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2023 book-to-screen adaptations
Read before you watch — here’s the source text for some of 2023’s hottest films and TV series.
Published on January 12, 2024
Curated ByLanie Pemberton
Lanie is a San Diego-based freelance writer who loves reading crime thrillers and nonfiction about animals and the natural world. When not writing and reading (or writing about what to read), Lanie spends as much time as possible at the beach with her husband and pampered pittie, Peach.
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes: A Hunger Games Novel
Suzanne CollinsLong before Katniss Everdeen stepped into the arena, Coriolanus Snow was an ambitious young man determined to elevate his family name. Mentoring a tribute from District 12 isn’t the glamor he hoped for, until he realizes that Lucy Gray Baird is not to be underestimated. Collins’ prequel to her popular trilogy packs all the themes fans know and love — corruption of power, inequality, resilience, and more — while offering vital backstory to Katniss’ eventual antagonist. The film adaptation arrives in theaters just before Thanksgiving 2023.
All the Light We Cannot See: A Novel
Anthony DoerrNetflix is bringing “All the Light We Cannot See” to the screen in a limited series adaptation set to premiere November 2. Doerr’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel follows the twin narratives of Marie-Laure, a blind French girl, and Werner, a German orphan recruited to the military, at the height of WWII. Directed by Shawn Levy of “Stranger Things” fame, the Netflix series stars Aria Mia Loberti, Mark Ruffalo, and Hugh Laurie.
Elvis and Me
Priscilla Beaulieu PresleyPriscilla Presley’s 1985 memoir gave an intimate glimpse into her relationship with the iconic Elvis Presley, including their courtship, marriage, and divorce. Now, Sofia Coppola (“The Beguiled”) brings those highs and lows to the screen in a November release named “Priscilla,” starring Cailee Spaeny and Jacob Elordi.
The Killer Omnibus Vol. 1
MatzMatz’s graphic novel series (translated from the original French) follows an unnamed assassin as he grapples with the dangers of his job and the meaning — or lack thereof — of life. David Fincher directs the film adaptation, while Michael Fassbender stars as the Killer. The movie will have a limited theatrical run in late October before streaming on Netflix in November.
The Color Purple
Alice WalkerCelie, a poor Black woman in rural Georgia, attempts to rise above the unlucky hand she’s been dealt. One of America’s greatest classics, this Pulitzer Prize-winner already inspired a film starring Oprah Winfrey as well as a Broadway production. Now, an all-new musical film adaptation is scheduled to debut in December. Fantasia Barrino returns as Celie after bringing the role to life on broadway.
Eileen
Ottessa MoshfeghEileen Dunlop, who’s lonely and unstable, works at a correctional facility while tending to her abusive alcoholic father. When a beautiful and vibrant woman takes a job at the same facility, Eileen goes to great lengths to befriend her, culminating in a shocking event. Anne Hathaway and Thomasin McKenzie star in the December 2023 film adaptation by the same name.
Leave the World Behind: A Read with Jenna Pick
Rumaan AlamA simple premise belies the provocative racial themes that unfold in this slow-burn thriller and National Book Award nominee. A white Brooklyn family renting a luxurious house in the Hamptons receives an unexpected visit from an older Black couple claiming to be the homeowners returning from vacation. The Netflix film adaptation slated for December stars Julia Roberts, Mahershala Ali, and Ethan Hawke.
The End We Start From
Megan HunterA new mother flees her home and searches for safety after climate change causes disastrous flooding in London. Sparse but powerful, Hunter’s post-apocalyptic novella explores where beginnings and endings collide. The film adaptation stars Jodie Comer (“Killing Eve”) and hits theaters on December 8.
The Zone of Interest
Martin Amis“The Zone of Interest” is a story of longing, shame, and forbidden love set in the unlikely location of Auschwitz. The upcoming German language film adaptation (which premiers in December) is loosely inspired by the late Amis’ novel and focuses on an Auschwitz commander and his family, who live in complicity just outside the camp walls.
The Fall of the House of Usher
Edgar Allan PoePoe’s gothic short story follows a narrator to the decaying home of his childhood friend, Roderick Usher, where a series of macabre events leads to an eerie conclusion. The Netflix miniseries adaptation is brought to life by Mike Flanagan, the creator of several other book-to-screen adaptations in the horror genre (including Stephen King’s “Gerald’s Game” and Shirley Jackon’s “The Haunting of Hill House”).
Dark Harvest
Norman PartridgeYoung men from an unnamed small town compete every Halloween night to kill the October Boy — a pumpkin-headed monster — for a chance to start a new and prosperous life. This year, Pete McCormick resolves to win at any cost, but the truth about the annual tradition is more sinister than he imagined. Stream the live action film adaptation of Partridge’s award-winning horror story on MGM+.
Foe: A Novel
Iain ReidA married couple’s quiet farm life is disrupted by a strange visitor with even stranger news: Junior has been selected to help colonize outer space. Henrietta will be left behind, but she won’t be alone; she’ll have a stand-in companion that’s not entirely human. “Foe” is a claustrophobic cli-fi story that slowly dissects — and unravels — an ordinary marriage. The film stars Saoirse Ronan and Paul Mescal and is the second Reid novel to be adapted for the screen (following “I’m Thinking of Ending Things”).
From Darkness to Sight: A Journey from Hardship to Healing
Ming WangIn this memoir, Wang chronicles his escape from China to the U.S. during the Cultural Revolution. Though he was young and had nothing, Wang eventually earned degrees from Harvard and MIT and became a prominent eye surgeon; his breakthrough techniques have changed millions of lives around the world. The 2023 biopic “Sight,” which stars Terry Chen and Greg Kinnear, is based on Wang’s inspiring life story.
