For those who loved “The Summer I Turned Pretty,” there are numerous books that offer similar themes and characters. From heartwarming coming-of-age stories to romantic beach reads, these books are sure to satisfy readers looking for a similar experience. Some notable titles include “Along for the Ride” by Sarah Dessen, “Second Chance Summer” by Morgan Matson, and “The Last Song” by Nicholas Sparks.
1. From Little Tokyo, with Love by Sarah Kuhn
“From Little Tokyo, with Love” is a heartwarming fairytale set in Little Tokyo, a neighborhood in Los Angeles. The story revolves around Rika, an orphan who embarks on a journey to find her long-lost mother, with the help of a charming actor and after meeting America’s most popular rom-com actress, Grace Kimura, at the Nikkei Week Festival.
Rika’s quest for a happy ending is a beautiful portrayal of family, culture, and community. Kuhn’s writing style is engaging and relatable, making it a must-read for fans of Jenny Han’s “Summer” series.
2. Once Upon a Quinceañera by Monica Gomez-Hira
Once Upon a Quinceañera by Monica Gomez-Hira is a novel that features Carmen Aguilar as the protagonist. Carmen’s summer is filled with an unpaid internship and her spoiled cousin’s extravagant quinceañera.
However, things take a turn for the worse when she discovers that her dance partner is Mauro Reyes, her ex who caused her many problems in the past. The book is a perfect blend of humor and heartfelt moments, with Carmen’s sharp and witty dialogue.
The story emphasizes complex family situations, making it relatable to a wide range of readers.
3. Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson
Second Chance Summer, written by Morgan Matson, celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. Matson is known for her thoughtful and deeply heartfelt books, and Second Chance Summer is no exception.
The story follows Taylor Edwards, who spends her summer at the lake house with her family after her father receives life-altering news. This is the same lake house Taylor hasn’t visited since the age of 12, where she left pieces of her life in the past, including her friend Lucy and her crush Henry, both of whom are present this summer. As Taylor is forced to confront her past, she begins to realize that this summer has given her a second chance at many things.
For those who enjoy emotional and poignant stories, Second Chance Summer is a must-read. It’s a story that will tug at your heartstrings and leave you reaching for the tissues.
4. The Summer of Broken Rules by K. L. Walther
In this summer romance novel, Meredith Fox returns to Martha’s Vineyard with her family for the first time since her sister’s death. Despite the wedding festivities of her cousin, her family’s tradition of playing the game of Assassin continues.
Meredith’s target is a charmingly good-looking groomsman, but she refuses to be distracted by his looks and enter a relationship that’s bound to go nowhere. The novel explores the themes of grief and healing, as well as the complexities of family relationships.
The Summer of Broken Rules is a tender and sweet romance that captures the essence of summer love. Readers looking for a heartwarming summer read will enjoy this book.
5. Golden Boys by Phil Stamper
Phil Stamper’s Golden Boys is a captivating young adult novel that follows the lives of four queer boys from a small rural town during the summer before their senior year of high school. Throughout the summer, Gabriel, Reese, Sal, and Heath will be separated, each pursuing their own interests. Reese will be in Paris attending design school, Gabriel will be volunteering in Boston, Sal will intern at Capitol Hill, and Heath will be spending his summer at Daytona Beach with his aunt.
Golden Boys is a story of growth and transformation, as the characters navigate their personal and romantic relationships while discovering their true selves. Stamper’s writing captures the essence of summer, making this book a perfect read for the season.
6. Kings of B’More by R. Eric Thomas
Kings of B’More is a memoir by R. Eric Thomas, a playwright and humorist from Baltimore. The book recounts Thomas’s experiences growing up in the city, including his struggles with his sexuality, his relationship with his family, and his journey to becoming a writer.
The book is a celebration of Baltimore and its unique culture, with Thomas highlighting the city’s rich history and vibrant arts scene. Throughout the book, Thomas weaves together personal anecdotes, historical facts, and pop culture references to create a funny and poignant portrait of his hometown. Kings of B’More is a must-read for anyone interested in Baltimore, LGBTQ+ issues, or the power of storytelling.
7. Every Summer After by Carley Fortune
Every Summer After, written by Carley Fortune, is a perfect summer read that will take readers on a nostalgic journey of lost love and yearning.
The story revolves around Percy, a thirty-year-old woman who returns to her childhood lake house in Barry’s Bay, Canada, after many years of cutting off ties with Sam, the boy who lived next door. The novel, although not a Young Adult (YA) book, is full of big feelings and heartache that align with the beloved YA series.
