The Girly Books I Wish I Had When I Was in High School

The Summer I Turned Pretty Trilogy by Jenny Han:

Ever since I first read Shugby Jenny Han (her first book, completely separate from this series, but just as good), she has been on my list of all-time favorite authors.  Recently, at the NCTE convention in Chicago, I got to meet her!  Twice! 

I could write a stellar review of the trilogy, but if you click on the links to Jenny Han’s fabulous author site by clicking on the books above, you can see that’s already been done!  When it comes to growing up as a girl in America, Han just has a way of getting it right.  Apparently, I am not the only one who sees it that way.

When I heard her speak at a workshop about culture at the NCTE convention, Han mentioned that she is often asked why she didn’t write about a protagonist who is Asian-American, since she is Asian-American herself.  Her answer was something to the effect that her story is not just a story about growing up Asian-American—it is the story of growing up as a human.  The feelings she was trying to convey weren’t just feelings that other girls who are Asian-American could connect with, but rather any girl (or even boy for that matter). 

I was surprised to hear her relate her own childhood to Shug’s experiences.  In fact, she said that Shug is the most autobiographical book she has written to date.  Han pointed out the similar feelings that resulted from Shug growing up with a mother who wasn’t completely there for her due to alcoholism and her own experience growing up with a mother who could not speak English clearly and did not know American culture.  Han was able to authentically transfer her own feelings of fierce pride and protectiveness over her mother to the character of Shug.  She was also able to vividly write about the pangs of embarrassment caused by her own mother through Shug’s circumstances. 

Listening to Jenny Han made me realize how much more story is lurking beneath the surface of every book I read.  However, reading her books, I am reminded of the pure superficial joy of being enveloped in Belly’s summer world.  I want to visit Susannah’s beach house.  I want to hang with Conrad.  Or would I prefer spending time with Jeremiah?   Either way, all I have to do is pick up a book and my wish is granted.  I am there.