Welcome friend! This article almost did not happen. Last time on TBR Tales, I had designed a little adventure to read and compare two Young Adult novels – The Summer I Turned Pretty and If Wishes Were Retail. Based on the synopsis, I had found a few common things to think about as I read them.
But after finishing both books, I couldn’t bring myself to write the comparison. This article is about why.
The Books
By: Jenny Han | Goodreads
By: Auston Habershaw | Goodreads
Comparative Thoughts
Light vs Thoughtful
The heart of the matter is that the tone and purpose of each book are just so different. One aims to entertain with soft longing, the other invites critique of the world we live in. The Summer I Turned Pretty is the story of one girl’s summer while If Wishes Were Retail is about work, dreams, the cycles we are stuck in due to capitalism. From an analysis point of view, I feel If Wishes Were Retail lends better to deeper thinking. The Summer I Turned Pretty, on the other hand, is a light read.
Series vs Standalone
As a first book in a series, The Summer I Turned Pretty sets the groundwork for its follow up, It’s Not Summer Without You. I had forgotten that grief will truly come knocking in the second book. This book is light and easy, reminiscent of the days of little responsibility, when the biggest worry in life was whether a crush liked us or not. If Wishes Were Retail is serious though it does have humours elements. The fantastic beasts bring lightness but it is hard not to think about the days of new adulthood when the world was our oyster and we didn’t really have the means to pursue all our dreams.
Reread vs First Read
There’s something deeply comforting about rereading. It’s less about discovery and more about return. I don’t have to keep track o plot twists; I can just sit and revisit. With The Summer I Turned Pretty being a reread, I felt more comfortable falling into the story and staying there. It was something to return to without the curiosity of what is going to happen next. I was reliving an experience rather than something new. If Wishes Were Retail really called to the analyst in me and I wanted to make sure I captured the messages of labour, capitalism and family dynamics.
Final Thoughts and Invitations
Sometimes I reach for stories that stir my thoughts, and other times I just want to feel something simple and familiar.
Sometimes I end up writing 1000 words, and other times 250 is all I can manage.
There are seasons in reading and writing and I do not believe in forcing them. Together, The Summer I Turned Pretty and If Wishes Were Retail reminded me how valuable it is to honor both ends of the reading and writing spectrums, and I’m glad I didn’t force a deeper comparison where one wasn’t needed.
In three words:
The Summer I Turned Pretty is low-stakes, nostalgic, and warm.
If Wishes Were Retail is thought-provoking, humorous, and tense.
If you are curious about the books individually be sure to check out their reviews at these links:
What are you currently reading? What kind of reading season does it feel like for you right now—light, thoughtful, or somewhere in between?
See you next time!
About TBR Tales
Dive into the world of TBR Tales, where the journey through the to-be-read pile becomes a rich narrative of literary exploration. Join me as I navigate the pages of books, reflecting on the joys, challenges, and unexpected treasures found along the way. From rediscovering old favorites to embracing new genres, TBR Tales is a celebration of the reader’s life. Sign up for the TBR Tales Exclusive Mailing List and get an email from me when a new post is available! Thank you for reading. 🙂
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