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Jenny Han’s Stories Make Space for Herself and Others

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Jenny Han’s Stories Make Space for Herself and Others

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As a successful author who was once a children’s librarian, over the years, Han has had many chances to turn her best-selling books into adaptations, but she repeatedly said no to offers until she could do it her way—with Asian protagonists, and with control and ownership over how her stories were told. “Just 10 years ago, people didn’t understand that it was important for a main character to be played by an Asian person. I really feel like To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before did a lot of work in showing that an Asian-led film could be successful and that people could see themselves in it, without having to be Asian themselves.”

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Jenny Han’s Stories Make Space for Herself and Others

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The beloved author-turned-showrunner has built a romance-fueled media empire that showcases young women coming into their own.

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Now an Original Series on Prime Video! Belly has an unforgettable summer in this stunning start to the Summer I Turned Pretty series from the New Y…

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https://www.jennyhan.com/

Jenny Han is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before series, now Netflix movies. She is also the author of the #1 New York Times bestselling The Summer I Turned Pretty series, now streaming on Amazon Prime, as well as Shug, and Clara Lee and the Apple Pie Dream. She is the coauthor of the Burn for Burn trilogy, with Siobhan Vivian. Her books have been published in more than thirty languages. A former librarian, Jenny earned her MFA in creative writing at the New School. She lives in Brooklyn, New York.

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USO Indo-Pacific and USO Europe | Middle East | Africa will host our monthly Overseas Virtual Book Club discussing "The Summer I Turned Pretty" by Jenny Han on July 11th at 2000 JST on Zoom

Stay up to date with the Overseas Virtual Book Club by joining our Facebook Group: USO Overseas Virtual Book Club

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https://register.uso.org/4111BMB7/4a3I8XJUXW

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Jenny Han Addresses Changes She Made To Summer I Turned Pretty So It Was More Diverse

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Jenny Han Addresses Changes She Made To Summer I Turned Pretty So It Was More Diverse

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The Summer I Turned Pretty gets to reflect Jenny Han’s Korean roots through Belly and is enhanced by the additional diversity within its cast. When speaking to CinemaBlend, the best-selling author said of bringing more inclusion for the streaming adaptation:

It was really exciting. When I was approaching the adaptation, I wanted to really reflect the moment that we're living in. And I think the diversity of characters is a piece of that, so it felt like a really great opportunity to showcase different kinds of talent. We get to have like an Asian American family on the show. And then, we also have a new character Cleveland, who is Filipino. So it's really exciting I think. And I think it feels really natural to the show, to the characters and the story.

In the book series, Belly was depicted as a white woman via the original cover but in the new show, she is a mixed race teen with a Korean mother and white father. Following a history of more traditionally white leads than we can count on a hundred fingers, Jenny Han was excited to “showcase different kinds of talent” first and foremost and reflect the diverse world we live in, which hasn’t often been depicted in an honest way by Hollywood in the past.

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When Jenny Han's first YA novel, The Summer I Turned Pretty, hit bookshelves in 2009, it featured a photo of its love triangle trio. On the cover, there was a brunette woman with freckles and the sun beaming off her pale, yet sunkissed skin. For many readers, she was the face of the movie's lead Isabel "Belly" Conkin, who narrates her eventful summer break, during which she comes of age. In the new Amazon Prime series developed by Han herself, the trilogy receives a much more diverse cast including another Asian-American lead for the romance, which the author has now spoken to.

Times have obviously changed in the past thirteen years and the romance genre is much more inclusive in regard to to telling Asian-American stories, which was in part normalized by the To All The Boys series starring Lana Condor. The Summer I Turned Pretty gets to reflect Jenny Han's Korean roots through Belly and is enhanced by the additional diversity within its cast. When speaking to CinemaBlend, the best-selling author said of bringing more inclusion for the streaming adaptation:

It was really exciting. When I was approaching the adaptation, I wanted to really reflect the moment that we're living in. And I think the diversity of characters is a piece of that, so it felt like a really great opportunity to showcase different kinds of talent. We get to have like an Asian American family on the show. And then, we also have a new character Cleveland, who is Filipino. So it's really exciting I think. And I think it feels really natural to the show, to the characters and the story.

