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25 The Summer I Turned Pretty Book Club Questions Snack Ideas and Activities
Dive into the 25 book club questions and snack ideas for The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han.
Experience the magic of a summer that changes everything in Jenny Han’s captivating novel, The Summer I Turned Pretty. This coming-of-age story transports readers to the idyllic beach town of Cousins Beach, where the protagonist, Isabel “Belly” Conklin, spends her summers with her family and the two boys who have always been a part of her life: Conrad and Jeremiah Fisher.
So if you plan to discuss The Summer I Turned Pretty in your book club here are 25 thought-provoking discussion questions and snacks ideas.
The Summer I Turned Pretty Synopsis
The Summer I Turned Pretty is a heartwarming coming-of-age story that revolves around a girl named Belly as she experiences a life-changing summer. Belly has always spent her summers at a beach house with her mom and older brother, but this summer feels different.
As the story unfolds, we get to know Belly’s two childhood friends, Conrad and Jeremiah, who are also spending the summer at the beach house. Conrad is the serious and brooding type, while Jeremiah is more laid-back and easygoing. Belly has always had a crush on Conrad, and this summer, she hopes to finally catch his attention.
As the days go by, Belly starts to realize that she’s not a little girl anymore. She undergoes a transformation and begins to catch the eye of both Conrad and Jeremiah. However, things become complicated when Belly’s longtime crush, Conrad, starts showing interest in her. This leads to a love triangle that adds a layer of tension and drama to the story.
Amidst the romantic entanglements, The Summer I Turned Pretty also explores friendship, family dynamics, and self-discovery themes. Belly’s relationships with her mom, brother, and friends undergo significant changes, forcing her to confront her feelings and make tough decisions.
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Best Book Club questions for The Summer I Turned Pretty
What were your initial expectations ofThe Summer I Turned Pretty based on its title?
Discuss the protagonist, Belly, and her journey throughout the story. How did you feel about her character development?
In what ways did the author, Jenny Han, capture the essence of summer and the emotions associated with it? How relatable was it?
The Summer I Turned Pretty delves into the complexities of family relationships. Which family dynamics stood out to you the most, and why?
Discuss Belly’s love interests. How did their contrasting personalities affect Belly’s choices and her overall growth as a character?
Were you satisfied with the resolution of the romantic plotlines? Did it align with your expectations?
The Summer I Turned Pretty alternates between past and present timelines. How did this storytelling technique help your understanding of the characters and their relationships?
Discuss the importance of the beach house as a setting in the story.
Which supporting character resonated with you the most, and why? Did any of them surprise you with their development or actions?
Did you find yourself rooting for one of Belly’s love interests over the other? Why or why not?
How did the author balance the lighter, romantic elements of the story with deeper, more emotional moments? Did this balance work well for you as a reader?
Discuss the significance of the title, “The Summer I Turned Pretty,” and how it relates to Belly’s coming-of-age journey.
Were there any particular quotes or passages that stood out to you?
Did you find the theme of summer love and teenage emotions realistic? Did it remind you of your own experiences or bring back any memories?
The Summer I Turned Pretty touches on themes of self-discovery and finding one’s identity. How did Belly’s experiences and relationships contribute to her understanding of herself?
Were there any instances in the story where you disagreed with a character’s choices or actions?
Discuss the role of secrets and their impact on the characters and their relationships. How did these secrets shape the narrative?
What were your thoughts on the writing style and language used in The Summer I Turned Pretty?
How did the author create a sense of nostalgia throughout the book? Did it make you reflect on your own past experiences or long for a particular time in your life?
Were any particular scenes or events that stood out to you as memorable or impactful? Why did they leave an impression on you?
Discuss the overall pacing of the story. Did it keep you engaged and eager to turn the pages?
If you had the opportunity to ask the author, Jenny Han, one question about the book, what would it be?
How would you answer this question, “Would you rather live one perfect day over and over or live your life with no perfect days but just decent ones?”
Would you recommend “The Summer I Turned Pretty” to others? Why or why not? Who do you think would enjoy this book the most?
In three words conclude why The Summer I Turned Pretty is a good beach read
The Summer I Turned Pretty Book Club Snack Ideas
Find the best book club snack ideas for The Summer I Turned Pretty book club discussion.
- Rainbow Fruit Kabobs
- Tomato and Mango Salsas with Tortilla Chips
- Lemonade Cupcake
- Cucumber Sandwiches
- No Sugar Tropical Fruit Popsicles
More Book Club Ideas and Activities
- Listen to The Summer I Turned Pretty official playlist.
- Create a book members playlist- Ask each member to contribute a song that reminds them of their childhood summer days. Play the playlist during the meeting and discuss the song choices.
- Book-to-Movie Night: Watch the film adaptation of The Summer I Turned Pretty with your reading group. And discuss the changes made and the effectiveness of the transformation.
- Book Club Bookmarks: Do a summer-themed bookmark making and members can even do a bookmark exchange.
- Summer Nostalgia – Ask members to share their own memorable summer vacations. This could include sharing anecdotes, and photos, or even bringing in items that remind them of a special summer moment.
- Beach Book Discussion: Organize a book club meeting at an actual beach or by a pool. Members can relax, swim, or lounge while discussing the book.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Summer I Turned Pretty
- How many books are in The Summer I Turned Pretty
The “Summer I Turned Pretty” series consists of three books in total. The books in the series are: The Summer I Turned Pretty (2009), It’s Not Summer Without You (2010), We’ll Always Have Summer (2011)
- Is The Summer I Turned Pretty on Netflix?
No, The Summer I Turned Pretty is not on Netflix
- Where can I watch The Summer I Turned Pretty?
The Summer I Turned Pretty is on Amazon Prime video. The Season two of The Summer I Turned Pretty premieres on Amazon’s Prime Video on Friday, July 14, 2023.
Related posts:
The Summer I Turned Pretty Review & Summary
16 Books Like The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han
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