Summer, #1
The Summer I Turned Pretty
by Jenny Han
Contents
Chapter thirty - seven
Overview
In a flashback beach birthday, Belly tussles with Steven before celebrating with cake. Susannah gifts Belly a silver charm bracelet, which Belly loves, while Belly’s mother worries it’s too extravagant. Belly wishes for Conrad and recognizes the wealth gap between the families, deepening her awareness of their dynamics.
Summary
The chapter flashes back to a childhood beach birthday for Belly. Steven dumps sand in Belly’s lap, prompting a chase and playful scuffle, with Jeremiah trying to peel Belly off Steven and Conrad laughing at the chaos. Susannah calls everyone to cake, and the group gathers on the blanket.
Belly quickly blows out her candles to protect her wish, which she makes for Conrad. Steven pushes his gag gift, while Belly turns to a small box from Susannah, opening a silver charm bracelet adorned with beach-themed charms and a horseshoe for luck.
Susannah’s thoughtful gift delights Belly, but Belly notices her mother’s silence and senses concern over the expense. Belly compares the bracelet to her mother’s more modest gifts of sheet music and CDs and, in that moment, understands the difference in their families’ finances.
The scene closes with Belly’s gratitude for Susannah’s affection, her private wish for Conrad, and a new, more mature awareness of money and what generosity can mean within their blended summer family.
Who Appears
- BellyBirthday girl; tussles with Steven, wishes for Conrad, cherishes Susannah’s charm bracelet, and recognizes the families’ money gap.
- StevenBelly’s brother; dumps sand as a prank, scuffles with her, and gives a teasing deodorant gift.
- SusannahGives Belly a silver charm bracelet and expresses affection, highlighting her generosity.
- Belly’s motherHosts the cake, stays quiet about the expensive gift, prompting Belly’s awareness of finances.
- JeremiahPlayfully tries to pull Belly off Steven during the scuffle; part of the beach celebration.
- ConradLaughs at the antics; the focus of Belly’s birthday wish.