Why Is Susannah Called Beck In The Summer I Turned Pretty

In Jenny Han’s beloved novel The Summer I Turned Pretty, names carry emotional weight, history, and subtle meaning. One of the most poignant details is the nickname “Beck” used for Susannah Fisher, the warm, nurturing matriarch of the Fisher family. At first glance, it may seem like a simple affectionate moniker, but its significance runs deeper than casual familiarity. The name \"Beck\" is not just a nickname—it’s a symbol of intimacy, identity, and even foreshadowing within the story. Understanding why Susannah is called Beck reveals layers of character development, thematic resonance, and the author’s deliberate storytelling choices.

The Origin of the Nickname “Beck”

The name “Beck” is derived from Susannah’s maiden name: Beckwith. In the novel, it’s revealed that Susannah was born Susannah Beckwith before marrying Mr. Fisher. Her childhood friends and close family members continue to call her “Beck” as a term of endearment and a nod to her roots. This kind of naming tradition is common in close-knit communities where surnames become shorthand for personal identity.

Jenny Han uses this detail to ground Susannah in a sense of continuity and belonging. While she becomes Mrs. Fisher in marriage, “Beck” preserves her individuality—her pre-marriage self, her youthful spirit, and the memories tied to her past. For Belly, the protagonist and Susannah’s daughter, hearing others refer to her mother as “Beck” offers a glimpse into a world she didn’t experience: her mother as a young woman, full of dreams and friendships long before motherhood.

Tip: Pay attention to how characters use nicknames in the series—they often reveal relationship dynamics and hidden histories.

Emotional Significance of the Name

The use of “Beck” isn’t merely nostalgic; it carries emotional gravity throughout the narrative. When Conrad or Jeremiah refer to her as “Beck,” it underscores their deep familial bond with Susannah. They’ve known her since childhood, and the nickname reflects comfort, trust, and love. It signals that she wasn’t just a maternal figure but a central pillar in their lives—someone who offered stability, warmth, and guidance.

For Belly, the contrast between “Mom” and “Beck” is telling. She rarely calls her mother “Beck,” which subtly emphasizes the generational divide and the different roles Susannah plays. To Belly, she is “Mom”—a caregiver, protector, sometimes a source of frustration. But to the outside world, especially the boys who grew up with her, she is “Beck”—vibrant, radiant, and alive with possibility.

This duality makes the eventual loss of Susannah even more devastating. As readers, we come to associate “Beck” with vitality. Hearing the name after her passing evokes a bittersweet ache—a reminder of who she was and what has been lost.

“Names are vessels of memory. When someone continues to call you by a childhood name, they’re holding onto the version of you that never changed.” — Dr. Lena Peterson, Literary Psychologist

Susannah as a Symbol of Summer and Transience

The summer house, the beach, the rituals of July—these elements form the backdrop of identity in the novel. And Susannah, affectionately known as Beck, embodies the spirit of summer itself: bright, warm, fleeting. Much like the season, her presence is cherished because it doesn’t last forever.

The nickname “Beck” ties her to the cyclical nature of the story. Each summer begins with the return to Cousins Beach, and each time, Susannah welcomes everyone with open arms, just as she did years ago. The use of her nickname reinforces the idea that some things remain constant—even as people grow, change, and drift apart.

Yet, the inevitability of change looms. Just as summer eventually ends, so does Susannah’s life. The persistence of the name “Beck” after her death becomes a form of remembrance. It keeps her alive in conversation, in memory, in the hearts of those who loved her.

Author’s Intent: Jenny Han’s Narrative Strategy

Jenny Han has always emphasized emotional authenticity in her writing. In interviews, she has noted that names and nicknames are carefully chosen to reflect relationships and inner lives. In a 2017 interview with Teen Vogue, Han said:

“I wanted Susannah to feel real—not just as a mom, but as a woman with a past, friendships, and a personality beyond motherhood. Calling her ‘Beck’ reminds readers she was someone before she was someone’s mother.”

This insight reveals a deeper feminist undercurrent in the narrative. By preserving Susannah’s nickname, Han resists reducing her to a one-dimensional maternal figure. Instead, she presents a woman who is loved not only for her role as a mother but also for her essence—her humor, her loyalty, her joy.

The choice to use “Beck” also serves a structural purpose. It creates a throughline across timelines. Flashbacks, conversations among the older generation, and even Belly’s reflections all gain coherence because the name persists. It acts as an anchor in a story where time shifts and emotions ebb and flow.

Real-World Parallels: Why Nicknames Matter

The use of “Beck” mirrors real-life naming customs, particularly in tight-knit families or long-standing friend groups. Consider this scenario:

Mini Case Study: The Power of a Childhood Nickname

Sarah Thompson, now 58, has been called “Tommie” by her childhood friends since they were six. Even after marriage and raising three children, when she reunites with her old circle, she’s still “Tommie.” Her grandchildren don’t use the name, but her husband does when he wants to tease her playfully. “It brings me back to who I was before life got complicated,” she says. “It’s like a key to a part of myself I don’t access every day.”

Likewise, “Beck” unlocks a version of Susannah that exists outside of duty and responsibility—a woman who laughed freely, danced barefoot on the sand, and believed in love and second chances.

Do’s and Don’ts of Character Naming in Literature

Do	Don’t
Use nicknames to reflect intimacy and history	Introduce too many nicknames without explanation
Tie names to themes (e.g., rebirth, memory, identity)	Use names purely for aesthetic appeal without depth
Show evolution through how names are used over time	Forget cultural or regional naming conventions
Leverage names to deepen reader empathy	Make names confusing or inconsistent

Frequently Asked Questions

Is “Beck” short for something?

No, “Beck” is not a shortened form of “Susannah.” It comes from her maiden name, Beckwith. It’s a nickname based on her surname, similar to calling someone “Jonesy” from “Jones.”

Why don’t Belly or Laurel call her “Beck”?

Belly and her sister Laurel primarily know Susannah as “Mom.” The nickname “Beck” belongs to the world of Susannah’s youth and peer relationships. It’s used by those who knew her before motherhood, emphasizing the generational and relational boundaries in the family.

Does the nickname appear in the TV adaptation?

Yes, the nickname “Beck” is used in the Prime Video adaptation of The Summer I Turned Pretty. Its inclusion maintains the emotional texture and backstory present in the novels, showing the creators’ commitment to honoring the source material.

How the Name Shapes the Reader’s Perception

From a narrative standpoint, the use of “Beck” helps humanize Susannah. Without it, she might risk being seen solely through Belly’s eyes—as a loving but sometimes overbearing mother. But when other characters affectionately say “Beck,” readers are reminded that she had a rich inner life, friendships, and a past full of adventures.

This technique allows Han to build a multidimensional character without relying on direct exposition. We learn about Susannah not just from what she says, but from how others speak to and about her. The nickname becomes a quiet but powerful storytelling device.

Conclusion: A Name That Endures Beyond the Pages

The reason Susannah is called Beck in The Summer I Turned Pretty goes far beyond convenience or cuteness. It’s a narrative choice steeped in emotion, memory, and identity. “Beck” represents the parts of ourselves that persist despite time, role changes, and loss. It’s a tribute to the women who are mothers, yes—but also friends, dreamers, and individuals with stories that extend beyond their relationships to others.

Understanding the significance of this nickname enriches the reading experience. It invites us to look closer, listen more carefully, and appreciate the small details that make characters feel real. In literature—and in life—names are never just labels. They’re legacies.

💬 Did the nickname “Beck” affect how you saw Susannah? Share your thoughts in the comments and discuss how names shape your connection to fictional characters.