Status
Checked out
Due 23-03-2023
Call number
Series
Genres
Publication
Puffin (2010), 288 pages
Description
Belly spends the summer she turns sixteen at the beach just like every other summer of her life, but this time things are very different.
User reviews
LibraryThing member christina.h
Definitely not my typical fare, but I'm really glad I read this, and will look into the sequel.
While the book starts out with the feeling of typical teenage romantic plight, it turns into a much deeper kind of sentimentality, but it doesn't forget to touch back on the initial relationship issues
Han's first-person narrative is great. I wouldn't call it conversational, but that the reader has granted the narrator permission to just keep telling her story. I like that Belly very much sounds like her age while also not compromising her intelligence, concept of self-worth, or the fact that she still has a lot to learn. It's nice to get to experience her epiphanies alongside of her.
While the book starts out with the feeling of typical teenage romantic plight, it turns into a much deeper kind of sentimentality, but it doesn't forget to touch back on the initial relationship issues
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that Belly has.Han's first-person narrative is great. I wouldn't call it conversational, but that the reader has granted the narrator permission to just keep telling her story. I like that Belly very much sounds like her age while also not compromising her intelligence, concept of self-worth, or the fact that she still has a lot to learn. It's nice to get to experience her epiphanies alongside of her.
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LibraryThing member hrose2931
I know this one has been around for a little while but I was compelled by the title to read it. I had my own summer when I turned pretty and I wanted to read about Belly's. Mine wasn't near as dramatic as hers. Belly, Steven and their mother had been going to Cousins beach to meet Conrad, Jeremiah,
This is a quick book to read somewhat lighthearted. But it deals with some heavy topics, divorce, and the death of a parent. So I can't really say light reading. But it doesn't dwell on the fact that a parent may die. It takes a positive stance and says maybe it won't happen and we'll be back here next year. The first chapter of the next book is in this book and reveals what happened. It will make you want to read what happens to Belly the next summer. I've already placed an order for it. I read this book for enjoyment and I was entertained. I was just as confused as Belly as to why Conrad was treating her the way he was. He seemed to flirt with her and then get a girlfriend just because she had a boyfriend. I had no idea what was going on with Susannah. I really loved letting my mind go and being that teenager again. And remembering my eternal crush. So I totally recommend this to anyone that wants to reminisce. There may have been some bad language, but that was about it.
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and Susannah at her beach house since before Belly had been born. And she'd had a crush on Conrad for about as long. He was of course the dark, moody, silent type. Jeremiah was the opposite and a buffer between the two of them. Every summer before, Belly had always been left out of things, it was always the three guys and her left alone because she was too young. But this year, things were different. She was almost sixteen and had turned into a girl instead of just Belly. Both boys noticed as soon as she got out of the car. But Conrad was even more unattainable this year and then Belly finds out that Susannah and Mr. Fisher, that's what she'd always called him, were getting a divorce. And she gets her first boyfriend and she can't understand Conrad's looks at her. Confessions are made, revelations are made and soon the summer is over. This is a quick book to read somewhat lighthearted. But it deals with some heavy topics, divorce, and the death of a parent. So I can't really say light reading. But it doesn't dwell on the fact that a parent may die. It takes a positive stance and says maybe it won't happen and we'll be back here next year. The first chapter of the next book is in this book and reveals what happened. It will make you want to read what happens to Belly the next summer. I've already placed an order for it. I read this book for enjoyment and I was entertained. I was just as confused as Belly as to why Conrad was treating her the way he was. He seemed to flirt with her and then get a girlfriend just because she had a boyfriend. I had no idea what was going on with Susannah. I really loved letting my mind go and being that teenager again. And remembering my eternal crush. So I totally recommend this to anyone that wants to reminisce. There may have been some bad language, but that was about it.
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LibraryThing member stephxsu
For 15-year-old Belly, summer has always meant the beach house with her mother, her older brother, Steven, and family friends Susannah and her sons Conrad and Jeremiah. Although Belly is only younger by a couple of years, the boys have always made her feel left out in a way. This summer, though,
What Belly doesn’t realize is that the summer just might be more than about the boys. It could be about family, friendship, growing up… and love.
The synopsis may make Belly seem shallow and the story flighty, but it is not. At all. With her sophomore novel, Jenny Han has done it again, writing a character-driven story that’s so poignant, you’ll wonder if she got her inspiration from real events or a Lifetime movie.
