Short Summary: The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han is a poignant and nostalgic coming-of-age novel that follows Belly Conklin, a teenage girl who spends every summer at the beach house of her mother's best friend, Susannah Fisher. Over the course of one transformative summer, Belly finds herself caught in the tangled emotions of love, self-discovery, and family as she navigates the complex relationships with Conrad and Jeremiah, Susannah’s two sons. The summer marks a turning point in Belly’s life, as she transitions from the awkwardness of childhood into the promise of womanhood, and finds herself entangled in the complicated emotions of unrequited love, jealousy, and growing up. As the summer unfolds, Belly must come to terms with the changes happening in her relationships, her family, and herself.
Book Information:
Title: The Summer I Turned Pretty
Author: Jenny Han
ISBN: 978-1416964831
Genres: Young Adult Fiction, Romance, Coming-of-Age
Published Year: 2009
Detailed Summary:
Introduction to Belly and the Summer Tradition:
Belly Conklin, the protagonist of the story, is a fifteen-year-old girl who is spending her summers at Cousins Beach, a place where her family has spent time for years. The beach house belongs to Susannah Fisher, Belly’s mother’s best friend, and it’s a place that holds deep memories for Belly and her family. Each summer, Belly, her brother Steven, and her mother head to the beach house, where they are joined by Susannah’s two sons, Conrad and Jeremiah.
For as long as Belly can remember, the summers have been filled with warmth, sunshine, and the comforting repetition of family traditions. However, this particular summer is different. Belly has begun to mature physically, and the once awkward, skinny girl is now blossoming into a beautiful young woman. This change doesn’t go unnoticed, especially by Conrad and Jeremiah, who are also dealing with their own emotional transformations as they face the complex changes in their family dynamics.
Conrad, the older of the two brothers, has always been distant and brooding, while Jeremiah, the younger one, is charming, easygoing, and fun-loving. Throughout their years together at the beach house, Belly has had a deep affection for Conrad, but her feelings have always gone unacknowledged, while her relationship with Jeremiah has remained more platonic.
Belly’s Awakening:
This summer, however, everything changes. As Belly matures, she finds herself suddenly the object of attention, not only from Conrad, who seems to be showing her unexpected interest, but also from Jeremiah, who has always been her close friend. The dynamics between the three characters shift dramatically, and Belly becomes caught in a whirlwind of emotions.
Belly's feelings for Conrad have always been complex. She’s admired him from afar for years, and has been in love with him for as long as she can remember, even though he has never reciprocated those feelings. However, this summer, Conrad begins to act differently toward her—he’s more attentive and seems to be trying to get closer. Belly is thrilled by the attention but also confused and uncertain about how to handle her newfound attraction, as well as her longstanding admiration for Conrad.
Jeremiah, who has always been her friend, starts to express romantic interest in her as well, complicating Belly’s emotions further. While she has always seen Jeremiah as a fun and carefree companion, she begins to realize that she has more profound feelings for him than she initially acknowledged. The result is a love triangle that challenges Belly's perceptions of both brothers and forces her to confront her feelings for them, as well as her own emotional growth.
Family Dynamics and Tension:
Beyond the budding romance, this summer also brings deeper challenges. Belly’s relationship with her mother, Laurel, becomes increasingly strained, especially as Susannah—who has been a maternal figure in Belly’s life—is revealed to be seriously ill. Susannah is battling cancer, and this revelation adds a layer of complexity and sadness to the already emotionally charged summer. Belly’s own feelings about family, loss, and maturity are tested as she grapples with the harsh realities of Susannah’s illness and the looming possibility of change in her life.
The emotional weight of Susannah’s health issues affects every member of the family. Conrad, who has always been distant, becomes even more withdrawn as he tries to deal with his mother’s condition. His sense of isolation increases, and he begins to push everyone away, including Belly, who has always admired him and sought his attention. Belly is left to wrestle with the conflicting emotions of wanting to support Conrad while also feeling neglected by him.
Jeremiah, on the other hand, responds to the situation with a more outgoing and positive attitude, seeking to lift everyone’s spirits, especially Belly’s. He is there for her when Conrad seems too distant and withdrawn, offering the comfort of friendship and support. Belly begins to notice that while Conrad’s behavior is unpredictable and sometimes hurtful, Jeremiah’s kindness and attention make him an appealing alternative. Despite her growing attraction to both brothers, she struggles with deciding between the two, each of whom represents different aspects of her heart.
The Emotional Climax:
As the summer unfolds, Belly is forced to make a difficult choice. Her emotions for Conrad and Jeremiah become intertwined with her fear of losing Susannah and the uncertainty of what will happen after the summer ends. She is faced with the realization that the relationships she has with both the brothers—and her family as a whole—are shifting in ways she’s not entirely ready for. Conrad’s aloofness, combined with his vulnerability due to his mother’s illness, makes him seem both distant and enticing. On the other hand, Jeremiah’s unassuming affection and joy are a source of comfort, but also make her question if his feelings for her are genuine or if they are born from a long-standing friendship.
The emotional tension comes to a head during a family gathering when Belly, overwhelmed by her feelings, is confronted by both boys. The climactic moment involves her choosing whether to give in to her long-standing love for Conrad or to embrace the uncomplicated affection that Jeremiah offers. This decision comes at a time when Belly is forced to reckon with her own identity and how much she has changed since the previous summers.
The Resolution and Its Emotional Impact:
As the summer reaches its conclusion, the emotional stakes for Belly and her family become even more pronounced. Susannah’s illness casts a long shadow over the end of the summer, and the consequences of her choice between the brothers become intertwined with her realization of how fleeting and fragile life can be. The narrative moves toward a bittersweet conclusion as Belly gains a deeper understanding of herself, her family, and her relationships.
While the novel doesn’t offer a neat and perfect resolution to the romantic triangle, it allows Belly to make a decision that feels true to her emotional growth. The summer, as a period of transition, marks a pivotal moment for Belly in terms of both personal development and her relationships with Conrad, Jeremiah, and her family.
Themes:
Love and Heartbreak:
The central theme of The Summer I Turned Pretty revolves around young love and the emotional turmoil that comes with it. Belly’s feelings for both Conrad and Jeremiah are emblematic of the confusion and passion that often accompany adolescent relationships. The love triangle forces her to confront the complexities of romantic attraction, self-discovery, and the bittersweet nature of growing up.Identity and Growth:
Belly’s transformation from a shy, awkward girl into a confident young woman is a key theme in the novel. The story charts her emotional growth, not just through her romantic entanglements but also through her shifting relationship with her family. As she navigates the challenges of both love and loss, Belly learns to reconcile the different parts of herself and embrace her changing identity.Family and Loss:
The novel also explores the theme of family dynamics, particularly the bonds between Belly and her mother, as well as the relationship she shares with Susannah. The looming loss of Susannah to cancer casts a shadow over the entire summer, and Belly must come to terms with the inevitable changes that will affect her family. The impact of illness and grief forces Belly to reconsider what is truly important and helps her appreciate the fleeting moments of connection with those she loves.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, The Summer I Turned Pretty is a rich and emotional exploration of love, self-discovery, and the complexities of family dynamics. Belly’s journey reflects the universal challenges of growing up, facing the realities of loss, and reconciling romantic love with the practicalities of family and friendship. Through her relationships with Conrad and Jeremiah, as well as her evolving bond with her family, Belly comes to understand that love is not always simple or easy, but is ultimately about embracing change and accepting the unpredictability of life. Jenny Han’s writing captures the bittersweet nature of summer, youth, and emotional growth, making the novel a deeply resonant and memorable story for readers.