In the book series, Belly was depicted as a white woman via the original cover but in the new show, she is a mixed race teen with a Korean mother and white father. Following a history of more traditionally white leads than we can count on a hundred fingers, Jenny Han was excited to "showcase different kinds of talent" first and foremost and reflect the diverse world we live in, which hasn't often been depicted in an honest way by Hollywood in the past.

(Image credit: Simon & Schuster)

The Summer I Turned Pretty, now available to stream with an Amazon Prime subscription, marks the debut role of Lola Tung in any role ever. Having more Asian-American creators like Jenny Han behind the scenes can usher in more leading roles for young people in the AAPI community like Tung. And alongside her, Sean Kaufman plays her brother, Jackie Chung portrays her mom and Asian-American director Jeff Chan helmed a couple episodes as well.

As the author and showrunner shared, there's a new character named Cleveland, played by Alfredo Narciso, who adds Filipino representation among . Also, major character Jeremiah, played by Gavin Casalegno, is portrayed as being sexually fluid in the series, whereas he was straight in the books. Within the series, the character is proud to share the girls and boys he's kissed and still figuring out how to identify his preferences.

After writing The Summer I Turned Pretty trilogy, Jenny Han made All The Boys explicitly about a half-Korean teen and her experiences and featured a Korean model on the cover of the trilogy. Following the success of the film adaptations, Han continues to help bring in diversity to the romance genre, and you love to see it. Her , an All The Boys spinoff centering on Lara Jean's younger sister. Check out more of CinemaBlend's interview with Jenny Han and enjoy streaming her new TV offering.

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Jenny Han Addresses Changes She Made To Summer I Turned Pretty So It Was More Diverse

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The Summer I Turned Pretty author/showrunner talks about making some changes to the story for the streaming adaptation over a decade after the book was published.

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In this novel, we encounter several different types of love at once: first loves, new loves, the love between a child and their parent, the love between friends… Of the different types, which ones did you relate to most? Which ones the least? Why?

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In this novel, we encounter several different types of love at once: first loves, new loves, the love between a child and their parent, the love between friends… Of the different types, which ones did you relate to most? Which ones the least? Why?

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Belly describes herself as “living for the summer” in the months of June to August, with all her winter months spent as a less real version of herself. “My whole life was measured in summers. Like I don’t really begin living until June, until I’m at that beach, at that house.” Have you ever experienced a time or place where you felt like a more real version of yourself? When and where was/is it?

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Belly describes herself as “living for the summer” in the months of June to August, with all her winter months spent as a less real version of herself. “My whole life was measured in summers. Like I don’t really begin living until June, until I’m at that beach, at that house.” Have you ever experienced a time or place where you felt like a more real version of yourself? When and where was/is it?

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The friendship between the two mothers is described as one almost like sisters. How is the love between them made clear?

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The friendship between the two mothers is described as one almost like sisters. How is the love between them made clear?

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Not everyone is as lucky as Susannah and Laurel with regards to their life-long friendship. Are you as lucky? Do you have someone you share such a close bond with?

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Not everyone is as lucky as Susannah and Laurel with regards to their life-long friendship. Are you as lucky? Do you have someone you share such a close bond with?

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How does being the odd one out of the three boys’ unit shape Belly’s views of herself? How does being included (or excluded) change the way a person is? Have you been in situations when you were the odd one out?

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How does being the odd one out of the three boys’ unit shape Belly’s views of herself? How does being included (or excluded) change the way a person is? Have you been in situations when you were the odd one out?

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The book is not only about life and learning to love, but it is also about sadness and human mortality. How are the two themes used by Han to contrast and reinforce each other? Do you find this technique effective? Why or why not?

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The book is not only about life and learning to love, but it is also about sadness and human mortality. How are the two themes used by Han to contrast and reinforce each other? Do you find this technique effective? Why or why not?

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“From the beginning, Belly’s relationships with each of the characters in the book are what drive the story. From brother figures turned love triangle, to an older brother and mother with their own family dynamics, this coming-of-age story shows how pivotal the relationships in our young lives are in shaping the people we become.” Do you agree with this statement? What were the most important relationships in your life growing up? How did they shape you into who you are today?

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“From the beginning, Belly’s relationships with each of the characters in the book are what drive the story. From brother figures turned love triangle, to an older brother and mother with their own family dynamics, this coming-of-age story shows how pivotal the relationships in our young lives are in shaping the people we become.” Do you agree with this statement? What were the most important relationships in your life growing up? How did they shape you into who you are today?

