The Summer I Turned Pretty Summary By Chapter | Jenny Han

She discovers Conrad is sitting by the pool, smoking a cigarette and watching her. He claims he knew she always swam at night, which surprises and flusters her—he’s been paying attention all along.

They have a brief, charged exchange before Conrad warns her about “monsters” and goes back inside, leaving Belly confused and hopeful.

Key Moment: Conrad reveals he has been secretly observing Belly’s night swims for a long time.

Chapter 10: The Divorce

Laurel encourages Belly to call her father, which Belly resists with typical teenage stubbornness. She reflects on her parents’ “reasonable” divorce and how her mother seems largely unaffected by it.

Belly feels that fathers—both her own and Mr. Fisher—don’t truly belong in the magical world of the beach house. The chapter highlights her resentment toward her mother’s stoic nature.

Key Moment: Belly refuses to call her father, feeling the summer house is a sanctuary for mothers and children only.

Chapter 11: Blood Sisters (Age 9)

During a porch card game, Jeremiah asks why Laurel calls his mother “Beck.” Laurel explains it was Susannah’s maiden name and expresses pride in never changing her own name.

The group plays cards, and Susannah notes that Belly is just like a young Laurel.

Susannah refers to the group as “children,” which makes Belly feel like they have their whole lives ahead of them—innocent and unaware of what’s coming.

Key Moment: Laurel’s independent streak and the long history of the “blood sisters” are highlighted during a simple game.

Chapter 12: Mr. Fisher

Belly describes Mr. Fisher’s infrequent visits and the tension they inevitably bring.

Conrad worships his father, while Belly has lost that sense of hero-worship for her own dad after the divorce.

She blames her mother for the divorce, finding her too calm and mystery-free compared to Susannah’s warmth. She recalls the depressing reality of her father’s new apartment and the awkwardness of his new girlfriend.

Key Moment: Belly’s internal conflict regarding her parents’ divorce and her preference for Susannah’s warmth are detailed.

Chapter 13: Laurel’s Concern

Laurel confronts Belly with concerns that Conrad might be doing drugs due to his changed behavior. Belly defends him passionately, stating he would never do drugs and that people just “change.”

She points out that she quit dance just as Conrad quit football, without it being a sign of addiction. Laurel remains unconvinced but agrees to drop the subject for now, though her worry lingers.

Key Moment: The mothers are officially worried about Conrad’s erratic behavior, suspecting drug use.

Chapter 14: The Secret (Age 13)

The children realize Susannah and Laurel have been smoking pot together in the house. It’s revealed the marijuana is medicinal for Susannah’s chemotherapy—the first hint that something is seriously wrong.

Jeremiah is devastated and walks away from the group, unable to process the news.

Belly and Jeremiah become “true, real friends” that summer as they comfort each other regarding Susannah’s illness.

Key Moment: Belly and Jeremiah bond over the secret of Susannah’s cancer diagnosis.

Chapter 15: The Movies

During a rainy day, Jeremiah, Steven, and Belly go to the movies. Steven leaves because the film is a rom-com, leaving Belly and Jeremiah alone in the dark.

They share a drink using Twizzlers as straws, and Belly has a sudden, “crazy” thought that Jeremiah might want to kiss her. She dismisses it quickly—her heart has always belonged to Conrad, after all.

Key Moment: Jeremiah and Belly share an intimate moment at the movies, suggesting a shift in their friendship.

Chapter 16: Taylor’s Visit (Age 14)

Belly invites her best friend Taylor to the beach house, a decision she immediately regrets.

Taylor is the “pretty one” who naturally attracts boys’ attention, making Belly feel invisible in her own summer paradise. Taylor sets her sights on Conrad but eventually decides she likes Jeremiah better.

During a game of pool chicken, Conrad ends up holding Belly’s legs—a first for them.

Key Moment: Conrad and Belly win a game of chicken, and Conrad gives Belly a rare, encouraging smile.

Chapter 17: Driving Lessons

Jeremiah offers to teach Belly how to drive a stick shift, spending a clear day practicing and listening to Nirvana. He calls Belly the “best” kisser, referring to a game of Truth or Dare she had forgotten he remembered.

Belly feels “confident” and grateful for Jeremiah’s kindness when no one else would help her. The moment plants a seed she doesn’t yet recognize.

Key Moment: Jeremiah validates Belly as a “natural” driver and a great kisser, boosting her confidence.

Chapter 18: Taylor at the Boardwalk (Age 14)

Taylor and Belly prepare for a night at the boardwalk. Taylor flirts aggressively with Jeremiah, which annoys Belly more than she wants to admit.

