Summer, #1
The Summer I Turned Pretty
by Jenny Han
Contents
chapter thirty - four
Overview
Belly plans a Putt Putt date with Cam but agrees to come home early after Laurel and Susannah say they miss her. While resting nearby, Belly overhears Laurel urging Susannah to tell the boys difficult news as Conrad’s behavior worsens. Susannah refuses, revealing denial and rising family tension.
Summary
On the beach with Laurel and Susannah, Belly proudly shares her plan to go to Putt Putt with Cam. The outing stirs memories of Mr. Fisher’s competitive mini golf trips, Belly’s dislike of the game, and the humiliating day she got her first period there—making this date feel like reclaiming old ground.
Laurel asks Belly to come home early to spend time together. Susannah softens the request, saying they like Cam but miss Belly. Belly agrees to return for a movie, acknowledging she has been away more as she grows up.
With her eyes closed and headphones on, Belly overhears Laurel complain that Conrad left beer bottles out and is increasingly out of control. Laurel urges Susannah to tell the boys the difficult news she has been withholding; Susannah insists she will wait until summer ends and resists being pushed.
Belly recognizes Susannah’s gentle but unyielding resolve and privately notes that Conrad and Jeremiah already sense the truth. She keeps silent, realizing Susannah is clinging to the idea of a perfect summer even as Conrad’s behavior signals that illusion is breaking.
Who Appears
- Belly (Isabel Conklin)Narrator; plans a Putt Putt date with Cam, agrees to come home early, overhears adults debating withheld news.
- Laurel (Belly’s mother)Wants more time with Belly; presses Susannah to tell the boys the difficult news; cites Conrad’s acting out.
- Susannah FisherAffectionate but resolute; refuses to tell her sons the news until summer ends, hoping to preserve a perfect summer.
- Conrad FisherAbsent but central; leaves beer bottles, signaling turmoil; subject of Laurel and Susannah’s concern.
- CamBelly’s date; his planned Putt Putt outing marks Belly reclaiming an uneasy childhood memory.