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Did The Summer I Turned Pretty make you want to read the next book in the trilogy? Why or why not?

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Did The Summer I Turned Pretty make you want to read the next book in the trilogy? Why or why not?

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How does Belly’s relationship with Laurel change over the course of the novel? What role does Susannah play in Belly’s life?

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How does Belly’s relationship with Laurel change over the course of the novel? What role does Susannah play in Belly’s life?

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What is the meaning of the whirlpool Belly, Conrad, and Jeremiah’s bodies create during their last night in the pool?

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What is the meaning of the whirlpool Belly, Conrad, and Jeremiah’s bodies create during their last night in the pool?

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What role does Susannah’s cancer play in the novel?

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What role does Susannah’s cancer play in the novel?

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Throughout the novel, Belly tries to create her own definition of womanhood. How does she achieve this goal? Don’t all women try to shape their own definition of womanhood? What did it entail for you?

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Throughout the novel, Belly tries to create her own definition of womanhood. How does she achieve this goal? Don’t all women try to shape their own definition of womanhood? What did it entail for you?

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Character Development: How does Belly evolve as a character throughout the series? What are the key moments that contribute to her growth?

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Character Development: How does Belly evolve as a character throughout the series? What are the key moments that contribute to her growth?

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Family Dynamics: How do the dynamics between Belly, her mother, and Susannah’s family shape the story? What role does family play in the characters; development?

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Family Dynamics: How do the dynamics between Belly, her mother, and Susannah’s family shape the story? What role does family play in the characters; development?

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Romantic Relationships: Explore Belly’s relationships with Conrad and Jeremiah. How do these relationships differ, and what do they reveal about Belly’s character?

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Romantic Relationships: Explore Belly’s relationships with Conrad and Jeremiah. How do these relationships differ, and what do they reveal about Belly’s character?

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Friendship and Loyalty: Discuss Belly’s friendship with Taylor and her relationship with the Fisher brothers. How do these friendships influence her decisions and experiences?

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Friendship and Loyalty: Discuss Belly’s friendship with Taylor and her relationship with the Fisher brothers. How do these friendships influence her decisions and experiences?

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Themes of Coming-of-Age: How does the series explore themes of adolescence, identity, and self-discovery? In what ways does Belly’s journey mirror universal experiences of growing up?

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Themes of Coming-of-Age: How does the series explore themes of adolescence, identity, and self-discovery? In what ways does Belly’s journey mirror universal experiences of growing up?

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Setting and Atmosphere: How does the beach house setting contribute to the overall mood and atmosphere of the series? How does the environment shape the characters’ relationships and experiences?

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Setting and Atmosphere: How does the beach house setting contribute to the overall mood and atmosphere of the series? How does the environment shape the characters’ relationships and experiences?

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Adaptation from Book to Screen: For those familiar with Jenny Han’s books, how does the series adaptation compare? What aspects of the story are enhanced or changed for the screen, and how does this impact the narrative?

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Adaptation from Book to Screen: For those familiar with Jenny Han’s books, how does the series adaptation compare? What aspects of the story are enhanced or changed for the screen, and how does this impact the narrative?

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Impact of Secrets and Revelations: Discuss the role of secrets and revelations in the series. How do hidden truths affect the characters and their relationships?

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Impact of Secrets and Revelations: Discuss the role of secrets and revelations in the series. How do hidden truths affect the characters and their relationships?

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Emotional Resonance: Which scenes or moments stood out to you emotionally? How does the series effectively convey the emotional journey of its characters?

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Emotional Resonance: Which scenes or moments stood out to you emotionally? How does the series effectively convey the emotional journey of its characters?

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Audience Reception: How might different audiences interpret and relate to “The Summer I Turned Pretty”? What elements make it appealing to viewers of different ages and backgrounds?

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Audience Reception: How might different audiences interpret and relate to “The Summer I Turned Pretty”? What elements make it appealing to viewers of different ages and backgrounds?

