The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 2's 11 Game-Changing Departures from the Book

Summary

Adapting Jenny Han's second book, It's Not Summer Without You, The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 2 brings some significant variations that enhance the storytelling potential of television.

The show introduces Aunt Julia and Skye as new characters, not present in the books. It also delves into Conrad's character, exploring his struggle with panic attacks and his involvement in a Stanford plotline.

Furthermore, the show expands upon the relationship between Taylor and Steven, and gives Cam a greater role compared to the books. Additionally, the timeline of events is altered in the show, and it presents a more explicit portrayal of Belly and Conrad's relationship.

Fresh in the minds of viewers is the season 2 finale of The Summer I Turned Pretty, which undoubtedly has fans of Jenny Han's source material comparing how Belly's story unfolds in both the book and the TV series. Drawing heavily from the second book in Han's beloved trilogy, It's Not Summer Without You, the sophomore season of this Prime Video original series presents some key differences that capitalize on the strengths of television. With each episode, The Summer I Turned Pretty's popularity rises, capturing the excitement of both new and returning fans. This success can be attributed, in part, to Han's own adaptation of the story. By doing so, she is able to focus on minute details and incorporate clever references to her novels. Additionally, this approach allows for changes that not only remain true to the characters but also enhance the flow of TV storytelling. However, season 2's substantial deviations make it evident that viewers can expect new surprises and plot developments in The Summer I Turned Pretty season 3.

11 Aunt Julia & Skye Aren't In The Summer I Turned Pretty Books

In The Summer I Turned Pretty season 2, the drama centers around Susannah Fisher's sister, Aunt Julia (played by Kyra Sedgwick). Aunt Julia is accompanied by her child, Skye (played by Elsie Fisher), adding more complexity to the storyline involving Jeremiah (played by Gavin Casalegno) and Conrad's (played by Christopher Briney) family. The relationship between Julia and Skye and their connection to the Fishers has a significant impact on the season's plot. It is revealed that the sisters had a strained relationship before Susannah's death. Julia carries painful memories of the Cousins beach house due to her parents' acrimonious divorce, which prompts her strong desire to sell the property, despite the objections of Jeremiah and Conrad. Interestingly, Aunt Julia and Skye are not featured in the original story.

10 Adam Was Selling The Beach House In The Books, Not Aunt Julia

9 Taylor & Steven Didn't Get Together In It's Not Summer Without You

Aunt Julia's absence in The Summer I Turned Pretty trilogy means that she is not the one responsible for attempting to sell the Cousins beach house. Instead, this role is taken up by Adam (Tom Everett Scott), the father of Conrad and Jeremiah. In the novel version, Adam cheated on Susannah, and due to his unresolved grief, he eagerly looks forward to selling the house that reminds him of her. Upon Conrad, Jeremiah, and Belly's (Lola Tung) arrival in Cousins to save the house, they find themselves engaging in a heated argument with Adam's real estate agent, mirroring a similar situation depicted in the show. Nevertheless, Belly's mother Laurel Park (Jackie Chung) steps in to offer some wise counsel to Adam.

The focus of The Summer I Turned Pretty largely revolves around the flirtatious and slow-burn relationship between Steven (Sean Kaufman) and Taylor (Rain Spencer). However, this differs from the book counterpart, It's Not Summer Without You, where their romance receives less emphasis. Perhaps this additional attention was intended to provide Steven and Taylor with more meaningful roles. Nonetheless, the compelling dynamic between these two characters is conveyed through their clever banter and tender moments. In fact, their kiss surpasses the love triangle at the heart of the show.

8 Conrad Doesn't Have Panic Attacks Or A Stanford Plot Line In The Books

Conrad in It's Not Summer Without You faces the challenge of dealing with his grief and frustration following Susannah's death. This struggle is portrayed in the show, creating complications in his relationship with Belly and his academic performance. The show delves deeper into Conrad's emotional state by introducing panic attacks in season 2, intensifying the portrayal of his emotions on screen.

Moreover, the show explores Conrad's strong desire to attend Stanford, as it was Susannah's wish for him to move to California. In the books, Conrad is not academically accomplished, and his focus is on passing summer school at Brown rather than pursuing a college transfer. With the show's adaptation depicting Conrad moving to California, it becomes evident that the physical distance between him and Belly will have an impact on their relationship dynamics in The Summer I Turned Pretty season 3.

7 Cam Cameron's Return Isn't In The Books

In the first season of the series, Belly's plans to attend the debutante ball with Conrad are foiled by his other romantic involvements. During a bonfire gathering on the beach, Belly crosses paths with Cam, a local resident, and the two instantly hit it off, culminating in a kiss. Although their relationship is sweet yet short-lived, they remain friends even after their romance ends. For book-Cam, this marks the conclusion of his character's role. However, in season 2 of The Summer I Turned Pretty, Cam resurfaces, becoming a charming love interest and Skye's first kiss.

6 The Boardwalk Shenanigans & Junior Mint's Backstory

In the first book of the Summer I Turned Pretty series, Belly recounts a trip to the local beach boardwalk. Though she suspects Conrad only came along because of another girl, he surprises her by winning her a prize: a plush polar bear wearing a scarf and wire-frame glasses. Belly affectionately names the bear Junior Mint and decides to leave him where he belongs — at the summer house. However, in the TV adaptation, Junior Mint becomes a permanent fixture in Belly's cousin's beach house bedroom. The show's second season reveals a slightly different backstory for the beloved bear.

