There are lots of books being turned into movies and television series over the coming year. If you're one of those people who likes to claim you read the book before you saw the movie (guilty!), here are just a few books to check out before they hit the big (or small) screen:
A Monster Calls - out now
You may find A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness on the shelves of the children's section, but this book is a favorite of children and adults alike. A Monster Calls deals with far heavier topics than the average book aimed at younger readers, including illness and grief. This book packs an emotional punch, but it's a must-read (and must-see) for anyone struggling with the loss of a loved one.
A Series of Unfortunate Events - first 8 episodes coming to Netflix on January 13th
This 13-book series by Lemony Snicket follows the Baudelaire siblings, Violet, Klaus, and Sunny, and the many unfortunate events that befall them after the tragic death of their parents in a house fire. This is a wildly popular series that is enjoyable for children, teens, and adults. Netflix has turned the books into a television series starring Neil Patrick Harris as Count Olaf and will devote two episodes to each book. Since the first season is only eight episodes long, if you're new to the series - or want to brush up before watching the show - you only need to read the first four books (The Bad Beginning, The Reptile Room, The Wide Window, and The Miserable Mill) before diving into season one.
Wonder - out April 7th
Written by R.J. Palacio, Wonder is about a 10-year-old boy named Auggie who has a severe facial deformity. This book is told from multiple perspectives as Auggie enters his first year in a mainstream school. This a beautiful book about kindness and acceptance that is an important read for children of all ages. The movie version will be released in April and stars Julia Roberts and Owen Wilson.
Everything, Everything - out May 19th
Everything, Everything is a contemporary young adult book by Nicola Yoon about a teen girl named Maddy who is literally allergic to everything outside her home. Cut off from the world with no one but her mother (who is her doctor) and her nurse to keep her company, Maddy is thrilled when handsome Olly moves next door. The more she gets to know Olly, the less satisfied Maddy becomes with her life inside the safe bubble of her home. This is one of my favorite books I read last year and I highly recommend reading the book, which is filled with Maddy's doodles, before seeing the movie. The movie will be released in May and stars Amandla Stenberg (better known to fans of The Hunger Games as Rue) as Maddy.
Murder on the Orient Express - out November 22nd
One of Agatha Christie's best and most well-known stories, Murder on the Orient Express features detective Hercule Poirot investigating a murder that takes place in the compartment next to his aboard a luxurious train. Everyone is a suspect and the unbelievable solution to the mystery is what makes this story such a classic. The movie version will feature an all-star cast including Johnny Depp, Judi Dench, Daisy Ridley, and Kenneth Branagh as Poirot.
This is just the tip of the iceburg - there are many more books being adapted for film and television over the next year. Which ones are you most excited to see?