The Best Netflix Book Adaptations of 2023
We searched high and low to bring you the best Netflix book adaptations for 2023.
Netflix book adaptations have been popping up left and right and with good reason. Book adaptations are all the rage across the big and small screen.
With smash hits like Bridgerton, Shadow and Bone, and Llama Llama(which each have their own books like lists) it’s no wonder the streaming giant is going all in on adaptations.
But which Netflix book adaptations are worth reading in their original form? Check out the list below for some of our favorite books that have been recently adapted, divided by genre.
*The Netflix book adaptations post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you.
Best Netflix Book Adaptations: Historical Fiction
Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society
Author: Mary Ann Shaffner and Annie Barrows
Year: 2008
Genre: Historical Fiction
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
This story about the island of Guernsey’s occupation during WWII features a book club that started to deceive the German soldiers. The members of the book club quickly become friends. Can you think of a better book for book clubs than one about a book club?
When a young novelist finds out about their society, she begins a correspondence and eventually visits them to learn more. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society must remain secret for their safety rather than by choice.
Trigger Warnings
War, Death
Why Jackie loves it
The story is told entirely in letters and was recently turned into a Netflix movie! I love this heartwarming novel. If you have not read this cozy book, I highly recommend it to anyone who loved The Jane Austen Society by Natalie Jenner.
Find this book in: Secret Society Books / Books About WWII / Friendship Books / Books About Books / British Books / Epistolary Novels / Books with Food in the Title
Rebecca
Author: Daphne Du Maurier
Year: 1938
Genre: Thriller
More info: National Book Award Winner, 1938
Anthony Award Winner, 2000
Age Range: 14+
Plot
The OG psychological thriller book, Rebecca is a book set in Cornwall that will leave you checking behind you when you walk down a dark hallway.
The new Mrs. de Winter is haunted by her husband’s first wife, Rebecca. The deceit will have you second-guessing everything you read while you yell at the pages. It is a chilling novel about a naive second wife discovering the truth behind the wife who came before her.
The Netflix book adaptation stars Lily James and it reignited this popular thriller book’s success. If you have not read this book, it is a perfect book for fall.
Why Kirsten loves it
One of the most acclaimed psychological thriller authors, Daphne Du Maurier is at her best in this chilling psychological thriller. Everything about this gothic thriller will make you feel a little bit uncomfortable. I love Du Maurier and I have read this classic more than once.
Why Jackie loves it
I was at least 50 pages into this book when I called Kirsten and asked if I would ever learn the new Mrs. De Winter’s name. The fact that the main character remains nameless throughout the book adds to the thrill of the book. It is a classic that everyone should read at least once.
Find this book in: Best Mystery Novels / Popular Thriller Books / Unreliable Narrator Books / Best Classic Books / British Books / Best Psychological Thriller Books
The Duke and I
Author: Julia Quinn
Year: 2000
Genre: Romance
More info: Bridgerton #1
Spice Rating:💋💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
There is something about Daphne and Simon that I adore. This book is a perfect historical romance. The Netflix book adaption smashed records and caused a boom in book sales.
Daphne Bridgerton is the fourth of eight children and is beginning her first season in the ton. As young women of marrying age search for a husband, Daphne is not quite like other girls.
When the eligible Simon Bassett suggests they begin fake dating to allow them both a chance to breathe. However, things do not always go as planned. To make matters more complicated, Lady Whistledown always seems to know the truth and the information ready for everyone to read. This is one of our fake dating books of all time.
Why Jackie loves it
I watched the show and LOVED it so much. I previously read some of the others in the series but I really wanted to read this first book in the Bridgerton book series and I have to say, it was my favorite.
Why Kirsten loves it
I love a great historical romance and this one had everything I was looking for – great characters, a steamy romance, and a happy ending.
Find this book in: Fake Dating Books / Bridgerton Books in Order / Best Netflix Adaptations of 2023 / Best British Books / Best Historical Romance Novels
Where the Crawdads Sing Deluxe Edition by Dehlia Owens
September 2018 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick
I will admit when I saw the description of this coming-of-age book, I was not sold. A trusted individual, who has never steered me wrong in the past, gave me an advanced copy so, I took the leap. And wow, am I glad I did. I read this book and then recommended it to everyone I knew. It is one of the best mystery novels I have ever read.
This 70s book has that spark, that special something, that makes it extra. The book begins when a body is found in a North Carolina marsh and is identified as Chase Andrews. The story moves between the past and the present to tell the story of Kya Clark, The Marsh Girl, who is a suspect in the murder. The Netflix movie is fantastic too.
