Have you spent the past few weeks wrapped up in Cousins Beach? If you answered yes then you and a majority of Gen-Z have something in common. The Summer I Turned Pretty has taken over the end of summer by storm, and the battle between Team Jermiah and Team Conrad is getting more intense by the minute. However, this exciting classic didn’t start on the screen; it began as a book series written by Jenny Han. The books are what originally began this beloved series, but I think it’s safe to say that the show has proven to be a better platform for the story.
The books begin similarly to the show as the main character, Belly, is excited for summer to begin. Belly spends every summer at Cousins Beach with the Fisher family, specifically brothers Jeremiah and Conrad. The story in both plotlines follows her throughout her choice between the two boys as she completes side quests along the way. However, the way this plot is conveyed between the two platforms is vastly different. In the show, the story is engaging and keeps the viewer on the edge of their seats. The audience is able to follow the fast yet concise episodes with ease and is still left wanting more. The book, on the other hand, is a completely different story (no pun intended).
The first book in the series is hectic and doesn’t allow the reader to get to know the characters well. In the show, the viewer is introduced to Belly’s brother, her best friend, her mom and Susannah the mother of the Fisher boys. Whereas in the book, it glosses over Belly’s relationship with almost anyone who isn’t Jermiah or Conrad. This doesn’t leave much room for character development or story progression as the series continues. Following this, there are plot holes throughout the first book as the reader struggles to connect dots. At one point in the book, Jeremiah confesses his feelings to Belly, and she isn’t sure how to feel about it at the time. Then the book fast forwards through important details only for it to end abruptly to make room for a second book.
The novel seems more focused on finishing the story then actually taking the time to build a connection with the reader. Therefore, the show seems like a do-over where Jenny Han was able to develop her story into what it was meant to be originally. The show takes the opportunity to engage the reader on a personal level by allowing them to participate in the story arc as it plays out. You are sad when Belly’s sad, and you’re frustrated when she is making difficult decisions. All in all, you can see the process of the story take form in a brighter light with the show’s storyline as opposed to the books’.
For the reader and viewer’s sake, the better storyline can be found in the critically acclaimed show. Not only is there a visible emotional connection between the characters, but the story takes its time to progress and blossom into something beautiful. As the last couple episodes are released in the coming weeks, audiences will be kept wondering what will happen next and if the right choice will be made. There’s only a little bit of summer left in Cousins and it’s time to see where Belly’s heart truly lies.