After three years, The Summer I Turned Pretty TV series has come and gone. As someone who read the original trilogy in middle school, I’ve had so much fun revisiting one of my favorite series as an adult. Jenny Han and all of the actors did a fantastic job bringing the magic of the story to life, and I (like many) am just not ready to say goodbye to Cousins quite yet. Should I start rereading the books for the millionth time while I wait for The Summer I Turned Pretty movie? Is it socially acceptable to immediately start the show over once I finish the finale? Guys? Hello…?
Thankfully, there is no shortage of all-consuming content to turn to before the movie hits the screens—and there’s even some that captures that same The Summer I Turned Pretty feeling. If you’re like me and looking for a new way to fill your time every Wednesday, these books, movies, TV shows, podcasts, and playlists will hit the spot. From coming-of-age stories to love triangles to charming beach towns, there’s bound to be something that catches your attention and keeps you coming back for more. Ahead, what to read, watch, and listen to after you finish The Summer I Turned Pretty season 3.
What to watch after The Summer I Turned Pretty
Dawson’s Creek
Ever wondered what it would be like if the TSITP gang lived in Cousins all year long? Look no further than Dawson’s Creek. Not only were both shows filmed in Wilmington, North Carolina, but they also have a lot of thematic elements in common. Fans have been quick to draw parallels between Belly’s relationship with the Fisher brothers and the love triangle between Dawson, Joey, and Pacey. While Jenny Han hasn’t outwardly confirmed if this 2000s teen classic served as inspiration while writing the series, I wouldn’t be surprised if it were true.
One Day
As Belly and Conrad have no doubt proven to us all, a “will they, won’t they” relationship is dangerous to be in, but addictive to watch. The same is true for One Day, Netflix’s limited series that left us all in a puddle of tears on the floor last year. On the night of their university graduation, Emma and Dexter have a chance encounter that unfolds into a tragic 14-year-long love story. Like Belly and Conrad, Emma and Dexter’s flaws are on full display. But seeing the ways those flaws influence their decisions makes them feel more real (and infuriating). Get your tissues ready, this one is for the sad girls.
Never Have I Ever
On the surface, it may not seem like Never Have I Ever and The Summer I Turned Pretty have anything in common. Sure, one’s a comedy while the other’s a drama, but they still tackle a lot of the same topics. Devi has just lost her father and is trying to navigate her grief, her relationship with her mother, and her high school workload. The show also keeps things interesting with—you guessed it—a love triangle. Will Devi end up with hottie jock Paxton, or her academic rival Ben? This Netflix series from Mindy Kaling has four bingeable seasons that are sure to make you laugh, cry, and then laugh some more.
Along for the Ride
Based on the novel by fellow YA author Sarah Dessen, Along for the Ride follows Auden during the summer before she goes off to college. Ever since her parents got divorced, Auden has had trouble sleeping, but spending time with her dad and his new family in the seaside town of Colby is a chance for a fresh start. While Auden gets a break from being the perfect daughter in Colby, she finds herself drawn to fellow insomniac and resident loner Eli. Together, they embark on a quest each night that allows Auden to try all the things she missed out on in her childhood. It’s obviously hard for me to resist a good coming-of-age story, and luckily, that’s Sarah Dessen’s specialty.
The Map That Leads To You
Heather has always been a planner, from her impressive job to her perfectly curated travel itinerary. On the last stop of her European vacation with her friends, she meets Jack, who’s set out on a grand adventure to visit all the places his grandfather traveled to in his youth. Heather quickly falls for Jack and finds herself questioning the perfect life she’s always pictured…but is Jack hiding something? If you wish Belly’s adventures in Paris had gotten more screen time, this recent release is the one for you.
My Life with the Walter Boys
When a tragedy turns Jackie’s New York City life upside down, she moves in with her guardian’s big family on a farm in Colorado. While the show’s setting is a far cry from the beach, the teenage love triangle and will-they-won’t-they vibes are all the same as the ones we came to love in The Summer I Turned Pretty. With plenty of yearning to keep you glued to your screen, Jackie’s relationship with brothers Alex and Cole will remind you of the complicated feelings Belly had toward Jeremiah and Conrad. Since this series is based on a New York Times Bestseller by Ally Novak, it’s perfect for the book girlies, too, who like to compare book-to-screen adaptations.
To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before
You didn’t think I’d forget about this one, did you? It’s not simply another part of the JHCU (Jenny Han Cinematic Universe)—To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before is arguably one of the best romcoms to come out in the last decade. With its gorgeous visuals, incredible soundtrack, and a romance that’s just the right amount of cheesy, it’s not hard to see why it’s such a favorite. Plus, where better to fill the hole created by Jenny Han than with even more Jenny Han? Between a book trilogy, three movies, and a spinoff TV series, there’s plenty in this franchise to keep you busy.