We have an entire post dedicated to this book and how to host a book club around it which makes it a perfect book for book clubs! If you love this book, check out our list of 13 books like Where the Crawdads Sing.
Outlander
Author: Diana Gabaldon
Year: 1991
Genre: Historical Fantasy
More info: Outlander Series Book 1 of 9
Spice Rating:💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
This epic story begins in 1945 when Claire Randall and her husband take a second honeymoon to the Scottish Highlands to celebrate being reunited after the war. When Claire touches one of the standing stones, she is transported to 1743.
This is when the real story begins. In order to stay safe as an English woman in Scotland, Clare must depend on Jamie Frasier for protection. Soon Clare finds herself living in a world she has only read about in history books and torn between two men that she loves. In addition to being a brilliant fiction that is rich in historical details, it is an epic love story as well. For me, this is magical realism at its finest.
Trigger Warnings
Rape, sexual assault, sexual violence
Why Kirsten loves it
How do I love Outlander? I cannot count the ways. There is a reason this is one of my favorite books of all time. I am a huge reader of historical fiction and this one checks all the boxes for me. The characters are rich, the plot is complex without being overly complicated and the epic love story make it almost perfect in my eyes.
Why Jackie loves it
Even though I am not a huge historical fiction connoisseur, I could not put this book down. Even at 640 pages, I did not want it to end and immediately picked up the next book in the series. I love the touch of magical realism that transported Clare back in time 200 years and Gabaldon’s story telling made the characters jump off the page.
Find this book in: Best Romance Novels of All Time / Ultimate List of Historical Fiction/ Books Like A Discovery of Witches / Adult Fantasy Romance Books / Magical Realism Books / Best Adult Fantasy Novels
Best Netflix Book Adaptations: Fiction
Anxious People by Fredrik Backman
Fredrik Backman is a master storyteller and he does it again with this book. He somehow manages to tackle difficult subjects without trivializing them but still allowing them to be humorous.
This book is a story of a bank robbery gone very wrong and the idiots in the story (his word, not mine) who are taken hostage after the failed robbery. While the police are interviewing each of the hostages to find the robbers, they become more confused after each interview. It is also a story about compassion, human relationships, and the daily struggles that we all have.
Why I Love It: I love how Fredrik Backman’s books show the good in people despite the flaws that make them human. Backman writes so many different kinds of books but they all have so much heart. Backman weaves themes of love, friendship, and compassion throughout all his books.
Find This Book in Books Like A Man Called Ove / New Year’s Eve Books / Best Beach Reads / Locked Room Mysteries
After by Anna Todd
This hit book series is now a motion picture series starring Josephine Langford and Hero Fiennes Tiffin! Todd’s smash hit is set in college when bookworm Tessa meets bad boy Hardin.
Hardin and Tessa’s push-and-pull is at times frustrating but their chemistry is so good! Just make sure you have the second book in the series ready to go. This one ends on a cliffhanger. Not as popular with the US market, the Netflix book adaption was a smash over seas.
Fantasy Netflix Book Adaptations
Shadow and Bone
Author: Leigh Bardugo
Year: 2012
Genre: Fantasy
More info: Shadow and Bone #1, Part of the Grishaverse
Age Range: 12+
Plot
Alina Starkov is an orphan who has never excelled in anything. When her regiment is sent into the fold and her best friend is in danger of being killed, she unleashes a power, unlike anything anyone has seen. It may be the answer to the wars that have ravaged her nation.
Why Jackie loves it
I was so excited when I learned that Netflix was making this young adult fantasy book series into an adaptation. I think it will be amazing on screen and I am so curious to see if they keep to the book or change things, which is so often the case.
Find this book in: Books Like Shadow and Bone / Leigh Bardugo Books in Order/ Netflix Adaptations / Fun Books for Teens / Popular Fantasy Book Series / Ultimate List of YA Fantasy Books / Best Books by Jewish Authors / Books Like a Court of Thorns and Roses
The Magicians
Author: Lev Grossman
Year: 2009
Genre: Fantasy
More info: Magicians Book 1 of 3
Spice Rating:💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Quentin Coldwater is a high school student obsessed with the made-up world of Fillory. He finds himself admitted to a magical college that is both secret and elite. This one has an almost cult-like following.
The best way I can describe this series is if Harry Potter was admitted to Hogwarts in College. It has a different, darker feel but it is fun, imaginative, and entertaining. The magic in this school is a little bit dark. If you love urban fantasy books, you must read this series of books like Harry Potter. This is a witch book unlike any other.
