Book Review: The Summer I Turned Pretty

By Jenny Han 

4 Stars 

The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han is a coming-of-age novel that really grabs the idea of the summer feeling and growing up. The story focuses on friendships, family, and self-discovery, making it relatable for the readers, especially teens who are experiencing change in their lives or maybe even a first-time crush. The beachside settings in Cousins really set the comforting atmosphere that draws you in quickly.

One of the book's strengths was emotional honesty. The characters feel almost real, with their feelings and thoughts replicating how most teens think in the time of growing up. Belly, the main character, shows how she navigates through new relationships and emotions, making her easy to connect with, even though her decisions can be frustrating to watch at times.   

Jenny Han's writing style is simple and easy to follow, which makes the book a quick and enjoyable read. The story gains depth from the peaceful moments in its summer setting. However, a few situations could have been covered in more detail, and some sections of the book feel slower than necessary. Character choices are sometimes frustrating, which could somewhat take away from the whole experience.  

The Summer I Turned Pretty is still an engaging and meaningful novel. It presents powerful themes about identity, change, and growing up while keeping a cozy and sentimental tone. Overall, it's a fantastic novel for anyone who enjoys realistic emotions and character-driven narratives, especially teens and young adults who enjoy romance, coming-of-age books and novels that explore first crushes and character development. I personally really liked this book, and I would give it 4/5 stars. 

Reviewed by Mia as part of the Teen Reviewer, opens a new window program

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