The Summer I Turned Pretty: Your Perfect Beach Read This Season
Summer’s golden days call for a story that captures the magic of first love, friendship, and the sun-soaked moments that change us forever. Jenny Han’s The Summer I Turned Pretty does exactly that—earning its place as the definitive beach read for readers everywhere[1].
The idyllic Cousins Beach setting where Belly’s transformative summers unfold
Why This Book Defines Summer Reading
The Summer I Turned Pretty isn’t just any summer story—it’s the summer story[4]. The series follows Isabel “Belly” Conklin through the summers that shape her life, measuring her existence in the magical months between June and August[1]. Everything good, everything magical happens during summer[5].
The Complete Summer Experience
The complete trilogy that has captured millions of readers’ hearts worldwide
Book 1: The Summer I Turned Pretty (2009)
Belly’s sixteenth summer, when the boys finally really notice her and everything changes overnight[1].
Book 2: It’s Not Summer Without You (2010)
The sequel deals with loss, grief, and the reality that not all summers can be perfect[5].
Book 3: We’ll Always Have Summer (2011)
The final installment brings resolution to Belly’s story, showing how the choices we make in summer can shape our entire lives[5].
The Power of Summer Transformation
A Story of Becoming
Belly’s journey from awkward tween to confident young woman mirrors the way summer itself transforms us—gradually, then all at once[1].
The Magic of Cousins Beach
This fictional paradise represents everything we love about summer: endless possibilities, deep friendships, and the kind of romance that makes your heart skip a beat[3].
A Love Story That Captures Every Heart
The nuanced triangle between Belly, Conrad, and Jeremiah offers two distinct paths to love, each shaping her identity in different ways[1].
From Page to Screen
Adapted into an Amazon Prime Video series in 2022[2]. The third and final season premieres July 16, 2025.
Why You Need This Book in Your Beach Bag
The perfect summer escape awaits between the pages
- Emotional depth that feels authentic[1]
- Beautiful setting of Cousins Beach[3]
- Relatable characters on a journey of self-discovery[4]
- Authentic romance born from friendship[5]
Ready for Your Perfect Summer Escape?
Join millions of readers who have fallen in love with Belly’s story.
Get The Summer I Turned PrettyDisclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases made through the affiliate links in this article.