Have you ever been in a situation where you’re excited to start watching a popular TV series like The Handmaid’s Tale, The Witcher, or Bridgerton, or plan to watch a highly anticipated movie like Dune with your friends, and one of them suggests that you should read the book first? However, you’re already invested in the visual story, and you wonder if reading the book at this point will make a difference. Moreover, if you do decide to read the book, will it give you the same experience as your friend who had read it before watching the show or movie?
Fortunately, you don’t have to worry anymore because we have compiled a list of best-selling books that have the potential to become the next Game of Thrones or Gone Girl. By reading these books before the show or movie comes out, you can impress your friends and be the one to suggest that they read the book before watching the adaptation. This way, you can experience the story in your own unique way and enjoy the differences between the book and its on-screen version.
“The Witching Hour” by Anne Rice
“The Witching Hour” is the first book in Anne Rice’s “Lives of the Mayfair Witches” series and soon to become one of the many movie adaptations. The story follows neurosurgeon Rowan Mayfair, who discovers a drowned man off the coast of California and brings him back to life through magic. However, this act awakens a mystical ability in the man, named Michael, which terrifies him. As they fall in love, Rowan and Michael delve into the mystery of her family’s history of witchcraft and the source of his newfound powers.
Exciting news for fans of the series – “The Witching Hour” is set to be adapted into a television series in 2023. The show will bring to life the mystical world of the Mayfair witches and their history of witchcraft, with a focus on the romance between Rowan and Michael. Fans can look forward to seeing their favorite characters and storylines come to life on screen.
Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
The highly popular book “Daisy Jones & The Six” by Taylor Jenkins Reid tells the story of a 70s rock band, taking inspiration from the famous Fleetwood Mac. With its addictive plot and engaging writing, this book has become a viral page-turner and has quickly risen to the top of the bestseller lists. It’s also a favorite of the BookTok community, a group of young and enthusiastic readers who share their love of books on TikTok.
If you’re interested in experiencing the story in a different way, you’ll be excited to know that a miniseries adaptation of the book is premiering on Prime Video on March 3rd. While it may be a challenge to finish the book in time for the premiere, reading along with the series could be a fun option to consider. With both the book and the miniseries, you can immerse yourself in the world of Daisy Jones & The Six and follow their rise to fame and mysterious breakup.
One True Loves by Taylor Jenkins Reid
If you’re a fan of Taylor Jenkins Reid’s writing and can’t seem to get enough, “One True Loves” is another novel that should be on your reading list. The book tells the story of Emma Blair, a travel writer whose life is turned upside down when her husband Jesse disappears in a plane crash. Years later, Emma is engaged to her high school friend Sam when she receives a shocking phone call from Jesse – he’s alive! Emma now has to make a difficult choice, and no matter what she decides, someone’s heart is going to break.
The novel has captured the hearts of readers with its emotional story of love, loss, and second chances. And if you’re excited to see the story come to life on the big screen, you’re in luck – a film adaptation of “One True Loves” is set to release soon. Starring Phillipa Soo, Simu Liu, and Luke Bracey and produced in association with BuzzFeed Studios, the movie will hit theaters on April 7th and will be available for digital streaming on April 14th. Get ready to experience the heart-wrenching story of “One True Loves” in a whole new way.
‘Salem’s Lot by Stephen King
Stephen King’s ‘Salem’s Lot is a horror classic that follows an author who returns to his childhood town of Jerusalem’s Lot to work on his next novel. However, he soon discovers that the town’s inhabitants are turning into vampires. King has described this novel as his personal favorite among all of his works.
While ‘Salem’s Lot has been adapted for the screen before, with a two-part miniseries airing on CBS in 1979, there’s an upcoming theatrical film adaptation in the works. Unfortunately, Warner Bros. has been delaying the release date of this new version, which stars Lewis Pullman, Makenzie Leigh, and Bill Camp. Horror fans are eagerly waiting for an updated release date, hoping to experience the terror of ‘Salem’s Lot on the big screen once again.
The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett
In the novel “The Vanishing Half” by Brit Bennett, the Vignes twins, Desiree and Stella, run away from their small Louisiana town at the age of 16. However, they soon become separated, and their lives take vastly different paths. Years later, Desiree returns to their hometown with her dark-skinned daughter Jude. But when Jude moves to Los Angeles, she meets a white girl whose mother is eerily identical to her own. This revelation sets off a series of events that challenge Jude’s sense of identity and belonging.
The novel was a bestseller in 2020, and HBO secured the rights to develop a limited series based on the book. Fans of the novel are eagerly anticipating the adaptation, hoping that it will do justice to Bennett’s complex and emotionally resonant story of family, identity, and the ways in which the past continues to shape the present.
On Swift Horses by Shannon Pufahl
“On Swift Horses” by Shannon Pufahl is a captivating novel that tells the story of Lee and Muriel, newlyweds who settle in San Diego in 1956 after Lee returns from fighting in the Korean War. While Lee tries to adapt to civilian life, Muriel feels increasingly bored and out of place in their new home. To pass the time, she takes up betting on horse races in secret. Meanwhile, Lee’s brother Julius falls in love with a card cheat in Las Vegas and embarks on a journey to find him, leading him to Tijuana dive bars.
The story is told from the alternating perspectives of Muriel and Julius, whose quests to find love and their place in a rapidly changing America intersect in unexpected ways. The novel has received critical acclaim for its powerful storytelling and vivid portrayal of the post-war American landscape.
Exciting news was recently announced that “On Swift Horses” will be adapted into a film, with Jacob Elordi, Daisy Edgar-Jones, Will Poulter, Diego Calva, and Sasha Calle set to star. This is sure to be a highly anticipated adaptation, and fans of the book will undoubtedly be eager to see how the story translates to the big screen.
These upcoming adaptations are sure to excite fans of the original books and newcomers alike. From classic horror tales to modern dramas and mysteries, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you prefer to read the book before seeing the film or watch the series and then dive into the source material, these adaptations are sure to provide plenty of thrills and entertainment. So mark your calendars, grab some popcorn, and get ready to experience these beloved books in a whole new way.
I prefer to read the books first, so thanks for the list and the heads up on upcoming screen adaptations! I love the show versions of Handmaid’s Tale, The Witcher, and Bridgerton. I do plan on reading The Witcher books one day.
I also like reading the books first and I really love The Witcher… I liked the Bridgerton books, the screen adaptations not so much… They have been too altered 😊