Final answer:
The main problem in 'The Summer I Turned Pretty' is the protagonist Belly's complicated romantic feelings toward two brothers, Conrad and Jeremiah, set against her transition from adolescence into adulthood.
Step-by-step explanation:
The book The Summer I Turned Pretty has a central problem revolving around the protagonist, Belly, and her evolving relationships and feelings during the summer. The conflict arises from the complicated romantic feelings she has towards two brothers, Conrad and Jeremiah, who are also family friends she has known her whole life.
As Belly matures, she grapples with the complexities of love, friendship, and growing up. This summer represents a pivotal moment in her life, and the reader witnesses her navigate through her emotional journey and the difficulty of balancing her passion with the importance of familial relationships and long-standing friendships.
The issue of unrequited love, jealousy, and the transition from childhood to adulthood are significant themes that create the narrative tension in the story. This tension invites the reader to explore deeper questions of personal identity, the pain of growing up, and the impact of romance on existing relationships. Belly's character development and the changing dynamics between her and the boys are at the heart of the novel's conflict.