“The Summer I Turned Pretty” is a trilogy written by Jenny Han, consisting of three books: “The Summer I Turned Pretty,” “It’s Not Summer Without You,” and “We’ll Always Have Summer.” The series follows the story of Isabel “Belly” Conklin and her experiences during three transformative summers at the beach house, where she reunites with the Fisher brothers, Conrad and Jeremiah.
The first book, “The Summer I Turned Pretty,” introduces us to Belly, a teenage girl who has been spending her summers at the beach house with her mother’s best friend, Susannah, and Susannah’s two sons, Conrad and Jeremiah. As Belly navigates the summer, she realizes that her feelings towards the Fisher brothers are changing, and she becomes aware of the complexities of love and growing up.
In “It’s Not Summer Without You,” the second book in the trilogy, Belly and the Fisher brothers are facing new challenges. The dynamics between the characters shift as they deal with personal struggles, loss, and the complexities of their relationships. The book delves deeper into the emotional journey of the characters, exploring themes of grief, forgiveness, and second chances.
The final book, “We’ll Always Have Summer,” concludes the trilogy by delving into the aftermath of the events from the previous book. Belly finds herself torn between her history with Conrad and her connection to Jeremiah. The book explores themes of loyalty, self-discovery, and the consequences of choices made in the past.
The “Summer I Turned Pretty” trilogy offers a heartfelt coming-of-age story filled with themes of love, friendship, family, and self-discovery. Jenny Han’s writing style is engaging and relatable, capturing the emotions and experiences of the characters in a way that resonates with readers. The trilogy explores the complexities of relationships, portraying the growth and maturation of the characters over the course of the summers.
One of the strengths of the trilogy is its ability to evoke a strong sense of nostalgia and the bittersweet feelings that come with the passage of time. Readers are transported to the idyllic beach setting, immersing themselves in the atmosphere and relishing in the small moments that shape the characters’ lives.
Furthermore, the characters in the trilogy are well-developed and relatable. Belly, Conrad, and Jeremiah each have their own distinct personalities and flaws, making them three-dimensional and realistic. Their interactions and relationships are nuanced, portraying the complexities of love and the challenges of growing up.
Overall, the “Summer I Turned Pretty” trilogy by Jenny Han is a captivating and emotionally resonant series. It explores the journey of self-discovery, the complexities of relationships, and the joys and challenges of growing up. With its engaging storytelling and relatable characters, the trilogy has garnered a dedicated fan base and has become a beloved series in the realm of contemporary young adult literature.