Books Becoming Movies or TV Series

The Henna Artist

Author: Alka Joshi

Year: 2020

Genre: Historical Fiction

More info: May 2020 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick, The Jaipur Trilogy #1

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 16+

Plot

To escape her marriage, Lakshmi travels to Jaipur to find work as a Henna artist. It’s 1950 and her intricated tattoos make her the trusted henna artist and confidant of the wealthiest women in the city, all while keeping her own secrets. Until she is confronted by her husband one day and her carefully built life is threatened.

Trigger Warnings

Domestic Abuse

Why Kirsten loves it

I really enjoyed this historical fiction set in 1950s India. I know little about the artistry and meaning behind henna prior to reading and I learned a great deal about henna, herbal remedies, and Indian culture while reading this book.⁣ Henna is an incredible art form and we were so excited to include this fantastic novel about art on our list.

Because of the descriptive writing, I could picture everything so vividly. The plot, and the class structure in India in particular, would make an excellent book club discussion.⁣

Adaptation Details

Frieda Pinto is slated to produce and star in the Netflix TV series.

Find this book in: Books Becoming TV Series / Novels about Artists

Firekeeper’s Daughter

Author: Angeline Boulley

Year: 2021

Genre: YA Fiction

More info: Fall 2021 YA Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick, Firekeeper’s Daughter #1

Age Range: 14+

Plot

I have not read many books where the central characters are Indigenous Americans. This book takes place on the Michigan side of Sault Ste. Marie where Daunis is going to have a fresh start in college when she witnesses a murder. She suddenly finds herself working as a CI for the FBI as they investigate a lethal form of meth slowly killing her people. Her knowledge of science as well as the Ojibwe traditional medicines makes her the perfect person to help.

While this is characterized as YA thriller, it has the depth and soul to appeal to any audience. I can see why this book has already been optioned for a Netflix Series.

Trigger Warnings

Drug Abuse

Why Jackie loves it

I did not know much about the Ojibwe culture before reading this book; the little bits about traditions and spirituality were fascinating. Each added more depth to the story and I could not put it down. The narration was wonderful and added to the story. #gifted by Macmillan Audio

Adaptation Information

President Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle, purchased the rights to this book via their production company, Higher Ground Productions. It’s scheduled to become a TV series on Netflix.

Find this book in: Books by Female BIPOC Authors / Books About Mental Illness / Fun Books for Teens / Books Becoming TV Series

Books Becoming Movies on Netflix in 2025 and Beyond

People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry

Author: Emily Henry

Year: 2021

Genre: Romance

More info: #1 New York Times Bestselling Author

Spice Rating:💋💋

Age Range:18+

Plot

Do you believe Harry (from When Harry Met Sally) when he said “Women and men can’t be friends”?

We are sure think he’s wrong, but one of our favorite tropes is friends to lovers. People We Met on Vacation is the latest beach read from Emily Henry and it’s addicting.

Poppy has been best friends with Alex since a car ride home from college a decade ago. Since then, they’ve gone on vacation together every year until 2 years ago when it all came crashing down.

Will they recover their friendship with one more trip or will their relationship be irrevocably ruined? This is the perfect beach, poolside read, or vacation read. You should be sure to add it to your summer reading romance books list. And if you are looking for the best friends-to-lovers romance novel, this is it.

Why Jackie loves it

This is one of the best friends to lovers romances I have read. I love the way Emily Henry’s books. The stories are so relatable and utterly charming

Adaptation Information

Tom Blythe and Emily Bader are set to star in the Netflix movie adaptation. Sarah Catherine Hook, Lukas Gage, Lucien Laviscount, and Jameela Jamil have also joined the cast.

Find this book in: Friends to Lovers Romance Books / Books Like People We Meet on Vacation / Books Becoming Movies / Ultimate Beach Reads 2021

The Woman in Cabin 10

Author: Ruth Ware

Year: 2016

Genre: Mystery Thriller

More info: New York Times Bestseller

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 16+

Plot

Shortly after being burglarized, a travel journalist boards a small luxury cruise liner to cover its inaugural voyage. When she thinks she sees a passenger thrown overboard – but everyone is still accounted for – she has to decide if what she saw was real or only in her head.

