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."



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