Jenny Han makes writing seem effortless. She has a natural yet phenomenal way of making characters come to life through subtle but effective exchanges, musings, and flashbacks. Her talent for writing three-dimensional characters makes sure that the story does not fall into a predictable rut. Belly is a darling protagonist: full of spunk, bite, and an appropriate level of girliness and immaturity. All of the guys in Belly’s life are legitimately likeable, and the ending is both bittersweet and doubly touching as a result. There are no character clichés here.
Belly’s narration switches constantly from flashbacks to present-day, which at times can get confusing, but is more useful in helping us understand the characters. With this format, we are given a slow-paced and thoughtful story—which could get boring, but is fortunately saved by the wonderful characters. I even found myself tearing up at the end, so deeply I had been unknowingly drawn into Belly’s enchanting summer world.
THE SUMMER I TURNED PRETTY is an underrated book, and Jenny Han is an author who is all too often overlooked. But she has me convinced in her second book; I am now in awe of her character-writing abilities, and cannot wait to read more of her writing.
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Belly’s suddenly grown into her body, and she’s eager to believe that she might finally be accepted as an equal. Perhaps Conrad, the brooding brother whom she’s loved for almost half her life, will finally see her as more than a younger sister type.What Belly doesn’t realize is that the summer just might be more than about the boys. It could be about family, friendship, growing up… and love.
The synopsis may make Belly seem shallow and the story flighty, but it is not. At all. With her sophomore novel, Jenny Han has done it again, writing a character-driven story that’s so poignant, you’ll wonder if she got her inspiration from real events or a Lifetime movie.
Jenny Han makes writing seem effortless. She has a natural yet phenomenal way of making characters come to life through subtle but effective exchanges, musings, and flashbacks. Her talent for writing three-dimensional characters makes sure that the story does not fall into a predictable rut. Belly is a darling protagonist: full of spunk, bite, and an appropriate level of girliness and immaturity. All of the guys in Belly’s life are legitimately likeable, and the ending is both bittersweet and doubly touching as a result. There are no character clichés here.
Belly’s narration switches constantly from flashbacks to present-day, which at times can get confusing, but is more useful in helping us understand the characters. With this format, we are given a slow-paced and thoughtful story—which could get boring, but is fortunately saved by the wonderful characters. I even found myself tearing up at the end, so deeply I had been unknowingly drawn into Belly’s enchanting summer world.
THE SUMMER I TURNED PRETTY is an underrated book, and Jenny Han is an author who is all too often overlooked. But she has me convinced in her second book; I am now in awe of her character-writing abilities, and cannot wait to read more of her writing.
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LibraryThing member slaughterhouse5
Belly had been in love with Conrad, her mother's friends son, for as long as she can remember. But Conrad has never paid any attention to her. The summer Belly turns 16, and becomes pretty, everything changes. Amidst her romantic turmoil, Belly deals with some family drama and loss. A great book
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about first loves, growing up, and learning to appreciate the people in your life. Show Less
LibraryThing member jenniferthomp75
Very realistic take on a summer at the beach. 15 year old Belly has spent every summer at the beach with her mom and close childhood friends. However, now that they're growing up, their friendships are changing and becoming more complicated.
Belly is a perfectly realized character. Annoying,
Although I found the ending to be rather cheesy, I still enjoyed the book.
Belly is a perfectly realized character. Annoying,
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selfish, and bordering on the line between kid and teen. When reading her thoughts and actions, I kept imagining myself when I was a teen. Han definitely understands the teen thought process.Although I found the ending to be rather cheesy, I still enjoyed the book.
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LibraryThing member 59Square
Belly has spent every summer tagging along with her brother and their two best friends, brothers Conrad and Jeremiah. They go to the beach house each summer with their moms, also best friends. This summer, Belly is turning 16 and things have changed. Her brother isn't really there, and Belly has
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become more beautiful. This is a perfect summer romance, only you aren't exactly sure who the romance is with - Conrad, the older, more sensitive brother, Jeremiah, the younger, funnier brother, or the new guy, Cam. This book is great - with some unexpected twists and a perfect summer feel. The book switches back and forth between the present and other memorable summers, and frankly it made me jealous - I wanted to live that perfect summer life with Belly. A great book. Show Less
LibraryThing member denmark028
Jenny Han, The Summer I turned Pretty 288pp. Simon & Schuster (2009)ISBN:9781416968238 $16.99 (Junior High/High School) 4 stars.