Why Kirsten loves it

This book wasn’t as creepy as some of Ware’s others, but it still kept me on the edge of my seat. You just might want to wait until you are off a boat to read this one! If you love thriller novels, this book is a must-read.

Adaptation Information

Netflix is adapting this book into a movie starring Kiera Knightley. Guy Pearce, Hannah Waddingham, Art Malik, Gitte Witt, David Ajala and more have recently been cast as well. Release date is TBD

Find this book in: Sailing Novels / Isolation Books / Psychological Thriller Books / Unreliable Narrator Books / Books Becoming Movies

My Oxford Year

Author: Julia Whelan

Year: 2018

Genre: Fiction

Spice Rating:💋💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

Ella has moved to Oxford to study for one year before heading back to America to work on a political campaign, fulfilling a lifelong dream to study in the famed English school. But then she falls for her professor and must decide what she wants from the future.

Trigger Warnings

Cancer

Why Kirsten loves it

I picked up this contemporary fiction book to help combat my Royal Wedding withdrawal. I assumed it was going to be a light and fluffy romance — I had no idea I was going to be sobbing my eyes out with what is essentially the newest JoJo Moyes.

Adaptation Information

Netflix has not yet announced the release date of the film, though they did unveil the cast. Sophie Carson, Corey Mylchreest, Dougray Scott, and Catherine McCormack are all set to star.

Find this book in: Books Set in College / Best Contemporary Fiction / British Romance Novels / British Books / Books Becoming Movies

Meet Me at the Lake

Author: Carley Fortune

Year: 2023

Genre: Romance

More info: New York Times Bestselling author

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range:18+

Plot

Will and Fern spent one amazing, adventure-filled day together in their early 20s with a promise to meet up again one year later. When Fern shows up and Will doesn’t, she is heartbroken.

Now, nine years later, Fern has inherited the lakeside resort that she never wanted to run, her ex-boyfriend is the resort manager, and she needs help. When Will shows up at the resort with an offer to help get things back in order, she doesn’t know if she can get over her old feelings and trust him again.

Why Jackie loves it

Set between Muskoka and Toronto, it reminded me of my childhood and teenage years! This is a romance novel that left my heart feeling gushy. I wanted to start at the beginning as soon as I was done the last page. This is my favorite of Carley Fortune’s books.

Why Kirsten loves it

I love a good lake romance- especially since I met my husband at camp (which had a small lake). There is something about this book that is so romantic and hopeful, it left me wanting more.

Adaptation Information

Archewell Productions, head by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, is slated to release this film to Netflix.

Find this book in: Second Chance Romance Novels / Hotel Novels / Ultimate Beach Reads 2023 / Carley Fortune Books In Order / Books Becoming Movies

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo

Author: Taylor Jenkins Reid

Year: 2017

Genre: Historical Fiction

Spice Rating:💋💋

Age Range: 16+

Plot

A tell-all about a fictional Elizabeth Taylor-esque celebrity’s rise to Hollywood stardom, her seven husbands, and the true love of her life.

Evelyn Hugo has asked an unknown reporter, Monique Grant, to write her life story in a no-holds-barred book. There is a bit of mystery around why Monique was chosen and Evelyn certainly has her fair share of hardships as she claws her way to the top.

The drama and suffering add dimension to the story that makes it so much more than fluff, though the inner workings of Hollywood were fun to read too. The story seems so candid that I forgot that Evelyn Hugo was not a real celebrity.

Trigger Warnings

Domestic Abuse, Homophobia

Why Kirsten loves it

Taylor Jenkins Reid slays with this story finding the perfect balance of glamour and grit. Evelyn seeks to change her life and in doing so, changes for the better. Every person who has read this book at my recommendation has loved it

Adaptation Information

Not much is yet known about the movie adaptation except that Leslye Headland is set to direct while Liz Tigelaar is working on the script.

Find this book in: Best Romance Novels of All Time / Books Like A Man Called Ove / Best Books to Read on Beach / Old Hollywood Books / Taylor Jenkins Reid Books / Epistolary Novels / Books Becoming Movies / Hollywood Novels

Find books similar to this in: Books like The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo

More Netflix Book Adaptations Coming in 2025 and Beyond

Books Becoming Movies and TV Shows on Amazon Prime Video in 2025 and Beyond

The Deal

Author: Elle Kennedy

Year: 2015

Genre: Romance

More info: Off-Campus #1

Spice Rating:💋💋💋💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

The first in a series of books set in college about hockey players is also the series that got me hooked on the college romance books sub-genre! This one features a bunch of bachelor hockey players who are the campus hotshots.

