One thing readers will agree on is that there is a book out there for everyone. Often, though, especially when people get into reading, they struggle to find a book they actually enjoy. Recently, I’ve discovered that your favorite media can actually say a lot about the kinds of stories you might enjoy reading. I’ve compiled a list of eight popular movies and TV shows, each paired with a book that captures the same elements that made them so captivating on screen.
- Young Royals/Red, White and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
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If you couldn’t get enough of Simon and Wilhelm’s love story in Young Royals, you will love Red, White, and Royal Blue. The book follows Alex, the son of the president of the United States, and Henry, the prince of England. Like Young Royals, the characters navigate being queer under the spotlight. They’re both stories about self-discovery and choosing to love someone despite adversity.
@literary_laur via Instagram - The Last of Us/All That’s Left in the World by Erik J. Brown
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If you enjoyed the post-apocalyptic elements of The Last of Us and want a book with that same vibe, read All That’s Left in the World. The story follows two teenage boys as they attempt to survive after a deadly virus wiped out most of their population. It has all those intense, fast-paced elements found in The Last of Us, while still being a beautiful love story.
@westhamlibrary via Instagram - Anyone But You/Happy Place by Emily Henry
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Both essentially follow the same premise: two exes who have to pretend to like each other while attending a wedding. Happy Place has the romantic-comedy vibe while still providing a beautiful story about friendship and the connections we choose to make throughout our lives. These prove why rom-coms are so popular today.
@mandys_booknook_ via Instagram - Saltburn/The Secret History by Donna Tartt
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The Secret History takes place at a college in Vermont with a gothic, dark academia atmosphere. It follows five friends as they begin to form an almost cult-like relationship with one another. If the unpredictable and sometimes shocking nature of Saltburn was appealing, you’ll love The Secret History.
@postcardsbyelle via Instagram - Gossip Girl/Magnolia Parks by Jessa Hastings
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Gossip Girl was an essential show for any teen in the early 2000s. Like Gossip Girl, Magnolia Parks follows a group of wealthy teenagers from elite families. The only difference is that the book series is set in London. Rest assured, there is just as much drama, twists, and secrets.
@farfrombooked via Instagram - Call Me By Your Name/Lie With Me by Philippe Besson
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If you watched Call Me by Your Name and want another heartbreaking queer story, Lie With Me is the perfect read. Set in 1980s France, it follows two teenage boys as they navigate a secret relationship. The story then picks back up in the future where the main character discovers a harrowing truth about his past love.
@writersquarter via Instagram - Shameless/Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid
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Shameless follows six siblings as they navigate life. Malibu Rising does the same, filled with even more family secrets and drama. It is set in a surf town and follows four siblings during the town’s annual end-of-summer party. At its core, the story delves into the intricacies of sibling relationships and family bonds.
@annasbookshelfxx via Instagram - Haikyuu/All For The Game by Nora Sakavic
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If you love the drama and intrigue that sports anime like Haikyuu provide, All For the Game is perfect for you. The story follows Neil, a runaway kid who joins a college sports team. This sport, called Exy, is similar to volleyball. As the story unfolds, Neil’s hidden past and secrets are revealed.
@taleswovenwithhoney via Instagram
As it turns out, reading can be just as exciting as watching a movie! I hope one of these recommendations will be your next beloved book, or for avid readers, maybe a suggestion to add to your “to be watched” list.