Why Does Laurel Call Susannah Beck? Unpacking A Beloved Nickname

Roscoe Weimann DVM 15 Aug 2025

Have you ever wondered about those little details in stories that just stick with you, perhaps even sparking a bit of curiosity? It's a bit like finding a hidden message, isn't it? For many who enjoy the tales of Cousins Beach, a question often pops up: why does laurel call susannah beck? This seemingly small detail, you know, it actually holds a lot of meaning, and it tells us quite a bit about the deep connections between characters. As of late 2023, this specific question still gets people talking, and for good reason. It's not just a random choice; there's a real story behind it, something that truly adds to the rich fabric of their friendship.

When we think about the reasons for things, we often use the word "why." It's for what cause, or perhaps what purpose, isn't it? You use "why" in questions when you ask about the reasons for something, like "Why hasn't he brought the bill?" or "Why didn't he stop me?" In informal conversations, we often say "why's that?" when we're asking for explanations. So, too it's almost, when someone asks, "Why does Laurel call Susannah Beck?" they're looking for that underlying cause, that specific reason, that makes this particular nickname so special.

The truth behind this affectionate moniker, it's actually quite simple, yet very profound. It's a detail that, frankly, some might miss if they haven't spent time with the original stories. This particular piece of information, you know, it really helps us understand the long history and the very personal bond shared between these two remarkable women. It's a little bit of a secret, in a way, that truly shows how close they are.

Susannah Fisher: A Closer Look
The Real Reason Behind the "Beck" Nickname
A Nickname Rooted in History and Friendship
How the Books Explain What the Show Might Not
Jeremiah and the Curiosity About "Beck"
The Intimate Bond of a Personal Nickname
Why This Detail Matters for the Story
Frequently Asked Questions About Susannah's Nickname

Susannah Fisher: A Closer Look

Susannah Fisher, a beloved character in the story, plays a truly central role in the lives of many, especially her children and her dearest friend, Laurel. She is, in a way, the heart of the Cousins Beach experience, bringing warmth and a kind of joyful spirit to everything. People often connect with her deeply, perhaps because of her gentle nature and her strong devotion to those she cares about.

Her personal details, you know, they give us a bit more insight into who she is and why Laurel's unique way of addressing her is so meaningful. It’s not just a name; it's a piece of her past, a little bit of her identity that Laurel, and Laurel alone, holds onto.

Susannah Fisher: Personal Details

Detail	Information
Full Name	Susannah Beck Fisher
Maiden Name	Beck
Relationship to Laurel	Longtime, close friend
First Met Laurel	In college
Family Role	Mother to Conrad and Jeremiah Fisher

The Real Reason Behind the "Beck" Nickname

The core of the matter, the real reason why does laurel call susannah beck, is rooted in Susannah's history. It's because "Beck" was Susannah's maiden name. When Laurel and Susannah first became friends, back when they were in college, Susannah would have been known as Susannah Beck. This is a very personal piece of information, you know, something that connects them to their earliest days together.

This little fact, it actually clarifies a lot for fans. People sometimes get a bit confused, especially when Laurel uses both "Beck" and "Susannah" to refer to her friend. For those who haven't read the books, this might seem a little odd, perhaps even a bit random. But, as a matter of fact, it's a consistent detail that highlights the depth of their bond.

It's not just a random nickname, you see. It's a direct link to Susannah's past, a part of her identity before she became Susannah Fisher. Laurel is, apparently, the only person who consistently uses this nickname. This exclusivity, in a way, makes it even more special and shows just how unique their connection is.

A Nickname Rooted in History and Friendship

The reason behind Laurel calling Susannah "Beck" is, truly, a testament to their long and enduring friendship. When the two women originally met in college, Susannah would not have been Susannah Fisher yet; she would have been Susannah Beck. This detail, you know, it speaks volumes about the passage of time and the way certain relationships just stick with us.

It's a very personal nickname, showing the deep and enduring friendship they share. Think about it: how many people do you know who still call their friends by a name from their youth, perhaps even a maiden name? It's a rather intimate gesture, a sign of a bond that has weathered many years and changes. It's a bit like an inside joke, but instead of a joke, it's a shared history.

This practice, you know, it's also a little glimpse into their shared past. The text mentions that "She and Susannah sometimes smoked her medical." While the full context of this is not explicitly detailed here, it hints at a shared life, perhaps moments of comfort and connection, where such a personal nickname would naturally thrive. It paints a picture of two people who have seen each other through various stages of life, and that's pretty significant.

