2017 has already been packed with some awesome book-to-screen adaptations like January’s Oscar-nominated film Hidden Figures, as well as Before I Fall and A Dog’s Purpose. The year’s not over, and we have plenty more adaptations coming out. As we all know, the book is always better than the movie, so here are some titles to add to your reading list before they hit theaters.
1. 13 Reasons Why by Jay Asher
Okay, so this is a little bit of a cheat because this is technically being adapted into a thirteen-part show for Netflix. However, it’s still very exciting. This book absolutely devastated me when I read it, so I can only imagine how heartbreaking the season will be. The book follows Clay Jensen after he is delivered a package from Hannah Baker, who committed suicide two weeks earlier. He listens to Hannah’s words as she leads him on an adventure through town, explaining why she decided to commit suicide. It’s a heavy topic for sure, but it’ll make you think about how you treat others and how small actions can make a big difference in someone’s life. The series became available on Netflix March 31st, so start reading before you watch it!
2. The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
Okay, one last cheat before we talk film adaptations because this is going to be a Hulu series. The book is really complex and deals with themes of women’s rights, language, dystopian governments and more. It’s one of the only books that I read back in high school that I still think about today. There are so many books that imagine what our future might look like and it’s easy for them to get mixed up, however Atwood’s book will remain a classic in the genre. The show will be available on Hulu starting April 26th.
3. Wonder by R. J. Palacio
I will admit that I haven’t read this yet, but my mother has raved about how beautiful and touching this book is, as well as every other person who has read it. The main character is August Pullman, who was born with a facial deformity. The book is told by multiple characters, all of them changed by their interactions with August. Jacob Tremblay, aka the adorable kid from Room (another fabulous book-to-film adaption), is set to play August. One of the most beautiful things about the book is how August’s appearance is never fully described, which allows the reader to imagine it for themselves. Film is, of course, a visual art, so I’m curious to see how they translate this literary element for the big screen. Wonder is to be released in November.
4. The Lost City of Z by David Grann
This book has a little bit of everything: adventure, history, mystery, a quest into the treacherous Amazon rainforest. A nonfiction book about the British explorer Percy Fawcett as he sets out to find the fabled city El Dorado, after his disappearance hundreds of men follow in his footsteps to figure out his disappearance. David Grann, a New York city native with an aversion to the outdoors, eventually heads into the Amazon to follow in the famed explorer’s footsteps and come closer to solving the mystery. The film is set to star Charlie Hunnam and is coming to theaters April 14th.
5. The Circle by David Eggers
Emma Watson has been killing it lately with her starring role in Beauty and the Beast. Now she’ll be starring in the adaptation of David Egger’s novel about surveillance and privacy. Even though the novel is set in a dystopian future, the ideas on technology, oppression and social media are incredibly relevant today. The book has been compared to other dystopian classics such as 1984 and Brave New World. Also, Tom Hanks is in the movie. What more could you want? This film hits theaters on April 28th.
6. Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon
This young adult novel falls into the same category as The Fault in our Stars, Me and Earl and the Dying Girl. Maddy is allergic to the world and has never been able to leave her house. Then Olly movies in next door, and Maddy knows that she’s going to fall in love with him. The book has received glowing reviews for it’s honest and heartbreaking narrative. The movie will be released May 19th.
7. It by Stephen King
Can we all agree that clowns are super creepy? I think we should blame Stephen King for that. It already has a big-screen version from 1990, but the 2017 update looks a lot darker and creepier (if that’s even possible) than it’s predecessor. This book is not for the faint of heart, and what else should you expect from the writer of The Shining? The film will be released in September, I recommend wearing a hoodie to cover your eyes.
8. Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie
Not much is known about the details surrounding this classic mystery’s adaptation. Agatha Christie is known as the Queen of Mystery, so it’s guaranteed to be a thrilling story. The cast currently includes Johnny Depp and Daisy Ridley, so keep your eyes out for more news about this film. It’s predicted to be released on November 22nd.
9. The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls
This gripping memoir looks into the upbringing of Jeannette Wells in her nomadic, neglectful family. It’s a story of survival, dysfunction and forgiveness. The stories are deeply emotional and could trigger people who have experienced abuse and neglect from their parents. The movie will star Brie Larson, who won the Best Actress Oscar for her work in Room. As of right now, the film does not have a confirmed release date.
What books will you be adding to your reading list?