What to read after The Summer I Turned Pretty
Every Summer After by Carley Fortune
When I used to work at a bookstore, I would describe Every Summer After as “The Summer I Turned Pretty for grown-ups.” Persephone Fraser’s favorite childhood memories are the summers she spent in Barry’s Bay with Sam Florek and his older brother Charlie. But that was years ago. Now, Percy lives in the city and keeps her heart guarded. When she receives a phone call that sends her back to the Bay, she’s forced to confront her past mistakes—and her connection to Sam, which is electric even after all this time. Every Summer After is perfect for fans wanting a more adult take on the story we’ve come to love.
Some Other Now by Sarah Everett
For 17-year-old Jessi Rumfield, her next-door neighbor felt more like family than her own parents. Growing up, she spent most of her time with the Cohens: Rowan, Luke, and their mother, Mel. But everything changes when Mel gets sick, and a year later, Jessi finds herself out of touch with her home away from home. That is, until Luke reappears and asks her to pretend to be his girlfriend for Mel’s final months. This young adult novel has a lot in common with The Summer I Turned Pretty, but with a few more secrets below the surface.
The Saddest Girl on the Beach by Heather Frese
After her father passes away, Charlotte flees to the Outer Banks, where her best friend Evie runs an inn with her family. It’s a welcome distraction from her grief, and soon Charlotte finds herself in a love triangle involving Evie’s brother, Nate. Like with most love triangles, someone is bound to get hurt. If you still have a soft spot for Belly even after all the chaos she’s caused, give this book a try. Heather Frese’s other novel, The Baddest Girl on the Planet, tells Evie’s story and is great for fans who identify more with Taylor than Belly.
The Summer of Broken Rules by K. L. Walther
Similar to Belly after Susanna’s death, Meredith in The Summer of Broken Rules is trying to navigate summer after her sister’s passing. She’s determined to join the world again, and the annual family vacation at Matha’s Vineyard seems to be the perfect place to do just that. Her entire family is gathering for a wedding, which she may be attending single after unexpectedly being dumped, but she knows their family game of assassin will lift her spirits. Her sister loved the game, and Meredith has to win it in her honor. But when she forms an assassin alliance with a cute groomsman, she finds herself getting distracted. As the week goes on, she realizes she might not just lose the game, but her heart as well.
Better than the Movies by Lynn Painter
If your favorite part of The Summer I Turned Pretty is watching Belly navigate her first love (loves?), you’ll definitely want to pick up Better Than the Movies. Plus, there’s also a bit of a love triangle. Liz Buxbaum has had a crush on Michael for as long as she can remember (sound like anyone you know?), but he never noticed her before he moved away. But now Michael is back, and Liz is set on catching his eye, even if it means befriending her next-door neighbor, Wes Bennet. Wes and Michael are hitting it off, and he’s Liz’s ticket to finally being noticed. But as Liz and Wes begin to scheme, she realizes she actually likes being around him, and maybe her original idea of happily ever after isn’t what she really wants.
What to listen to after The Summer I Turned Pretty
The Summer I Started a Podcast
These days, it seems like every popular TV show has a rewatch podcast. Whether it’s an official companion to something currently airing, a deep dive into a nostalgic favorite, or a show hosted by former cast members, you’re bound to find audio content for any show you like. Host Kara Crevier started TSISAP right as season two began airing and recapped each episode as they were released. Once the show went on hiatus until this summer, Kara revisited the first season and compared everything we’ve seen so far to how things unfold in the books. Whenever I inevitably give in to the urge to binge the series from start to finish, I look forward to discovering some of the smaller details that this podcast picked up on.
What We’re Watching Podcast
When I become obsessed with a movie or TV show, naturally, I look for any excuse to bring it up in conversation. That’s what makes this podcast perfect for the pop culture girlies like me (try saying that five times fast!) What We’re Watching is full of fun commentary and behind-the-scenes stories about all of our favorite shows and movies, from rom-coms to DCOMs. This show is just over a year old, so they only have one recap for the first two seasons of TSITP, but hosts Megan and Jenni have put out several episodes breaking down their reactions to season three—and I’m sure there’s only more to come.
The Summer I Turned Pretty Official Playlists
Of course, I’d be remiss to write an article about The Summer I Turned Pretty and not shout out its incredible soundtrack. While many of the songs that played in the show were already staples of my personal playlists, Prime Video has made our lives easier by consolidating every single song into one convenient (and massive) place. With just over 15 hours of music, the playlist is a fun time capsule of all three seasons. If you want something less overwhelming, each of the five main cast members curated playlists for each of their characters, featuring songs from the show and songs that inspired their acting choices.
Hannah Carapellotti, Contributing Writer
Hannah is an Ann Arbor-based writer with a bachelor’s in English and writing from the University of Michigan. Outside of The Everygirl, Hannah has written for The Michigan Daily, where she also served as an editor. She currently works at an independent bookstore and is interning for a literary agency.
