20 Books to Read Before They Hit the Big Screen
Love reading books before they’re movies? Some of the best stories are headed to theaters soon. Here’s your list of must-reads to get ahead of the buzz and experience these tales in their original form.
1. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
Before this magical carnival starts wowing audiences on screen, lose yourself in its pages. A circus that only opens at night, filled with wonders beyond imagination? It’s the kind of world that deserves your own mental casting call. Once it’s on screen, the spell might break, and you’ll be stuck with Hollywood’s version of what those tents should look like.
2. Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
This book is a behind-the-scenes look at a fictional rock band that feels so real, you’ll be Googling their albums. Reading it before the inevitable movie adaptation means you get to experience the chaotic energy of the 70s music scene first, forming your own soundtrack before the studio picks the wrong one.
3. Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann
A chilling true-crime tale set in 1920s Oklahoma, this book covers a series of murders in the Osage Nation. It’s got mystery, history, and drama, all things that’ll translate perfectly to the big screen. But trust me, reading the book first will let you savor the suspense at your own pace, without any Hollywood edits.
4. The Water Dancer by Ta-Nehisi Coates
With its powerful blend of historical fiction and fantasy, this book offers a unique perspective on the Underground Railroad. Read it now, and let the imagery dance through your mind before CGI and green screens give you their version. It’s a deeply moving narrative that deserves your undivided imagination first.
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5. Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
This mystery and coming-of-age tale set in the marshlands of North Carolina is practically begging for a film adaptation. But the book’s lyrical descriptions and atmospheric tone might get lost in translation. Savor the written word before the silver screen shines a spotlight on it.
6. Circe by Madeline Miller
Greek mythology fans, this one’s for you. Circe offers a fresh, feminist take on the story of one of the most intriguing figures from the ancient world. Read it before Hollywood turns it into just another swords-and-sandals epic with extra explosions and not enough nuance.
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7. The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
Another entry from Madeline Miller, this novel brings to life the relationship between Achilles and Patroclus in a way that is both tender and tragic. Before this emotionally charged epic is reduced to a two-hour screenplay, let the words tug at your heartstrings first.
8. Normal People by Sally Rooney
This novel about young love and the complexities of modern relationships is as much about what’s left unsaid as what’s on the page. Before the movie turns those silences into dialogues, read the book and appreciate the subtleties of Rooney’s writing.
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9. The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt
This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel about a young boy’s journey through grief and art is a literary masterpiece. With its rich narrative and deep emotional resonance, reading it before the movie adaptation ensures you experience the full depth of the story.
10. The Woman in the Window by A.J. Finn
A psychological thriller with twists that’ll keep you guessing, this one’s bound to make a gripping film. But before the adaptation makes everything feel too clear-cut, dive into the book for the full, mind-bending experience.
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11. Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng
This book explores the dynamics of a seemingly perfect suburban neighborhood, with secrets lurking behind every door. It’s full of tension and complex characters that might get oversimplified on screen. Read it first to appreciate the intricate web Ng has woven.
12. Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel
In a post-apocalyptic world where a traveling symphony roams the desolate landscape, this novel explores the power of art and memory. Before it becomes just another dystopian flick, let the book’s haunting beauty unfold in your mind.
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13. The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead
A brilliant reimagining of the historical Underground Railroad as an actual railroad, this novel is as inventive as it is heartbreaking. Hollywood will no doubt bring this to life, but the emotional punch of the story is best experienced on the page.
14. Annihilation by Jeff VanderMeer
Part of the Southern Reach Trilogy, this book is a surreal exploration of a mysterious, uninhabitable zone. The movie might offer stunning visuals, but the book’s eerie atmosphere and creeping dread are best experienced through the written word first.
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15. The Power by Naomi Alderman
In this novel, women around the world suddenly develop the ability to produce electric shocks, turning the power dynamics of the world upside down. Read it before the movie tries to condense its complex ideas into a straightforward narrative.
16. Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
This quirky, heartwarming story about a socially awkward woman finding her way in the world is sure to charm audiences. But the movie might gloss over the deeper, more subtle aspects of Eleanor’s journey. Reading it first gives you a fuller picture.
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17. Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
A powerful story about love, race, and identity, this novel offers a sharp commentary on the immigrant experience. Before the inevitable adaptation comes along, read the book and immerse yourself in Adichie’s incisive prose.
18. A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
This Swedish novel about a curmudgeonly old man finding unexpected friendships is both touching and humorous. The movie might hit the right notes, but reading the book first allows you to fully appreciate Ove’s grumpy charm.
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19. The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
This psychological thriller about a woman who stops speaking after committing a murder is packed with suspense. The film version might ramp up the drama, but the book’s quiet intensity is something you’ll want to experience first.
20. Pachinko by Min Jin Lee
A sweeping family saga set across Korea and Japan, Pachinko explores themes of identity, belonging, and resilience. Before the movie condenses generations of history into two hours, immerse yourself in the rich, detailed world Lee has created.
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