The story unfolds in past and present timelines, allowing readers to understand what happened between Sam and Percy while discovering how they will move forward.
Every Summer After is a quintessential summer novel that hits on many beloved tropes and is a must-read for anyone looking for a heartwarming and emotional story.
8. Love & Gelato by Jenna Evans Welch
Love & Gelato is a heartwarming novel set in Tuscany, Italy. The story follows Lina, who is on a mission to fulfill her mother’s dying wish of getting to know her father. Armed with her mother’s diary, Lina embarks on a journey of self-discovery and family secrets.
Along the way, she meets Ren, a charming local who helps her uncover her family’s past. This book is a perfect summer read, filled with the magic of Italy and the sweetness of gelato.
9. Beach Read by Emily Henry
Beach Read by Emily Henry is a novel that will resonate with readers who enjoy a mix of romance and literary fiction. The story follows January and Augustus, two writers who are struggling with their writing projects during the summer. January is trying to cope with the loss of her father and has come to his beach house to find solace. Augustus, her neighbor, is dealing with his own mental blocks in both his writing and personal life.
As the two writers get to know each other, they make a deal to help each other with their writing. January will attempt to write something more serious, while Augustus will try his hand at happy endings. Along the way, they coach each other through their research processes and form a connection that they try to deny.
Beach Read is a heartwarming story that explores grief, love, and the power of writing. It is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a good romance novel with a literary twist.
10. “You Should See Me in a Crown” by Leah Johnson
Leah Johnson’s debut novel “You Should See Me in a Crown” is a heartwarming and joyful contemporary young adult read. The relatable characters and their voices are reminiscent of Jenny Han’s series, making Johnson’s book a must-read for fans of the genre.
The story follows Liz, who runs for prom queen in her small Indiana town to win a scholarship after her original scholarship falls through.
However, things become complicated when she starts to develop feelings for Mack, who is also running for prom queen.
11. One True Loves by Elise Bryant
Elise Bryant’s latest YA romance novel, One True Loves, is a captivating story about a young girl’s journey to find love. The book is set on a Mediterranean cruise, where Lenore Bennett, a teenager with a pocket full of secrets, is on vacation with her family before heading to NYU in the fall. Lenore is a realist without a solid plan for her life, but she meets Alex, a fellow teen who seems to be everything Lenore isn’t. As they spend more time together, Lenore finds herself opening up to love.
One True Loves is a refreshing take on the classic summer romance. Bryant’s writing style is engaging, and her characters are relatable and well-developed. The book is a perfect choice for anyone looking for a heartwarming, feel-good read. You can purchase One True Loves from Bookshop or your local indie bookstore via Indiebound.
12. An Emotion of Great Delight by Tahereh Mafi
In An Emotion of Great Delight, Tahereh Mafi tells the story of Shadi, a Muslim American teenager who is struggling to keep her life together after the events of 9/11.
Shadi is dealing with a lot – her father is in the hospital, her mother is struggling with depression, her brother has passed away, and her best friend has abandoned her. The only person who seems to understand her is a boy from her past, but Shadi finds it impossible to open up to him.
Mafi’s writing is lyrical and heartfelt, and she does an excellent job of capturing the emotions of grief and loss. An Emotion of Great Delight is a touching and emotional story that will resonate with readers who enjoy stories that deal with difficult topics.
13. Right Where I Left You by Julian Winters
Isaac Martin is determined to make the most of his last summer before college by attending Legends Con with his best friend, Diego. However, when a chance encounter with an old crush throws him off course, Isaac’s plans are jeopardized.
As the summer progresses, Isaac and his crush begin to develop a relationship, but things get complicated when Diego discovers the truth behind Isaac’s mistake with the tickets.
Right Where I Left You, written by Julian Winters, is a heartwarming coming-of-age story that explores themes of friendship, love, and self-discovery. Winters’ writing style is engaging and relatable, making it easy for readers to connect with the characters and their experiences.
The book’s diverse cast of characters, including gamers and members of the LGBTQ+ community, adds depth and richness to the story. Overall, Right Where I Left You is a must-read for anyone looking for a feel-good novel that celebrates the complexities of growing up.
14. The Summer of Jordi Perez by Amy Spalding
Abby, a plus-size blogger, never imagined herself as the protagonist of her own love story. She thought that role was reserved for her friends. But when she meets Jordi Perez at Lemonberry, the boutique where they both work over the summer, Abby begins to realize that she can shine in her own story.
Although she has her own insecurities, Abby is ultimately happy in her own skin and believes that fat isn’t a bad word unless you give it power to be one.
Amy Spalding’s writing is both funny and charming, making readers fly through the pages.