Belly feels like an invisible third wheel as Jeremiah wins a giant stuffed animal for Taylor. She wishes she were home watching movies with the adults instead of being with her supposedly best friend.

Key Moment: Belly realizes Taylor’s presence is ruining her summer sanctuary and making her feel more like an outsider.

Chapter 19: Steven Leaves

Steven leaves for a college road trip with their father, and Belly realizes she will miss her brother. He’s always acted as a “buffer” in the group’s dynamics, smoothing over awkward moments.

She reflects on the fact that Conrad is going to Brown in the fall and that things may never be the same again. She vows to make the most of the remaining summer days.

Key Moment: Steven’s departure signals the beginning of the end of their childhood group dynamic.

Chapter 20: Would You Rather (Age 11)

The group plays “Would You Rather” on the beach. Conrad agrees with Belly’s answer about preferring “decent days” so one can still hope for a “perfect day.”

When Steven teases Belly about being flat-chested, Conrad defends her and stops the teasing cold. Belly feels a surge of joy that Conrad “cared whether or not [she] was dead”—proof he’s always been watching out for her.

Key Moment: Conrad defends Belly against Steven’s bullying, reinforcing her love for him.

Chapter 21: Clay’s Bonfire

Belly goes for a night swim and finds Conrad and Jeremiah drinking with a neighbor, Clay Bertolet. Clay flirts with Belly, and to annoy Conrad, she lies and says she has a boyfriend back home.

Conrad acts like a protective, “self-righteous” father figure, which infuriates Belly. Clay invites her to his Fourth of July bonfire, and she accepts defiantly.

Key Moment: Belly lies about having a boyfriend to prove she is no longer a child to Conrad.

Chapter 22: Cam Calls

Belly prepares for her date with Cam, the boy she met at the bonfire. She spends the day tanning and waiting for the phone to ring, feeling giddy with anticipation.

Mr. Fisher calls and says he isn’t coming for the weekend, leaving Susannah visibly saddened and taking more naps. Jeremiah takes Belly to “Go Kart City” to practice driving, where even the attendant notices Belly’s beauty.

Key Moment: Belly receives a call from Cam, confirming her first “real” summer romance.

Chapter 23: The Party

Belly and Cam talk on the phone for hours, and eventually she invites him over. They race in the pool, and Cam lets her win—unlike the boys who never let her win anything.

She tells the boys she is going to a party with Cam, and Conrad reacts with hostility, claiming the host is a drug dealer. Both Conrad and Jeremiah decide they are going to the party too, much to Belly’s annoyance.

Key Moment: Conrad and Jeremiah act as overprotective “fake brothers” when Belly announces her date with Cam.

Chapter 24: Conrad’s Touch

Belly attends the party with Cam, but the night is interrupted by the Fisher boys. Jeremiah makes fun of Cam’s name on karaoke, and Conrad sits brooding with a girl named Nicole.

A fight nearly breaks out between Conrad and a muscular stranger, and Belly has to intervene to stop it.

On the car ride home, a drunk Conrad softly touches Belly’s hair, a moment of tenderness—but Jeremiah returns to the car and ruins it.

Key Moment: Conrad touches Belly’s hair in a rare moment of tenderness, only for it to be cut short.

Chapter 25: Susannah’s Stand

Belly returns home “walking on clouds” but hears Susannah and Laurel arguing.

Susannah tells Laurel she is a “big girl” and wants to decide how to live her own life without being managed. Susannah comforts Belly and encourages her to talk to her mother about her feelings for Cam.

Belly reflects on Susannah’s kindness, remembering how she secretly bought Belly a dress Laurel had forbidden.

Key Moment: Susannah asserts her independence from Laurel’s “management” of her life.

Chapter 26: The Divorce Revealed

August arrives, and Mr. Fisher still hasn’t visited the beach house. Conrad reveals to Belly that his parents are getting a divorce—the truth behind his dark mood all summer.

Jeremiah is deeply hurt by the situation, noting that their father had already moved out weeks ago without telling them. Belly realizes Susannah’s sadness and Conrad’s behavior are tied to the family’s collapse.

Key Moment: Belly learns that the Fishers are divorcing, explaining the summer’s heavy atmosphere.

Chapter 27: Cam’s Dinner

Cam comes to dinner at the beach house, and Susannah makes a tofu stir-fry for him. Jeremiah teases Cam about being a vegetarian and, to prove a point, kisses Belly at the table.

Laurel jokes that Belly is “allowed to kiss,” embarrassing her further. After dinner, Belly and Cam walk on the beach, and she tells him her first kiss was actually with Jeremiah.

Key Moment: Belly reveals to Cam that her first kiss was with Jeremiah Fisher.

