People are tough on book adaptations. If you're a fan of the source material, chances are you will hold the live action version to a super high level of expectation. After all, it's competing against an airtight world you already built in your head for that story. I am totally guilty of doing it, too.
But no one can say adaptations are always bound for disappointment. Hardly! It's totally possible for the movie- or tv-version to hold its own, or even become something different and special in its own right.
I'm particularly pumped about these four upcoming titles. I enjoyed reading these novels (to varying degrees) and two of them remain real favorites :)
But no one can say adaptations are always bound for disappointment. Hardly! It's totally possible for the movie- or tv-version to hold its own, or even become something different and special in its own right.
I'm particularly pumped about these four upcoming titles. I enjoyed reading these novels (to varying degrees) and two of them remain real favorites :)
 |
| NORMAL PEOPLE (NOVEL BY SALLY ROONEY) |
Normal People
I am deeply, genuinely looking forward to watching this show.
Late last year, I hopped on the Sally Rooney bandwagon and read her two novels (Normal People and Conversations With Friends) back-to-back. It was easy to fall into these melancholic stories and have heart pangs for her characters. The writing feels simple but the messages about love, loneliness, and expectations hit like a truck. Suffice it to say, I quickly understood why her books have such a big fanbase and, before long, counted myself as a member.
What I didn't know is that Normal People was recently adapted into a TV show. Even better, it's being released this week. I love a good coming-of-age story, especially when it involves romantic turmoil. Normal People is both.
Judging from the trailer, the actors are cute and, overall, things look moody as hell. Can't wait!
Judging from the trailer, the actors are cute and, overall, things look moody as hell. Can't wait!
 |
| LITTLE FIRES EVERYWHERE (BY CELESTE NG) |
Little Fires Everywhere
I stalked this book for months until it was finally released in paperback (I'm cheap like that) (also hardcovers never fit comfortably in my bag) because I had been surprisingly moved by the author's other novel, Everything I Never Told You.
The waiting paid off. I loved reading Little Fires Everywhere. Give me a book with tons of characters and dark, surprising, intertwining narratives any day. (Also, in this specific case, love and lies and pyromania.) The story has tons going on, yet is always easy to follow and a fairly fast read.
As for the TV show, well, Reese Witherspoon is involved -- she seems to know her stuff when it comes to curating female-driven bestselling books, then turning them into enjoyable, binge-able, on-brand entertainment. Willing to bet if you liked watching Big Little Lies, then Little Fires Everywhere will be a winner for you.
Technically, the show has already been released, it just isn't available in Canada yet.
 |
| HOW TO BUILD A GIRL (NOVEL BY CAITLIN MORAN) |
How to Build a Girl
Honestly, I kind of forgot this book existed until I spotted a copy of its sequel, How to be Famous, in Chapters last year.
How to Build a Girl is a quasi edgy story about a teenage girl looking for a place in the world outside her own dysfunctional home. I thought the tone was cool and funny, and found the main character's journey into rock-and-roll journalism totally interesting.
How to Build a Girl is a quasi edgy story about a teenage girl looking for a place in the world outside her own dysfunctional home. I thought the tone was cool and funny, and found the main character's journey into rock-and-roll journalism totally interesting.
Since I like Beanie Feldstein and have pleasant memories of reading How to Build A Girl, I look forward to giving the movie a shot.
 |
| THE WOMAN IN THE WINDOW (NOVEL BY A. J. FINN) |
The Woman in the Window
I suspect we can file The Woman in the Window one under, "movies you can follow while also scrolling Instagram."
Or, "if you're actually in the mood to watch Gone Girl but it's unavailable on Netflix."
Either way, I'm still down to see it. The book was entertaining. While the story itself wasn't super unique or revolutionary, the twists and revelations were exciting. Plus, the cast is solid, and thrillers are pretty much the scariest things I can sit through without getting nightmares (no exaggeration). I'm sure the movie will be decent, popcorn-y fun.
*
Would love to hear about your favorite book adaptation, if you have one!
Are you looking forward to any upcoming movies or shows? As always, I'm all ears :)
Image credit (Normal People): Decider
Image credit (Little Fires Everywhere): BPR
Image credit (How To Build A Girl): The Hollywood Reporter
Image credit (The Woman In The Window): Just Watch
