Jenny Han’s novel The Summer I Turned Pretty, published in 2009, has become a hit TV show for many students. What are the differences between the TV series vs the book finale?
Since 2022, when the first season of The Summer I Turned Pretty came out, it has become increasingly popular to watch. Controversy over whether Belly should end up with Conrad or Jeremiah has sparked all over social media.
Belly and Conrad: Couple vs Marriage
If you have watched The Summer I Turned Pretty, you would know that the finale concludes with Belly confessing her love to Conrad. They return to ‘Cousins’, their summer house, as a couple.
However, the book has a different ending.
Do not worry, for all the team Conrad girlies, Belly does not end up with Jeremiah!
The difference between the final book compared to the TV show is that Belly and Conrad get married. The finale ends with the couple jumping into the ocean on their wedding day.
The Romantic Train scene
The emotional and powerful climax in the TV series is the moment when the audience realises that although Belly tried to suppress her feelings for Conrad, she has always loved him.
However, in the book series, the scene does not happen.
WHAT?!
This can be quite disappointing for the audience who have watched the TV series and want to read the books. This is because it was an impactful scene that represented a crucial turning point. Furthermore, it symbolised the moment that Belly finally chose Conrad after many years of uncertainty.
Jeremiah’s love interest
In the final episode of the TV series, we see a change in Jeremiah’s character. He begins to fall in love with Denise. This reveals a shift in his character. Throughout the show, he appears to be in love with Belly. However, his actions suggest an obsession driven by a desire for validation and a need to compete with his brother.
This storyline does not exist in the books.
Does that mean that Jeremiah remains this possessive and controlling character in the finale?
He undoubtedly remains this way.
This highlights how the series vs book finale presents two different character arcs for Jeremiah.
Jeremiah remains a negative character throughout the book series. He does not appear to have any signs of ‘growth’ as he did in the TV series. He remains the immature, selfish “frat boy” that we see at the beginning.
Featured credit image: Anthony Ghnassia.
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