Fifteen year old Belly goes with her mother and older brother to spend another summer at the beach with her mother's best friend and her two sons Jeremiah and Conrad. This
Aida E. New York
Fifteen year old Belly goes with her mother and older brother to spend another summer at the beach with her mother's best friend and her two sons Jeremiah and Conrad. This
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has been a ritual for them since she was a little girl. She has always been the younger sister tagging along with the boys. This summer things change. Alliances, feelings, and perceptions are tested. Belly's summer is life changing. She learns a lot about herself and the people around her. Things aren't always as they seem. This book will draw you in from the beginning. You feel as if you are experiencing summer with all of its warmth and easiness. You will not want to put this book down. Han has written a book that will have mass appeal for your readers who enjoy books by Sara Dessen, Deb Caletti, and Susane Colasanti.Aida E. New York
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LibraryThing member ylin.0621
Okay so I read books before that lose me here and there but The Summer I Turned Pretty takes the cake. I honestly have no idea what the main point of the book is. Was it to show the relationship of Conrad and Belly (Isabel)? If so then the rushing everything in the last chapter does not qualify it.
At first when the author switches back and forth between present summer and past summer I did not like it. The main reason was because I had trouble following the timeline. But then I noticed the age beneath the chapter and it all became clear. Once I got the flow of things I liked how the author reverts back and forth. It gave more detail about Belly and her situation with the summer family.
What I did not seem to like about this book was the non-connection I had to the majority of characters. There were scenes that I had a deep sense of understanding but overall nothing. I guess if I gave more maybe I would have gotten back more. Who knows?
I just do not know what to say about this book. It was fine—nothing wow, nothing too disturbing to blab on for 5 pages, but nothing really worth picking up.
Overall: I would not really consider this a summer read since it has more of a deeper meaning. More of a fall read when we want to remember summer.
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Or was it to showcase the tightness between the two families? Then why would you write half the book solely on Belly’s romantic swing. Maybe it was the combination of everything—love, family, growth, and coming to terms to the present. Even so the execution was choppy. At first when the author switches back and forth between present summer and past summer I did not like it. The main reason was because I had trouble following the timeline. But then I noticed the age beneath the chapter and it all became clear. Once I got the flow of things I liked how the author reverts back and forth. It gave more detail about Belly and her situation with the summer family.
What I did not seem to like about this book was the non-connection I had to the majority of characters. There were scenes that I had a deep sense of understanding but overall nothing. I guess if I gave more maybe I would have gotten back more. Who knows?
I just do not know what to say about this book. It was fine—nothing wow, nothing too disturbing to blab on for 5 pages, but nothing really worth picking up.
Overall: I would not really consider this a summer read since it has more of a deeper meaning. More of a fall read when we want to remember summer.
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LibraryThing member ewyatt
Belly lives for summers at the beach house. She's been in love with Conrad forever, but something is really off with him during this summer. Some chapters are memories of things that happened in the summers past that help trace the relationships of the mothers and kids that spend their time
A great choice for summer reading. I'm looking forward to finding out what happens next in the sequel.
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together. A great choice for summer reading. I'm looking forward to finding out what happens next in the sequel.
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LibraryThing member EmHa906
This book was fantastic ! When I finished the book, I actually felt a slight depression. I am trying to find another book by Jenny Han.
LibraryThing member bookwormygirl
From reading the synopsis to this book you can't help but think that this is a fluff read - but that was not the case.
Belly looks forward to her summers. Ever since she can remember her summers are full of her favorite things. The beachhouse, her almost-aunt, Susannah, her mother and brother, the
And Belly is looking forward to her summer... not just because duh... it's summer, but also because she gets to see Jeremiah and Conrad... especially Conrad. Although they've grown up together, almost considered cousins, she shares a grand friendship with Jeremiah, but Conrad she has always loved. She can't help but want to see them, be with them... but something has changed this summer. Jeremiah continues to be the free spirit he has always been - always making jokes, cracking a smile and just having a fun time. But Conrad has changed since last summer. He quit the football team, he acts irritable, he smokes and just wants to be left alone in his room. This is the summer that, notwithstanding the changes, everything finally comes into place.
Belly, although she comes off (for most of the story) as a shallow, self-centered and most often immature, young lady, really does a lot of personal growth and maturing throughout. Her struggles felt real and I think Ms. Han did a good job of capturing the emotions of a teen girl accurately. The writing was simple but it was precise and clear which I really like - nothing too convoluted to where I got lost. I did have some issues with the jumping in the chapters from past summers to the present summer, but it wasn't to hard to catch up.
The Summer I Turned Pretty is carefree, romantic, and in the end, I found the story and its characters endearing. Plus, I love books where the story takes place at the beach, at a beach house, pier or boardwalk. Although the book's ending is a bit vague, it can be a stand-alone, but it has come to my attention that it is part of a trilogy - so I'm sure we'll be hearing more of Belly, Conrad and possibly another summer or two.
