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The Summer I Turned Pretty summary
Brief summary
The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han is a heartwarming coming-of-age novel that follows Isabel "Belly" Conklin as she spends a transformative summer at the beach house, navigating love, friendship, and family secrets.
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The Summer I Turned Pretty
Summary of key ideas
The Beginning of a Summer Tradition
In The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han, we meet Isabel “Belly” Conklin, a fifteen-year-old girl who spends every summer at a beach house with her family and their close friends, the Fishers. Belly has always been in love with Conrad Fisher, the older of the two Fisher brothers, and has always felt like an outsider in their group. This summer, however, things start to change.
Conrad, who has always been distant and moody, starts to show interest in Belly. She is thrilled, but her happiness is short-lived when she realizes that Conrad is still hung up on his ex-girlfriend. Belly’s best friend, Taylor, is also going through a rough patch with her boyfriend, and the two girls find solace in each other’s company.
Summer Love and Heartbreak
As the summer progresses, Belly’s relationship with Conrad becomes more complicated. She also starts to develop feelings for Jeremiah, the younger Fisher brother, who has always been like a brother to her. Jeremiah, unlike Conrad, is open and affectionate towards Belly, and she finds herself drawn to him. However, she is still unable to let go of her feelings for Conrad.
Meanwhile, Taylor’s relationship with her boyfriend takes a turn for the worse, and she ends up breaking up with him. Belly is there for her friend, but she is also dealing with her own emotional turmoil. She is torn between two brothers, both of whom she cares deeply about, and she is afraid of ruining their friendship.
Realizations and New Beginnings
As the summer comes to an end, Belly is forced to confront her feelings and make a choice. She realizes that her infatuation with Conrad was based on a romanticized version of him, and that she has been blind to Jeremiah’s genuine affection for her. She also understands that she needs to prioritize her own happiness and not let her feelings for the Fisher brothers dictate her life.
In the end, Belly decides to give Jeremiah a chance, and they share a sweet moment together. However, the novel concludes with a cliffhanger, leaving us wondering about the future of their relationship. The Summer I Turned Pretty is a coming-of-age story that beautifully captures the complexities of first love, friendship, and self-discovery.
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What is The Summer I Turned Pretty about?
The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han is a captivating coming-of-age novel that follows the story of Isabel “Belly” Conklin as she spends a life-changing summer at the beach house with her family and their close friends. Filled with romance, friendship, and self-discovery, this book explores the complexities of growing up and the bittersweet moments that come with it.
The Summer I Turned Pretty Review
The Summer I Turned Pretty (2009) by Jenny Han is a heartwarming coming-of-age story set during the summer holiday. Here are three reasons why this book is worth reading:
- It skillfully explores the complexities of teenage friendships and romance, capturing the nostalgia and bittersweet emotions of growing up.
- With its relatable characters and authentic portrayal of family dynamics, the book invites readers to reflect on their own experiences and relationships.
- The evocative descriptions of beach days, bonfires, and summer adventures create a sensory and immersive reading experience, transporting readers to a picturesque seaside setting.
Who should read The Summer I Turned Pretty?
- Teenagers who enjoy coming-of-age stories and summer romance
- Readers who appreciate a focus on family dynamics and personal growth
- Those looking for a light and heartwarming summer read
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The Summer I Turned Pretty FAQs
What is the main message of The Summer I Turned Pretty?
The main message of The Summer I Turned Pretty is about self-discovery, love, and the complexities of growing up.
How long does it take to read The Summer I Turned Pretty?
The reading time for The Summer I Turned Pretty varies depending on the reader's speed, but it typically takes several hours. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is The Summer I Turned Pretty a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Summer I Turned Pretty is a captivating read that explores themes of love, friendship, and personal growth. It's definitely worth reading for fans of contemporary YA fiction.
Who is the author of The Summer I Turned Pretty?
The author of The Summer I Turned Pretty is Jenny Han.
What to read after The Summer I Turned Pretty?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Summer I Turned Pretty, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- A Canticle for Leibowitz by Walter M. Miller
- The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne
- Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder
- Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys, Judith L. Raiskin
- Just After Sunset by Stephen King
- Whereabouts by Jhumpa Lahiri
- Hearts in Darkness by Laura Kaye
- Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire
- The Curious Case of Benjamin Button by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Nunzio DeFilippis
- Side Jobs by Jim Butcher