A review by nevaeh_rose1205
The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

The Summer I Turned Pretty captures the dreamy, emotional chaos of first love and the bittersweetness of growing up. It’s not deep, but it feels like being 15 again — messy crushes, awkward changes, and that one summer that changes everything. A quick, warm read if you’re craving nostalgia and teen angst at the beach.

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Content Warnings

Minor: Body shaming, Cursing, Grief, Death of parent, Alcohol

Yes: This book deals with subtle emotional shifts rather than major dramatic turns. There’s an undercurrent of grief throughout, tied to Susannah’s illness, but it’s handled delicately in this first book. The real story is about growing up, shifting dynamics, and the quiet ache of no longer being a kid.