The Summer I Turned Pretty is a trilogy of young adult novels by Jenny Han that follows the story of Belly, the protagonist, as she matures and grows. The story is set in the summertime and, as the title implies, follows Belly as she grows up and learns to navigate the world of relationships and sexuality. It’s a coming-of-age story that explores themes of love, heartbreak, and self-discovery.
Does Sex Play a Role in the Story?
The Summer I Turned Pretty doesn’t explicitly deal with sex, but it does explore themes related to it. The story follows Belly as she falls in and out of love, dealing with the heartache and confusion that come with it. While there are no explicit scenes of sex in the novel, there are several instances where characters are shown to be exploring their sexuality, such as when Belly’s friend, Taylor, kisses her, or when Belly and her crush, Conrad, share a passionate kiss.
Themes of Sexuality in the Novel
While sex is not explicitly discussed in The Summer I Turned Pretty, it is an important theme in the novel. Belly’s exploration of her sexuality is a major part of her coming-of-age story. As she begins to understand and explore her own feelings, she begins to understand those of others. Through her relationships with the other characters, she learns about the complexities of love and sex. She also learns about the importance of communication and honesty in relationships.
Exploring Sexuality in a Positive Way
The Summer I Turned Pretty does an excellent job of exploring the themes of sexuality in a positive way. While the characters are shown to be exploring their sexuality, it is never portrayed as something to be ashamed of. Instead, it is shown as a natural part of growing up and learning about oneself. The novel also emphasizes the importance of communication and honesty when it comes to relationships. Belly’s relationships with her friends and family are all based on trust and respect, and this is something that is emphasized throughout the story.
Conclusion
The Summer I Turned Pretty is a coming-of-age novel that explores themes of love, heartbreak, and self-discovery. While sex is not explicitly discussed in the novel, it is certainly an important theme. Belly’s exploration of her sexuality is an important part of her story, and it is portrayed in a positive light. The novel emphasizes the importance of communication and honesty in relationships, and it does an excellent job of exploring the complexities of love and sex in a realistic way.