It's Not Summer Without You
Book Description
Summer hangs in the balance as Belly Conklin grapples with heartache and longing. The fleeting warmth of sun-soaked days is overshadowed by the fallout from a devastating loss—one that threatens her closest relationships and the very fabric of her summer paradise. Friends become estranged, and hidden truths rise to the surface, testing loyalties and love. As Belly navigates the complexities of friendship and first love, every choice carries weight, leading to a pivotal summer that could change everything. Will she find the courage to face her fears and reclaim what truly matters? Love, loss, and redemption await at the shoreline.
Quick Summary
"It's Not Summer Without You" by Jenny Han continues the poignant coming-of-age journey of Belly Conklin as she returns to Cousins Beach carrying the heavy burden of Susannah Fisher's death, Conrad and Jeremiah's mom. The story unfolds in the wake of this loss, casting a shadow over the easy joys of summers past. Belly finds herself caught between two brothers: introspective Conrad, who is withdrawn with grief, and steadfast Jeremiah, searching for solace. As they confront their shifting relationships and unresolved feelings, the trio navigates heartbreak, nostalgia, and secrets that threaten to divide or unite them. Throughout this pivotal summer, Belly must grapple with her own vulnerabilities and choose where her heart truly lies, exploring themes of grief, love, and the hope of healing.
Summary of Key Ideas
Table of Contents
Grief and the Process of Healing
The story opens with Belly Conklin reflecting on her last summer at Cousins Beach, now overshadowed by the passing of Susannah Fisher, her lifelong friend and the mother of brothers Conrad and Jeremiah. Susannah's death leaves the group fractured; Belly has not spoken to Conrad, her former love, and her friendship with Jeremiah also feels strained. The emptiness left by Susannah's absence is felt by everyone, transforming a place once filled with laughter into a reminder of their loss.
Complexities of Love and Relationships
As summer approaches, Jeremiah reaches out to Belly for help—Conrad has disappeared, and they fear for his well-being. The search draws Belly and Jeremiah back to Cousins Beach, where their memories and unresolved feelings surround them. Their journey is both physical and emotional, forcing each character to confront grief differently. Belly struggles to process her own guilt and sadness over Susannah, feeling adrift without her guiding presence. Jeremiah, too, is dealing with the loss of his mother and the fear of losing his brother.
Nostalgia and the End of Innocence
Throughout the summer, Belly is torn between the past and the present, particularly in her complicated relationships with Conrad and Jeremiah. Tension and longing ignite as old feelings resurface, but heartache and misunderstanding stand in the way. The trio’s strained interactions reflect the messiness of first love and the challenges of moving on. Hidden feelings and painful truths eventually emerge, pushing Belly to define what—and who—she really wants.
Facing Change and Embracing Growth
Nostalgia weaves through the narrative, as Belly remembers happier summers filled with hope, love, and innocence. Now, change feels inevitable as the group faces the harsh reality that things cannot stay the same. The characters yearn for lost times, but their summer home becomes a crucible in which they must accept that growing up involves loss as well as discovery. Belly learns that holding on too tightly can keep one from healing, and that some traditions must adapt to new circumstances.
By the end of the book, Belly finds the determination to make difficult decisions about her future and her relationships. Accepting Susannah's passing, she embraces the idea that growth often comes through pain, and that letting go is an important part of love. The novel closes as Belly steps forward with new understanding—about herself, her friendships, and her capacity to love—knowing that although one chapter has ended, another is just beginning.