books that focus on first love, self-discovery, and emotional storytelling, this book will appeal to you.
• Coming-of-Age Stories: If you enjoy books where the protagonist learns life lessons, navigates family relationships, and experiences personal growth, this is a great pick.
• Love Triangles with Emotional Depth: If you liked To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before or The Selection, this book has similar elements of romantic tension and character-driven drama.
• Summery, Nostalgic Reads: If you’re looking for a book that feels like summer and captures the magic of warm, unforgettable days, this one delivers.

Similar Books If You Enjoyed This One

If you liked The Summer I Turned Pretty, you might also enjoy:

• To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han
• It’s Not Summer Without You by Jenny Han
• We’ll Always Have Summer by Jenny Han
• We Were Liars by E. Lockhart
• Love & Gelato by Jenna Evans Welch
• Since You’ve Been Gone by Morgan Matson
• Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson

Which Jenny Han Book Should You Read Next?

• If you want more of Belly’s story, finish The Summer I Turned Pretty trilogy.
• If you love sweet and heartwarming romance, start To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before.
• If you’re in the mood for a darker, revenge-driven plot, try Burn for Burn.
• If you want a fun, lighthearted read for younger audiences, go for Clara Lee and the Apple Pie Dream.