"It's Not Summer Without You" is a young adult novel by Jenny Han that continues the story of best friends Belly and Jeremiah, whom readers first met in "The Summer I Turned Pretty". In this book, the two are dealing with the aftermath of their mutual friend's death and the strained relationship between Belly and Jeremiah's older brother, Conrad.
The novel takes place at the beach house where the three of them have spent every summer since they were kids. As Belly and Jeremiah grow closer and begin to develop romantic feelings for each other, they must also navigate the complicated dynamics between them and Conrad. Along the way, they learn about the importance of communication, forgiveness, and the ties that bind us to the people we love.
Han's writing is engaging and relatable, capturing the essence of teenage angst and summer romance. She masterfully weaves together themes of grief, family, and friendship to create a story that is both poignant and uplifting. With its vivid descriptions and authentic characters, "It's Not Summer Without You" is a must-read for anyone who has ever longed for the warmth and freedom of summer days.
