It's Not Summer Without You

Belly Conklin is the protagonist of the Summer I Turned Pretty trilogy. In this second installment, Belly continues to develop and mature as she approaches adulthood. Belly experiences growth throughout the course of the year portrayed in the book, most notably in the way she approaches her relationships. While Belly exhibits moments of emotional immaturity throughout the text, she ultimately proves to herself that she has progressed and come to understand what she wants out of her relationships.

Though generally sweet-natured, Belly can be reactive and vindictive when hurt. Evidence of this is when she yells at Conrad after Susannah’s funeral, anguished that he has apparently gotten back together with his ex-girlfriend: “On the day of his mother’s funeral, to the boy I loved more than I had ever loved anything or anyone, I said, ‘Go to hell’” (41). In the moment, Belly utters something unforgivable, but her later shame and horror indicates that she understands her mistake. Belly feels things deeply, especially for the people she loves, but her emotions at times get the better of her and cause further problems.

Belly exhibits this ability to hurt those she loves again when she yells at her mother: “Susannah will never forgive you for this, you know.