Book Review: The Summer I Turned Pretty 

By Jenny Han 

3 Stars 

The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han is a turning of age, young adult romance novel. It takes you through the journey of Belly's summer when she is fifteen. Isabel Conklin nicknamed Belly, every year since she was a kid, has been going to Cousins Beach. Every year, her family and her mom's friend's family spend their summer at Cousins. Her mom's friend Susannah has two sons named Conrad and Jeremiah. Since she was 10, she has liked Conrad and hopes this summer she can be with him after her physical change. However, this summer it may be different as Cam Camron steps in the scene, whom she knows from grade seven.  

This book takes you through the different emotions and time frames in Belly's life. Not only does the book show her summer when she is fifteen, but takes you through the previous years leading up to this summer. This summer, Belly wants to make a difference and figure herself out. From this, many emotions can be seen. There are times where she is ecstatic about the way things are going, and there are also times where she felt hopeless and defeated. This book really takes the reader through the journey of Belly's summer. Though this book is great, there are parts where the reader can be confused about understanding the feelings of Belly. Other than that, this book is great for young adults and teens, and I would recommend it.   

The author Jenny Han not only captures the thoughts and feelings of Belly incredibly, she also shows great representation of what young adults feel. Though this book is fiction, readers find connection with the characters and get to look through the perspective of someone their age. 

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

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