There is an ever-increasing number of book-to-film adaptations coming to the big screen. It seems as though books are constantly being made into films. Every day, another ad or trailer pops up for a new movie based on a book. There is a certain experience that comes from reading the book before watching it. Being able to understand parts of the characters that are missing from the screen. Pointing out the differences between the book and the film. Putting faces to previously only imagined characters.
Fortunately, there are plenty of books to read before viewing their big screen counterparts. Here are seven books to read before watching their film adaptations.
1. Passing by Nella Larsen
This short novel tells the story of two light-skinned black women in 1927 Chicago. Each took a different path in life but later meet again and rekindle their friendship. Clare Kendry boldly passes as a white woman unknown to her racist white husband.
In contrast, Irene Redfield chooses to remain in the African American community and marries a black doctor. As they spend more time together, Clare longs for her abandoned black identity that she can never embrace again. Irene watches as Clare wrestles with her decision to pass as white that leads to tragic results.
The film adaptation is now available to stream on Netflix.
2. Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
In Barkley Cove in 1960s Carolina, Kya is a young girl who lives in a small shack in the marsh. She has lived there alone since her family abandoned her as a child. Her solitude life in the marsh leads her to develop a close relationship with the natural world.
Despite her talent, the townspeople call her the “Marsh Girl” and look down on her and claim she does not fit in with society. However, she catches the attention of two young men from town. As she grows closer to them, she opens herself up to a new world where she falls in love, becomes the suspect in the murder of the quarterback Chase Andrews and becomes a successful author.
The film adaptation will be released in theaters in July 2022.
3. Deep Water by Patricia Highsmith
Vic and Melinda Allen are stuck in a loveless marriage. In order to avoid the messiness of divorce, the unhappy couple come to a precarious agreement. Melinda is allowed to have affairs and lovers with the exception that she cannot leave her family. Vic’s jealousy leads him to frighten away her lovers by claiming he murdered one of her previous lovers. Once the real murderer is uncovered, Vic’s claims are futile unless they come true.
The film adaptation was released in March of this year and is now available to stream on Hulu.
4. Death on the Nile by Agatha Christie
Hercule Poirot, a famous French private investigator, embarks on a luxury cruise into Egypt. The peace of the vacation is destroyed when Linnet Ridgeway found dead. The young bride was shot in the head while she was sleeping. As Hercule Poirot investigates he finds himself tangled up in two more murder mysteries and a tale of love, jealousy, and betrayal.
The film adaptation was released back in February of this year and is now available to stream Hulu and HBO Max.
5. The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson
After the sudden death of her sister Bailey, Lennie Walker is forced from the shadows to the spotlight of her own life. It is there where she finds herself torn between two very different boys. Joe is the new boy from Paris who shares her love of music. He takes her away from her sadness over the death of her sister. Toby was Bailey’s boyfriend, and he shares Lennie’s grief. Both boys provide something Lennie needs, but her world will explode if the two of them collide.
The film adaptation was released back in February of this year and is now available to watch exclusively on Apple TV+.
6. Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris by Paul Gallico
Ada Harris is a cheerful London charlady. She spends her time cleaning houses for rich folks. One day as she cleans Lady Dant’s wardrobe, she discovers a Dior dress. The beautiful dress leaves her in awe, and she dreams of owning her own Dior dress. For three long years, Harris ambitiously saves all her money until she finally has enough to go to Paris. When she arrives, she heads to the House of Dior unaware of how her life is about to be changed and the lives she will alter forever.
The film adaptation will be released in theaters on July 15, 2022.
7. White Bird: A Wonder Story by R. J. Palacio
Through a graphic novel, White Bird tells the story of Julian’s grandmother in a Nazi-occupied French village during World War II. As a young Jewish girl, a family hid her in a hayloft and a boy she once ostracized saved her life. Through the book, Sara learns about the power of kindness during the dark days of the Holocaust.
The film adaptation will be released in theaters on October 14, 2022.
Hayle Jameson can be reached at [email protected]