Tuesday, March 8, 2011

The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han

The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han
(Summer #1)


Released: May 2009
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
Genre: Young Adult - Contemporary - Series
Pages: 276
Source: Bought


Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥

Belly measures her life in summers. Everything good, everything magical happens between the months of June and August. Winters are simply a time to count the weeks until the next summer, a place away from the beach house, away from Susannah, and most importantly, away from Jeremiah and Conrad.


They are the boys that Belly has known since her very first summer--they have been her brother figures, her crushes, and everything in between. But one summer, one terrible and wonderful summer, the more everything changes, the more it all ends up just the way it should have been all along.


---

The Summer I Turned Pretty is a great example of why I love contemporary novels. Diving into this book, I was hesitant as I always am when a bunch of people tell me I'm going to love it. At first I was curious of all the back story that is there every other chapter or so. Did I really need to know about events that happened to Belly when she was younger? Yes, actually, I did. If there wasn't the back story, little snid bits of what has happened in summer pasts, I don't think I would have been able to enjoy the characters. There is such a transition for all of them and you can see such growth not only in Belly, but the other boys - Conrad and Jeremiah.

Speaking of Conrad. Oh, Conrad you have me smitten by your protective, distant, and loveable ways. You can practically feel the pull between Belly and Conrad both even when other people (like poor Cam and annoying Red Sox Girl). In another way, I was completely swooning over Jeremiah too for his hilarious attitude and his strong friendship with Belly. Jenny Han is such a wonderful writer. She made all of these characters, their actions, and feelings completely come alive. It made me yearn to go to a place like Cousins. I felt like I was Belly in so many of the situations she was put through. I also liked how she included both groups' mothers - Susannah being my favorite.

If for some crazy reason you were like me, and haven't picked this book up yet, I suggest going out and getting it NOW. Also don't be a fool - get the second book or you'll be like me, anxiously waiting for it to come in the mail!


♥amber

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

My love for this series is crazy! I completely swooned over those boys! Great review! :)

Sab H. said...

YAY!!! :) Belly has one of my favorite voices of almost any YA book!! Jenny's writing is so simple and awesome and just perfect. And yes! Con, Con, Con *swoon*

I'm glad you loved it! And I'm really trying not to comment on the fact that you didn't mention me :P haha I'm totally kidding...

You need to read all three soon! I have this huge spoilery post I wrote as soon as I finished book 3 and I'm just waiting for the book to come out to discuss everything. You're so lucky you read it now and you dont need to wait!!!

Oh man, I always ramble on when I really loved a book. Sorry!

Diana said...

awesome review! i've heard great things about this book and your review doesn't disappoint :) thanks for sharing your thoughts!

Diana

prophecygirl said...

YEEESSSS!!

Welcome to the Jenny Han fanclub. Enjoy your stay - you will never leave :D

Now, where's this Conrad train?!

cheryl said...

Another added to my list. Great review, and the story sounds really good too.

girlsinthestacks.com said...

Well, crud. We haven't read these books either. It sounds awesome!

brandileigh2003 said...

I keep seeing great reviews of this one. I am writing contemp so I am trying to stay away for right now, but this is def going on TBR.
Brandi from Blkosiner’s Book Blog

мєggσ! said...

This sounds pretty good. Is it just about her summer and what happens to her?