The Summer I Turned Pretty

The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han

Reviewed by Tanya
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Ok so we’re all obsessed with the #thesummeriturnedpretty series right? It’s not just me? I loved the show especially because it gave me the perfect excuse to go back and reread the books.

I have to say, for me the idea that ‘the book is alway better’ just didn’t hold up with TSITP. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a cute book and a perfect read for summer. It’ll have you shopping for a beach house in no time but, I felt that I connected with the characters better on screen.

That being said, I would definitely recommend the novel to a YA audience. It’s well written, the story is sweet, and you can really feel Belly’s youthfulness jumping off the page. Younger readers will definitely be able to relate Belly and her coming-of-age narrative however, it’s easy for older audiences to find the protagonist childish and frustrating to read.

I have to hand it to @jennyhan, she knows how to make you feel all the emotions. She perfectly displays the mix of genuine love and tension which are woven into sibling relationship. And the friendship Laurel and Becks, I loved them so much 🥹 - it’s so heartwarming to read and hands down my favourite part of the book and series. Lastly, Jenny will 100% transport you back to the days if your first crush, it’s impossible to avoid feeling the butterflies Belly got for her special someone. (#TeamConrad over here, haters pls exit this review 🤣👀)

There’s no denying this is a great book which makes you feel so much for each of the characters. There’s definitely something there for older and younger readers alike however, it’s sometimes hard to dismiss the fact that the target audience of the book is YA.