Every year, Belly craves for summer to come sooner. Summer is the time of year that brings her happiness and fulfillment. She looks forward to the beach house, the pool, the boardwalk - but more importantly, the people awaiting her. Her almost aunt Susannah, and the boys who are everything to her: Jeremiah and Conrad. This summer Jeremiah remains his usual self - cheerful, and Belly's bright best friend. Conrad, who Belly has crushed on ever since she was little, quit the football team and mysteriously isolates himself inside his room. As Belly continues to change and mature, so do the boys she has known all her life.
The Summer I Turned Pretty proved to be a successful sophomore novel by Jenny Han. It was the perfect book to read at the beginning of summer - carefree, romantic, and endearing. Han's writing is wonderfully down to earth. While reading the novel I felt like I was experiencing the summer house setting, as well as the emotions Jenny undergo.
Most of the plot and the characters were developed and three-dimensional, but Belly got on my nerves sometimes. She did not grow up on her own as much as I would have liked, and at times she was shallow and annoying. I guess that is what happens when you are surrounded by bickering boys constantly competing for your love; but I expected a bit more from her.
Overall, I am not sure if I want to read the sequel. The ending for this one was satisfying enough, albeit a bit of a cop-out. Either way The Summer I Turned Pretty was a fantastic summer read, though it can be read any time of the year.
