By Julia Esposito and Rachel Priest
For readers of the beloved book series “The Summer I Turned Pretty,” summer is just about to begin. Bestseller and award-winning author Jenny Han became an overnight sensation when the popularity of her book series, “To All the Boys I Loved Before" became a popular rom-com movie on Netflix. Now fans anticipate the same to happen with her first smash hit book series, “The Summer I Turned Pretty,” coming to Amazon Prime as a television series on June 17, 2022.
Source by Kristen Schneider
Many students have read the book and are anticipating the television series.
The book series follows the story of Belly and her summer filled with countless memories and experiences on her annual summer vacation to her family’s beach house. For the last 15 years, they have spent the hot months at the house with her mom’s best friend's family which include her two sons who are around Belly’s age. As they get older and start to mature, tensions rise and feelings intertwine. Now stuck in a love triangle, Belly has to make decisions and try to make her summer one she would never forget.
“I read ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’ and absolutely adored it. I really loved the storyline of it and how she basically was in the center of a love triangle. I’m so excited to see the show because it will truly bring the characters to life,” sophomore Isabella Gomes said.
Some actors on the screen have prior experience, while some are new to the industry. First time actress Lola Tung is starring in this series as Belly Conklin, a naive girl looking to find herself as well as love. On the other hand, Gavin Casalegno, who plays a flirtatious fun loving teen named Jeremiah, has had jobs in the industry. He was seen in “The Vampire Diaries” back in 2014. Additionally, Jeremiah’s brother Conrad is played by Christopher Briney. He has not been on the big screen much either, but he does have some experience in the industry, as wrote and directed the short film “Paix.” These young aspiring actors are ready to take on these diverse roles to help the book series come to life in its full effect.
“The series ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty' is seriously one of my favorite books," sophomore Mia Cho said. "It's so easy to connect with the characters and when reading it you really feel like you're living through their experiences! It reads like a dream and definitely has me looking forward to summer. I'm absolutely ecstatic about the show coming out soon! Team Conrad all the way."
Not only are fans of the book series thrilled, but Taylor Swift fans are also ready to enjoy the highly anticipated show. This is due to the release of Swift’s re-recording of “This Love” that debuted in the series’ trailer.
“It truly is the best of both worlds seeing my favorite author, Jenny Han, and favorite singer, Taylor Swift, collaborate on this project together,” junior Julia Fulgieri said.
With twisting plot lines and juicy love triangles, “The Summer I Turned Pretty” is sure to be a top hit just in time for summer. For fans awaiting this series since the book’s release in 2009, summer is finally here.