Book Adaptations: Read and Watch Guide

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There is a good chance that one of your favorite movies or tv shows is actually based on a book. The Princess Diaries, Gossip Girl, The Vampire Diaries, Mrs. Doubtfire? All based on books! In fact, 70% of the world’s top grossing films are based on books, according to Medium.com.

Reading a book before watching its movie or TV adaptation makes the viewing experience 10 times better. Seeing a story and character you already love come to life on your screen is such a fun, exciting experience. Plus, a book is usually much more detailed than the movie, which means you will probably appreciate the story more having read the book first.

Whether you’re strictly a “book before movie” kind of person, or you just want to know what adaptations are coming out next, VALLEY is giving you a sneak peek at new movies/TV shows that are coming out soon. Plus, now you’ll have time to read the book beforehand!

Adaptations Coming Soon
“The Summer I Turned Pretty” by Jenny Han

If you were a fan of the book and movie “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before,” then you’re in luck. Jenny Han’s other book series, “The Summer I Turned Pretty” is coming to Amazon Prime! This three-book series follows a character named Belly who navigates a love triangle, friendships and growing up. It’s the perfect read if you’re in the mood for summer, romance and a coming-of-age story. No release date has been announced.

“The Selection” by Kiera Cass

This story is like a dystopian, royal version of “The Bachelor” where 35 girls live in a palace and compete for the heart of a prince. It’s currently being adapted into a Netflix movie! After reading the first book, you’ll want to finish the entire series! No release date has been announced.

Conversations with Friends” by Sally Rooney

If you loved the “Normal People” series, another Sally Rooney novel is being adapted on Hulu, and many of the directors and writers from that project will be working on this TV show as well. The story also takes place in Dublin and follows university students that happen to be best friends who used to date and now perform poetry together. Joe Alwyn (Taylor’s Swift boyfriend) is set to play Nick, one of the main characters. This is set to release in 2022.

“One Of Us Is Lying” by Karen M. McManus

This book is described as a murder mystery version of “The Breakfast Club.” The story, which is being adapted into a television show for Peacock’s streaming service, follows five high school students who walk into detention, but only four make it out alive. Everyone is a murder suspect, and everyone is hiding something. Remember when everyone was obsessed with “Pretty Little Liars?” This book, and soon-to-be television show, is the next best thing. This is set to release in 2021.

“The Nightingale” by Kristin Hannah 

This historical fiction story follows two sisters, who will be played by real-life sisters Dakota and Elle Fanning! It takes place during World War II in France as two sisters who are torn apart, struggle to survive under the Nazi regime. This beautiful novel is expected to be just as emotional on screen as it is on the pages. This is set to release Dec. 22, 2021.

“Mysterious Benedict Society” by Trenton Lee Stewart 

Loved this book in middle school? Now it’s being adapted into an eight-part series that will be shown on Disney +! The story follows four orphan children, each with unique skills and talents, who are sent to a boarding school to help solve a secret mission. This is set to release June 25, 2021.

“A Court of Thorns and Roses” by Sarah J. Maas

It has just been announced that this popular fantasy book will be a Hulu television series. The first book in the series is a loose retelling of “Beauty and the Beast.” Author Sarah J. Maas and Ron Moore, creator of “Outlander,” are working together to bring the story to life. Experience this complex, fantastical series first by reading the books, and then dive into all the fun that comes with casting news, trailers and watching scenes come to life. No release date has been announced.

“Last Letter from Your Lover” by Jojo Moyes

Written from the same author who wrote “Me Before You,” this adaption is coming to Netflix this summer! Starring Shailene Woodley, Felicity Jones, Joe Alwyn and Callum Turner — the story follows a London journalist named Ellie who finds secret love letters from a couple during the 1960s in the French Riviera. The story switches between present day London and France in the past. Ellie becomes more and more obsessed with the couple and tries to find out how their love story ended. This is set to release July 23, 2021.

Already Released
“To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” by Jenny Han

You are probably living under a rock if you haven’t at least heard of these adorable rom-com movies by now! These three Netflix films are based on the books by Jenny Han, and even if you have already watched the movies, VALLEY highly recommends picking up the books as well. If you were a fan of Peter and Lara Jean in the movies, then you will be even more obsessed with their relationship and other moments in the books you didn’t get to see on screen!

“Shadow and Bone” by Leigh Bardugo 

This incredible Netflix adaptation just came out recently. It is a fantasy story based on the Grisha novel trilogy and “Six of Crows” duology by Leigh Bardugo, in which a soldier finds out she possesses magical abilities. The setting is Ravka, a world based on Tsarist Russia. The cast, led by Ben Barnes, Jessie Mei Li and Freddy Carter, play their characters perfectly.  If you couldn’t get enough of the first season, find out more of the story by reading Bardugo’s books!

“Firefly Lane” by Kristin Hannah

Can’t wait for “The Nightingale” to come out? Another one of Kristin Hannah’s novels, “Firefly Lane,” has already been adapted to TV on Netflix! Fans of “This is Us” will especially enjoy this show, which follows two best friends throughout different decades of their life, starting in their teenage years in the 70s. But it only covers half of the book’s story, so if you want to know more, pick up the novel!

“The Hate You Give” by Angie Thomas

This powerful story follows Starr Carter, a 16-year-old girl who witnesses her childhood best friend shot and killed by a police officer. The book was published in 2017, and the movie was released the year after. Yet, its message is still as relevant and important today – if not more so.

With summer just around the corner, reading outside is the perfect way to relax in the warm weather. Use this list as a guide to figure out what you want to read (and eventually watch!) next!

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