I have to admit that when I first heard about The Summer I Turned Pretty, I didn’t think much about it, but once it started taking over my social media feeds, I gave in. One episode was all it took to get me hooked. Don’t worry – no spoilers will be revealed, so keep reading!
If you aren’t yet familiar with The Summer I Turned Pretty, it’s a three season series currently streaming on Amazon Prime, based on the bestselling book trilogy written by Jenny Han. It’s a coming-of-age story that’s mainly geared for teenagers, but it’s equally captivating for moms. Once I started watching the series, I suddenly found myself discussing Laurel and Susannah (the moms) like they were part of my friend group, and, of course, debating Team Conrad vs. Team Jeremiah. While the teenage love stories are definitely a huge part of the series, there’s something deeper, something that resonates with us as women and mothers, that makes this series impossible to stop watching.
So, what exactly is the fascination with a coming-of-age, romance drama that has women in their 30s, 40s, and beyond obsessed?
We Can Relate to the Mothers
Yes, there are definitely more scenes with the teens, but for a lot of us, it is the moms, Laurel and Susannah, who drive the heart of the story. Their friendship, the sacrifices they have made, the quiet struggles they are going through represent so much that is often overlooked in our role as mothers. Watching Laurel and Susannah reminds us how powerful it is to face illness, navigate change, and grieve the joy and pain of letting our children grow up. The romance is for the teenagers, but it is about “first letting go” for the mothers. Watching Belly, the daughter, transition to adulthood feels like what I am about to experience with my own kids, or like something that will be here quicker than I want to admit. The series is emotional, though, because it reminds moms that many of our kids’ heartbreaks and greatest joys are still ahead, but we will not always be able to stand in front of them and protect them through it all.
Real-Life Friendships
The bond between the mothers, Laurel and Susannah, is the kind of friendship that feels so real, the kind we don’t often see portrayed so authentically on screen. Their loyalty, their disagreements, and the way they support each other through the ups and downs of life reveal the friendships that many moms rely on everyday. It’s messy, it’s imperfect, and it’s real. Watching them reminds us that motherhood was never meant to be done alone. We depend on our friends for venting sessions, for laughter that we so desperately need to stay sane, and sometimes just for the reassurance that we’re not completely failing at this whole parenting thing. The way their relationship is portrayed on screen masterfully reflects the friendships that we lean on to survive motherhood and it reminds us to find joy in the beautiful chaos of raising kids.
Changing of Life’s Seasons
While teen romance is definitely a huge part of the series, another recurring theme is the changing of life’s seasons while experiencing all of the highs and lows in between. The Summer I Turned Pretty includes topics of illness, grief, and all the quiet challenges that come with change. As you may imagine, these storylines can hit especially hard for women who have walked through their own seasons of change. It is not all about romantic beach houses and first loves; it is a reminder of life’s fragility and how important it is to take our time to enjoy each day with our kids. For moms, in particular, we can relate to the summers that go by way too quickly, our children who seem to be growing up sooner than we can process, and the constant balancing act between holding on and letting go. The character’s experiences remind us to cherish the small moments, to laugh a little louder, and embrace all of the ups and downs that come with change.
Why We’re Obsessed
Of course, the nostalgic factor, the amazing soundtrack (hello, Taylor Swift!) and the summer romances lure us in, but it’s the motherhood aspect that keeps us engaged and hooked. The Summer I Turned Pretty allows us to step into our own coming of age, taking us back to that moment we felt seen for the first time; when we saw ourselves, feeling pretty, confident, and alive in the world. At the same time, we step into our own role in our kids’ lives, carrying the pride, the worries, and the joys of watching them grow. It’s tender, heart-breaking, and beautiful all at once, just like motherhood.
And now, with the announcement that the story will continue in a movie, we have the anticipation and excitement of waiting, which gives us the perfect opportunity to binge read all the books this fall or maybe even rewatch the entire series again.
So whether you’re Team Conrad or Team Jeremiah, our fascination goes beyond nostalgia; it’s about connection, reflection, and celebrating how these stories reflect our own lives as moms.
