“For me, it was always a given that I would spend my summers here, at Cousins, with them. It was a part of my life, as essential as breathing.”
— Belly reflecting on her lifelong summer tradition at the beach house.
Archivist's Choice
It's Not Summer Without You
Jenny Han (2010)
Genre
Young Adult / Romance
Reading Time
240 min
Key Themes
See below
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After Susannah's death, Belly is caught between the two Fisher brothers, facing grief and first love while at Cousins Beach.
Synopsis
Susannah's death and her breakup with Conrad leave Belly devastated. She thinks summer is over until Jeremiah calls, saying Conrad is missing from college. Belly helps Jeremiah find Conrad. Their search leads them to the Cousins Beach house, where they discover Conrad has been staying. Susannah's estranged husband, Adam, is selling the house against Susannah's wishes. The three friends decide to save the house. They throw a party to raise money, but it is not enough. During this time, Belly grows closer to Jeremiah. The novel ends with Belly accepting her relationship with Conrad is over and choosing to be with Jeremiah. She starts a new chapter, but still remembers her first love and her connection to Cousins Beach.
Reading time
240 min
Difficulty
Easy
Pacing
Moderate
Mood
Bittersweet, Romantic, Melancholy, Hopeful
✓ Read this if...
You enjoy emotional young adult romance with a love triangle, themes of grief, friendship, and coming-of-age, and beachy summer settings.
✗ Skip this if...
You prefer fast-paced plots, dislike love triangles, or are looking for a story without significant emotional angst.
Plot Summary
A Summer Without Susannah
The story begins with Isabel 'Belly' Conklin thinking about the past year, which included much loss. The previous summer, Susannah Fisher, Conrad and Jeremiah's mother and Belly's aunt figure, said her cancer had returned and was terminal. This news upset everyone. Conrad became quiet and distant. Belly remembers how the special feeling of Cousins Beach, their summer spot, disappeared. She has not seen Conrad since Susannah's funeral in the spring. Their short relationship ended badly. Belly is home, feeling lost and sad, thinking about Susannah and the boys. She dreads the coming summer, unable to imagine it without Susannah and the usual interactions with the Fisher brothers.
Jeremiah's Urgent Call
One day, Jeremiah Fisher calls Belly. He sounds upset and says Conrad has disappeared from Brown University, where he was supposed to be taking summer classes. Conrad had been struggling since Susannah's death, failing classes and avoiding people. Jeremiah, very worried, has tried to find him without success. He thinks Conrad might have gone to Cousins Beach, their summer house, for comfort. Jeremiah needs Belly's help, believing she has a special connection with Conrad and might be the only one who can reach him. Despite her lingering hurt from Conrad's past actions, Belly agrees to help Jeremiah search.
The Road Trip to Cousins Beach
Belly quickly packs and meets Jeremiah. They drive to Cousins Beach. The trip is a mix of tension and comfort. They talk openly about their grief for Susannah and their worry for Conrad. Belly learns more about Conrad's problems at college, confirming her fears about his mental state. As they spend time together, their old friendship returns, and they become closer. Jeremiah is openly kind and supportive, unlike Conrad. Belly finds herself relying on Jeremiah's strength and humor, feeling a sense of belonging she has missed since Susannah died. Their bond grows stronger during this stressful trip.
Conrad at the Beach House
When they arrive at Cousins Beach, Belly and Jeremiah find the house empty, but clues suggest Conrad is there. They find him, but he is not the Conrad they knew. He is thin, messy, and quiet, barely noticing them. He stays in his room, listening to music and avoiding contact. Belly tries to talk to him about what he is going through, but he pushes her away, his pain showing as anger. Jeremiah is also frustrated by Conrad's refusal to talk or accept help. The once lively beach house feels heavy with sadness and unspoken grief, a reminder of Susannah's absence and their family's broken state.