Why Jackie loves it
This is dark and unique- unlike any book I have read before.
Find this book in: Books Set in College / Dark Academia Books / Best Witch Books / Adult Books Similar to Harry Potter / Best Adult Fantasy Novels / The Best Books Like Fourth Wing
Plot
This is the book that started it all. Jonathan Harker is a young English solicitor who finds himself in Count Dracula’s castle in Transylvania. Count Dracula has strange customs and mannerisms and things go from strange to scary to completely horrifying.
The slow torture and the helplessness of Harker is terrifying because he is never sure of what is happening to him.
The story of Dracula is timeless and has been remade into countless movies. But, in my opinion, none have been able to capture the truly terrifying essence of this book.
Why Jackie loves it
This is truly a disturbing thriller horror book. If you love vampire books and have not read this one, it is a must-read that will scare the pants off you.
Find this book in: Epistolary Novels / Thriller Horror Books / Vampire Books/ Dark Academia Fantasy Books
Mystery and Thriller Netflix Book Adaptations
The Woman in the Window: A Novel
Author: A.J. Finn
Year: 2018
Genre: Thriller
More info: New York Time Bestseller
Age Range:16+
Plot
If you love old movies, you will adore this book. It is a spin on Hitchcock’s Rear Window and features an agoraphobic narrator who is often unreliable.
Anna Fox lives alone in her house. She is agoraphobic and cannot leave, so she sits at her window and watches everyone in the neighborhood.
When she sees something across the street, she is sure there has been a crime but, what is real and what is imagined? Amy Adams stars in the Netflix adaptation of this book.
Why Kirsten loves it
I love the nod to Hitchcock. It puts a new spin on a classic!
Why Jackie loves it
I love the fact that I was never sure what was real and what was made up. This is a book with an unreliable narrator that I really liked/
Find this book in: Unreliable Narrator Books / Psychological Thriller Books / Books About Mental Illness
Luckiest Girl Alive by Jessica Knoll
I could not put this story down when I first read it. It takes place in a suburban suburb of Philly and explores the vicious habits of the old money elite.
There are so many big reveals in this book but beware – there is a trigger-inducing rape scene in the story that is difficult to read. The author drew from her own experience when writing it so proceed with caution if that’s a trigger for you. The Netflix book adaptation stars Mila Kunis and was produced by Reese Witherspoon.
Anatomy of a Scandal by Sarah Vaughan
The story is one that could have been plucked from the headline in any major city’s newspaper. James, a young, good-looking politician who is married with two young children has been caught having an affair. What he claims was one last consensual tryst, which she claims is rape.
The story slowly unfolds from the point of view of both the wife and the lawyer who is trying the case. The premise of this book is very relevant. It is well-written and well-researched. I think I expected the story to be more fast-paced and at times I felt like it was a little bit too long.
There were some definite surprises along the way; however, I don’t think I felt connected enough to the characters to be shocked. Sienna Miller stars in the Netflix book adaptation.
Angels & Demons (Robert Langdon Series #1) by Dan Brown
Dan Brown found a way to incorporate symbolism and brilliant riddles into this modern-day mystery. The plot does not slow for a minute from the first page to the last. This is one of our favorite mystery books.
It is the first of the Robert Langdon books and my favorite as well. This story revolves around an Illuminati plot against the Catholic Church. The Tom Hanks-led Netflix book adaptation is worth a watch!
Netflix Book Adaptations For Teens
To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before
Author: Jenny Han
Year: 2014
Genre: YA Romance
Spice Rating:💋💋
Age Range: 12+
Plot
Imagine if all your past crushes found out you liked them all at once. EEK! That’s what happens to the heroine, Lara Jean Covey when the love letters she wrote get mailed! Now, she’s reached an agreement with her former crush, Peter, to fake a relationship to make his ex jealous. But their relationship is fake —- or is it?
Why Kirsten loves it
I love Lara Jean – she is quirky, cute, and reminds me of me in high school – except she gets to date the most popular boy at school. I love this innocent book for middle schoolers looking for their first romance, though as an adult, I enjoyed this one tremendously!
Find this book in: Fake Dating Novels / Coming-of-age Books for Teens / Netflix Book Adaptations / Books About Sisters / Female Bipoc Authors / Books set in High School / Fun Books for Teens / High School Romance Books / Best YA Romance Books
Love and Gelato
Author: Jenna Evans Welch
Year: 2016
Genre: YA Romance
More info: Love and Gelato #1
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 12+
Plot
Lina is enjoying a summer in Tuscany because she’s fulfilling her mother’s dying wish – to get to know her father. As Lina begins to read her mother’s journal of her time abroad, she uncovers the magic and wonder of Italy.