5 Belly & Jeremiah's Kiss Plays Out Differently

In the current timeline, the Cousins crew gathers together to enjoy some summer fun at the boardwalk. Taylor, Belly, and Skye join forces to outperform the boys in various boardwalk games, bringing them closer as a team. Additionally, Belly's bond with Jeremiah deepens during this outing. Meanwhile, intercut with these events are Belly's nostalgic recollections of the day she and Conrad triumphantly won Junior Mint. These contrasting boardwalk experiences not only highlight Belly's emotions towards the Fisher brothers, but also showcase the stark differences between the two romances. It's also worth mentioning the delightful reference to Belly's cherished polar bear memento.

In the concluding episode of season 2 of The Summer I Turned Pretty, Belly and Jeremiah share a heartfelt kiss while patiently waiting for Conrad to complete his exam. However, in the book, this pivotal moment unfolds in a different manner. The television adaptation showcases Jeremiah taking Belly on a captivating tour of Finch College, his own alma mater, with the intention of igniting her desire to apply. This enchanting scene not only strengthens their bond but also reignites Belly's enthusiasm for volleyball.

When they return, the pair rest against the hood of Conrad's car and engage in conversation. Jeremiah reveals his frustration with Belly's indecisiveness, but she reassures him that things have changed. Instead of longing for a mere infatuation, she desires something genuine and sincere. Concluding her heartfelt declaration, Belly leans in and kisses Jeremiah. In the book, it is Jeremiah who initiates the kiss, partly motivated by his desire to make Conrad envious. Following the typical pattern of a love triangle, Conrad catches them engaged in passionate embraces on both occasions.

4 The Second Book Unfolds Over Fourth Of July Weekend

Despite its seemingly minor impact, the series brings about a significant shift in the chronological order of events depicted in the book. Following Susannah's demise during the spring, a month or so elapses until the end of the academic year. The second season of The Summer I Turned Pretty commences with the celebration of Steven's high school graduation. Meanwhile, Conrad, while nearing the completion of his courses at Brown, anticipates the arrival of summer break.

3 Conrad & Belly's Relationship Directly Addresses Sex

In Han's second novel, the events unfold during the Fourth of July weekend, turning the beach house gathering into a celebration of the holiday rather than a farewell. Consequently, Conrad finds himself struggling to keep up in summer school after a challenging year. Although it may seem insignificant, this alteration also allows the Cousins crew to make a pact to reunite at the beach house for the Fourth. This sets the stage for potential drama, as it remains uncertain whether all the teenagers will attend, particularly considering Jeremiah and Belly's relationship.

While a majority of the dialogue during Conrad and Belly's romantic escape to Cousins follows the novel closely, there exist some variations. The activities of making hot chocolate and frolicking on a snowy beach, accompanied by the unforgettable songs from The Summer I Turned Pretty season 2 soundtrack, remain unaltered. Consequently, these pivotal moments of fostering their relationship maintain their significance. However, a substantial distinction arises as the show explicitly depicts Belly and Conrad engaging in sexual intercourse. Although the book alludes to Conrad's more extensive experience in this aspect compared to Belly, it is not as explicitly stated.

2 Belly No Longer Loves Conrad, Who Demands The Infinity Necklace Back

In Han's trilogy, the second novel portrays Belly as more emotionally attached to Conrad compared to how she is shown on TV. Throughout season 2 of The Summer I Turned Pretty, Belly struggles with her grief, frustration, and embarrassment, particularly because of her emotional outburst at Conrad during Susannah's funeral. Belly remains uncertain about the reasons behind her breakup with Conrad before season 2, as she acknowledges his emotional distance but fails to understand how it led to their separation.

Although Belly occasionally feels unsure due to the recent end of their romantic relationship, she gradually finds herself developing strong feelings for Jeremiah. As the season progresses, it becomes evident that she has moved on from her infatuation with Conrad and now desires to repair their friendship. Overcoming a long-standing crush is difficult, but Belly discovers a deep sense of happiness with Jeremiah. Once she solidifies her romantic relationship with Jeremiah, she removes Conrad from her heart. Conrad, on the other hand, claims to have moved on from their relationship as well, but his composed façade crumbles when he is alone.

Regardless, he insists that Belly returns the silver infinity necklace that has become a powerful symbol of their relationship. In the novel, Belly discovers the necklace in Conrad's dorm and interprets it as a sign of his enduring love for her. However, after Belly and Jeremiah share a kiss, Conrad demands that she gives the necklace back. In a sense, the necklace (alongside Junior Mint) serves as the show's equivalent of the glass unicorn in The Summer I Turned Pretty. This seemingly minor alteration conveys the heightened intensity of the show's love triangle, highlighting Belly's equally strong and distinct connections with both brothers.

1 There's No Epilogue

Belly's voiceover narration in the season 2 finale of The Summer I Turned Pretty reveals her previous perception of forever. She always imagined it with the same boy, envisioning a future that was certain and unchanging. However, her unexpected and genuine feelings for Jeremiah challenge this predetermined notion. Unlike the books, where Belly's affection for Conrad is evident, the show portrays her admission that she hadn't foreseen the relationship she now finds herself in. She acknowledges that while the future may be uncertain, it is still hers to shape.

Many viewers are left questioning if The Summer I Turned Pretty season 3 will deviate from the novel in terms of the Conrad, Belly, and Jeremiah love triangle. Adding to the intrigue, the season 2 finale omits a crucial moment from the book: the epilogue. In It's Not Summer Without You, the after-credits scene takes us into the future, where Belly is seen fleeing from her own wedding with an unfamiliar man, leaving viewers on a suspenseful cliffhanger.