The House is For Sale
The reason for Conrad's retreat to Cousins Beach becomes clear: his father, Adam Fisher, has decided to sell the house. This news upsets all three of them. The Cousins Beach house is more than a vacation home; it holds all their summer memories, a symbol of Susannah's love and their history. Conrad is especially upset, feeling that selling the house betrays his mother's memory and their last connection to her. He had tried to save the house, but felt helpless. The upcoming sale adds more grief and urgency to their time together, threatening to erase their past.
A Fight and a Revelation
Tensions rise as Belly and Jeremiah try to get Conrad to fight for the house or talk to his father. A big argument happens. Belly accuses Conrad of being selfish and quiet. Conrad finally breaks down, showing how much pain he feels and how he tried to stop the sale. He says he feels like he is losing everything – his mother, Belly, and now the house. He feels responsible and like a failure, believing he could not protect Susannah and now cannot protect their memories. This honesty helps Belly and Jeremiah see his grief and the burden he has been carrying alone.
Susannah's Wishes and Adam's Plans
Belly, Jeremiah, and Conrad decide to talk to Adam Fisher about selling the house. They learn that Susannah always wanted the house to stay in the family, a wish she told Adam before she died. However, Adam, dealing with grief and money problems, feels he cannot keep the house and thinks selling it is the best solution. He also says the house has too many memories of Susannah, making it hard for him to move on. The boys feel betrayed by their father, believing he is ignoring Susannah's wishes. Belly, who knew many of Susannah's secrets, tries to help, but the conflict between Adam and his sons seems too big.
The Plan to Save Cousins
Determined to save their Cousins Beach house, the three teenagers make a plan. They decide to buy the house from Adam themselves. This plan involves combining their money, including college funds and other savings. They believe if they make a good offer, Adam will be persuaded by their dedication and Susannah's memory. Planning and working together gives the group a temporary sense of purpose and unity. They research legal options, discuss money plans, and start cleaning and fixing the house, hoping to show they can care for it.
The Cousins Beach Party
To show Adam how much the house means to them and to get support, Belly, Jeremiah, and Conrad decide to have a party at the beach house. They invite their old summer friends, creating a nostalgic atmosphere. The party is a success, with laughter, music, and shared memories, but also underlying tension. Adam eventually arrives, drawn by the noise. The party ends with a tense discussion where the boys present their plan to buy the house. Adam is at first against it, saying they are too young and do not have enough money. He also wants them to move on, not hold onto the past.
A Glimmer of Hope
After much pleading from Belly and his sons, Adam Fisher agrees. Moved by their passion and their love for the house and Susannah's memory, he gives them a chance to buy it. He sets a deadline and conditions, making it clear it will be hard, but he will consider their offer. This decision brings relief and hope to Belly, Jeremiah, and Conrad. The immediate threat of the house being sold to someone else is gone, giving them a goal. The summer, which started with despair, now has a new purpose, uniting the three in saving their legacy.
The Shifting Dynamics
As they work to get the house, the relationships between Belly and the Fisher brothers change. Conrad stays distant, though there are brief moments of connection. Jeremiah, however, is always there, supportive, and openly kind to Belly. He makes her feel seen and valued, something she has missed since Susannah's death and her breakup with Conrad. Belly finds herself drawn to Jeremiah's warmth and steady presence. Their shared grief and the goal to save the house create a strong bond between them. Belly begins to question her feelings for Conrad, realizing Jeremiah might offer the love and stability she needs.
A New Beginning, a Lingering Question
By the end of the summer, with their efforts and Adam's help, the Cousins Beach house is saved and will stay in the family. The immediate problem is over, and a sense of peace settles over them. Belly realizes that while her love for Conrad will always be a part of her, he is not ready for the relationship she wants. Jeremiah has shown his devotion. Belly decides to be with Jeremiah, choosing to explore her growing feelings for him. The summer ends with a new beginning, though Conrad's lingering pain and Belly's past feelings for him remain.
Principal Figures
Isabel 'Belly' Conklin
The Protagonist
Belly moves from a state of suspended grief and confusion over her past with Conrad to making a conscious choice to pursue a relationship with Jeremiah, embracing a new chapter.