Why Jackie loves it
When it comes to escapist reads, this one is tops! In addition to offering a perfect description of all things food-related (yum), there was a sweet romance. It was like a double scoop of happiness. There are two more ya romance books in the series and I think I would like to indulge in both! The Netflix adaption is charming too.
Find this book in: Netflix Adaptations / Fun Books for Teens / Books Set in Italy / Best YA Romance Books
The School for Good and Evil
Author: Soman Chainani
Illustrator: Iacopo Bruno
Year: 2013
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Age: 9 – 13
More info: School for Good and Evil #1
Plot
Sophie thinks her history makes her a good fit for the School of Good like Cinderella and Snow White before her. Agatha thinks the School of Evil is a better fit for her. But when the opposite schools are assigned to each girl, they need to figure out who they are and where they belong.
Why Jackie loves it
Utterly addicting, this series has 6 stories and was recently made into a movie starring Kerry Washington.
Find this book in: Books Similar to Percy Jackson / Netflix Adaptations / Middle Grade Fantasy / Kids Audiobooks / Fantasy Books for Tweens / Best Books for a 9-year-old / Books like KOTLC / Family Halloween Movies Based on Books / Magic School Books
Vampire Academy
Author: Richelle Mead
Year: 2006
Genre: YA Fantasy
More info: Vampire Academy #1
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Royal vampires and their bodyguards train at the famed Vampire Academy where this book is set. Lissa is a princess and her best friend, Rose, is preparing to be her protector. When a series of crazy events threaten Lissa’s safety, Rose is on a mission to figure out who is behind the threats….. if she doesn’t get distracted while lusting over her teacher first.
Why Jackie loves it
This is a ya fantasy that is not to be missed. If you like the Zodiac Academy books, we think you will love this pick from fantasy romance books for teens!
Find this book in: High School Romance Books / Vampire Books / YA Fantasy Romance Books / YA Fantasy Books / Urban Fantasy Books / Netflix Book Adaptations
All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven
Violet and Finch meet unexpectedly on the top of the bell tower at school. She is counting the days until graduation will take her away and he is finding reasons to keep on going.
This is a love story that you will not forget. This one deals with depression and teen suicide, so be aware of that if those are potential triggers.
Best Netflix Book Adaptations: Children’s Books
Anne of Green Gables
Author: L. M. Montgomery
Year: 1908
Genre: Classic
Age: 10+
More info: Anne of Green Gables #1
Plot
I was immediately drawn to Anne upon first reading this story. She is smart, precocious, and has a way of making everyone love her while simultaneously finding new ways to get into trouble.
Anne is an orphan sent to live with siblings Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert who wanted a male orphan to help them on the farm. Anne was sent to them instead. She is bright, loquacious, and wins their hearts.
Why Kirsten loves it
I cherish this entire book series and the TV miniseries inspired by it. I vividly remember watching Megan Follows as Anne completely transfixed. I was so enamored, that I remember asking my grandmother to get me the books to read!
Why Jackie loves it
This is one of my all-time favorite books. Something is comforting about this cozy book that makes me read it repeatedly. It is a beautiful book about friendship and found family. Because of this book, I hope to visit Prince Edward Island one day.
Find this book in: Coming-of-Age Books / Friendship Books / Realistic Fiction / Books with Green in the Title / Fun Books for Teens
Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library by Chris Grabenstein
Mr. Lemoncello’s library is one of a kind. It’s full of holograms, logic puzzles, and hidden games. To officially open the new library, a few lucky kids get to spend the night inside as they try to win Mr. Lemoncello’s game and be the first team to escape.
Why We Love This Book: If you are looking for great bedtime stories for kids, this series will hit the mark. It will get your kids engaged with one-of-a-kid puzzles and delightful twists and turns.
Appropriate for ages 9-11
Find this book in Audiobooks for Kids / Netflix Book Adaptations / Middle Grade Mysteries / Books for 11-year-olds / Read Aloud Books / Best Puzzle Books
Matilda by Roald Dahl
Matilda is a magical little girl who loves books. Stuck in a family that doesn’t value education, her life is changed when she meets Ms. Honey at her new school.
But the principal, Miss Trunchbull hates children. When she terrorizes the kids at her new school, Matilda finds the power to fight back. The Netflix book adaption of this one is a musical!