To get the attention of the man she really wants, Hannah convinces the cocky captain to go on a pretend date with her in exchange for her tutoring services. Garrett is desperate to get his GPA up so that he can stay on the hockey team and play professionally when he graduates.

But when one kiss leads to a STEAMY hook-up, Hannah needs to reevaluate which man she wants.

Trigger Warnings

Rape

Why Kirsten loves it

It’s very similar to the How to Date a Douchebag series, but it has a bit more heart and a little less humor. This is one of the steamy fake dating books EVER but I loved it.

Adaptation Information

The Off-Campus series is now going to be adapted for TV on Amazon Prime Video. Louise Levy, Wick Godfrey, and Marty Bowen will be producing it. Each book in the series will be one season.

Find this book in: College Romances / Sports Romances / Fake Dating Romances / Books Set in College

The Inheritance Games

Author: Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Year: 2020

Genre: YA Mystery

More info: Book 1 of 5: The Inheritance Games

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 14+

Plot

I knew I had to read this YA mystery series after it was compared to one of my favorite middle-grade mystery books, The Westing Game.

In this story, Avery, a poor orphan is told she’s just inherited a billionaire’s fortune. His family is determined to get to the money, but Avery has bigger fish to fry – the riddles and puzzles the deceased Tobias Hawthorne left behind for her to solve. As she teams up with unlikely allies, she’s forced to figure out who is a friend or foe. In order to receive the money, she must follow the clues.

Why Kirsten loves it

I flew through this story and can’t wait to get my hands on the rest of the trilogy!

Why Jackie loves it

I loved everything about this series, from the characters to the plot to the mystery of “why”.

Adaptation Information

Amazon purchased the rights to this book intending to make a TV series with Osprey Productions. Grainne Godfree is writing it and Jennifer Lynn Barnes is one of the producers. Release date is TBD.

Find this book in: Books for 13-year-olds / Best Mystery Books for Teens / Best Puzzle Books / Cozy Mystery Books / Fun Books for Teens / Books Becoming TV Series

The Summer I Turned Pretty

Author: Jenny Han

Year: 2009

Genre: YA Romance

More info: The Summer I Turned Pretty #1,

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 12+

Plot

The series starts when Belly turns 15, at the beach house she visits every summer with her mom, her brother, and her mother’s best friend’s family, this coming-of-age is geared towards 15-year-olds. Throughout the summer, she learns about her dear friend’s illness and finds herself in a love triangle with the Fisher boys.

Trigger Warnings

Cancer

Why Kirsten loves it

Ok, so I adored To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before, but this YA romance felt like it was geared toward a younger crowd. This is a perfect friends-to-lovers romance for teens. It is filled with a love triangle teenage antics. I read it for the reading c hallenge, and while I didn’t love it as I read, I really loved the Amazon adaptation!

Adaptation Information

Amazon Prime Video has adapted this book series for TV. They are preparing to release the third season in the summer of 2026. It stars Lola Tung as Belly, Christopher Briney as Conrad, and Gavin Caslegno as Jeremiah.

Find this book in: Books Becoming TV Series / Friends-to-Lovers Romance Books / Book Adaptations on Amazon Prime / Best YA Romance Books

Fourth Wing

Author: Rebecca Yarros

Year: 2023

Genre: Fantasy Romance

More info: Empyrean Series Book #1 of 5

Spice Rating:💋💋💋💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

If you have not heard of this book and love fantasy, this is the book for you. Don’t be intimidated by the length of this dragon book. I started and finished this 528-page bad boy in a day and a half. I cannot remember the last time I did that!

Violet Sorrengail had spent her life studying to be a scribe until her father died and her mother, the commanding general, ordered her to join the dragon riders. Violet will become one of the hundreds of candidates who fight to the death to be a part of this elite group.

Unlike the other candidates who have worked towards this their whole lives, Violet is small and brittle and never meant for this to be her path. And other candidates do not have the children of rebel leaders waiting to take revenge.