Conrad Fisher
The Love Interest / Supporting
Conrad begins in a state of deep grief and isolation, slowly starting to open up about his pain by the end, though still struggling with emotional expression.
Jeremiah Fisher
The Love Interest / Supporting
Jeremiah solidifies his role as a reliable and openly loving partner for Belly, moving from best friend to a more serious romantic interest.
Susannah Fisher
The Mentioned / Catalyst
Her legacy and memory drive the plot and character motivations, even in her absence.
Laurel Conklin
The Supporting
Laurel works through her own grief while trying to support her daughter and navigate the complexities of her best friend's family.
Adam Fisher
The Supporting / Antagonist (initially)
Adam moves from a position of wanting to sell the house for practical reasons to eventually considering his sons' emotional pleas and allowing them a chance to keep it.
Taylor
The Supporting
Taylor remains a consistent, if somewhat superficial, friend, serving as a foil to Belly's intense emotional journey.
Steven Conklin
The Mentioned
Steven's absence from the main plot emphasizes Belly's independence in dealing with the Fisher family crisis.
Themes & Insights
Grief and Loss
A main theme is how the characters deal with grief after Susannah's death. Each person processes loss differently: Conrad becomes quiet and angry, Jeremiah tries to keep things together, and Belly feels lost. The beach house itself shows their shared grief, as its possible sale threatens to remove the last connection to Susannah and their happy past. The story shows how grief is complicated and can both separate people and, eventually, bring them closer through shared pain.
“For the first time, I felt the sharp edges of loss, not just for Susannah, but for the way things used to be, for the magic that was now gone.”
The End of Innocence and Growing Up
This book shows Belly and the Fisher brothers moving from childhood summers to adult realities. Susannah's death breaks their innocent world, making them face death, responsibility, and permanent loss. Belly, especially, must deal with complex romantic feelings, make hard choices, and learn to stand up for herself. The possible loss of the beach house, a symbol of their youth, emphasizes this theme, as they fight to keep a part of their past while being forced to grow up.
“It was the end of an era, the end of the magic, and I didn't know how to stop it.”
First Love vs. Enduring Love
Belly's romantic journey is a main theme, looking at the difference between a intense first love (with Conrad) and a more stable, comforting, and openly kind love (with Jeremiah). She struggles with her deep feelings for Conrad, which are tied to their history, even as he pushes her away. At the same time, Jeremiah's consistent kindness, support, and open devotion make him more appealing. The story explores choosing a partner, balancing emotional intensity with reliability and understanding, and making a choice that shows maturity.
“He was the one who broke my heart, but he was also the one who put it back together, piece by piece, even if it wasn't the same heart anymore.”
The Meaning of Home and Family
The Cousins Beach house is more than just a place; it represents home and family. It holds the memories, comfort, and history of the Conklin and Fisher families. The threat of its sale makes the characters think about what 'home' means to them — not just a building, but a place of love, tradition, and shared experiences. The fight to save the house shows the strong bonds of chosen family and how far they will go to keep their legacy, showing that family is about shared history and loyalty.
“Cousins Beach was more than just a house; it was where we became us. It was Susannah. It was summer.”
Plot Devices & Literary Techniques
Flashbacks and Reminiscences
Used to reveal past events and deepen emotional context.
The narrative frequently employs flashbacks and Belly's internal reminiscences to convey the history of her relationships with Conrad and Jeremiah, and the idyllic summers before Susannah's illness. These moments provide crucial backstory, showing the reader the 'magic' that has been lost and the depth of the characters' connections. They also highlight the stark contrast between the joyful past and the painful present, deepening the emotional impact of their current struggles and giving context to Belly's conflicted feelings for the brothers. These glimpses into the past are essential for understanding the characters' motivations and the significance of Cousins Beach.
Symbolism of Cousins Beach House
Represents memory, family, and the magic of childhood summers.
The Cousins Beach house is a powerful symbol throughout the novel. It represents the heart of the Conklin and Fisher families' shared history, embodying all their cherished summer memories, Susannah's love, and the innocence of their youth. The threat of its sale is not just about losing a property; it symbolizes the potential erasure of their past, the final severing of ties to Susannah, and the definitive end of their carefree childhood. The struggle to save the house becomes a fight to preserve their identity, their family legacy, and the very essence of 'summer' itself.