Chapter 28: The First Kiss (Age 14)

During a game of Truth or Dare, Taylor dares Jeremiah to kiss someone in the room. To make Taylor jealous, Jeremiah kisses Belly instead of Taylor.

Belly is furious that her first kiss was “stolen” for a game, robbed of the romance she’d imagined.

Later, she discovers Taylor and her brother Steven kissing on the beach, realizing Taylor had always had a crush on him, not Jeremiah.

Key Moment: Jeremiah “steals” Belly’s first kiss during a game, and Belly later catches Taylor with Steven.

Chapter 29: The Late-Night Dance

Conrad returns home drunk at 3:00 AM and turns his music up loud. Belly goes to his room to confront him and finds him in a rare, playful mood.

He twirls her around and dances with her, calling her “Bells” in a voice that makes her heart ache. Belly realizes it is impossible to stop loving him when he’s sweet—those moments undo all the hurt.

Key Moment: Conrad and Belly share a late-night dance in his bedroom.

Chapter 30: The Cuddle (Age 11)

Belly recalls Susannah teaching the children how to “shag,” a 1960s beach dance. Conrad is forced to dance with Belly, and they perform a move called “the cuddle” where she leans against his chest.

Belly is dizzy with “pure, absolute joy” to be that close to him. The memory contrasts sharply with their current awkwardness and distance.

Key Moment: A young Conrad teaches Belly “the cuddle” dance move, a peak moment of childhood affection.

Chapter 31: Conrad’s Cruelty

Belly and Cam spend a perfect day in the ocean, but the mood shifts when they return to the house.

Cam stays to play video games with the boys, and Conrad makes a snide comment about Belly “looking at [herself] in the mirror.” Belly snaps at him to “go smoke a cigarette,” but his words about her vanity deeply wound her.

She wonders if her crush on Conrad is finally dying.

Key Moment: Conrad insults Belly’s perceived vanity, causing a major rift between them.

Chapter 32: The Message in a Bottle

Belly tries to convince Cam to go skinny-dipping with her at midnight, but he refuses, worried her mother might see them. His caution makes Belly feel he is too “safe,” too unlike the summer adventure she craves.

Angry, she goes back inside and sits with Conrad, who tells her she shouldn’t be so “hard on people.”

The next morning, she finds a “message in a bottle” from Cam promising her a skinny-dip later.

Key Moment: Cam refuses to skinny-dip, leading Belly to feel he doesn’t truly match her adventurous summer spirit.

Chapter 33: Jeremiah’s Question

Jeremiah invites Belly to hang out at the country club pool while he lifeguards. She meets his co-lifeguard, Yolie, who is clearly an admirer of Jeremiah.

He questions Belly about her feelings for Conrad, and she insists she is “over him.” Jeremiah doesn’t believe her, noting that Conrad is a “dick” but Belly is still inexplicably drawn to him.

Key Moment: Jeremiah confronts Belly about her lingering feelings for Conrad.

Chapter 34: Overheard Secrets

Laurel and Susannah ask Belly to spend more time at the house, complaining they miss her. Belly overhears them talking about Conrad’s bad behavior, and Laurel suggests it’s time to tell the boys “the truth.”

Susannah insists on waiting until the summer is over. Belly realizes she isn’t the only one keeping secrets—something bigger is being hidden.

Key Moment: Belly overhears the mothers discussing a secret “truth” that needs to be told to the boys.

Chapter 35: The First Real Kiss

Cam and Belly go to “Putt Putt” for mini golf and end up staying out late eating fried clams. In the car, Cam asks for permission to kiss her, which Belly finds awkward—she tells him he should just “do it” next time.

They kiss, but Belly finds herself wishing Conrad were watching, wanting him to see her with someone else. She realizes she’s using Cam to provoke a reaction.

Key Moment: Belly realizes she is using her relationship with Cam to try to make Conrad jealous.

Chapter 36: The Forgotten Birthday

Belly turns sixteen, a birthday she usually shares with the Fishers and her brother. Susannah gives her a strand of pearls that belonged to her own father, a gift heavy with meaning.

Conrad shocks Belly by saying he “forgot” her birthday and didn’t get her a present. Jeremiah gives her a silver key charm for her bracelet, acknowledging she’ll be driving soon.

Key Moment: Conrad claims he forgot Belly’s sixteenth birthday, deeply wounding her.

Chapter 37: The Charm Bracelet (Age 11)

A flashback to Belly’s eleventh birthday shows Steven being obnoxious and Laurel baking a cake from a box.

Susannah gives Belly her first charm bracelet with five summer-themed charms—a tradition that continues each year.