How the Books Explain What the Show Might Not

For those who have only watched the Prime Video series, the reason why everyone calls Susannah "Beck" might not be immediately clear. The show, you know, sometimes leaves out these smaller details, perhaps to keep the story moving. This can leave viewers with questions, like "Why did Laurel use Beck and Susannah interchangeably?" It had some people, apparently, quite confused in episode 7.

However, Jenny Han's book trilogy, which is the source material for the series, actually has all the answers. The books explicitly state that Laurel is the one who gave Susannah her nickname "Beck" and was the only person to call her by it. This is a pretty clear explanation, and it helps to fill in those gaps that the show might leave.

This highlights, you know, the value of reading the original stories. Sometimes, those little nuggets of information that truly enrich the characters and their relationships are found there. The seemingly simple act of a phone call, or a casual mention of a nickname, often hides a multitude of underlying motivations and histories.

Jeremiah and the Curiosity About "Beck"

The question about the nickname even comes up within the story itself, which is quite interesting. Jeremiah, one of Susannah's sons, asks Laurel directly why she calls Susannah the nickname "Beck." This moment, you know, it's a chance for the audience, and Jeremiah, to learn the reason.

Laurel, in her straightforward way, explains that "Beck" is Susannah's maiden name. This conversation, you know, it not only provides the answer but also underscores the casual intimacy of their bond. It's not something Laurel feels the need to hide or explain to everyone; it's just how she refers to her oldest friend. It shows, in a way, how natural it is for her.

This interaction, you see, also serves as a subtle reminder that not everyone in Susannah's life would know this detail. It's a private, shared history between Laurel and Susannah, something that makes their connection feel even more authentic and deeply rooted. It's a very small scene, but it packs a lot of meaning, truly.

The Intimate Bond of a Personal Nickname

A nickname like "Beck," especially one derived from a maiden name and used exclusively by one person, is a powerful symbol of intimacy. It’s not just a shortened version of a name; it's a name that carries history, shared experiences, and a unique understanding between two individuals. It's a bit like a secret handshake, but for their voices.

This kind of personal touch, you know, it really sets Laurel and Susannah's friendship apart. It suggests a level of comfort and familiarity that only comes from years of shared life. They've been through so much together, and this nickname is a little piece of that journey, a consistent thread connecting their past to their present. It's a rather sweet detail, too.

The phrase "the whys and wherefores" often comes up when we're trying to figure out the full story behind something. In this case, the "why" of "Beck" is clear, and the "wherefore" is the deep, lasting friendship that began in college. It's a simple answer, yet it speaks to a very complex and beautiful relationship, doesn't it?

Why This Detail Matters for the Story

The question, "why does laurel call susannah beck?", becomes a gateway to understanding the intricate tapestry of relationships and the unspoken narratives that drive them. It's not just about a name; it's about the layers of history that exist between people, especially close friends. This little detail, you know, it really adds depth to the characters.

It helps us see Laurel and Susannah not just as mothers or friends, but as individuals with a past that predates their current roles. It emphasizes their shared youth, their college days, and the foundation upon which their entire friendship was built. This kind of detail, you see, makes the characters feel more real, more lived-in.

In stories, every choice a writer makes, even something as small as a nickname, can contribute to the overall richness of the world they're building. This specific nickname, "Beck," serves to ground their friendship in a tangible past, making their bond even more believable and, frankly, more touching for the audience. It’s a pretty clever way to show, not just tell, their history. For more information on character development in storytelling, you might find this article on character development helpful.

Frequently Asked Questions About Susannah's Nickname

Why does everyone call Susannah “Beck” in ‘TSITP’?

Actually, it's not everyone who calls Susannah "Beck" in 'The Summer I Turned Pretty'. Laurel is the only person who consistently uses this nickname. The reason she does is because "Beck" was Susannah's maiden name, and that's how Laurel knew her when they first met in college. It's a very personal and long-standing nickname, a sign of their deep friendship, you know.

Why did Laurel use Beck and Susannah interchangeably?

Laurel used both "Beck" and "Susannah" interchangeably because "Beck" was Susannah's maiden name, and it was a nickname Laurel had used for her since they met in college. It's a very personal way for Laurel to address her longtime friend, reflecting the deep and enduring nature of their bond. So, you know, it's a sign of their history together.

Is Susannah’s maiden name really Beck?

Yes, Susannah's maiden name is indeed Beck. This is explicitly stated in Jenny Han's book trilogy, which provides the background for the Prime Video series. Laurel calls her longtime friend Susannah "Beck" because it's Susannah's maiden name, and that's how she knew her when they first became friends in college. It's a pretty significant detail, too.

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Why Does Laurel Call Susannah Beck? Unpacking A Beloved Nickname

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