In the world of young adult romance, few stories capture the essence of first love and personal transformation as tenderly as “The Summer I Turned Pretty” by Jenny Han. Originally a bestselling novel and now an immensely popular Amazon Prime Video series, this coming-of-age tale is a sun-drenched exploration of teenage emotions, shifting relationships, and the magic of one unforgettable summer.
This blog takes you through everything from the plot and characters to the themes, impact, and what makes the story so relatable—especially to Gen Z and millennial audiences.
📖 The Book That Started It All
“The Summer I Turned Pretty” was first published in 2009 and is the first in a trilogy that includes:
- The Summer I Turned Pretty
- It’s Not Summer Without You
- We’ll Always Have Summer
The story follows Isabel “Belly” Conklin, a teenage girl who has always spent her summers at Cousins Beach with her mother, her older brother, and her mom’s best friend Susannah’s family—especially Conrad and Jeremiah Fisher, two brothers who have been a constant in her life since childhood.
But something changes during the summer Belly turns 16. She’s no longer the little girl the boys teased. She’s blooming into a young woman, and suddenly both Conrad and Jeremiah start seeing her differently.
🎬 The TV Adaptation: Bringing Cousins Beach to Life
In 2022, Amazon Prime adapted the novel into a TV series, and it instantly became a summer hit. Jenny Han herself served as co-showrunner, which allowed the adaptation to stay emotionally faithful to the original story, while also introducing updated elements like:
- A more diverse cast
- A richer portrayal of supporting characters
- LGBTQ+ representation
- A modern soundtrack (including Olivia Rodrigo, Taylor Swift, and Phoebe Bridgers)
The show was renewed for a second and third season, proving its enormous popularity with both fans of the books and new viewers.
👩❤️💋👨 The Central Love Triangle: Team Conrad vs. Team Jeremiah
At the heart of The Summer I Turned Pretty is one of the most talked-about love triangles in YA fiction.
💔 Conrad Fisher:
The older, brooding brother. Reserved, emotionally complex, and Belly’s first love. His silent struggles and protective nature make him a classic tortured romantic figure.
💛 Jeremiah Fisher:
The younger, outgoing, sunshine-y brother. He’s open with his feelings and always makes Belly laugh. He’s the safe, sweet choice—but is that enough?
Belly finds herself torn between the two, and fans across the globe are divided into Team Conrad and Team Jeremiah, making it one of the most debated love triangles since Twilight’s Edward vs. Jacob.
🌊 Cousins Beach: More Than Just a Setting
The fictional Cousins Beach feels like a character in its own right. It’s the backdrop to every crucial moment—bonfires, first kisses, heartbreaks, and life-altering decisions.
The beach symbolizes innocence, nostalgia, and the passing of time. As Belly matures over the summers, so does her understanding of herself, love, and relationships.
🌱 Themes That Resonate
1. Coming of Age
At its core, the story is about growing up. Belly’s transition from child to young woman is filled with awkwardness, self-discovery, and emotional highs and lows.
2. First Love and Heartbreak
Few stories portray the rush of first love and the sting of unrequited feelings with such raw authenticity. Whether you’ve been in love or are still waiting for that moment, Belly’s emotional rollercoaster feels real.
3. Family and Friendship
Beyond romance, the series explores deep bonds:
- The sisterhood between Belly’s mom and Susannah
- The tension between brothers
- Belly’s relationship with her mother and brother Steven
4. Grief and Loss
Especially in seasons 2 and 3 of the show, grief becomes a major theme, as Susannah’s battle with cancer affects everyone in the story. It’s handled delicately, showing how grief can strain relationships, but also bring healing.
💫 Why This Story Hits So Hard
Jenny Han’s writing—both in the novels and in the show’s script—has a rare ability to capture fleeting teenage moments. Those long summer nights, unsaid feelings, secret glances, and the uncertainty of youth are painted with such tenderness that almost anyone can relate.
For readers/viewers:
- Belly feels like a mirror of their younger selves
- The Fisher boys feel like the “what ifs” or “first crushes” they’ll never forget
- Cousins Beach becomes a version of that one special place they associate with growing up
🎧 The Power of Music
One of the most viral parts of the show is its soundtrack. Songs by Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, Olivia Rodrigo, and others are used in pivotal scenes—elevating emotions and creating instant nostalgia.
Popular moments:
- “This Love (Taylor’s Version)” during Belly and Conrad’s kiss
- “Back to December” in the season 2 finale
The music connects the characters’ emotional journeys with the audience’s personal memories, making it incredibly powerful.
🌍 Cultural Impact and Fandom
“The Summer I Turned Pretty” has grown into a cultural phenomenon:
- TikTok edits with millions of views
- “Team Conrad vs Team Jeremiah” fan wars
- Fanfiction, playlists, and theories flooding Instagram and Reddit
- A boost in YA book sales thanks to Jenny Han’s storytelling
It’s especially resonant with Gen Z, who relate to the awkwardness of Belly’s choices, the complexity of emotional expression, and the joy of romantic exploration.
📝 Criticism & Growth
Like any popular series, The Summer I Turned Pretty hasn’t been without its critiques:
- Some argue Belly is immature or indecisive
- Others feel the story leans too heavily on tropes like the love triangle
- A few fans wanted stronger character arcs for Steven, Taylor, or even Laurel (Belly’s mom)
But that’s what makes the story so real. It doesn’t try to create perfect characters. Instead, it gives us flawed, growing people—just like in real life.
✨ Final Thoughts: Why You Should Watch or Read It
Whether you’re looking for a nostalgic summer binge, a heartfelt YA read, or just want to understand the hype, “The Summer I Turned Pretty” is worth your time.
It captures the magic of being young, the confusion of growing up, and the emotional messiness of love. It’s not just a romance; it’s a story about becoming—becoming older, becoming braver, becoming yourself.
So grab a lemonade, find a cozy spot, and let Cousins Beach wash over you. You might just find a piece of your younger self in Belly’s story.
📚 Quick Info
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Author | Jenny Han |
| Genre | YA Romance / Coming-of-Age |
| Book Release | 2009 (Book 1) |
| Show Platform | Amazon Prime Video |
| Seasons Released | 2 (3rd coming soon) |
| Popular Theme | Love triangle, Summer nostalgia |
