It's Not Summer Without You

It's Not Summer Without You
By: Jenny Han

Last year, all of Belly's dreams came true and the thought of missing a summer in Cousins Beach was inconceivable. But like the rise and fall of the ocean tide, things can change--just like that. Suddenly the time she's always looked forward to most is something she dreads. And when Jeremiah calls to say Conrad has disappeared, Belly must decide how she will spend this summer: chasing after the boy she loves, or finally letting him go.

summary from book

My Rating: 5/5

I absolutely fell in love with Belly and her world in The Summer I Turned Pretty. Naturally, when I heard that Jenny Han was continuing Belly's story in a trilogy I was ecstatic. It's Not Summer Without You I believe is a wonderful continuation of the world that was introduced in the first book. The familiar characters continue to grow and their development is very apparent throughout. Jenny Han does not leave readers hanging as she fills them in on exactly what has happened since the last book. The chapters alternate between past occurrences and the present. Another little additive to this novel that I enjoyed was that some chapters are told through Jeremiah's perspective. It was a great way of letting the reader know what was happening in his life and how those around him were feeling, especially Conrad, without spoiling the story.

I have to say that not many books make me cry at the very beginning. I think I can count on one hand how many have done so yet with It's Not Summer Without You, I did. I think it's because I am very much attached to these characters, more than I realized. I don't want to spoil anything but if you read this novel, a few chapters in you'll know what I'm referring to.

As I mentioned above, these characters, especailly Belly, Jeremiah, and Conrad really grow and develop throughout the duration of this book. Belly was a little childish in the first novel which I know many people disliked although I understood where she was coming from given her age and so on. In It's Not Summer Without You, I feel that Belly did the most growing. She still says things she regrets yet I actually like this about her because I think many people can relate seeing as none of us are perfect. A lot of authors like to make their main characters always say and do the right things but what I like about Belly is that she's flawed. Jeremiah and Conrad also matured as well, more so Jeremiah than Conrad which fits in well with the story line. All in all however, the characters really shine through in this series.

Overall: This is a fantastic series about friendships, romance, family, and much much more. It's not a typical light summer read where you enjoy it for the time being and then are able to put it down and move on when finished. These characters and their stories will really stick with you long after you've finished reading the last page, the last sentence. If you're a fan of contemporary YA, much like myself and you're looking for a great book to read, I really do recommend this series.

11 comments:

  1. Aww Michelle I'm so glad you liked it! I fell in love with The Summer I Turned Pretty too. I've been dying to read this one ever since. Do you think it's necessary to reread The Summer I Turned Pretty first? Anyways thanks for the amazing review! :D

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  2. YES to the 5 star rating! I agree with your whole review :D Love this series!

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  3. I finished The Summer I Turned Pretty today, actually, and I loved it. I am awaiting the next book and I wonder where Han takes the story :)

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  4. Anonymous5/23/2010

    Sara: I don't think it's necessary to reread The Summer I Turned Pretty although if you wanted to I say go for it. I definitely remembered all the bigger things that had happened although I at times found myself wanting to recall the smaller details as I read this one. :)

    Thanks Jenny! This series is awesome. :D

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  5. You've sold me on this author...so I'm heading over to my library account right now to order up the first one!!

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  6. What a great review! I felt similarly when I read this one - very emotional, though I liked it a tiny bit less than the first book. I liked seeing the characters develop through the books though, Han is so good at describing them and making them feel real!

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  7. Anonymous7/02/2010

    OMGG!YOur So Right!This Book Is Amazing!

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  8. Anonymous12/20/2010

    i so havent got to read this and the more people talk about it ,the more i want to read it ,i have read the first one three times because i dont want to forget anything till i get the 2nd one!!!thanks so much for telling me about it!!

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  9. I love both of the books and it's just like you said after you read the books you can't move on. I just finished "It's not summer without you" this afternoon and all I've thought about all day long was how they felt part of me, and how I never wanted the book to end.

    There are a few books that I read again for the fun of it or just because I'm bored and want to get lost in another world. Let me tell you, the first one I've read two times already and I don't know how many times I've reread several scenes. With the second one, right after I finished reading it I went back and reread some scenes and the sadness, joy and angst I felt were too much.

    Jenny Hann did an amazing job with both of the books.

    Great review, by the way.

    December 27, 2010 9:37 PM

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  10. booksandbooks3/14/2011

    This is one book I have been crazy about! I loved the first book and this one too and I cant wait for the third one. Strangely if you google it, some readers have ALREDY posted reviews on the third book which totally confused me until I rechecked the realease date.
    Some havent liked this book surprising which was why I never read it until recently. One of my favortite makeup gurus on youtube Meganheartsmakeup had mentioned it and I saw it in the library of my school. So I picked it up. Im so glad I did!
    I totally want Belly with Conrad and so beacause they are meant to be together. I do like Jeremiah but Im sure she'll end up with Conrad. There are several hints in the story. Especially on about Mr.Fisher loving laurel first but finnaly ending truly with susannah.
    FOR YOUR INFO...for all you know, the last few para's of this book COULD OR COULDNT be her final desision. Dont go on it. It could be just someday of her life just like the last para in 'The Summer I Turned Pretty' was her favortie day with Conrad.
    Loved this review and you just spoke my heart out!

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  11. I just finished this and am going to get the third book tomorrow. I also cried my eyes out from the very first page!

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