A review by gissellellamas
The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han

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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