This adult fantasy book has everything that you would want in a fantasy from epic world-building to amazing abilities, magical creatures, non-stop action, and romance.

Trigger Warnings

Graphic sexual content, death

Why Jackie loves it

I loved every second. It lives up to the hype and then some. The world-building is amazing and the book pulled me in from the first page. Usually the story begins with an event and the story commences after this catalyst moment. Fourth Wing begins after that crucial moment so I felt I was immersed in the story from page one.

Why Kirsten loves it

I don’t know why I waited so long to read this book, but Jackie was right when she told me how much I would love it. Even though I do not usually love world-building, fantasies like this, the plot line and romance throughout this book, kept me hooked the whole time.

Adaptation Information

It’s early days yet, but the rights to turn this book series into a TV series were acquired by Amazon Prime Video.

Find this book in: Adult Fantasy Books / Fourth Wing Series in Order / Adult Fantasy Romance Books / Best Books for Book Clubs to Read / Best Adult Fantasy Novels / Books Like A Court of Thorns and Roses / Dragon Books for Adults
For More Books Like This: The Best Books Like Fourth Wing

Amazon Prime Book Adaptations Coming in 2025

Books Becoming Movies and TV Shows on Hulu in 2025 and Beyond

The Plot

Author: Jean Hanff Korelitz

Year: 2021

Genre: Mystery

More info: The Book Series #1, New York Times Bestseller

Age Range: 16+

Plot

Jacob is a formerly successful writer struggling to write his next great novel. His student Evan dies without publishing his own incredible story, so Jacob decides to write it himself to great critical acclaim. But then someone starts threatening to expose him for the theft of the story, launching him into the truth behind the tale he wrote about.

Why Kirsten loves it

What a ride! Jean Hanff Korelitz’s thriller is quite something. It’s one I just adored even if I did figure the big twist out early on. It’s the journey with this book.

Adaptation Information

This is set to be adapted into a TV series for Hulu. Mahershala Ali is set to produce and star in the series.

Find this book in: Books Becoming Movies and TV Shows / Books About Con Artists / Books by Jewish Authors / Best Thriller Books / Books About Books

The Guest List

Author: Lucy Foley

Year: 2020

Genre: Mystery

More info: New York Times Bestseller, June 2020 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 16+

Plot

I’ve just read THE thriller of Summer 2020 and it’s soooooo good.⁣ A murder at a wedding. On an isolated island. In the middle of a power outage.⁣ Yaaaaaaaaas. ⁣This is an unputdownable psychological thriller book and a vacation I would NOT want to be on. The murder sets the scene and then we get the story in flashbacks without knowing who is murdered until the end. ⁣

Why Kirsten loves it

I’ve become very picky about thrillers recently and this one is hands down my favorite of the year so far.⁣ It also made our Best of 2020 list!

Adaptation Information

This story is soon to be a TV series on Hulu. Liz Tigelaar is set to write and produce the show.

Find this book in: Locked Room Mysteries / Books Like People We Meet on Vacation / Best British Mysteries / Books Becoming Movies in 2024 / Best Beach Reads / British Books /Best Psychological Thriller Books

Malibu Rising

Author: Taylor Jenkins Reid

Year: 2021

Genre: Historical Fiction

More info: June 2021 Read with Jenna Book Club Pick,

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 16+

Plot

Nina Riva is having her annual summer party which is famous for its epic scale and exclusivity. But this year, the party will end with devastation. Nina and her siblings are famous children of one of the biggest rock stars of all time and they each have their secrets. Perfect for a list of books about music, right?

Why Kirsten loves it

I have loved the last two books by Taylor Jenkins Reid so much that I often recommend them to friends for their universal appeal. I had high hopes for this family saga but it didn’t quite live up to my expectations.

Why Jackie loves it

I enjoyed the book but I felt that it was a little drawn out at times. Still, I loved Nina’s character and her ability to surf puts her on our list of books about women in sports!

Adaptation Information

The same team that adapted Little Fires Everywhere is set to adapt this book to TV for Hulu. Liz Tigelaar will produce it and Amy Talkington will be the writer.

