23 Books Like The Summer I Turned Pretty
“The Summer I Turned Pretty” is a young adult novel written by Jenny Han. It is the first book in a trilogy, followed by “It’s Not Summer Without You” and “We’ll Always Have Summer”.
The story follows the protagonist, Belly, and her experiences during the summer at the beach house where her family and their friends spend their summers.
If you enjoyed this masterpiece by Jenny Han and are looking for similar reads, you might enjoy these books that capture the essence of summer, coming-of-age, and heartfelt romances.
Books Like The Summer I Turned Pretty
“We’ll Always Have Summer” by Jenny Han
Another book in the Summer series that continues the story of Belly and her summer romances. In this concluding volume, Belly must choose between the Fisher brothers in a story that weaves together themes of love, heartbreak, and the passage of time. As Belly confronts her future and her past, this novel explores the enduring impact of first loves and the decisions that shape our lives.
“It’s Not Summer Without You” by Jenny Han
The sequel to “The Summer I Turned Pretty,” focusing on Belly’s relationships and personal growth. This middle installment in the Summer series finds Belly, Conrad, and Jeremiah facing the complexities of grief and change. As summer traditions are threatened, Belly learns more about love and loss than she ever expected, testing her relationships in ways she never imagined.
“To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” by Jenny Han
A story about the complexities of first love and family dynamics, following Lara Jean’s unexpected romance. After her secret love letters are mailed to her five crushes, Lara Jean finds her quiet high school existence turned upside down. This novel charmingly navigates the tumultuous waters of adolescence, romance, and identity.
“My Life Next Door” by Huntley Fitzpatrick
A romance that blooms between two teens from different worlds during one transformative summer. Samantha Reed watches the chaotic, loving family of the Garretts from her balcony every summer, until one evening Jase Garrett climbs up to her and changes everything. This novel explores themes of love, family dynamics, and the choices that define us.
“The Truth About Forever” by Sarah Dessen
A tale of romance and dealing with grief during a summer that changes everything for Macy. As she takes a job at a chaotic catering company, Macy embarks on a journey of self-discovery, learning about love, loss, and the beauty of living in the moment. Dessen masterfully portrays a summer filled with unexpected friendships and new beginnings.
“Along for the Ride” by Sarah Dessen
Explores self-discovery and new relationships during a summer in a beach town. Insomniac Auden decides to spend her summer before college with her father and his new family in Colby. There, she meets Eli, a fellow insomniac, who helps her experience the carefree teenage life she never had. This story captures the essence of summer, change, and experiencing life’s simple pleasures.
“This Lullaby” by Sarah Dessen
A story about love, relationships, and coming to terms with one’s past. Remy, a girl who has never believed in love, meets Dexter, a musician who challenges all her assumptions. This novel delves into the complexities of relationships, the impact of family history on personal beliefs, and the possibility of love in unexpected places.
“Second Chance Summer” by Morgan Matson
A poignant story about family, love, and overcoming grief during a last summer together. Taylor Edwards’ family decides to spend one last summer at their lake house after her father receives devastating news. This summer brings old friends, new challenges, and a second chance to heal family wounds and rediscover love in the face of loss.
“Since You’ve Been Gone” by Morgan Matson
About friendship, adventures, and finding oneself, with a list of challenges to complete over the summer. Emily’s best friend, Sloane, disappears but leaves behind a to-do list of daring tasks. As Emily embarks on this journey, she makes new friends and discovers her own strengths and desires, transforming her summer and herself.
“The Unexpected Everything” by Morgan Matson
A story of unexpected relationships, familial responsibilities, and personal growth. When Andie’s summer plans are upended, she lands a dog-walking job that leads her to Clark, a bestselling young author. Through a summer filled with unexpected twists and turns, Andie learns that sometimes the unexpected can bring life’s greatest joys.
“Summer of Salt” by Katrina Leno
A magical story about family, love, and the secrets of a generations-old family curse. On the island of By-the-Sea, Georgina Fernweh awaits the magical abilities that have blessed the women in her family for generations. As her eighteenth summer unfolds, a series of events shakes her beliefs, unveiling family secrets and awakening her to the magic within and around her.
