Jenny Han’s novel, “The Summer I Turned Pretty,” was recently adapted into a TV show in June 2022. The first season of the show, which is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video, was the talk of the summer and well-loved among fans of the popular book series.
The premise of the show revolves around Belly, a 16-year-old girl who travels to her family friend’s summer home in the fictional town of Cousins Beach every year. However, this summer is like no other for Belly and her family. A series of life-changing events alters the course of all of their lives. Romance, a new friend group, and family secrets threaten their summer.
Although the love story that extends throughout the season is cliche, it still provides a unique perspective on a popular young adult novel. The captivating characters keep the audience wrapped up in the story up until the surprising ending.
This coming-of-age story is centered around a love story between Belly and the Fisher brothers, her best friends since she was a kid. At the start of summer, the boys – who had previously seen her as a sister – suddenly gain a new perspective on the main character. One boy is Belly’s first love, and the other is an unexpected romance; the love triangle that ensues provides the main plot point for the show.
Taylor Swift’s “Cruel Summer” and“The Way I Loved You,” as well as many songs by Tyler The Creator and Billie Eilish are featured at pivotal moments in the show. The soundtrack is well known to the audience and relates to the conflicts present in the lives of most teenagers.
Although the show was interesting and entertaining for the audience, many people who read the novels and watched the show believed there were major plot points missing from the show. While this goes unnoticed for people who only watch the series, it made a big difference for those who have read the books as well.
During an interview with Variety, Jenny Han commented about the creative direction of the show. “My priority has always been that I want fans of the book to feel really satisfied by the story we’re telling, but also for them to know that this is an adaptation in a new medium, so it’s not going to be exactly the same.” Although the books differ from the TV adaptation, both versions of the story are entertaining and well-loved by fans.
The multiple plot lines all meet during the last episode of the season, “Summer Love.” The season finale takes place at the country club’s debutante ball, where the young girls of the town, including Belly, are presented to society. Throughout the course of the night, secrets are revealed, hearts are broken and put back together, and Belly makes her final decision.
As far as young adult TV shows go, “The Summer I Turned Pretty” is an amazing choice for anybody who wants a quick show to binge while reminiscing about summer.
