The Summer I Turned Pretty

Every summer, Belly and her family make their annual trip to the Fishers' beach house in Cousins. It has become a familiar routine, a time for relaxation, family bonding, and catching up with old friends. The beach setting provides a idyllic backdrop for these cherished summer months, offering a peaceful escape from everyday life. Each year, the trip seems to follow a predictable pattern, reinforcing the comfort and familiarity that Belly associates with her summers in Cousins.

However, everything begins to shift as Belly prepares to celebrate her sixteenth birthday. This summer marks a turning point, bringing a mix of excitement and uncertainty. As she approaches her milestone birthday, Belly finds herself more aware of the changes happening within her and around her. The carefree days of childhood are giving way to the complexities of adolescence, and she is starting to notice new feelings and desires.

The summer of Belly's sixteenth year is filled with new experiences that will test her relationships and challenge her understanding of herself. She begins to navigate the complicated feelings of first love, finding herself drawn to someone who awakens a range of emotions she has never experienced before. At the same time, she confronts painful truths about those closest to her, learning that appearances can be deceiving and that loyalty and honesty are more important than ever.

Throughout this transformative summer, Belly faces moments of heartbreak and joy, gaining a deeper understanding of what it means to grow up. Her friendships are tested, and her relationship with her family evolves as well. Each encounter and realization pushes her further along her path of self-discovery, shaping her into the person she is destined to become. This summer truly becomes a catalyst for her personal growth.

In the end, the summer she turns pretty marks not just a physical transformation but an emotional awakening. It is a summer filled with firsts—first love, first loss, and first steps into independence. The experiences she has during this time leave a lasting impression and help her step confidently into the future. As the season concludes, Belly emerges ready to face the world anew, forever changed by the summer that defined her adolescence.