Find this book in: Books Becoming Movies and TV Series / Taylor Jenkins Reid Books in Order / Books like Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo / Novels About Music / Family Sagas / Hollywood Novels

Hulu Book Adaptations Coming in 2025 and Beyond

Books Becoming Movies and TV Shows on Disney+ in 2025 and Beyond

The Devil Wears Prada

Author: Lauren Weisberger

Year: 2003

Genre: Fiction

More info: New York Times Bestseller

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 16+

Plot

The Devil Wears Prada is the OG fashion novel. Written about an unfashionable assistant to a demanding magazine editor (clearly supposed to be Vogue’s Anna Wintour) this book became the inspiration by the cult classic movie of the same name.

Why Kirsten loves it

I read this story as a teenager and found myself utterly enthralled by the antics of the editor, the demands of the fashion industry, and all the stunning clothing descriptions. It’s truly the best fashion novel ever!

Adaptation Information

At this point, the famed movie starting Anne Hathaway, Meryl Streep, and Emily Blunt has reached cult following status. Recently, it was announced that Disney would be making a sequel!

Find this book in: Novels About Fashion / Books Becoming Movies

The Princess Diaries

Author: Meg Cabot

Year: 2000

Genre: Middle Grade Romance

More info: Princess Diaries #1

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 11- 13

Plot

Princess Diaries is such a charming royal tale. Mia is an ordinary girl going to high school in NYC when she suddenly discovers she’s a princess!

Soon she goes from being a social outcast to a popular girl. As her princess lessons pick up, she struggles with figuring out who she is, and which of the men in her life like her for more than her royal status.

Why Kirsten loves it

Yes, I read this after watching the incredible Anne Hathaway and Julie Andrews adaptation. The book is quite different, but it’s equally as good! The series differs from the movie series, but that’s ok. It’s still quite entertaining.

Adaptation Information

Disney recently announced the third movie in the series is currently in the works and Anne Hathaway is set to return!

Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief

Author: Rick Riordan

Year: 2005

Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy

Age:9-13

More info:
Percy Jackson and The Olympian Book #1
Currently a Series on Disney Plus

Plot

This first Percy Jackson book is about our beloved Percy, who discovers he is a demi-god and must recover Zeus’s stolen lightning bolt. He travels into the underworld to locate the lightning bolt and, at the same time, try to save his mother.

His amazing adventures with Annabeth and Grover along the way create the foundation for all the books that follow in this amazing and epic series.

Why Jackie loves it

I don’t think anyone has read this middle grade fantasy series and not loved it. It’s a contemporary Greek mythology retelling for the ages. It is fun and exciting!

Adaptation Information

While the original films based on the books are generally considered to be flops, the show adapted on Disney+ is fantastic! Season 2 is currently being filmed and will follow the second book in the series.

Find this book in: Percy Jackson Books in Order / Rick Riordan Books / Best Books for 10-year-olds / Books like Keeper of the Lost Cities / Tween & Teen Fantasy Books / Books With Neurodivergent Characters

More Books Adaptations Coming to Disney+ in 2025 and Beyond

Books Becoming Movies and TV Shows on Apple Tv+ in 2025 and Beyond

Margo’s Got Money Troubles: A Novel

Author: Rufi Thorpe

Year: 2024

Genre: Literary Fiction

Spice Rating:💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

Margo Millet has always had to take care of herself and enrolled in community college as her way out. Her mother was a Hooter waitress who had an affair with her ex-pro wrestler father. Despite having a distant relationship with him, he was not there as an everyday figure in her life. When Margo has an affair with her married professor and becomes pregnant with his child, she decides to keep the baby even with everyone telling her that she is going to ruin her life.

Now, she has a baby, no job, and needs to pay her rent. When her father, Jinx, shows up on her doorstep and needs someone to help him stay sober, she agrees to let him stay in exchange for babysitting and rent. Margo also decides to start an OnlyFans and use her father’s expertise in show business to help

Trigger Warnings

Drug Use, Addiction

Why Jackie loves it

I have never read anything like this before. I laughed out loud at times while reading the book. Initially, I was not sure that I was going to like it. Thorpe has a way of taking upsetting and serious topics and themes and weaving them seamlessly into the story. I love how Margo grows from the beginning of the story to the end. I love her relationship development with her father and the fact that they both come to respect each other despite and because of their flaws.

