20 Must-Read Books Like “The Summer I Turned Pretty”
The 20 best books to read after “The Summer I Turned Pretty”
“The Summer I Turned Pretty” by Jenny Han is a captivating novel that takes its readers on a journey through summer romances, the complexities of growing up, and self-discovery amidst the beauty of the season. For fans who adored Belly’s journey and her unforgettable summers at Cousins Beach, finding a book with a similar enchanting mix of young love and transformation can be a challenging quest.
That’s why we have compiled a list of 20 books that capture the essence of summer, love, and growth, just like “The Summer I Turned Pretty.” Get ready to be swept off your feet!
1. “Along for the Ride” by Sarah Dessen.
Auden decides to spend her summer before college at her father’s beach house, discovering a world outside her academic achievements and experiencing a summer of firsts, including falling in love.
Elements in common with The Summer I Turned Pretty:
- A transformative summer experience.
- Themes of self-discovery and first love.
- Set in a coastal town.
2. “We’ll Always Have Summer” by Jenny Han.
The sequel to “The Summer I Turned Pretty,” this book continues Belly’s story as she faces heart-wrenching decisions about love and her future.
Elements in common with The Summer I Turned Pretty:
- Focuses on the dynamics of summer romance.
- Character-driven narrative with deep personal growth.
- The continuation of Belly’s journey.
3. “My Life Next Door” by Huntley Fitzpatrick.
Samantha falls for the boy next door, whose family is the stark opposite of hers, leading to a summer of romance, family drama, and secrets being uncovered.
Elements in common with The Summer I Turned Pretty:
- Forbidden or unlikely summer romance.
- Themes of family dynamics and secrets.
- The struggle between personal desires and family expectations.
4. “Second Chance Summer” by Morgan Matson.
Taylor’s family spends one final summer at their lake house, confronting past grievances and creating new memories, providing Taylor a chance to fix old mistakes, including with her first love.
Elements in common with The Summer I Turned Pretty:
- A nostalgic and reflective summer setting.
- Emphasis on family and reconciliation.
- Rekindling of a former romance.
Looking for more Romance books? Explore our curated list of best romance titles
5. “The Truth About Forever” by Sarah Dessen.
Macy’s summer takes an unexpected turn when she takes a job at a chaotic catering company, learning about love, chaos, and the beauty of the unexpected.
Elements in common with The Summer I Turned Pretty:
- Exploration of grief and healing.
- An unplanned, life-changing summer.
- Development of new and unexpected relationships.
6. “Since You’ve Been Gone” by Morgan Matson.
Emily’s best friend leaves her a list of daring tasks to complete, which leads her on a summer of self-discovery and new friendships, possibly even new love.
Elements in common with The Summer I Turned Pretty:
- A summer of transformation and self-discovery.
- The importance of friendships in personal growth.
- Chasing after lost or new love.
7. “Anna and the French Kiss” by Stephanie Perkins.
Anna is sent to an American school in Paris, where she meets Étienne St. Clair, embarking on a journey of friendship, love, and self-exploration in the City of Light.
Elements in common with The Summer I Turned Pretty:
- A charming, complicated love story.
- Themes of identity and belonging in a new setting.
- Romance that develops from friendship.
8. “The Unexpected Everything” by Morgan Matson.
Andie’s carefully planned summer and future are turned upside down, leading her to a summer of walking dogs, dad time, and an unexpected romance.
Elements in common with The Summer I Turned Pretty:
- The significance of unplanned events shaping life.
- Development from familial relationships.
- A surprising summer romance.
9. “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” by Jenny Han.
Lara Jean’s secret love letters are mysteriously sent out, turning her love life from imaginary to out of control and surprisingly real.
Elements in common with The Summer I Turned Pretty:
- Navigating the complexities of teenage romance.
- The impact of past actions on the present.
- A delightful and heartfelt love story.
10. “P.S. I Still Love You” by Jenny Han.
Following “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before,” Lara Jean continues to navigate her newly complicated love life, facing challenges and choices about what kind of relationship she wants.
Elements in common with The Summer I Turned Pretty:
- Continued exploration of young love and heartache.
