The Book to Movie Debate
There’s something so familiar about loving a story in one form… and then being unsure about it in another. For me, The Summer I Turned Pretty wasn’t exactly a favorite read. I didn’t hate it, but it didn’t fully pull me in the way I expected it to. So when I heard it was being adapted into a show on Amazon Prime Video, I actually felt more curious than protective.
Instead of wondering will they ruin it?, I found myself thinking could the show make me like this story more?
And honestly, what made this even more fun is that last semester my friends and I went to a trivia night held by a local bakery. Don’t worry I included a fun little picture for your joy. Plus this trivia night was able to make me more invested in the story than reading the book actually did.
My advice? The theme nights are always a memorable experience. GO TO THEM.
Books vs. Shows: It’s Not a Fair Fight
One thing I kept in mind going into the show is that books and adaptations are trying to do different things.
The book relies heavily on Belly’s inner thoughts and perspective. Everything is filtered through how she feels, which can either make you really connect with her or, in some cases, feel a little disconnected.
The show, on the other hand, opens up the story. It gives more space to other characters, more dialogue, and more visible emotion. That shift alone can completely change how the story feels.
And honestly, sometimes that works in the adaptation’s favor.
What the Show Absolutely Ate (Yes, I Said It)
The show did something I didn’t expect, it made me more invested in the story.
A big part of that comes down to casting. Lola Tung as Belly felt more grounded and relatable to me than the version I read. Christopher Briney and Gavin Casalegno also brought a lot more dimension to Conrad and Jeremiah, which made the relationships feel more balanced and engaging.
The atmosphere was another huge win. Cousins Beach felt warm, nostalgic, and very “summer.” Something the book described, but the show really made you feel.
And the music?? It carried. Certain scenes felt more emotional and memorable simply b=ecause of how they were presented on screen.
The Changes… But Let’s Talk About Them Calmly
The show definitely made changes but in this case, I didn’t mind most of them.
Expanded Storylines
The show adds more depth to side characters and relationships, which made the world feel more complete. In the book, some of these elements felt a little flat to me, so this was actually an improvement.
Character Adjustments
Some characters felt more likable and developed on screen. Jeremiah, especially, came across as more layered and genuine, which made the love triangle more compelling.
Emotional Pacing
The show spaces out emotional moments in a way that felt more natural. In the book, certain feelings or shifts seemed to happen quickly, but the show gives them room to build.
Overall, the changes didn’t take away from my experience they actually made the story more engaging.
The Book’s Strengths (Because Yes, It Has Them)
Even though the book wasn’t my favorite, it still has strengths.
It gives insight into Belly’s thoughts and emotions in a way the show can’t fully replicate. You get a clearer sense of her internal struggles and how she views the people around her.
There’s also a simplicity to the book. It’s very easy to read, very straightforward, and captures that “coming-of-age summer” feeling in a quieter, more subtle way.
Why the Show Lowkey Won Me Over
For me, this is where the adaptation really stands out.
The show adds energy, depth, and emotion that made the story more interesting to watch than it was to read. Seeing the relationships play out, hearing the dialogue, and experiencing the setting visually made everything feel more real.
The chemistry between the actors also made a huge difference. It brought tension and connection to the surface in a way that felt more engaging than the book’s version.
And overall, the show just held my attention way more consistently.
Also… after trivia night? Yeah. That sealed it. I remembered way more from the show than the book, which kind of says everything.
Final Verdict: Book vs. Show
This might be unpopular but for me, the show was better.
It took a story I felt neutral about and made me actually care about it. Between watching it and then going to trivia night with my friends, I felt way more connected to the story than I ever did while reading.
So… Book Girl or Show Girl?
If you love being inside a character’s head and want something light and easy, the book might still be your thing.
But if you want stronger character dynamics, better pacing, and a more immersive experience, I’d 100% say start with the show.
Final Thoughts: Why Not Both?
Not every adaptation has to be a “the book is better” situation.
Sometimes, the show brings something new and honestly, sometimes it just hits better depending on the person.
And I think The Summer I Turned Pretty is one of those cases.
I’ve Talked, Now Your Turn
Are you Team Conrad or Team Jeremiah?
