The Summer I Turned Pretty: Book vs TV Series Review

The Summer I Turned Pretty: A Summer Phenomenon

For the past two summers, “The Summer I Turned Pretty” has dominated the lives of Gen Z. With over 70k posts on Instagram with the tag #tsitp, the Rom-Com show consumed our lives. Jenny Han’s “The Summer I Turned Pretty” captures the essence of this transformation in a way that resonates deeply with young adults. While the novel has been a beloved classic for many readers, the Amazon TV series adaptation brought a fresh perspective to the story. In this blog post, we’ll explore the novel, the TV series, and the thematic elements that make “The Summer I Turned Pretty” a must-read (and watch) for us as college students.

The Novel: A Literary Summer Affair

Jenny Han’s novel, “The Summer I Turned Pretty,” invites readers into the sun-soaked world of Belly Conklin. We follow her through a series of transformative summers at Cousins Beach. While the story is a coming-of-age tale, it’s much more than that—it’s a journey through the nuances of family, friendship, first love, and self-discovery.

1. The Beach Setting: Cousins Beach serves as an enchanting backdrop for the novel. Han’s descriptive writing style allows readers to feel the warmth of the sun, the salt in the air, and the sand beneath their feet. For college students craving a break from the academic grind, this book offers a temporary escape to a dreamy seaside destination.
2. Coming of Age: Belly’s evolution from a young girl to a young woman is portrayed with honesty and authenticity. Her experiences are relatable, and her feelings of insecurity, self-discovery, and first love will resonate with us navigating similar emotional terrain.
3. Complex Relationships: The novel delves deep into the complexities of familial relationships and friendships. Belly’s connection with her mother, brother, and best friends, as well as her relationships with the Fisher brothers, Conrad and Jeremiah, are richly developed. These dynamics mirror the changes many of us face as we grow into adulthood.
4. Emotional Depth: Han’s writing brings out the characters’ raw emotions. Readers are not only invited to witness the characters’ experiences but also to feel them. It’s a novel that allows college students to reflect on their growth and emotions.

The Amazon TV Series: A Visual Feast and Auditory Journey

Bringing “The Summer I Turned Pretty” to the small screen was a bold move, and the Amazon TV series did not disappoint. While it maintained the essence of the novel, it offered a fresh perspective on the story. Here’s why the series is a must-watch for college students:

1. Visual Feast: The TV series visually transports viewers to Cousins Beach, offering stunning cinematography and vibrant colors that capture the beauty of the seaside. For college students craving a visual escape, this adaptation is a treat for the eyes.
2. Character Portrayals: The casting choices for the series were spot-on, bringing the characters to life with authenticity and charm. The actors’ performances add depth to the characters, making them feel relatable and human. It doesn’t hurt that the cast is inhumanly attractive.
3. Expanded Storylines: While staying true to the novel’s core, the series expands certain storylines, providing more context and depth to the characters’ experiences. This approach allows for a more comprehensive exploration of the relationships and conflicts in the story: like insights into Laurel and Susannah’s relationship and Susannah’s relationship with her boys.
4. Modern Relevance: The adaptation updates certain aspects to make it more relevant to a modern audience, including incorporating technology and social media. This not only adds a contemporary twist but makes the story more relatable to today’s college students.

An Auditory Journey:

1. The Auditory Journey: The use of contemporary music in “The Summer I Turned Pretty” not only resonates with the show’s target audience but also adds a layer of authenticity and relatability to the characters’ journeys. Whether it’s the bittersweet nostalgia of Taylor Swift, the raw emotion of Olivia Rodrigo, or the indie discoveries that capture the essence of youth, the soundtrack enhances the storytelling, making it a vital component of the series’ appeal. Music becomes the heartbeat of the characters’ lives, amplifying the highs and lows of their transformative summers and the emotional rollercoaster of first love:
   • Taylor Swift’s “The Way I Loved You (Taylor’s Version)”: In a scene where Belly is left stranded, Conrad steps up to save the day. As he does, this masterpiece plays in the background. It perfectly captures Belly and Conrad’s relationship. The audience can feel the all-consuming love for Conrad that grips Belly through this song.
   • Olivia Rodrigo’s “Good 4 U”: As the characters navigate the rollercoaster of emotions that come with first love and heartbreak, “Good 4 U” captures the angst and frustration of these experiences. The song’s pop-punk energy resonates with the characters’ emotional turmoil.
   • Billie Eilish’s “Ocean Eyes”: During intimate moments between characters, “Ocean Eyes” creates an ethereal and romantic atmosphere. Eilish’s haunting vocals and dreamy production amplify the emotions and sensuality of these scenes.
   • Lorde’s “Green Light”: When the characters let loose and embrace the carefree spirit of summer, “Green Light” becomes the anthem of their adventures. The song’s upbeat tempo and catchy chorus mirror the exhilaration of their experiences.
   • Indie Discoveries: Beyond mainstream hits, the series introduces viewers to emerging indie artists who provide a fresh and authentic sound. These artists contribute to the show’s unique musical identity, capturing the essence of young adulthood and self-discovery.
   • Character Playlists: Each character’s journey is accompanied by a personalized playlist that reflects their individual tastes and emotions. These playlists help viewers connect with the characters on a deeper level, offering insights into their personalities and struggles.
   • Musical Montages: The series employs montages set to music to convey the passage of time and character development. These sequences use songs that align with the characters’ evolving emotions and experiences, creating a visually and emotionally engaging narrative.

Relatable Themes

Now that we’ve explored both the novel and the TV series, let’s delve into the themes that make “The Summer I Turned Pretty” relevant and relatable as we go through college:

1. Identity and Self-Discovery: College is a time of self-discovery, and both the novel and series delve deep into this theme. Belly’s journey of understanding herself and her feelings mirrors the experiences of many of us trying to find our place in the world.
2. Family Dynamics: As we grow, our relationships with family members evolve. Belly’s relationship with her mother and brother reflects the changing dynamics that college students often experience when they leave home for the first time.
3. First Love and Heartbreak: The intense emotions of first love and heartbreak are universal experiences, and both the book and the show capture these feelings with poignancy. College is a time when many of us explore romantic relationships, making this theme particularly relevant.
4. Friendship and Loyalty: College is a time when friendships are tested and strengthened. The novel and series showcase the enduring bonds between Belly, Taylor, and Cam, highlighting the importance of loyalty and support during this transitional period.
5. Personal Growth: The journey from adolescence to adulthood is marked by personal growth. Both mediums depict the characters’ development over the summers, emphasizing the importance of embracing change and growth in college and beyond.

Final Thoughts:

“The Summer I Turned Pretty” has found a special place in the hearts of many readers and viewers, especially among us college students. Jenny Han’s novel offers a literary journey through the complexities of growing up, while the Amazon TV series brings this world to life in a visually captivating way. Whether you prefer the written word or the visual and auditory spectacle, the themes and emotions explored in this story are bound to resonate with college students as they navigate the transformative summers of their own lives. So, take a break from your textbooks and enjoy the enchanting world of “The Summer I Turned Pretty,” where the sun, the sand, and the sea hold the promise of growth, love, and self-discovery.