“Love & Gelato” by Jenna Evans Welch
A journey to Italy brings about love, discoveries, and secrets unfolding during a summer. Lina is spending the summer in Tuscany to fulfill her mother’s dying wish that she get to know her father. With the help of Lorenzo (Ren), a local boy, she discovers her mother’s past and the magic of Italy, all while savoring the adventures that come with gelato, romance, and unraveling mysteries.
“The Sun Is Also a Star” by Nicola Yoon
A love story that explores fate, the universe, and relationships over the course of a day. Natasha, a Jamaican girl, is trying to prevent her family’s deportation, and Daniel, a Korean-American boy, is on his way to an interview. Their chance encounter in New York City sparks a whirlwind romance that challenges their beliefs about fate, dreams, and the science of love.
“P.S. I Still Love You” by Jenny Han
Continues the romantic journey of Lara Jean as she navigates the complexities of her feelings. Following the events of “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before,” Lara Jean and Peter are now officially a couple. However, the reappearance of John Ambrose McClaren from one of her old love letters complicates her feelings, leading her to confront what it means to truly love someone.
“The Rest of the Story” by Sarah Dessen
Delves into family secrets and new beginnings at a lakeside community. Emma Saylor reconnects with her mother’s family, whom she barely remembers, at North Lake. There, she discovers two very different communities, her family’s complicated history, and herself, known as Saylor by her new family. The summer brings clarity, romance, and a deeper understanding of her mother’s past.
“Save the Date” by Morgan Matson
A heartwarming tale of family, love, and chaos during a wedding weekend. Charlie Grant’s older sister is getting married at their family home, and Charlie wants one last perfect weekend together with her siblings before changes are set in stone. However, the weekend is anything but perfect, filled with mishaps, family dynamics, and old flames, leading Charlie to discover the true meaning of family.
“Summer Sisters” by Judy Blume
Explores the friendship and personal growth of two girls over many summers. Vix and Caitlin are as different as two friends can be, but their bond is unbreakable from the moment Caitlin chooses Vix to be her summer sister. Over the years, their friendship endures growing pains, love, and loss, evolving in ways they never imagined.
“The Geography of You and Me” by Jennifer E. Smith
A love story that spans distances, exploring connections and the power of place. Lucy and Owen meet during a citywide blackout in New York and spend a magical night together. When circumstances scatter them across the globe, they must navigate their relationship through postcards and emails, discovering the power of love to bridge the vast distances between them.
“Anna and the French Kiss” by Stephanie Perkins
A romantic adventure in Paris, dealing with love and identity. Anna is sent to an American boarding school in Paris, where she meets Étienne St. Clair, a boy who has it all—including a serious girlfriend. As Anna and Étienne’s friendship deepens, they face the challenges of being honest with themselves and each other about their feelings.
“Lola and the Boy Next Door” by Stephanie Perkins
Themes of romance, identity, and friendship are explored in this charming story. Lola, a budding costume designer, dreams of a perfect life with her rock band boyfriend. However, the return of the Bell twins to the house next door challenges her plans. Cricket, a gifted inventor, steps back into her life, and Lola must reconcile her feelings for him and her desire for the perfect future.
“The Moon and More” by Sarah Dessen
A summer of changes, challenges, and new relationships in a beach town. Emaline is spending her last summer before college in Colby, her home. She’s challenged by her relationships with her family, her high school boyfriend, and a visiting New York filmmaker, Theo, making her question her choices and the path she’s on.
“What I Thought Was True” by Huntley Fitzpatrick
A summer of confronting truths, old flames, and new beginnings. Gwen Castle’s summer job cleaning houses on Seashell Island brings her face-to-face with Cass Somers, the wealthy, attractive boy who is everything Gwen wants to avoid. As the summer unfolds, Gwen learns to confront her fears, her past, and her preconceptions about love and identity.
“The Summer of Chasing Mermaids” by Sarah Ockler
A story of finding one’s voice and new love in the aftermath of a life-changing event. Elyse d’Abreau was a twin and a singer until an accident took her voice. Seeking silence and escape, she ends up in a small Oregon seaside town, where she meets Christian Kane. Together, they embark on a project that challenges Elyse to find her voice again, not just for herself, but for a community she grows to call home.