This is the perfect book to read for the summer, but I would recommend you read it no matter what time of the year.
Belly looks forward to her summers. Ever since she can remember her summers are full of her favorite things. The beachhouse, her almost-aunt, Susannah, her mother and brother, the
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beach, the boardwalk and Susannah's boys - Jeremiah and Conrad. Summers mean they all get together and spend three glorious months together.And Belly is looking forward to her summer... not just because duh... it's summer, but also because she gets to see Jeremiah and Conrad... especially Conrad. Although they've grown up together, almost considered cousins, she shares a grand friendship with Jeremiah, but Conrad she has always loved. She can't help but want to see them, be with them... but something has changed this summer. Jeremiah continues to be the free spirit he has always been - always making jokes, cracking a smile and just having a fun time. But Conrad has changed since last summer. He quit the football team, he acts irritable, he smokes and just wants to be left alone in his room. This is the summer that, notwithstanding the changes, everything finally comes into place.
Belly, although she comes off (for most of the story) as a shallow, self-centered and most often immature, young lady, really does a lot of personal growth and maturing throughout. Her struggles felt real and I think Ms. Han did a good job of capturing the emotions of a teen girl accurately. The writing was simple but it was precise and clear which I really like - nothing too convoluted to where I got lost. I did have some issues with the jumping in the chapters from past summers to the present summer, but it wasn't to hard to catch up.
The Summer I Turned Pretty is carefree, romantic, and in the end, I found the story and its characters endearing. Plus, I love books where the story takes place at the beach, at a beach house, pier or boardwalk. Although the book's ending is a bit vague, it can be a stand-alone, but it has come to my attention that it is part of a trilogy - so I'm sure we'll be hearing more of Belly, Conrad and possibly another summer or two.
This is the perfect book to read for the summer, but I would recommend you read it no matter what time of the year.
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LibraryThing member Alettasimpson
Everyone else goes throu the storyline of the book so I'm just going to say what I think and leave it at that.
It did confuse me about the story skipping from summer to summer, and it took me about half the book to realize what was happening. But once I figured that all out, I did enjoy it. I would
Over all, yes I do believe that it is a good read. I read farther along a comment where someone said that it is not really a summer read thats its more a fall read to remember summer. I totally agree with that statement. Its all about Belly's summers but its her remembering summers most of all.
I really do hope that there is a sequel, the deffinately left it open for one.
It did confuse me about the story skipping from summer to summer, and it took me about half the book to realize what was happening. But once I figured that all out, I did enjoy it. I would
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like to have had a clearer ending however. The reader is just to assume who the "he" that she meets up with in the middle of the night but it would have been nice to have some confirmation on who it is. Over all, yes I do believe that it is a good read. I read farther along a comment where someone said that it is not really a summer read thats its more a fall read to remember summer. I totally agree with that statement. Its all about Belly's summers but its her remembering summers most of all.
I really do hope that there is a sequel, the deffinately left it open for one.
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LibraryThing member laurenhagerty
This was a very good book and I thought that it was full of drama and summer love. Well, unidentified summer love. What I thought was the most interesting part of the book was how neither of the boys could really tell how they felt about Belly.
LibraryThing member HHS-Students
Reviewed by Jennifer (Class of 2012)
It's about a girl who spends her summers at a beach house with her mom, her mom's friend, and two boys. The book is about how she spends her summers from when she was little to when she's in high school. It's a really great book to read.
It's about a girl who spends her summers at a beach house with her mom, her mom's friend, and two boys. The book is about how she spends her summers from when she was little to when she's in high school. It's a really great book to read.
LibraryThing member alimcc
Isabel, or "Belly" as everyone calls her, is about to spend the summer at the beach house, where everything happens. But this summer is different.
Belly's 16th summer is the summer everything changes. She, her mother, and her brother have spent every one for as long as she can remember at the beach
Hann manages not to merely tell a story of summer romance. The decisions and challenges Belly faces manage to feel completely genuine (as do her reactions) without becoming angst-y. Teens will be able to relate to Belly's emotions and thoughts as she tries to navigate young adulthood. Although there is little in the way of "objectionable" content, the book is best suited to high school libraries and the teen department. Younger audiences may have trouble relating to the characters and understanding the situations presented.
