"The Summer I Turned Pretty" by Jenny Han is a heartwarming coming-of-age novel that follows the story of Belly, a teenage girl spending her summer at a beach house with her family and their close family friends, the Fisher brothers. As Belly navigates the complexities of first love, friendship, and family dynamics, she begins to discover more about herself and the people around her.
One of the strengths of this book is the authentic and relatable portrayal of teenage emotions and experiences. Belly's struggles with her feelings for the Fisher brothers, Conrad and Jeremiah, as well as her changing relationships with her family and friends, feel genuine and raw. Han does a fantastic job of capturing the confusion and intensity of teenage emotions, making it easy for readers to empathize with Belly and her journey of self-discovery.
The dynamic between Belly and the Fisher brothers is a central focus of the novel, and Han does a great job of developing their relationships in a realistic and engaging way. The love triangle between Belly, Conrad, and Jeremiah adds tension and drama to the story, keeping readers hooked until the very end.
Overall, "The Summer I Turned Pretty" is a beautifully written and emotionally resonant novel that captures the essence of growing up, falling in love, and finding oneself. It is a perfect summer read that will leave readers feeling nostalgic for their own teenage years.