First-Person Narration (Belly's Perspective)
Provides intimate access to Belly's internal conflicts and emotional journey.
The story is told entirely from Belly's first-person perspective. This narrative choice immerses the reader directly into her thoughts, feelings, and internal struggles. We experience her grief, confusion, longing, and eventual resolution through her eyes, making her emotional journey deeply personal and relatable. This perspective also creates dramatic tension, as we only know what Belly knows, and we witness her growing awareness of her own desires and the shifting dynamics between the brothers. It allows for a nuanced exploration of her conflicted heart and her evolving understanding of love and loss.
The Love Triangle
A central conflict driving Belly's emotional arc and character development.
The love triangle between Belly, Conrad, and Jeremiah is a fundamental plot device that drives much of the narrative's emotional conflict. It's not merely a romantic entanglement but a reflection of Belly's internal journey and her choices about what kind of love and future she wants. Conrad represents a passionate, often tumultuous, first love intertwined with their shared, idealized past. Jeremiah offers a more stable, openly affectionate, and present love. This triangle forces Belly to confront her deepest desires, understand the complexities of relationships, and ultimately make a choice that signifies her growth and maturity beyond childhood infatuations.
Critical analysis
Notable Quotes
“I used to think that the worst thing in life was to end up all alone. It's not. The worst thing in life is to end up with people who make you feel all alone.”
— Belly's internal monologue about loneliness and relationships.
“He didn't say, 'I love you.' He said, 'You're my person.' Which, in some ways, was even better.”
— Belly recalling a significant moment between her and Conrad.
“It was a summer that was supposed to be like all the others, but it wasn't. Nothing ever would be again.”
— Belly thinking about the irreversible changes after Susannah's death.
“When someone you love dies, and you're not expecting it, you don't lose them all at once; you lose them in pieces over a long time—the way the mail stops coming, and then the calls stop coming, and then you stop believing that you're ever going to see them again.”
— Belly's poignant reflection on the lingering process of grief.
“I wondered if this was the way old people felt, looking back on their youth. Like it was all just a dream, a hazy memory that was impossible to grasp.”
— Belly feeling disconnected from her past summers.
“Maybe it was the secret to all love, that it had to be a choice. That you chose them, over and over, every single day.”
— Belly contemplating the nature of enduring love.
“It wasn't just Susannah we were losing. It was the whole world she had created for us, the world where we were always safe, always loved.”
— Belly realizing the broader impact of Susannah's absence.
“Sometimes it feels like we're all just waiting for something to happen, for the next big thing, when really, life is just a series of small moments.”
— Belly's philosophical musing about life's progression.
“I wanted to be with him. I wanted to be with him more than I had ever wanted anything in my life.”
— Belly's strong desire to be with Conrad.
“You can't make people love you. You can't make them stay. All you can do is be there, be yourself, and hope for the best.”
— Belly's understanding of unrequited love and relationships.
“That's the thing about best friends. They know all your secrets, and they still love you.”
— Belly thinking about the depth of friendship.
“I used to think that there was a right way and a wrong way to grieve. But there isn't. There's just your way.”
— Belly's realization about the individual nature of grief.
“The past was a place. It was a place where I'd been happy. And now it was gone.”
— Belly reflecting on her lost innocence and happiness.
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Key Questions (FAQ)
This sequel to "The Summer I Turned Pretty" follows Belly Conklin as her world is upended after Susannah's death and Conrad Fisher's withdrawal. When Conrad disappears from college, Belly and Jeremiah Fisher embark on a road trip to find him, ultimately leading them back to the beloved Cousins Beach house to confront their grief and complicated feelings for each other.
About the author
Jenny Han is an American author of young adult fiction and children's fiction. She is best known for writing the To All the Boys series and The Summer I Turned Pretty trilogy, which were adapted into a film series and TV series, respectively.
