The Summer I Turned Pretty

I’m sure lots of you have watched the Summer I Turned Pretty. Maybe even read it. Or both. It is a story of a love triangle between the main character, Belly, and her two close family friends, Jeremiah and Conrad Fisher. Belly, her brother, Steven, and the Fisher brothers hang out together at a beach house EVERY SINGLE SUMMER. It was a tradition. However, this summer was different.

In the first book or first season of the Summer I Turned Pretty, Belly is, well, “pretty”. Additionally, she feels grown up, and she is ready for some drama. Throughout the summer tensions between Conrad and Belly rise, while Susannah, the boy’s mom, is secretly suffering from cancer.

The real question is which is better? The series or the book? In my opinion, it depends on what you prefer. Both have some pros and cons, and there are some minor differences in the plot.

The series seems much more dramatic than the book. You can clearly see the emotions, the drama, the setting, and really understand each character. Each thought is written across the actors' faces, and you can also hear the tone in conversations, which adds expression to the show. It overall makes it easier to follow and enjoyable.

On the other hand, the book has a lot more description since things aren’t handed to you. Everything is viewed through Belly's internal monologue, which gives you a better understanding of her thoughts and opinions. All you know is what Belly thinks, sees, and feels. Also, some of the characters are described differently. Some are given more background information, while others have a completely different vibe. For example, while watching the show, I thought Taylor was a fun character, but in the book, I found her annoying and self-centered. 

If you haven’t read the series or watched the book, I would definitely recommend it because its not only very entertaining, but also a classic teenage series.

    -Eleni