Adaptation Information

Apple TV+ announced an upcoming TV series adaptation of this book starring Elle Fanning, Nicole Kidman, and Michelle Pfeiffer.

Find this book in: Best New Fiction Books of 2024 / Books Set in College / Best Books for Book Clubs to Read / Books Becoming TV Series / Giftable Books

Maybe Next Time

Author: Cesca Major

Year: 2023

Genre: Time Travel Fiction

More info: November 2023 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

It’s all about Emma, a working mother of two who is reliving the day her husband dies on a Groundhog Day-like loop. She tries in vain to right her life and focus again on what is most important to her.

Why Kirsten likes it

I liked this novel, but it wasn’t my favorite Reese book club pick. I’m curious to see how this turns out when it gets adapted.

Adaptation Information

When Reese selected this story for her book club, she announced she’d be making a movie adaption of it as well. It’s currently slated to be released on Apple TV+

Find this book in: Time Loop Books / Books Becoming Movies

More Apple TV+ Book Adaptations for 2025 and Beyond

Books Becoming Movies and TV Shows on HBO in 2025 and Beyond

Trust by Hernan Diaz

Author: Hernan Diaz

Year: 2022

Genre: Historical Fiction

More info: Winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, New York Times Bestseller

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 16+

Plot

This is a story told in four parts. The first is a bestselling novel written about a wealthy couple who rose to power and prominence in the 1920s before finding a sharp decline.

The second is the outline of a memoir written by the husband whom the novel is about. The third is the memoir of the husband’s former secretary and the final piece is the wife’s diary. The stories of all 4 conflict and coincide in various ways to tell a tale the reader has to decipher.

Why Kirsten loves it

I understand why Diaz won both The Booker Prize and the Pulitzer for this story. The way the layers unfolded, revealing secrets and answering questions was quite clever. It took all four narratives laid atop one another like layers of tracing paper to see the entire picture. It was just brilliantly done.

Adaptation Information

Kate Winslet is set to produce this series made for HBOMax. Todd Haynes is on board to write and direct the project.

Find this book in: Jazz Age Novels / Nonlinear Narrative Novels / Books Becoming Movies

The Final Girl Support Group

Author: Grady Hendrix

Year: 2021

Genre: Horror Thriller

More info: New York Times Bestseller

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 16+

Plot

Lynette is one of a group of final girls in a support group with 5 other girls for over a decade. They are trying to live their lives after being the only survivor of a massacre. When someone starts killing these girls one by one, can they survive again?

Why Jackie loves it

This horror lives up to its title of Goodreads Choice Best Horror Novel. Somehow Grady Hendrix brings humor into his horrors that makes you simultaneously want to turn the page and slam the book shut.

Adaptation Information

In 2021, it was announced that Charlize Theron would produce and adapt this book for HBO into a series.

Find this book in: Books Becoming Movies / Books About Camp

The Most Fun We Ever Had

Author: Claire Lombardo

Year: 2019

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

More info: April 2024 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick

Age Range: 16+

Plot

Lombardo’s debut is a tremendous contemporary fiction book about the complicated dynamics and hidden secrets of the Sorenson parents and their 4 daughters.

The story alternates between the present day and the past. In the current storyline, Jonah reunites with the daughter who gave him up 15 years prior. The flashbacks touch on moments in the Sorenson family history that are returning to haunt them.

Why Kirsten loves it

I’m a sucker for character-driven novels. Each of Lombardo’s characters is deliciously flawed and complex. She writes in a way that brings characters to life. I could have sworn I’d met them before.

Why Jackie loves it

I love that at the heart of the story, the book is about the many forms of love and how to live well. I cannot believe that Claire Lombardo is not a 50 or 60-year-old woman with children of her own.

Find this book in: Books Becoming Movies / Coming-of-age Books for Adults / Books About Sisters / Best Contemporary Fiction Novels

The Vanishing Half

Author: Brit Bennett

Year: 2020

Genre: Literary Historical Fiction

More info: June 2020 GMA Book Club Pick

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 16+

Plot

The premise of this book set in the 70s is so unique. Two black sisters are so pale they can pass for white. One embraces her black heritage and her hometown, the other disappears into white suburbia. When they meet up again 20 years later through their own daughters, the result is a stunning portrayal of the ties that tether us to our families.

