15 Books You Should Read Before They Hit the Big Screen
If there’s one thing that gets book lovers both excited and a little nervous, it’s the announcement that a beloved story is being adapted for the big screen. Will the movie do justice to the pages you’ve dog-eared and the characters you’ve grown attached to? Before the film versions take over, here’s a chance to get ahead of the curve and experience these stories in their original, unfiltered glory. Grab your reading glasses, find a cozy spot, and dive into these 15 must-reads before Hollywood gets its hands on them.
1. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
Step right up and enter the world of The Night Circus, where magic is real, and everything is not quite as it seems. Morgenstern’s debut novel is a lush, atmospheric tale of a mysterious circus that appears without warning and only opens at night. With a narrative as intricate as a magician’s sleight of hand, this book is a feast for the senses, weaving together love, rivalry, and a touch of enchantment. Reading it is like wandering through a dream where every corner turned reveals a new wonder. It’s a story that begs to be seen on the silver screen, but don’t miss the chance to experience its spellbinding prose first.
2. Dune by Frank Herbert
Before Timothée Chalamet dons his desert boots and heads to Arrakis, you might want to get acquainted with Frank Herbert’s Dune. This epic saga is a cornerstone of science fiction, set in a universe where politics, religion, and ecology intertwine in a battle for control of the most valuable substance in the galaxy: the spice. With its complex characters and intricate plot, Dune is more than just a space opera—it’s a deep dive into the human condition. The book’s vast world-building and philosophical underpinnings make it a reading experience you won’t want to rush through. Hollywood might give it a stunning visual treatment, but the depth of Herbert’s writing is something you’ll want to savor page by page.
3. Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
This book has been quietly enchanting readers since its release, and now it’s ready to captivate a wider audience on the big screen. Where the Crawdads Sing is a blend of a coming-of-age story and a murder mystery, set against the backdrop of the North Carolina marshlands. Delia Owens’ lyrical prose brings the natural world to life in a way that’s almost cinematic, making it the perfect candidate for a film adaptation. The tale of Kya, the “Marsh Girl,” is both heartbreaking and inspiring, with twists that keep you guessing until the very end. Get to know her through the pages before she steps into the spotlight of Hollywood.
4. The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt
A Pulitzer Prize-winning novel with a plot that spans decades and continents, The Goldfinch is a story of loss, art, and the lengths we go to survive. Tartt’s meticulous attention to detail and richly drawn characters make this a novel to get lost in. The journey of Theo, who is haunted by a tragic event and a stolen painting, is both epic and intimate, a delicate balance that will be interesting to see translated to film. But before you watch this complex narrative unfold on screen, take the time to appreciate Tartt’s masterful storytelling in its original form. It’s a long read, but it’s the kind that stays with you long after you’ve turned the last page.
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5. The Woman in the Window by A.J. Finn
If psychological thrillers are your cup of tea, then The Woman in the Window should be on your reading list. This Hitchcockian tale of an agoraphobic woman who believes she has witnessed a crime from her window is packed with suspense and twists that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Finn’s writing captures the claustrophobia and paranoia of the protagonist’s world, making it a gripping read that you won’t want to put down. As you read, you can almost hear the suspenseful score in the background—a perfect precursor to its upcoming film adaptation. Just be sure to finish it before the spoilers start flooding in.
6. The Power by Naomi Alderman
Imagine a world where women suddenly gain the ability to produce electric shocks from their hands, changing the dynamics of power across the globe. That’s the premise of The Power, a novel that is equal parts thrilling and thought-provoking. Alderman’s story explores how this shift in power could upend societal norms and what happens when the oppressed become the oppressors. It’s a gripping tale with strong, complex characters that will make you think long after you’ve finished reading. The film adaptation promises to be electrifying, but the book’s sharp commentary on power and gender is something to experience firsthand.
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7. The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab
What would it be like to live forever but be forgotten by everyone you meet? The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue explores this haunting question through the story of Addie, a woman who makes a Faustian bargain to live forever but at the cost of being remembered by no one. Schwab’s novel is a beautifully written exploration of time, memory, and the human desire to leave a mark on the world. With a premise that’s both tragic and intriguing, this is a book that lingers in your thoughts long after you’ve closed it. Before Addie’s tale is brought to life on screen, take the time to savor its poetic prose and profound themes.