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The Summer I Turned Pretty - Official Trailer | Prime Video

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‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’ Cast Dishes On The Show’s Love Triangle

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‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’ Cast Dishes On The Show’s Love Triangle

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‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’ Cast Dishes On The Show’s Love Triangle

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9 Differences between The Summer I Turned Pretty Book and TV Show

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9 Differences between The Summer I Turned Pretty Book and TV Show

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Jenny Han, author behind "The Summer I Turned Pretty" series, on how Taylor Swift's music played a role in her writing

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Jenny Han, author behind "The Summer I Turned Pretty" series, on how Taylor Swift's music played a role in her writing

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Han not only helped create the TV series, but she had a hand in its hit soundtrack, which includes songs from Cardi B, Olivia Rodrigo, Taylor Swift and other big names. Swift's music, in fact, has long played a role in Han's writing process, she said Monday on "CBS Mornings."

"I've been a fan for years. As I was writing the books, I was listening to her music," Han said, adding that Swift's music brought her the emotion she needed to tap into during her writing.

"I think that she understands young womanhood in a way and also love stories. That means a lot to me," Han said.

- - -

Han also discussed Asian representation, saying she was told by publishers years ago that people wouldn't read stories about Asian Americans and about Asian American families.

"I think it didn't even really hurt my feelings because it was just kind of so matter of fact," she said.

Belly, who is an Asian American character in the show, is White in the original novel.

"I had tried to sell a book with an Asian main character before this one, and people weren't really interested in it," Han said. "The thing I would hear is, 'We already have a book with them.'"

After garnering trust from her audience, Han said, she was able to have more freedom with the background of her characters. But she knew from the beginning that she wanted to do more for Asian representation.

"Even my first book, it was important for me to have my picture on the back," Han said. "It wasn't really done at the time, and I thought, 'I want other young Asian women to see that and think it's possible.'"

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/ CBS News

Bestselling author , who is known for a series of beloved young adult novels, is now a showrunner for a new Prime Video series inspired by her famous trilogy "The Summer I Turned Pretty."

Han not only helped create the TV series, but she had a hand in its hit soundtrack, which includes songs from Cardi B, Olivia Rodrigo, Taylor Swift and other big names. Swift's music, in fact, has long played a role in Han's writing process, she said Monday on "CBS Mornings."

"I've been a fan for years. As I was writing the books, I was listening to her music," Han said, adding that Swift's music brought her the emotion she needed to tap into during her writing.

"I think that she understands young womanhood in a way and also love stories. That means a lot to me," Han said.

The Prime show follows Belly, a teenage girl whose family stays in a beach house every summer with her mom's best friend and her sons, Conrad and Jeremiah. The first season shows Belly in the summer ahead of her 16th birthday as the boys start to realize she isn't a kid anymore. A second season is already in the works.

Han is also the author behind "To All the Boys I've Loved Before" and "P.S. I Still Love You."

For "The Summer I Turned Pretty," a New York Times bestseller, Han said she was telling a story about "girlhood in general."

"To me, it means stepping into your own power," she said. "I think it's a moment of coming of age, of growing up."

Han also discussed Asian representation, saying she was told by publishers years ago that people wouldn't read stories about Asian Americans and about Asian American families.

"I think it didn't even really hurt my feelings because it was just kind of so matter of fact," she said.

Belly, who is an Asian American character in the show, is White in the original novel.

"I had tried to sell a book with an Asian main character before this one, and people weren't really interested in it," Han said. "The thing I would hear is, 'We already have a book with them.'"

After garnering trust from her audience, Han said, she was able to have more freedom with the background of her characters. But she knew from the beginning that she wanted to do more for Asian representation.

"Even my first book, it was important for me to have my picture on the back," Han said. "It wasn't really done at the time, and I thought, 'I want other young Asian women to see that and think it's possible.'"
Disclosure: Han's books are published by Simon & Schuster, a division of CBS News' parent company, Paramount Global.

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Jenny Han, author behind "The Summer I Turned Pretty" series, on how Taylor Swift's music played a role in her writing

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Jenny Han said she was told by publishers years ago that people wouldn't read stories about Asian Americans.

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The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 2 | Official Trailer

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'The Summer I Turned Pretty' cast talks Season 2, love triangle

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'The Summer I Turned Pretty' cast talks Season 2, love triangle

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'The Summer I Turned Pretty' cast talks Season 2, love triangle

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Lola Tung, Gavin Casalegno and Chris Briney talk about returning for Season 2 of "The Summer I Turned Pretty" and reveal whether fans tend to be more Team Conrad or Team Jeremiah.

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The Summer I Turned Pretty - Season Three Announcement | Prime Video