It's Not Summer Without You

It’s Not Summer Without You opens on a sad note. We learn that Belly and Conrad are not together, and that Susannah has passed away. How were you affected by this beginning? In what way did Jenny Han continue Belly’s story from The Summer I Turned Pretty, and in what way did she introduce a whole new story in the sequel?

We see much more of Taylor in It’s Not Summer Without You. How would you characterize Belly’s friendship with Taylor? What role does Taylor play in Belly’s life? Where do you see their friendship going from here—do you imagine them staying friends like Laurel and Susannah or have they already outgrown each other?

Unlike in The Summer I Turned Pretty, we’re presented with a point of view other than just Belly’s—several chapters are written from Jeremiah’s perspective. How does this change your experience as a reader? Do you look at characters or situations any differently, hearing Jeremiah’s side? Why do you think Jenny Han chose to show us Jeremiah’s point of view, and not Conrad’s?

How do Belly’s experiences in The Summer I Turned Pretty and in It’s Not Summer Without You represent her coming of age? Is Belly a child, or an adult? Can she be both at one time? At what point does she grow up? What factors have accelerated or delayed her entry into adulthood?

When Belly sees the infinity necklace in Conrad’s drawer, she takes it—impulsively—and puts it on. Why did she do this? Would you have taken the necklace, if you were Belly? What did you think about Belly for doing this?

Whereas The Summer I Turned Pretty took place exclusively at Cousins, the events of It’s Not Summer Without You take place in several different settings; Cousins, Belly’s house, Jeremiah and Conrad’s house, and Conrad’s college. Furthermore, the house at Cousins has a very different feel this summer, than it has for the characters in the past. How important is setting, in fiction? How important is setting to this story?

How has your opinion about Belly evolved, after reading this sequel? In what ways do you understand her better? In what ways are you disappointed, supportive, surprised, or confused by her actions in the sequel, as compared to The Summer I Turned Pretty?

How has Belly’s relationship with her mother changed or remained the same in It’s Not Summer Without You? What are your thoughts and feelings about Laurel, as Belly’s mother, but also as a character in her own right?

Belly acknowledges her unrequited love for Conrad; “It wasn’t like how it was with Conrad and Aubrey. He’d loved her. Once upon a time, he’d been crazy about her. He had never been that way with me. Never. But I had loved him. I loved him longer and truer than I had anyone in my whole life and I would probably never love anyone that way again. Which, to be honest, was almost a relief.” What does Belly mean here? Do you believe her?

Belly and Jeremiah’s kiss was passionate, intense, and immensely meaningful to both of them. Describe a time when you’ve felt like “the earth stopped turning.”

Belly returns the infinity necklace that she’d taken from Conrad’s desk. What did this moment signify to Belly? To Conrad? Discuss the symbolism of the necklace.

Who is the “you” in the title of the book?

Like in The Summer I Turned Pretty, this next book in the series ends with a mysterious preview of what’s to come. “A couple of years later” gives us a snapshot of Belly’s wedding day. Whom do you think she will marry? Why does Jenny Han conclude the novel in this way?