Reviews with content warning for Homophobia - The Summer I Turned Pretty

This was such a quick read (it’s been a while since I’ve read a book in a day). Am I way too old for this? Yes, yes I am… but I wanted to read this before watching the show. It’s cute enough, but there was little to no plot and I’m not sure what the draw for the MMC is.

Oh also, there were a few scenes that didn’t age well (inappropriate use of the word “gay” and slut shaming) that I wish they would edit out since they’re reprinting the book with a new cover.

Content Warnings

gissellellamas's review against another edition

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fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

I think this is the only time I've ever liked a film adaptation more than the book it's based on. Maybe it's just the cast, but the characters are so much more likable in the show. Belly and Conrad were both mostly just annoying in this book. That being said, it's a very quick and mostly enjoyable read, so I would still recommend it. I'm not sure I would rave about it, though. Unfortunately, there were a couple of problematic moments within the writing. One thing I noticed a couple times was the use of the word "gay" as an insult. The first time, Taylor wants to play truth or dare and when Conrad rejects the idea she says, "Don't be so gay." Jeremiah does go on to criticize her for using the word in that sense, but it is played off in a flirty, cute way without any actual repercussions to Taylor. Later in the book, Belly wants to go skinny dipping with Cam and when he, too, rejects the idea, Belly says "Are you serious?" and in the narration, follows that with, "What I really wanted to say was, Are you gay?" What's worse is that the author doesn't really address how this is problematic and acts like it's a normal thing for a teen to say as an insult, which it shouldn't be. In the show, Jeremiah is bisexual, but I haven't seen any indications of that in the book, so I cannot defend the author for including this not once, but twice. Also, Belly gets mad and leaves Cameron for not wanting to go skinny dipping, and this is how they ultimately split up. This feels too much like an insinuation of breaking up with someone because they don't consent to sexual activities. And there is nothing to indicate that the author recognizes that this, too, is a problem. If you overlook these things, the book is decent. However, I think these small additions are reflective of Jenny Han as a person, which is unfortunate because I loved her work in the TSITP show.

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_lilyyy_'s review against another edition

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adventurous hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

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danicampbell0506's review

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emotional funny lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.25

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kdailyreads's review against another edition

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emotional lighthearted reflective relaxing sad fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

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izypup's review

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lighthearted reflective relaxing slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

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taylynnmazz's review

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emotional lighthearted sad fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

A coming of age story that is relatable and brought me back to my fifteen year old self. To be honest, I kind of liked the shows take on the story a bit more than I liked the book itself. That being said, I still really enjoyed the book, and the way the story is told.

At times though, Belly really bothered me with the way she treated some of the people around her. Some comments that were made throughout the book rubbed me the wrong way as well (i.e., the authors use of “gay” in a seemingly negative way).

After watching the show (those of you who read before the show, please don’t hate me lol), I was really excited to read this book. And although I enjoyed it overall, I wasn’t as impressed as I had hoped to be. I will continue reading the series though!

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thalea's review against another edition

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lighthearted fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

1.5

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