Book Review: "The Summer I Turned Pretty" by Jenny Han

4.5⭐ / 5 ⭐

"The Summer I Turned Pretty" by Jenny Han is a beautifully written coming-of-age novel that explores themes of love, loss, and identity. The story is told from the perspective of Belly, a young girl who spends every summer at a beach house with her mother and her mother's best friend's family. Over the years, Belly becomes close with the two boys in the family, Conrad and Jeremiah, and their relationships grow and change as they all begin to navigate the complexities of growing up.

The novel is a perfect example of the young adult genre, with its focus on the emotions and experiences of teenage characters. It is a heartwarming story that will leave readers feeling nostalgic for their own childhood summers.

I would give this book a 4.5 out of 5 stars. The writing is beautiful and the characters are well-developed, but there were a few plot points that felt a bit rushed or unresolved.

One of the biggest lessons I took away from this book is the importance of communication in relationships. Throughout the novel, the characters struggle to express their feelings and desires to each other, leading to misunderstandings and hurt feelings. By the end of the story, they begin to learn how to communicate more openly and honestly, which leads to greater understanding and stronger connections.

My favorite character in the book is Jeremiah, one of the boys in the family Belly spends her summers with. He is kind, funny, and always there for Belly when she needs him. He has a depth to him that makes him feel like a real person, and I found myself rooting for him throughout the story.