15. The Astonishing Color of After by Emily X. R. Pan
Emily X. R. Pan’s debut YA novel, The Astonishing Color of After, follows Leigh, a girl who is half white and half Taiwanese, as she copes with the loss of her mother. Leigh believes that her mother has transformed into a bird after committing suicide.
Seeking answers, Leigh travels to Taiwan to visit her maternal grandparents for the first time. While there, she searches for her mother (the bird) and uncovers family secrets.
The book is written in a nonlinear timeline and features a tender love story. Pan’s writing is brilliant, lyrical, heartfelt, and astounding. The novel explores themes of grief, love, and the complexity of family relationships.
16. The Way You Make Me Feel by Maurene Goo
In The Way You Make Me Feel, readers will find a relatable main character named Clara, who has an impulsive nature and often finds herself in trouble. After a particular incident, Clara is forced to spend her summer helping her dad with his food truck, along with her enemy, Rose.
However, as the summer progresses, Clara begins to develop a newfound interest in her father’s business and even starts to bond with Rose. Additionally, Clara meets a boy named Hamlet, which further adds to the evolution of her character.
The novel explores the theme of personal growth, as Clara begins to shed her old self and embrace a new version of herself.
17. XOXO by Axie Oh
XOXO by Axie Oh is a heartwarming young adult novel that follows the story of Jenny, a talented cello player, and Jaewoo, a member of a popular K-pop band. The two meet at Jenny’s uncle’s karaoke bar in Los Angeles and have an unforgettable one-night adventure. However, when Jenny moves to South Korea, she discovers that Jaewoo is a student at the same elite arts academy where she’s enrolled, and he’s forbidden from dating.
The novel explores themes of love, friendship, and pursuing one’s dreams despite obstacles. Oh’s writing style is engaging and easy to follow, making it a perfect read for fans of romance and coming-of-age stories. Readers will appreciate the diverse representation in the book, as well as the vivid descriptions of the Los Angeles and South Korean settings.
18. Summer Boys by Hailey Abbott
Summer Boys is a book series by Hailey Abbott that was published in 2004. This series is perfect for those who love first love, crushes, and beach houses. The story revolves around three cousins, Ella, Beth, and Jamie, who spend their summer at their family’s beach house.
Ella is crushing on her sister’s new boyfriend, Beth is catching feelings for her best friend, and Jamie is trying to heal a broken heart. This fast-paced and sweet read truly captures the essence of young summer love.
19. Some Mistakes Were Made by Kristin Dwyer
Kristin Dwyer’s debut novel portrays a story of found family, privilege, and opportunity, and the consequences of people failing to show up for you. The novel tells the story of Ellis, who has just graduated from high school and is far away from her old life, including her childhood friend Easton. The two haven’t spoken in over a year. Ellis receives an invitation to return to her old life, and she takes it, even though she’ll have to confront her messy past with Easton, the boy who once captured her heart.
Dwyer’s writing style is captivating, and her prose is achingly lyrical. However, there are a few mistakes in the novel that may detract from the overall reading experience.
Firstly, the non-linear, past/present timelines can be confusing to follow, especially for readers who are not accustomed to this style of storytelling. This confusion may lead to readers feeling disconnected from the characters and the plot.
Secondly, the novel’s pacing can be slow at times, which may cause readers to lose interest in the story.
Lastly, some readers may find the novel’s emphasis on privilege and opportunity to be heavy-handed, which may detract from the story’s emotional impact.
Overall, despite these mistakes, Dwyer’s debut novel is a gorgeous reminder that everyone deserves love, even when they mishandle it at times.
20. Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins
Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins is a heartwarming novel set in Paris. Anna reluctantly moves to Paris for her senior year of high school and is introduced to a group of friends who help her adjust to her new surroundings.
Among them is Étienne St. Clair, a charming French-English boy who is unfortunately in a relationship. Despite this, Anna and Étienne develop a close friendship that blossoms into something more.
The novel is a delightful coming-of-age story that captures the essence of Paris and the excitement of young love.
Summary
For those who loved “The Summer I Turned Pretty,” several books offer similar themes and tones. “Since You’ve Been Gone” by Morgan Matson follows a girl named Emily as she searches for her missing best friend, while “The Truth About Forever” by Sarah Dessen explores the complexities of love and loss. “Just Listen” by Sarah Dessen also deals with heavy themes, including sexual assault and family dynamics.
Finally, “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” by Jenny Han offers a light-hearted romance with relatable characters. Each of these books offers a unique perspective on growing up and finding oneself, making them great picks for fans of “The Summer I Turned Pretty.”