“Belly’s Journey: How ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’ Captured a Generation”

The Summer I Turned Pretty (TSITP), a coming-of-age television series based on the novels by Jenny Han, has emerged as a cultural touchstone for many young viewers navigating their teenage years. Since its debut, the series has resonated with audiences, particularly during the summer of 2022, when many were rediscovering social connections after pandemic restrictions. A recent reflection by sophomore Amelia Taylor articulates how this show has mirrored her own experiences as she transitioned from high school to college.

From Curiosity to Connection

Initially, Taylor approached TSITP out of mild curiosity while preparing for her junior year in high school. After spending a rejuvenating six weeks in the Berkshire Mountains, she found herself grappling with the pressures of early morning classes and a demanding curriculum. To ease her transition, she decided to watch episodes during breakfast, aiming for something light that wouldn’t draw her into binge-watching. Four years later, she became engrossed in the show’s narrative, anxiously anticipating the romantic decisions of the protagonist, Belly.

The storyline follows Belly as she navigates her teenage years, spending summers at the beach with her family and her mother’s best friend’s two sons, Conrad and Jeremiah. Belly’s longstanding crush on Conrad becomes complicated as both brothers begin to notice her as she matures. The show touches on significant themes, including family struggles, as the boys’ mother, Susannah, battles cancer.

For Taylor and many others, TSITP provided a much-needed distraction during a time when real-life social interactions were slowly returning. The series captured the essence of being a teenager in a post-COVID world, allowing viewers to vicariously experience the summer adventures that many missed during lockdowns. Taylor reflected, “Belly had the summer that those who tuned in felt we’d almost had.”

Life Lessons and Emotional Growth

The second season of TSITP aired just as Taylor was preparing for her senior year of high school. The narrative arc included Belly dealing with the aftermath of a personal loss and the complexities of her relationships. This season resonated with Taylor, who was also confronting her own challenges amidst the college application process. “I was preparing for the college process, and it was looking like it would be a long summer of trying to make myself as impressive as possible,” she noted.

As the series progressed, Taylor found herself tuning in weekly, often engaging with friends to discuss the characters’ emotional journeys. The camaraderie built around watching the show became a significant part of her college experience, where she and her friends would gather to share their reactions and frustrations over character decisions.

The final episode of the series aired recently, marking the end of a journey that began for Taylor while she was still in high school. On the night of the finale, her room was filled with viewers who had followed the characters through thick and thin. The excitement of the final episode was palpable, as Taylor and her friends reflected on how the show mirrored their own growth over the past three years.

“In addition to the three of us who have been watching since 2022, there was my roommate who thinks shows like this are ridiculous but enjoys our reactions,” Taylor explained, highlighting the communal aspect of viewing TSITP. The group shared boba and cheesecake while processing the end of a series that had become intertwined with their own lives.

While there are plans for a TSITP movie, Taylor is ready to focus on her future, including her academic goals and new experiences. However, she acknowledges the significant impact the show had during a pivotal time in her life. “If someone asked me, very specifically, what it felt like to be a 16-year-old girl in 2022, I’d show them TSITP,” she said.

The series encapsulated not just the trials of teenage love but also the broader context of youth navigating an uncertain world. As the final credits rolled, it was clear that for many, TSITP was more than just entertainment; it was a reflection of their journey through adolescence.