Reviewed by Chloe, Year 7, Cerdon College Merrylands
The Summer I Turned Pretty is my top favourite book and TV series, written and created by Jenny Han. I really love this show and I recommend it to anyone who wants a good show to watch that gives off young adult vibes. I have read the series three times and am going to read it again, because it is just so intriguing, you can never get bored of it. The TV series is even better in my opinion. The intense drama, the strong convey of emotion, really brings it to life and it makes me love it so much.
The Summer I Turned Pretty season one, based on Jenny Han’s novel, centres around Isabel “Belly” Conklin’s coming-of-age story during her annual summer trip to Cousins Beach. The story explores Belly’s evolving relationships with the Fisher brothers, Conrad and Jeremiah, particularly her long-standing crush on Conrad. Season one culminates in a debutante ball, a volleyball tournament, and the revelation of Susannah’s cancer, adding emotional depth to the summer. The Summer I Turned Pretty is about Isabel “Belly” Conklin, who is nearly sixteen. She and her family visit Susannah Fisher (Belly’s mother’s best friend) and her two sons, Jeremiah and Conrad (the latter of whom Belly has had a crush on since she was ten) for another summer. Events from previous summers have impacted Conrad and Jeremiah Fisher’s connection with Belly as she navigates the difficulties of growing up and her first love. She discovers the importance of taking chances and that change is inevitable. Every summer Belly and her family stay at her mother’s best friend’s home in Cousins Beach, Massachusetts. As a child, she felt left out because, of the four children, she was the youngest and the only girl. However, this summer, Conrad and Jeremiah have noticed how much she has changed over the last year. Belly gets the impression that there will be an unforgettable summer because of their interest in her, thus the title.
The Summer I Turned Pretty is such a strong, emotional book, and the characters go through many ups and downs. However, it is only season one, and there are still two more seasons. I loved the books and the TV series. It is definitely recommended for high school students aged 12 years and over, as there are some inappropriate scenes for younger kids.
Rating: 5 out of 5 (Way too good to resist)