The Summer I Turned Pretty follows the life of Isabel "Belly" Conklin as she navigates the complexities of love, friendship, and growing up during her summers at Cousins Beach. Author Jenny Han explores themes of first love and the bittersweet nature of adolescence through Belly's relationships with the Fisher brothers, Conrad and Jeremiah. Set against the backdrop of summer vacations, the novel captures the essence of youthful longing and the challenges of transitioning from childhood to adulthood. This coming-of-age story resonates with readers who enjoy contemporary romance and character-driven narratives. Perfect for fans of young adult fiction and those seeking relatable experiences in love and friendship.

Key Points

  • Explores the coming-of-age journey of Isabel 'Belly' Conklin during her summers at Cousins Beach
  • Focuses on the romantic tensions between Belly and the Fisher brothers, Conrad and Jeremiah
  • Addresses themes of first love, friendship, and the complexities of growing up
  • Written by Jenny Han, known for her engaging young adult novels
newtopiccyclegrowin
Author:Jenny Han
150 pages
Language:English
Type:Novel
Arts and Humanities
newtopiccyclegrowin
Author:Jenny Han
150 pages
Language:English
Type:Novel
Arts and Humanities
324
/ 150
The Summer I Turned Pretty
Jenny Han
To all the important sister women in my life and most especially Claire
acknowledgments
First and always, thank you to the Pippin women:
Emily van Beek. Holly McGhee, and Samantha
Cosentino. Thank you to my editor extraordinaire
Emily Meehan, who supports me like no other, as well as Courtney
Bongiolatti. Luck Ruth Cummins and everyone at S&S. Many thanks to
Jenna and Beverly and the Calhoun School for their continuous support of
my writing life. Thanks to my writing group the
Longstockings, and one Longstocking in particular, who has sat across
from me every Monday and cheered
me on--Siobhan, I'm looking at you. And thank you to
Gram, who inspired me to write about the forever kind of friendship, the
kind that spans over boyfriends and beaches and children and lifetimes
vi
[Page Blank]
vii
I say, "I can't believe you're really here."
He sounds almost shy when he says, "Me neither." And then he hesitates.
"Are you still coming with me?"
I can't believe he even has to ask. I would go anywhere. "Yes," I tell him.
It feels like nothing else exists outside of that word, this moment. There's
just us. Everything that happened this past summer, and every summer
before it, has all led up to this. To now.
viii
[Page Blank]
1
chapter one
We'd been driving for about seven thousand years. Or at least that's how
it felt. My brother, Steven, drove slower than our Granna. I sat next to him
in the passenger seat with my feet up on the dashboard. Meanwhile, my
mother was passed out in the backseat. Even when she slept, she looked
alert, like at any second she could wake up and direct traffic.
"Go faster," I urged Steven, poking him in the shoulder. "Let's pass that
kid on the bike."
Steven shrugged me off. "Never touch the driver," he said. "And take
your dirty feet off my dashboard."
I wiggled my toes back and forth. They looked pretty clean to me. "It's
not your dashboard. It's gonna be my car soon, you know."
"If you ever get your license," he scoffed. "People like you shouldn't
even be allowed to drive."
2
"Hey, look," I said, pointing out the window. "That guy in a wheelchair
just lapped us!"
Steven ignored me, and so I started to fiddle with the radio. One of my
favorite things about going to the beach was the radio stations. I was as
familiar with them as I was with the ones back home, and listening to Q94
made me just really know inside that I was there, at the beach.
I found my favorite station, the one that played everything from pop to
oldies to hip-hop. Tom Petty was singing "Free Fallin'." I sang right along
with him. "She's a good girl, crazy 'bout Elvis. Loves horses and her
boyfriend too."
Steven reached over to switch stations, and I slapped his hand away.
"Belly, your voice makes me want to run this car into the ocean." He
pretended to swerve right.
I sang even louder, which woke up my mother, and she started to sing
too. We both had terrible voices, and Steven shook his head in his disgusted
Steven way. He hated being outnumbered. It was what bothered him most
about our parents being divorced, being the lone guy, without our dad to
take his side.
We drove through town slowly, and even though I'd just teased Steven
about it, I didn't really mind. I loved this drive, this moment. Seeing the
town again, Jimmy's Crab Shack, the Putt Putt, all the surf shops. It was like
coming home after you'd been gone a long, long time. It held a million
promises of summer and of what just might be.
3
As we got closer and closer to the house, I could feel that familiar flutter
in my chest. We were almost there.
/ 150
End of Document
324

You May Also Like

FAQs

What is the main theme of The Summer I Turned Pretty?
The main theme of *The Summer I Turned Pretty* revolves around the complexities of love and growing up. The protagonist, Belly, navigates her feelings for two brothers, Conrad and Jeremiah, while grappling with her own identity and the transition from childhood to adolescence. The summer setting serves as a backdrop for her emotional journey, highlighting themes of friendship, family dynamics, and the bittersweet nature of first love.
Who are the main characters in The Summer I Turned Pretty?
The main characters in *The Summer I Turned Pretty* include Belly, the protagonist; Conrad, her first love and the older brother; Jeremiah, Conrad's younger brother and Belly's close friend; and Susannah, Belly's mother's best friend who owns the beach house. Each character plays a significant role in Belly's journey of self-discovery and her experiences of love and loss during the summer.
How does Belly's relationship with Conrad change throughout the novel?
Belly's relationship with Conrad evolves significantly throughout *The Summer I Turned Pretty*. Initially, she idolizes him and yearns for his attention, feeling a deep connection. However, as the story progresses, she faces the reality of their complicated relationship, especially as Conrad struggles with personal issues. By the end of the novel, Belly comes to terms with her feelings and the fact that her love for Conrad may not be reciprocated in the way she desires.
What does Belly's mother think about her relationships with the boys?
Belly's mother expresses concern about her daughter's relationships with Conrad and Jeremiah. She often reminds Belly to be cautious and to consider her feelings carefully. The mother-daughter dynamic showcases the protective nature of Belly's mother, who wants the best for her daughter while also encouraging her to explore her emotions and friendships. This adds depth to the narrative, highlighting the complexities of parental guidance during adolescence.
What is the significance of the beach house in the story?
The beach house in *The Summer I Turned Pretty* serves as a significant setting for Belly's journey. It represents a place of freedom, growth, and nostalgia, where Belly experiences pivotal moments in her life. The house is filled with memories of summers spent with her family and the boys, making it a symbol of her childhood. As the story unfolds, the beach house becomes a backdrop for her emotional experiences, marking the transition from innocence to the complexities of young adulthood.

Related