books, reading, review

The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han

Each summer of her life Belly, her mom Laurel and brother Steven go to Susanne’s house on Cousins Beach to spend the summer with her and her sons Conrad and Jerimiah. Laurel and Susanne have been friends forever. The children are brought up as one family in the summers. Belly, the youngest and only girl, from the beginning just wants to fit in. As she hits her tween and teen years, we are given glimpses into each summer in random order. You see shifting attitudes as the children grow and hormones rage. You also see how divorce can change some dynamics, as well as illness.

In this sweet coming of age story, you see all the normal anxieties of teens – especially of teen girls – on how to navigate friendships, body changes, and newfound love. Touching, even if a bit predictable, this is well worth the read.

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