Kristy’s Great Idea by Ann M. Martin
The babysitters are back and updated for a new generation! I love that the stories in this series have been adapted into graphic novels.
The very first one, Kristy’s Great Idea, is about the formation of the Baby-Sitters Club and how the friends of the sitters developed. If you have middle schoolers, they should check out the Netflix book adaptation of this realistic fiction series.
Ada Twist Scientist by Andrea Beaty
All three books in this “series” are amazing at encouraging passion and imagination. (Have a look at Iggy Peck Architect and Rosie Revere Engineer).
Ada is a thinker whose questions often lead to disasters in the house but, as a parent, how do you encourage your child’s outside-the-box thinking?
Llama Llama Misses Mama by Anna Dewdney
It’s Llama Llama’s first day of preschool and he is overwhelmed with feelings. He is trying to get used to the new toys and new surroundings but he just misses his mama.
Soon he learns that it’s OK to love mama and have fun at school too. This was recently turned into a Netflix book adaptation starring Jennifer Garner.
Why We Love This Book: A solid introduction to preschool separation anxiety and how kids can deal with it.
Appropriate for ages 2-7
Find this book in: Books About Feelings / Anna Dewdney Books / Books for a 3-year-old / First Day of School Books
The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter
Beatrix Potter’s Tales of Peter Rabbit are some of the most beloved stories in children’s literature. Her fantastic illustrations and Peter’s engrossing escapades have stood the test of time.
I was so pleased when I learned there would be a movie adaptation of the series. This book should be on every kid’s bookshelf! And don’t forget to watch the Netflix book adaptation!
Why I Like This Book: This is a classic that withstands the test of time. There is nothing cuter than talking animals and the illustrations are beautiful and so realistic.
Appropriate for ages: 3-7
Find This Book In: Books about Rabbits / Best Animal Books
Best Netflix Book Adaptations: Non-Fiction
The Zookeeper’s Wife
Author: Diane Ackerman
Year: 2007
Genre: Nonfiction
More info: New York Times Bestseller
Age Range: 16+
Plot
There is no surprise that this nonfiction book was made into a movie. The story is just so compelling and feels like a novel. When the Nazis invaded Poland, the keepers of the Warsaw Zoo had their animal collection ransacked. While taking care of the remnants of the zoo, they decide to hide fleeing Jewish people in the now-empty animal homes.
Trigger Warnings
Antisemitism, Animal death, Genocide, War
Why Kirsten loves it
I loved this book and I am so glad that I listened to this one. Suzanne Toren reads it beautifully. Her wonderful accents and pronunciation of the words helped set the scene.
Find this book in: Feel-Good Nonfiction Books for Beginners / Books About the Holocaust / Best Nonfiction Books / Best Netflix Adaptations / Nonfiction Animal Books
From Scratch by Tembi Locke
May 2019 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick
I knew what this book was about before reading it and I was still not prepared for the heartbreak and beauty within the pages. This memoir is truly a love letter to Tembi’s husband who died from cancer. This is an incredibly sad book that had me in tears.
The descriptions of the food, the people, and the love she had for her husband are unlike anything that I have read before. This is a five-star book about grief if you can read through heartache. It’s one of the Netflix book adaptations I’m planning on watching.
The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo
Netflix book adaptations are not just for stories! This cleaning method was also recently adapted and for good reason.
The method is extreme but effective. You basically have to get messy to get clean. Her method calls for collecting every item of a specific category and putting it in the middle of the room. You then touch every item and decided if it makes you happy and/or serves a purpose. You discard what doesn’t make you happy and keep what does. It’s intense and time-consuming, but it really does work.
The only missing area from the book is the kids’ spaces. I used the basics of this method and applied it to declutter my kids’ rooms. Did you see those results?
Orange is the New Black: My Year in a Woman’s Prison
Author: Piper Kerman
Year: 2010
Genre: non-fiction
More info: #1 New York Times Bestseller, Netflix Original Series
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
I originally read this for a book club and it was one of my favorite non-fiction books. I don’t love the now-famous Netflix series of the same name, but I did love the book.
A suburban mother goes to prison for a crime she committed a decade before. Her inside look at the American prison system is fascinating. This is one of the OG Netflix book adaptations.
Trigger Warnings
Confinement, Drug use
Why Kirsten loves it
The view of the American penal system was eye-opening. The book is so well-written, it reads like fiction and I am not surprised that Netflix adapted it to the screen.
Find this book in: Best Netflix Books Adaptations / Book With Color in the Title / Books with Food in the Title
