Saturday 5 January 2013

The Summer I Turned Pretty, Jenny Han


The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han, reviewed by Izzy

What's this book about?

"Every year Isabel spends a perfect summer at her family friends' house. There's the swimming pool at night, the private stretch of sandy beach . . . and the two boys. Unavailable, aloof Conrad - who she's been in love with forever - and friendly, relaxed Jeremiah, the only one who's ever really paid her any attention.
But this year something is different. They seem to have noticed her for the first time. It's going to be an amazing summer - and one she'll never forget . . ." (Puffin website)

Who should read this book?
Teenage girls, on the beach. Not something you should read if you want meaningful quotes, and it won't be one of those books which makes me cry.  Though, you will want to read the next two, because let's be honest, you need to know who she ends up with.

How long is this book?
288 pages, a short, to medium length book.

Marks
Story Line:   7/10
Well written:   3/5
Enjoyablilty:    4/5
Overall:    14/20

Star Rating: 3 Stars

Question 1. What character would you most like to have tea with?

This is a toss up between Susannah and Jeremiah. Susannah because I imagine having tea with her would just make you feel amazing. She'd probably compliment you loads and loads, and you would just leave feeling super good about yourself. Also once you read it, there will be obvious reasons why you need to have tea with Susannah. Jeremiah, because I have a thing for the underdogs of the story.

Question 2. What character would you most like to throw tea at?

Belly. I know she had SUCH a difficult life. Three boys are in love with her, and she's so beautiful. She enjoys complaining about this all the time as well. Look if I had three boys chasing after me then I wouldn't be complaining about how this was the "first time they'd ever noticed me." I'd just be enjoying myself. (Not in that way, dirty minds.)

Question 3. What do you think of the cover?

The originial cover I wasn't a fan of because I really don't like photos on covers however the version I had I liked. To say I loved it would be an over- exxageraion but it's quite pretty.

Question 4. What do you think of the title?

I like the title, I think it's interesting. Though I find the idea of turning pretty, and then suddenly boys liking you slightly, annoying. Frustrating. Sending out the wrong message in some way? Maybe I'm being over the top.

Question 5. Favourite quote!

“Would you rather live one perfect day over and over or live your life with no perfect days but just decent ones?”  - Best "would you rather" ever.

Overall: I feel like this review has been too negative so far so I need to put this out, I enjoyed this book. It's gorgeous, fun, light-hearted and completely all consuming. It has its set backs, as no book is perfect and there are better books in the world. I'm still going to read the next two though.

What did you think of this book? What would you like us to review next?

2 comments:

  1. i also just read this book (and also reviewed it - yay!) and i like the way you reviewed it! i think i'd love to have tea with susannah or jeremiah as well, and maybe laurel as i think the way she treated self-centred belly was jsut the right way. ughh belly - so frustrating! however, in the end i grew attached to her somehow lol
    xx

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    1. Aww thank you! I loved your review of it too :D
      She treated Belly perfectly!
      -Izzy

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