- Growth and decisions about the future.
- Charming and relatable protagonist dealing with love’s complexities.
11. “Summer of Salt” by Katrina Leno.
A generations-old family curse, a magical island, and a summer of mystery and discovery for Georgina Fernweh, as she uncovers family secrets and her own magical abilities.
Elements in common with The Summer I Turned Pretty:
- A magical, island summer setting.
- Themes of family legacy and self-discovery.
- A blend of romance, mystery, and coming-of-age elements.
12. “Love & Gelato” by Jenna Evans Welch.
Following her mother’s dying wish, Lina spends her summer in Tuscany, uncovering her mother’s past, embarking on adventures, and finding love in the process.
Elements in common with The Summer I Turned Pretty:
- An idyllic and transformative summer setting.
- Romance intertwined with personal discovery.
- The impact of family history on personal identity.
13. “This Lullaby” by Sarah Dessen.
Remy, who has a cynical view of love due to her mother’s many marriages, meets Dexter, a musician who challenges all her rules about relationships over one summer.
Elements in common with The Summer I Turned Pretty:
- Questioning beliefs about love and relationships.
- The unexpectedness of summer romance.
- Growth beyond skepticism towards love.
14. “The Moon and More” by Sarah Dessen.
In the summer before college, Emaline confronts her dreams, desires, and expectations as her long-distance boyfriend and an ambitious documentary filmmaker enter her life.
Elements in common with The Summer I Turned Pretty:
- A pivotal, life-changing summer.
- Exploring different paths and possibilities.
- Romance that tests and teaches.
15. “The Summer of Chasing Mermaids” by Sarah Ockler.
After losing her voice, Elyse d’Abreau leaves Trinidad for a quiet Oregon town, where she confronts her new reality and finds love in unexpected places.
Elements in common with The Summer I Turned Pretty:
- Overcoming personal loss and finding new paths.
- A seaside setting with a hint of magic.
- Developing strong, unexpected relationships.
16. “Open Road Summer” by Emery Lord.
Reagan and her country superstar best friend embark on a summer tour, finding romance, chaos, and the true meaning of friendship along the way.
Elements in common with The Summer I Turned Pretty:
- The essence of summer adventures and freedom.
- Themes of friendship, love, and coming-of-age.
- Balancing personal growth with relationships.
17. “The Start of Me and You” by Emery Lord.
Following a tragedy, Paige makes a plan to reclaim her life, which includes seeking new experiences and possibly opening her heart to new love.
Elements in common with The Summer I Turned Pretty:
- A protagonist rebuilding her life.
- The power of new experiences and friendships.
- Slow-building, meaningful romance.
18. “Saint Anything” by Sarah Dessen.
Sydney’s life changes when her brother goes to jail, leading her to a new school, new friends, and recognizing her own desires and talents, plus an evolving love story.
Elements in common with The Summer I Turned Pretty:
- Family issues and personal growth.
- Discovering one’s identity amidst turmoil.
- Sweet and slow-building romance.
19. “Everything Leads to You” by Nina LaCour.
Emi, a young set designer, finds a mysterious letter from a film legend, leading her and her best friend on a summer adventure of love and discovery in LA’s film world.
Elements in common with The Summer I Turned Pretty:
- A story of love, destiny, and discovery.
- Behind-the-scenes look at a glamorous industry.
- Themes of art, design, and the unexpected.
20. “The Distance Between Us” by Kasie West.
Caymen explores careers beyond her family’s doll shop, leading her to Xander, who shows her the world from a different perspective, including what their future together could hold.
Elements in common with The Summer I Turned Pretty:
- Overcoming societal and familial expectations.
- Charming, witty romance development.
- The journey of self-discovery and making choices for the future.
And there you have it — a treasure trove of books that will whisk you away to sunny locales, immerse you in heartfelt romances, and challenge you to discover yourself just as “The Summer I Turned Pretty” did. Each of these tales promises a journey of growth, love, and unforgettable summer adventures.
So, grab a book and let your summer reading adventure begin! Happy reading, book lovers!