Trigger Warnings

Racism, Domestic Abuse

Why Kirsten loves it

I adored Bennett’s debut book The Mothers so I was nervous to read her sophomore novel. Sometimes the next novel doesn’t live up to the first, but The Vanishing Half absolutely does with this wonderful and thought-provoking book.

Adaptation Information

Issa Rae is producing the movie adaptation of this book for HBO.

Find this book in: Books Becoming Movies / Thought-Provoking Books / Books Set in the 70s / Books About Sisters / Books by Female BIPOC Authors / Family Drama Books / Beach Reads 2021

Dead Until Dark

Author: Charlaine Harris

Year: 2008

Genre: Adult Fantasy

More info: Sookie Stackhouse 1 of 13

Spice Rating:💋💋💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

I watched this show before I knew that it was an adult fantasy book series and then I obviously had to read these vampire books as well. Sookie Stackhouse is a waitress at a bar in her small town in Louisiana. She is quiet and keeps to herself except for the fact that she can read people’s minds.

When Bill Compton comes into the bar one night, Sookie cannot hear anything he is thinking and she is quickly infatuated. The feeling is mutual. But when murders start taking place and the two suspects are Bill, and Sookie’s womanizing brother, Sookie starts to question her life choices. There is nothing PG about this steamy urban fantasy romance series.

Trigger Warnings

blood, violence

Why Jackie loves it

There is something very addicting about this vampire romance series. The books are dark and creepy full of unique and hilarious characters. I could not help but love.

Find this book in: Urban Fantasy Books / Books Like A Discovery of Witches / Vampire Books / Ultimate List of Adult Fantasy Books / Adult Fantasy Novels

More HBO Book Adapations in the Works

Books Becoming Movies in 2025 and Beyond

Hamnet

Author: Maggie O’Farrell

Year: 2020

Genre: Literary Historical Fiction

More info: New York Times Bestseller

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range:

Plot

This is the story of Shakespeare’s life, family, and extraordinary wife during the time of the plague. Shakespeare himself is never actually mentioned by name in this extraordinary and heartbreaking book that was so hard to put down.

Trigger Warnings

Child Death

Why Jackie loves it

I had this book on my TBR for so long and I am so happy that I finally had a chance to read it. I know why it made so many lists of top books for 2020. And if you are looking for biographical novels about writers, this one is a must-read.

Adaptation Information

Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal are set to star in the movie adaptation of this bestseller. Chloé Zhao is going to direct it!

Find this book in: Biographical Fiction Novels / Books About Books / Books Becoming Movies

The Husbands

Author: Chandler Baker

Year: 2021

Genre: Mystery

More info: August 2021 Good Morning America Book Club Pick

Age Range: 14+

Plot

Ladies, get your book clubs geared up for Chandler Baker’s newest novel. It’s part mystery, part social commentary, but it’s the latter that packs a punch in this contemporary fiction.

Baker examines the mental load that women carry as wives and mothers, particularly working women, and how it differs from what society expects of men.

Murder in the desirable Dynasty Ranch neighborhood has lawyer and prospective buyer, Nora, looking into what happened. With all the Stepford-style husbands she is meeting, she’s starting to wonder what kind of place Dynasty Ranch is after all. You will have such a great discussion about this book about motherhood.

Why Kirsten loves it

This is a perfect book for book clubs, it is such a thought-provoking book. You will have such a great discussion about this book about motherhood, family, and societal expectations.

Adaptation Information

Kristen Wiig is set to produce and star in the movie adaptation of this popular story!

Find this book in: Good Morning America Book Club / Books Becoming Movies / Thought-Provoking Books / Books About Mothers and Motherhood / Best Books for Book Clubs to Read

The Nightingale

Author: Kristin Hannah

Year: 2015

Genre: Historical Fiction

More info: March 2023 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick

Age Range: 16+

Plot

This is a remarkable story of two sisters who live in France. As historical fiction goes, this one set the standard for me. It is one of my all-time favorite books. It details how they survive the Second World War under Nazi Occupation. The sisters are separated by time and have completely different experiences in the war.