2010 ALA Best Books for Young Adults Selection
Belly's 16th summer is the summer everything changes. She, her mother, and her brother have spent every one for as long as she can remember at the beach
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house with her mom's best friend Suzannah and her two boys -- Conrad and Jeremiah. Belly's has been in love with Conrad for as long as she can remember. While The Summer I Turned Pretty is, in some ways, a love story between the two, it's more about Belly growing up. It's the summer she realizes life isn't always perfect, and it's the summer she begins to understand what real love, and real loss, are. Hann manages not to merely tell a story of summer romance. The decisions and challenges Belly faces manage to feel completely genuine (as do her reactions) without becoming angst-y. Teens will be able to relate to Belly's emotions and thoughts as she tries to navigate young adulthood. Although there is little in the way of "objectionable" content, the book is best suited to high school libraries and the teen department. Younger audiences may have trouble relating to the characters and understanding the situations presented.
2010 ALA Best Books for Young Adults Selection
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LibraryThing member 15emmao
I thought this book was very good. Although at some bits, it doesn't quite make sense (e.g. when she makes the chapters about her previous experiances at the summer house) it has a lot of feeling. This book is about romance with Belly, and complications with her family.
LibraryThing member hrose2931
I know this one has been around for a little while but I was compelled by the title to read it. I had my own summer when I turned pretty and I wanted to read about Belly's. Mine wasn't near as dramatic as hers. Belly, Steven and their mother had been going to Cousins beach to meet Conrad, Jeremiah,
This is a quick book to read somewhat lighthearted. But it deals with some heavy topics, divorce, and the death of a parent. So I can't really say light reading. But it doesn't dwell on the fact that a parent may die. It takes a positive stance and says maybe it won't happen and we'll be back here next year. The first chapter of the next book is in this book and reveals what happened. It will make you want to read what happens to Belly the next summer. I've already placed an order for it. I read this book for enjoyment and I was entertained. I was just as confused as Belly as to why Conrad was treating her the way he was. He seemed to flirt with her and then get a girlfriend just because she had a boyfriend. I had no idea what was going on with Susannah. I really loved letting my mind go and being that teenager again. And remembering my eternal crush. So I totally recommend this to anyone that wants to reminisce. There may have been some bad language, but that was about it.
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and Susannah at her beach house since before Belly had been born. And she'd had a crush on Conrad for about as long. He was of course the dark, moody, silent type. Jeremiah was the opposite and a buffer between the two of them. Every summer before, Belly had always been left out of things, it was always the three guys and her left alone because she was too young. But this year, things were different. She was almost sixteen and had turned into a girl instead of just Belly. Both boys noticed as soon as she got out of the car. But Conrad was even more unattainable this year and then Belly finds out that Susannah and Mr. Fisher, that's what she'd always called him, were getting a divorce. And she gets her first boyfriend and she can't understand Conrad's looks at her. Confessions are made, revelations are made and soon the summer is over.This is a quick book to read somewhat lighthearted. But it deals with some heavy topics, divorce, and the death of a parent. So I can't really say light reading. But it doesn't dwell on the fact that a parent may die. It takes a positive stance and says maybe it won't happen and we'll be back here next year. The first chapter of the next book is in this book and reveals what happened. It will make you want to read what happens to Belly the next summer. I've already placed an order for it. I read this book for enjoyment and I was entertained. I was just as confused as Belly as to why Conrad was treating her the way he was. He seemed to flirt with her and then get a girlfriend just because she had a boyfriend. I had no idea what was going on with Susannah. I really loved letting my mind go and being that teenager again. And remembering my eternal crush. So I totally recommend this to anyone that wants to reminisce. There may have been some bad language, but that was about it.
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LibraryThing member lms8esmith
I have always wanted to experience a summer away from home in a wonderful beach house with my family and cute guys, and this initially peeked my interest in this series. I really liked the setting of the house with a pool right on the beach, and I easily found myself deciding between Jeremiah and
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Conrad. :) The flashbacks were nice, but sometimes they were a little confusing. I would like to have seen the different voices used in this book like Han does in the other books in the summer series. One thing I did not like was that Belly seemed to only have one comeback, and that turned into some whining when dealing with the boys. I'm sure my students will enjoy this series. Show Less
LibraryThing member abbylibrarian
Every summer since before she was born, Belly's spent at the beach with her family and her mom's best friend's family. And she's always tagged along behind her older brother and Suzanne's boys, Jeremiah and Conrad. This summer will be different, Belly can feel it. She's turning sixteen, she's
Bittersweet. Very realistic in that not-everything-works-out-the-way-you-want-it way. Which will make it perfect for some girls, but maybe too serious for a beach read. I very much enjoyed it and the more I think about it the better I like it.
