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

emotional hopeful lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

Just finished The Summer I Turned Pretty, a quick YA romance novel. After a heavy read, I was looking for something light, but this one left me torn. It was an easy read, but I’m not sure I’d pick it up again.

The plot mainly revolves around a teenage girl’s obsession with boys, and that’s pretty much the entire book. Kind of what you expect with a YA romance. My main concern lies in the portrayal of the main character, fixated on a boy who’s far from deserving. Spoiler alert: I was disappointed with her choice, favoring a disrespectful, indifferent teenage boy over those who actually valued her. I also had concerns about the messages we’re sending to young readers, specifically on body dysmorphia and encouraging unhealthy choices such as alcohol when undergoing life stressors.

The little substance added towards the end felt like a tease, strategically placed to lure readers into the next books. Despite my reservations, I might give the second one a shot, especially since I have free Kindle Unlimited for a bit and I’m on a reading spree.

Here’s my haiku:
Shallow waves conceal,
Choices made in youthful haze,
Wisdom comes too late.
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