8. The House of the Spirits by Isabel Allende
Isabel Allende’s The House of the Spirits is a sweeping family saga that blends magical realism with the political turmoil of 20th-century Chile. The novel follows three generations of the Trueba family, each grappling with their own ghosts—both literal and figurative. Allende’s rich, lyrical writing and the novel’s intertwining of personal and political history make it a captivating read. The story’s epic scope and the depth of its characters are likely to translate beautifully to film, but there’s something special about experiencing it through Allende’s vivid prose first. It’s a tale that immerses you in a world where the magical and the mundane coexist, creating a reading experience that’s as enchanting as it is moving.
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9. The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins
Return to the world of Panem with The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, Suzanne Collins’ prequel to The Hunger Games. This time, the story centers on a young Coriolanus Snow, long before he became the ruthless President Snow. The novel explores the origins of the Hunger Games and the early life of a character who would grow up to be one of the most infamous villains in YA literature. With its blend of political intrigue and moral dilemmas, this book adds depth to the Hunger Games universe. Before the movie hits theaters, immerse yourself in the gritty origins of a world you thought you knew.
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10. The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion
Looking for something on the lighter side? The Rosie Project is a charming, offbeat love story about Don Tillman, a brilliant but socially awkward geneticist who embarks on a quest to find a wife using a scientifically designed survey. What he doesn’t expect is to meet Rosie, a woman who doesn’t fit any of his criteria but somehow seems perfect. Simsion’s novel is funny, heartwarming, and full of endearing quirks, making it a delightful read that’s likely to translate well to the big screen. Before you see this unconventional romance play out on film, enjoy the witty dialogue and unique perspective that make this book a standout.
11. The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
For those who love a good psychological thriller with a twist that leaves your jaw on the floor, The Silent Patient is a must-read. The novel tells the story of Alicia Berenson, a famous painter who shoots her husband and then stops speaking entirely. Enter Theo Faber, a psychotherapist determined to get her to talk. What follows is a suspenseful and twisted narrative that keeps you guessing until the very end. Michaelides’ debut novel is the kind of book you can’t put down, and its upcoming film adaptation is sure to have audiences on the edge of their seats. But to truly appreciate the mind-bending twist, it’s best to experience it first in its original form.
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12. A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
Meet Ove, a grumpy yet lovable curmudgeon who finds his life turned upside down when a boisterous family moves in next door. A Man Called Ove is a heartwarming story about unlikely friendships, second chances, and the surprising ways people can change your life. Backman’s novel is filled with humor, heart, and a deep understanding of the human condition, making it a book that resonates with readers of all ages. The film adaptation promises to bring Ove’s world to life in all its quirky, heartfelt glory, but before you see it on screen, enjoy the tender moments and laugh-out-loud scenes that make this book so special.
13. Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel
In a world where a flu pandemic wipes out most of humanity, Station Eleven tells the interconnected stories of the survivors, including a traveling symphony and the actors who perform Shakespeare’s plays in the post-apocalyptic landscape. Mandel’s novel is a haunting, lyrical meditation on the power of art, memory, and human connection in the face of disaster. It’s a story that feels all too relevant in today’s world, making it a timely read before it hits the big screen. The novel’s intricate structure and evocative writing create a rich tapestry that will be fascinating to see visualized, but first, let it transport you through its pages.
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14. The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
Kristin Hannah’s The Nightingale is a tale of courage, love, and resilience set during World War II in Nazi-occupied France. The novel follows two sisters, Vianne and Isabelle, as they navigate the horrors of war and the sacrifices they must make to survive. Hannah’s gripping narrative and well-drawn characters make this a powerful read that tugs at the heartstrings. The story’s emotional depth and historical setting are sure to make for a compelling film, but before it comes to the big screen, experience the full impact of this poignant tale through its beautifully crafted prose.
15. The Water Dancer by Ta-Nehisi Coates
The Water Dancer is Ta-Nehisi Coates’ debut novel, a powerful blend of history and fantasy that tells the story of Hiram Walker, a young man born into slavery with a mysterious power. As Hiram embarks on a journey to freedom, the novel explores themes of memory, family, and the enduring impact of slavery. Coates’ writing is lyrical and deeply moving, creating a narrative that is both heartbreaking and hopeful. The upcoming film adaptation will no doubt bring Hiram’s story to a wider audience, but the novel’s rich language and profound insights are best appreciated in their original form. Before it hits the big screen, let this book sweep you away with its powerful storytelling.
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