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blossomed into a beautiful young lady, and she's determined to prove that she's not a kid anymore. But Belly's caught between wanting to grow up and wanting to cling to the past, and this will be a summer that transforms her more than she would ever predict. Bittersweet. Very realistic in that not-everything-works-out-the-way-you-want-it way. Which will make it perfect for some girls, but maybe too serious for a beach read. I very much enjoyed it and the more I think about it the better I like it.
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LibraryThing member TheReaderBee
I was looking for a ‘summer’ read, so I decided to pick up The Summer I turned Pretty from the library. I was really looking forward to checking it out, because I had heard so many great things about the book. Unfortunately, it was only an OK read for me.
First, I didn’t really connect with
The storyline was easy to follow, and the writing was simple. The flashbacks were a bit confusing at times; I had to make sure to check each chapter to see what age she was talking about. There were quite a few moments that made me laugh out loud, and even some parts that made me remember my own childhood. I did enjoy those parts of the book.
Overall, this was an ok read for me. I think I would have liked it more if I could have connected with the characters better.
First, I didn’t really connect with
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the characters. Belly was so selfish, spoiled and immature. I have so many complaints about this girl, but I won’t go into them. I just really didn’t care for her. I didn’t really care for the brothers either. Conrad was the quiet, protective type that I usually like, but he was really just a pain at times. Jeremiah was a little more likable. I did feel bad for him at times as well. I did like the moms, especially Susannah. I felt really bad for her throughout the book, and guessed pretty early on that something was up for her in the story.The storyline was easy to follow, and the writing was simple. The flashbacks were a bit confusing at times; I had to make sure to check each chapter to see what age she was talking about. There were quite a few moments that made me laugh out loud, and even some parts that made me remember my own childhood. I did enjoy those parts of the book.
Overall, this was an ok read for me. I think I would have liked it more if I could have connected with the characters better.
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LibraryThing member lyricaltwin
Every time I read this book, I am transported to my beach house in my mind. This book feels completely like the beach. I loved seeing Belly grow as a person and I loved the romance sparking between her and the boys she grew up with. Perfect and poignant.
LibraryThing member francescadefreitas
I was so taken with this book that the minute I finished it, I went out and bought the other two books in the trilogy.
Bella has been going to the beach house every summer since before she was born, a perpetual tag along to her older brother and the two boys who share the house. This summer,
Bella is at that exact moment where you teeter between being a child and being an adult, and her tipping back and forth through this summer is so believable it is hard not to adore her. I love that this book draws her relationship not just with the boy she has had a crush on forever, but with her brother, her two mother figures, and with the people she half exists with during the rest of the year. But the crush is also drawn wonderfully.
The boys in the story are less substantial, as we only see them through Bella's wish to be included. Just as she is excluded from their games, so we are from knowing them. It made me so sympathetic to Bella's wish to be part of the group.
I'd give this to people looking for realistic family stories, Elizabeth Scott fans, gentle teen romance readers.
Bella has been going to the beach house every summer since before she was born, a perpetual tag along to her older brother and the two boys who share the house. This summer,
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everything changes.Bella is at that exact moment where you teeter between being a child and being an adult, and her tipping back and forth through this summer is so believable it is hard not to adore her. I love that this book draws her relationship not just with the boy she has had a crush on forever, but with her brother, her two mother figures, and with the people she half exists with during the rest of the year. But the crush is also drawn wonderfully.
The boys in the story are less substantial, as we only see them through Bella's wish to be included. Just as she is excluded from their games, so we are from knowing them. It made me so sympathetic to Bella's wish to be part of the group.
I'd give this to people looking for realistic family stories, Elizabeth Scott fans, gentle teen romance readers.
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LibraryThing member Nebraska_Girl1971
This was a book you can sit down and just read. It was an easy read and very enjoyable. It is a "teen" book, but for adults, it does remind you of the first time you fell in love and the importance of that.
LibraryThing member jennladd
I read this book last night. I couldn't put it down, yet I'm not completely sure how I feel about it. I mean, I didn't hate it, far from it. But I'm not sure if I loved it or just really liked it. I know that doesn't make a lot of sense. It's a great book, but there were some things that I didn't
I liked that it wasn't your typical light summer read. The main character Belly (short for Isabel, and I'd have preferred that to her constantly being called Belly) is spending another summer at with her mother and brother at the summer home of her mother's best friend Suzannah and her two sons, Conrad and Jeremiah. It's not their typical summer as Belly's brother leaves to go college touring, and Suzannah is battling cancer. Pretty intense, right?
I did like the story overall, although I felt I could relate more to Jeremiah and Conrad rather than to Belly. At times I thought that she was too pouty or whiny, but that was one of the things that was later pointed out in the book my some of the other characters, and eventually Belly herself.
