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Review: The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han

by Sophia Downey

Our Youth Literacy Ambassador Sophia Downey shares her thoughts on The Summer I Turned Pretty, written by New York Times bestselling YA author Jenny Han.

About The Summer I Turned Pretty:

Every year Isabel spends a perfect summer at her favourite place in the world - the Fisher family's beach house. It has everything a girl could want: a swimming pool, a private stretch of sandy beach, and two (very cute) boys:

Unavailable, aloof Conrad - who she's been in love with forever Friendly, relaxed Jeremiah- the only one who's ever really paid her any attention.

But this year something is different. This year, the boys seem to really notice Isabel for the first time. It's going to be an amazing summer - and one she'll never forget.

Borrow a copy of The Summer I Turned Pretty on our catalogue.

Sophia's review:

The Summer I Turned Pretty is a heartfelt book full of teen summer love and drama. This coming-of-age story, with themes of family relationships, young romance and personal discovery, is told through the eyes of Belly, a teenage girl, whose family shares a holiday home with friends that they all visit every year.

This particular summer sees Belly, Jeremiah and Conrad (the sons from the other family) form a very different type of relationship that causes friction and tension between the two families and leaves Belly feeling awkward and unsure.

Belly is an extremely likeable character and I like that she is brave, tenacious and never backs down from a difficult situation. Her connection with her family is wonderful to read about and her relationship with Marisa (her mother’s best friend) is beautifully described and heart-warming.

This book overall is a great read and I will definitely be reading the rest of the series to find out what happens next. For anyone who likes this book and the young adult themes I would also recommend the books Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson and To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before which is also by Jenny Han.

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