This book is one of the books that should be read in a lifetime. It is a total tear-jerker and should be essential reading! If you have not read this book and are looking for a pick for your next book club, you should consider this one. I will also point out that this is a book about WWII, not the Holocaust. While there is a subplot with a Jewish character, this by no means is a book about the Jewish experience during the war.

Trigger Warnings

WWII

Why Jackie loves it

The powerful story and the bonds of sisterhood in this book make it an unforgettable book. I cannot wait to see the movie adaptation

Why Kirsten loves it

I love historical fiction and read them all the time. This book was still filled with surprises and the writing grabbed me from the first page.

Adaptation Information

Elle and Dakota Fanning are set to produce and star in the film adaptation of this book which has been in the works for quite some time!

Find this book in: Books about WWII / Books Set in France / Books About Sisters and Sisterhood / Books About Female Spies / Books Becoming Movies

The Bad Guys

Author: Aaron Blabey

Year: 2015

Genre: Graphic Novel

More info: The Bad Guys #1

Age Range: 6 – 8

Plot

Aaron Blabey’s famed series about the bad guys is a favorite in our homes. This graphic novel series is perfect for early readers. The series is all about four “bad guys” who are trying to become good guys by trying to save those around them in funny ways.

Why Kirsten loves it

This book is hilarious which means kids will enjoy reading it. The more they read, the more it becomes a habit and they will improve their reading skills.

Adaptation Information

This series has been made into a series of movies. The second movie is scheduled to come out in 2025.

Find this book in: Early Reader Books for Emergent Readers / The Best Books for 7-Year-Olds / Animal Books for Kids / Books Becoming Movies

More Movie Book Adaptations Coming in 2025 & Beyond

More Books Becoming TV Shows in 2025 and Beyond

Long Bright River

Author: Liz Moore

Year: 2020

Genre: Fiction

More info: February 2020 GMA Book Club Pick

Age Range: 18+

Plot

The contemporary fiction story revolves around 2 sisters. One is a cop, one is an opioid addict – both are being impacted by a string of murders in the Kensington area of Philadelphia.⁣ This book dealt with many issues around drug addiction and it handles them without judging.

Trigger Warnings

Drug Addiction

Why Kirsten loves it

Long Bright River is phenomenal and I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN.⁣ The story takes place in Philly’s Kensington neighborhood which is known for having a huge opioid problem. You can’t live in my area and not know about the epidemic spreading through our city. It’s devastating and scary and this book deals with it head-on.⁣

Adaptation Information

This TV series starring Amanda Seyfried is coming to Peacock in 2025.

Find this book in: Books Becoming TV Series / Best Contemporary Fiction Novels / Books About Mental Illness / Books About Addiction / Best Books of 2020

The Lost Apothecary

Author: Sarah Penner

Year: 2021

Genre: Historical Mystery

Age Range: 16+

Plot

Nella is the owner of a shop that used to be a renowned apothecary to treat women but, after her mother died and Nella faced unspeakable loss, her shop is now the bringer of death to men who have wronged the women in their lives.

In the present day, Caroline is spending her 10th wedding anniversary alone in London after discovering her husband is a lying, cheater. When she finds a vial while mud larking, she cannot resist the pull. What is the story behind this vial?

Why Jackie loves it

I loved this dual-timeline story that shows the power of women. It is a unique page-turner that will leave you sad when you get to the last page.

Adaptation Information

It’s early days still, but the rights to this book have been purchased by Fox.

Find this book in: Best Historical Mystery Books / Best Historical Fiction Books / British Books

The Maidens

Author: Alex Michaelides

Year: 2021

Genre: Mystery / Thriller

Age Range: 18+

Plot

Mariana is a therapist who is still grieving the loss of her husband when she gets a call from her niece, Zoe. Zoe’s best friend Tara is missing and Zoe is afraid something has happened to her. When women start dying at Cambridge, Mariana gets deeply involved as she tries to solve the mystery.

Why Jackie loves it

What an amazing thriller. Alex Michaelides did it again! This secret society book was insane with twists and turns. It kept me on the edge of my seat and my heart beating a little faster!

Adaptation Information

A series adaptation is in the works for this best-seller with Miramax.

Find this book in: Dark Academia Books / Creepy Halloween Thrillers / Books Becoming TV Shows / Serial Killer Books / Books Set in College