I'm not sure how I felt that the love triangle of Conrad, Belly and Cam was a bit overdone. Sometimes it was suggested that Jeremiah also factored in, but it is at times unclear how she feels about Jeremiah. She puts a lot of emphasis on their friendship. I know it's all going to come around to a conclusion within the next two books, but the set-up so far just makes Belly seem really boy crazy and I don't think that's the best thing.
I wasn't sure how to feel about Belly's mother either. She wasn't really fledged out in this book, I thought she came across as really controlling and had a need to micro-manage. I'm wondering if that's how she's meant to be portrayed or if we'll find out more about her in the sequels (of which there are two.) She did have moments where there seemed to be so much more to her character but those moments were fleeting. The one that stands out the most is the scene with the dress.
I did like that Belly decided to start dating a guy who was not only smart, but liked her for who she was inside. A lot of times in YA the girl goes for the guy who's cute, or athletic, but very rarely do I come across a girl who goes for the smart, kind of nerdy guy. I really love it when it happens.
I liked the pacing of the novel and the the story was interspersed with chapters that were flashbacks that acted as a catalyst to the current summer. There was a very interesting juxtaposition between boys who are friends and girls that were friends being played out in the same summer; as well as the difference between how boys and girls flirt.
In conclusion, I did like this novel, but I'm not quite sold on whether or not I love it. I am planning to read the rest of the series, though. I liked it enough that I do have to know how the series turns out. Perhaps the other two books will provide the oomph that I kind of feel was lacking. Although as the first book in a series, I think it's setting a good pace for what's to come.
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like about it though.I liked that it wasn't your typical light summer read. The main character Belly (short for Isabel, and I'd have preferred that to her constantly being called Belly) is spending another summer at with her mother and brother at the summer home of her mother's best friend Suzannah and her two sons, Conrad and Jeremiah. It's not their typical summer as Belly's brother leaves to go college touring, and Suzannah is battling cancer. Pretty intense, right?
I did like the story overall, although I felt I could relate more to Jeremiah and Conrad rather than to Belly. At times I thought that she was too pouty or whiny, but that was one of the things that was later pointed out in the book my some of the other characters, and eventually Belly herself.
I'm not sure how I felt that the love triangle of Conrad, Belly and Cam was a bit overdone. Sometimes it was suggested that Jeremiah also factored in, but it is at times unclear how she feels about Jeremiah. She puts a lot of emphasis on their friendship. I know it's all going to come around to a conclusion within the next two books, but the set-up so far just makes Belly seem really boy crazy and I don't think that's the best thing.
I wasn't sure how to feel about Belly's mother either. She wasn't really fledged out in this book, I thought she came across as really controlling and had a need to micro-manage. I'm wondering if that's how she's meant to be portrayed or if we'll find out more about her in the sequels (of which there are two.) She did have moments where there seemed to be so much more to her character but those moments were fleeting. The one that stands out the most is the scene with the dress.
I did like that Belly decided to start dating a guy who was not only smart, but liked her for who she was inside. A lot of times in YA the girl goes for the guy who's cute, or athletic, but very rarely do I come across a girl who goes for the smart, kind of nerdy guy. I really love it when it happens.
I liked the pacing of the novel and the the story was interspersed with chapters that were flashbacks that acted as a catalyst to the current summer. There was a very interesting juxtaposition between boys who are friends and girls that were friends being played out in the same summer; as well as the difference between how boys and girls flirt.
In conclusion, I did like this novel, but I'm not quite sold on whether or not I love it. I am planning to read the rest of the series, though. I liked it enough that I do have to know how the series turns out. Perhaps the other two books will provide the oomph that I kind of feel was lacking. Although as the first book in a series, I think it's setting a good pace for what's to come.
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LibraryThing member lynnm
While at times I thought I was really going to like this book, in the end my reaction to it is ambivalent. I didn't hate it but I certainly didn't love it. And since I feel in no way compelled to read the two books that follow as sequels, I guess that says a lot.
Belly has spent every summer of her
While I absolutely love the premise of this story, several aspects didn't work for me.
First of all, Han chose to tell the story in a mixture of real-time flow and flashback, and often I was confused of how old Belly was supposed to be at any given moment. I did eventually discover that the flashback chapters had an age label to help me out, but it wasn't until I was two thirds into the book that I was able to peg the various characters' ages. To help anyone else out, this is what I got: Belly is 15 and a sophomore in high school, Jeremiah is 16 and a junior, Steven is 17 and a senior, and Conrad is 18 and off to college.