Belly feels a pang of guilt because the Fishers have so much more money than her own family. She wished for Conrad when she blew out her candles.

Key Moment: Belly receives her cherished charm bracelet from Susannah.

Chapter 38: Birthday Tension

Back in the present, Belly shows Jeremiah the key charm on her bracelet. Conrad leaves for work abruptly, refusing to eat cake.

Susannah also claims she isn’t hungry, and Laurel makes a point to say the cake was “from scratch,” a subtle dig at Susannah’s distance. The tension in the house is palpable as the birthday celebration falls apart piece by piece.

Key Moment: The birthday dinner is cut short by Conrad’s exit and Susannah’s lack of appetite.

Chapter 39: Nicole and Cam

Conrad invites Nicole (the Red Sox girl from the party) to the house, and they hang out on the deck. Belly calls Cam over in retaliation, and they all end up watching Titanic together.

Cam confronts Belly about whether she is using him to make Conrad jealous. Belly realizes that despite everything, she still feels a “yearning” for Conrad that won’t go away.

Key Moment: Cam calls Belly out on her lingering feelings for Conrad, and she can’t truthfully deny them.

Chapter 40: Jeremiah’s Confession

The group has a movie night, and Susannah falls asleep halfway through. Jeremiah carries his mother upstairs, appearing more grown-up than ever.

He then confesses to Belly that he sees her as “more than” a friend and doesn’t think Cam is the guy for her. Belly admits she still likes Conrad, and a heartbroken Jeremiah leaves her sitting alone on the couch.

Key Moment: Jeremiah confesses his love for Belly, but she rejects him for Conrad.

Chapter 41: The Rubbery Eggs (Age 12)

Belly recalls a night when she and Jeremiah were home alone while the others went fishing. Jeremiah tells her he thinks his dad likes Conrad better—a truth that clearly pains him.

He also correctly identifies that Belly “loves” Conrad.

Belly realizes she truly loves Conrad when she watches him serve “rubbery eggs” for a Father’s Day breakfast his dad missed.

Key Moment: Belly identifies the specific moment she realized she would “love this boy forever.”

Chapter 42: The Fight

Belly decides to tell Conrad she loves him, finally putting her heart on the line.

But he shuts her down, saying she “shouldn’t” feel that way. They have a heated argument where Belly accuses him of “stringing her along” her whole life.

Jeremiah arrives and gets into a physical fight with Conrad after Conrad tells Belly to “shut [her] mouth.”

The fight ends when Susannah appears in the doorway, looking impossibly frail—and the truth comes out: her cancer is back.

Key Moment: The boys’ physical fight leads to the revelation that Susannah is terminally ill.

Chapter 43: The Rain Kiss

Belly spends the night crying with Jeremiah in his room, both of them shattered by the news. She confronts a drunk Conrad the next morning, telling him he is “the most selfish person [she] ever met.”

Susannah makes muffins and asks Belly to “look after” Conrad because he needs her. Belly and Conrad finally find each other on the beach, and they share a needy, emotional kiss in the rain—but Conrad insists “it can’t happen like this” because of Susannah.

Key Moment: Conrad and Belly finally kiss, but Conrad pulls away due to the weight of his mother’s illness.

Chapter 44: Summer’s End

The summer ends with a sense of “suffocating” paradise—the beauty of the beach house now tinged with grief. Cam calls to say goodbye, but Belly doesn’t answer, realizing her heart will always belong to the Fisher family.

Jeremiah goes back to being his normal self, letting Belly “off the hook” for her rejection with grace. Belly wants to spend every second left with Susannah, pretending things are normal even as they fall apart.

Key Moment: Belly chooses to ignore Cam’s final call, fully committing her heart to the Fisher family’s tragedy.

Chapter 45: The Last Swim

The families perform their final cleanup rituals, packing away another summer.

Susannah tells the group she is stopping aggressive treatment and wants to spend her remaining time at the beach house with the people she loves.

Belly leaves notes for both boys for a “midnight swim,” and they all jump into the pool together. They recite Susannah’s favorite poem and form a whirlpool, finding comfort in their shared history one last time.

Key Moment: The group shares one last “perfect” moment in the pool, accepting Susannah’s decision to die on her own terms.

Chapter 46: Winter Arrival

The story jumps to a cold winter night months after the summer ended. Conrad calls Belly and tells her he has driven all night from Boston to see her. Belly tiptoes out of the house, leaving a sleeping Laurel and Steven behind.

She gets into Conrad’s car, and when he asks if she is still “coming with him,” she says “Yes” without hesitation. Their story is far from over.

Key Moment: Belly leaves her home in the middle of the night to be with Conrad, leading into the next book.

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