In Jenny Han’s book series, The Summer I Turned Pretty, readers are in for a book full of nostalgia, romance, and complex feelings. The story is about a love triangle between Isabel “Belly” Conklin, Jeremiah Fisher, and Conrad Fisher, where both brothers have moments of romance and good times with Belly. When the viewer dives deeper into the show and book, they will come to realize that Conrad, the eldest brother, is arguably the better brother for Belly. Even though he has moments of sadness, depression, and distance, he will always be there and have love for Belly.
At first, Conrad seemed quiet, distant, and hard to understand. “Conrad will always be the better brother, because he will always try and be there for her and will always try to understand her. No matter when times get tough or hard, he will always go back to Belly” says Bella Degonzague. Bella’s point is clear, and many fans of the show also understand that Conrad will always have a spot in his heart for Belly. His love is not chasing happiness in the moment like Jeremiah. Conrad’s love for Belly goes deeper, as he is committed to her even through the hardest points.
Brooke Weaver also shares her point on how Conrad will always be the better choice. She says “Conrad is not just living in the moment looking for short term, like Jeremiah has. Conrad has only ever loved Belly, unlike Jeremiah who was quick to hang out with another girl while him and Belly were on a break. Conrad did not love anyone else for three years after him and Belly went on a break.” That proves the love that Conrad has for Belly. Conrad has an unconditional love for Belly, something Jeremiah did not have for her. Conrad has proven to have loyalty toward belly, but Jeremiah has proven nothing like that.
While Jeremiah seems fun, easy going, and the bright golden boy, it will always be Conrad who has the deep love for Belly. That will always make Conrad the better brother. In the last season, he wasn’t scared to show and prove his love to Belly, but Jeremiah was quick to run away when things got seemingly hard. As Bella said, “he always comes back to Belly,” and Brooke saying, “he has only ever loved one person.” That kind of love is rare, it may not be perfect, but it stands and stays strong for the long run of time. That is what makes Conrad Fisher the better brother.