My other big issue is the object of Belly's obsession. As the boy she's loved practically her entire life, Conrad sure came off as a big jerk. Granted, he's dealing with some big time life issues, but even in flashbacks I never saw why Belly found Conrad to be all that. He teased her mercilessly, he never treated her as more than a little sister, and he just generally wasn't all that nice.
In fact, Belly spends much of the story feeling left out - because she was the only girl, because she was the youngest, for whatever reasons, it was always the three boys going off to have adventures and fun and leaving Belly behind. I couldn't quite understand why her perception of summers at the beach were pure Heaven - she never seemed to be having any fun at all.
I suppose that is one thing Han did well - communicate how our minds sometimes convince us that one thing is true when actual facts point to the opposite. In Belly's mind, the boys and Cousins Beach are her Utopia, all she wants out of life. But when looking at the reality, there are a lot of flaws in her perfection.
In the story, Belly meets a nice guy named Cam, and her treatment of him was borderline at best. As it so often happens, you wonder why she can't be happy with the nice, great guy who likes her but instead wants the moody jerk who treats her like crap. I do think Han did a masterful job of showing what it's like to be a young girl who is fixated on one guy to the point of ignoring the realities around her.
Finally, we are told time and again by Belly that her relationship with Susannah, her mother's best friend, is as close as can be - nearly mother/daughter. Yet other than a couple of interactions, I just never saw that closeness. Simply too much tell and not enough show for me to buy it.
In the end, I wanted to like this more than I did. The ending is very abrupt and leaves a lot of loose ends. Yet, as I stated before, I have no desire at all to know what happens. Unfortunately, Belly's magical Beach World exists only in her brain and therefore doesn't compel me to spend any time there.
Belly has spent every summer of her
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life at Cousins Beach with her mother, her older brother Steve, her mother's best friend Susannah, and Susannah's two sons, Conrad and Jeremiah. As far as Belly in concerned, the nine months out of the year that she lives at home are simply wasted days and time killers until she can return to the beach. She's always been in love with Conrad, but it's only now that she feels mature enough that he might actually see her as something more than a little sister. While I absolutely love the premise of this story, several aspects didn't work for me.
First of all, Han chose to tell the story in a mixture of real-time flow and flashback, and often I was confused of how old Belly was supposed to be at any given moment. I did eventually discover that the flashback chapters had an age label to help me out, but it wasn't until I was two thirds into the book that I was able to peg the various characters' ages. To help anyone else out, this is what I got: Belly is 15 and a sophomore in high school, Jeremiah is 16 and a junior, Steven is 17 and a senior, and Conrad is 18 and off to college.
My other big issue is the object of Belly's obsession. As the boy she's loved practically her entire life, Conrad sure came off as a big jerk. Granted, he's dealing with some big time life issues, but even in flashbacks I never saw why Belly found Conrad to be all that. He teased her mercilessly, he never treated her as more than a little sister, and he just generally wasn't all that nice.
In fact, Belly spends much of the story feeling left out - because she was the only girl, because she was the youngest, for whatever reasons, it was always the three boys going off to have adventures and fun and leaving Belly behind. I couldn't quite understand why her perception of summers at the beach were pure Heaven - she never seemed to be having any fun at all.
I suppose that is one thing Han did well - communicate how our minds sometimes convince us that one thing is true when actual facts point to the opposite. In Belly's mind, the boys and Cousins Beach are her Utopia, all she wants out of life. But when looking at the reality, there are a lot of flaws in her perfection.
In the story, Belly meets a nice guy named Cam, and her treatment of him was borderline at best. As it so often happens, you wonder why she can't be happy with the nice, great guy who likes her but instead wants the moody jerk who treats her like crap. I do think Han did a masterful job of showing what it's like to be a young girl who is fixated on one guy to the point of ignoring the realities around her.
Finally, we are told time and again by Belly that her relationship with Susannah, her mother's best friend, is as close as can be - nearly mother/daughter. Yet other than a couple of interactions, I just never saw that closeness. Simply too much tell and not enough show for me to buy it.
In the end, I wanted to like this more than I did. The ending is very abrupt and leaves a lot of loose ends. Yet, as I stated before, I have no desire at all to know what happens. Unfortunately, Belly's magical Beach World exists only in her brain and therefore doesn't compel me to spend any time there.
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Awards
NCSLMA Battle of the Books (High School — 2024)
Best Fiction for Young Adults (Selection — 2010)
Young Adult Favorites Award (2011)
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2009-05
Physical description
288 p.; 7.8 x 5.08 inches
ISBN
0141330538 / 9780141330532
Other editions
Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han (Paperback)