If you’re curious about The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han after watching the hit adaptation series, or you’re just craving a summer romance read, this review will help you decide if it’s worth picking up the original. Here’s what our reviewer Annie thought of Jenny Han’s first book in this beloved coming-of-age trilogy.

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What is The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han About?

At its core, The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han is a coming-of-age story wrapped in nostalgia. Every summer, Belly and her family head to Cousins Beach with close family friends, and it’s always been the same… until it’s not. This summer, something shifts. She’s no longer just the little girl tagging along. She’s noticing the boys differently, and they’re noticing her, too.

But more than a love triangle, this book is about change. The way people grow apart and come back together. The way we remember certain summers forever, not for the fireworks or the beach days, but for who we became during them.

If you love stories about transformation, first love, and the ache of growing up, this one’s for you.

“I find that Han’s sweetness in her writing uplifts reader’s spirits and allows you to just forget about life’s worries.”
~ Under the Covers

The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han Book Review

After I devoured the To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before series, I was interested to read more of Jenny Han’s books. I love the simplicity to her writing and also how she takes real life issues and explores them in her books. I love this cover (original) and I remember it catching my eye when it first came out but I didn’t read it until now. I don’t think it’s nearly as good as the To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before books but it still has the same tone and style I like.

Belly is our main character and she’s a very sweet girl. This story revolves around summer and it being a time of change. Belly and her family also go to his beach house with some other people and that’s really where the memories happen. There’s a bit of backstory told in the form of flashbacks, which I think helps in fleshing out the other characters in the series, especially the boys. But Belly’s growth happens throughout the book when one summer, things begin to change for her.

As I mentioned earlier, this book is very simple and sweet. I think this is a great story to have on your bookshelf when you’re just feeling down and don’t really know what kind of book you’re in the mood for. I find that Han’s sweetness in her writing uplifts reader’s spirits and allows you to just forget about life’s worries. I know they’ve done that for me already in the past.

So while probably not my favorite book from Jenny Han, I’m still looking forward to reading the rest of the series.

Why Read The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han Now?

With the book adaptation taking over summer watch lists, now’s the perfect time to revisit (or finally pick up) Jenny Han’s original beachy romance. If you love stories about growing up, first crushes, and long, sun-soaked summers, this series might hit just right.

Read more:

• Perfect Summer books
• Book Adaptations releasing Summer 2025

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