Posted by By Jude Festa
Many fans of the Summer I Turned Pretty storyline are excited by the shared release of a The Summer I Turned Pretty feature film/movie. The movie is expected to be co-produced and directed by Jenny Han, the author of the highly rated novel, which eventually became a show and book series. Jenny Han’s devotion to her cast members is expected to continue as the same cast is returning for the movie. Especially with important well played characters, such as protagonist Isabel “Belly” Conklin being played by Lola Tung, Gavin Casalegno as Jeremiah Fisher, and Christopher Briney playing Conrad Fisher. The shared information about this release from the official account of The Summer I Turned Pretty also brings forward more curiosity to fans of what is still unknown about its contents. Much of the ending of the show takes place in a different setting than Belly has ever experienced in her past, and it allowed her to be able to reflect on who she is and what is truly important to her. Finally ending the series, the importance that she gives to different relationships in her life is summarized. Specifically, with a decision between Conrad and Jeremiah, adding closure to the two “teams” surrounding who Belly will choose throughout the series.
Her final decision allows her to still be able to appreciate time as she is growing up and changing during her final year at Finch college, while spending time abroad. The books and show both compare the same idea of continuous themes and milestones achieved in Belly’s life, including conflicts that she faced along the way, especially with identity, and socializing in connection to relationships. Identity shows the importance of the relevance that this series has in connection to bringing up some of the struggles in the social culture of her age, specifically with the themes of social class privilege issues, communication, and grief.
Also, with the show being an adaptation of the books, there are some added plots and storylines. This includes factors of the seasons that have added in some instances of major plot storylines, for example a debutante ball thrown at the country club in Season One of the show. Allowing for it to also more clearly demonstrate the slight cultural/social differences that Belly faces among people her age while at her Aunt’s Summer home, versus her hometown.
Shaping the way that she navigates spending time with other people her age and representing some aspects of current day social culture. Each of the 3 books in The Summer I Turned Pretty trilogy correspond to each of the 3 seasons of the show, with the series of events and milestones that take place in each curated timeline of the story of this time in her life.
The main focus of Belly’s story is the exploration of her completing different significant milestones in her life, a theme that is expected to be a continued focus in the feature film as well. Some examples of these milestones or major events for her include getting over the loss of a loved one, or re-building her life in college. Oftentimes, and especially through the show, the decisions that Belly makes are actively questioned by viewers.
There are many reasons why these books and the show have such a big following. One example is the relatability or demographic that allows many people to relate to Belly’s life story or even just this stage of her life. This includes many teens being able to relate to some of the issues that she is having to face in this stage of her life, especially with the themes of college struggles, differing social cultures, or high school friendship conflicts. Another reason for this popularity is the constant entertainment available from reading or watching her story.
Throughout her story, there are many struggles and conflicts which allows for followers to stay engaged with constant action or excitement through her constant decisions and changing feelings, especially in connection with her relations to Jeremiah and Conrad Fisher.
Continuing with the theme of Belly’s connections to Jeremiah and Conrad, a thing that keeps readers and viewers so connected to the show and community is the constant fighting or conflict between the two sides, bringing constant entertainment to the series.
Overall, The Summer I Turned Pretty book series has ended positively. The show ending is a perfect closure to the storyline of the rest of the series, while staying true to the original plotline of the book series that it is based off of. Belly ends with someone who is better for her in the long run, and who will allow her to continue to learn and grow, instead of trapping her in a distinctive place and not allowing room for travel. This ties into the theme shown by Belly’s initial cause of reluctance in going to Paris, and instead settling for someone who will support her decision to travel unselfishly, knowing that it is what is best for her own growth. The show as a whole does a great job of encapsulating the story of Belly Conklin’s life as shown in the books, while still allowing for the addition of more exciting plotlines and events that allow viewers to clearly see Belly as a person and character as well as keeping viewers immersed in continuing to watch.
The Maroon 