The Other Black Girl: A Novel
Zakiya Dalila HarrisNella’s excited when another Black woman joins the very white publishing house where she works. But her delight takes a turn for the sinister when threatening anonymous notes start showing up on her desk. Is her new coworker an ally or an enemy? Twisty and timely, funny and creepy, this thriller with hints of “Get Out” is now a Hulu Original series.
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe
Benjamin Alire SáenzSáenz’s stunning novel is a delicate and beautifully written portrayal of first love. Aristotle (Ari) and Dante meet when they are 15. Despite being complete opposites, they strike up an instant friendship. As the story unfolds, Ari and Dante confront the challenges of family, culture, and sexuality. The film adaptation of this fan-favorite (produced by Lin Manuel Miranda, who just happens to narrate the audiobook) hit theaters in September.
Hallowe'en Party: Inspiration for the 20th Century Studios Major Motion Picture A Haunting in Venice
Hallowe'en Party: Inspiration for the 20th Century Studios Major Motion Picture A Haunting in Venice
Agatha ChristieWhen a girl drowns in a tub of bobbing apples on All Hallows’ Eve, Detective Hercule Poirot is on the case to determine who killed the young teen and why. The movie, titled “A Haunting in Venice,” is the third in a series of film adaptations of Christie’s Hercule Poirot tales, following “Murder on the Orient Express” and “Death on the Nile.”
Loveboat, Taipei
Abigail Hing WenThis #OwnVoices romantic comedy follows Ever Wong, who has steeled herself for a summer of Mandarin lessons at a rigorous foreign exchange program, but ends up with plenty of freedom to party it up and find herself. The film version, titled “Love in Taipei,” is streaming on Paramount+.
Brother
David ChariandyMichael comes of age under the watchful eye of his older brother, Francis, while their single mother — a Trinidadian immigrant — works herself to the bone. But then a terrible act of violence rips their fragile world apart. Balancing hope and tragedy, Chariandy’s novel reveals the inescapable stigmas faced by marginalized communities. The Canadian film adaptation arrived in U.S. theaters in August.
Shelter: A Mickey Bolitar Novel
Harlan CobenSeveral of Coben’s tense mysteries have been adapted into movies and shows in recent years, including “The Stranger” and “Safe.” The latest to hit the screen is this YA thriller, which takes place in the same universe as Coben’s “Live Wire.” Teenager Mickey Bolitar is already struggling with his dad’s death and his mother’s addiction crisis. When his girlfriend goes missing, Mickey realizes there’s a complex web of lies at play. The Prime Video series began streaming on August 18.
The Winter King: A Novel of Arthur
Bernard CornwellCornwell opens his “Warlord Chronicles” with this retelling of King Arthur, putting his own spin on characters like Lancelot, Guinevere, and Merlin. Narrated by Arthur’s right-hand man, “The Winter King” unfolds in the Dark Ages, when Britain is torn between religion and magic. Watch the MGM+ series adaptation, which premiered on August 20.
The Trench: MEG 2
Steve AltenAlten’s 1997 debut, “Meg: A Novel of Deep Terror,” about a prehistoric species of massive sharks wreaking havoc on the Pacific Ocean, was adapted into a live-action thriller in 2018. August ushered in “Meg 2,” based on Alten’s sequel, “The Trench,” which follows paleobiologist Jonas Taylor (played by Jason Statham in both movies) as he faces a new beast — one that’s bigger, angrier, and more terrifying than its predecessors.
It's Not Summer Without You
Jenny HanThe sequel to Han’s “The Summer I Turned Pretty” follows Belly, Conrad, and Jeremiah as they grieve a recent loss and try to prevent the sale of the beloved beach house where they spent their childhood summers. Season two of the Prime Video series adaptation (which premiered in July 2023) is based on this book, though the plots differ slightly across the mediums.
Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch
Neil GaimanPratchett and Gaiman’s collaboration is a cult classic for a reason. It’s an absurdly hilarious commentary on good versus evil, nature versus nurture, and the true meaning of free choice. The long-awaited second season of the series adaptation dropped this summer on Prime Video.
Survival of the Thickest: Essays
Michelle ButeauButeau’s hilarious essay collection reveals the less-than-glamorous road to making it in showbiz. Make it she did, though, as seen by her roles in Netflix titles like “Always Be My Maybe,” “Russian Doll,” and “Tales of the City.” Now, she’s getting her own series with a Netflix adaptation of “Survival of the Thickest,” streaming since July 13.
Nimona: A Netflix Film
ND StevensonStevenson’s “Nimona” shines for its original storytelling and feminist slant. It’s also seen quite the evolution, from web comic to graphic novel to Netflix Original movie voiced by Chloë Grace Moretz, Eugene Lee Yang, and RuPaul. The story explores good versus evil (and the gray area between them) as punk shape shifter Nimona teams up with Lord Ballister Blackheart to expose dark agendas at the Institution of Law Enforcement and Heroics.
Queen Charlotte: Before the Bridgertons came the love story that changed the ton...
Julia QuinnQuinn brought us the blockbuster books, and Rhimes brought us the sensational Netflix series adaptation. Together, they deliver the backstory every “Bridgerton” fan has been waiting for. “Queen Charlotte” follows young Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz as she marries King George III and learns to navigate her new royal position — all decades before she becomes the formidable figure who rules the ton we know and love. The Shondaland series by the same name premiered on Netflix on May 4.
To All the Boys I've Loved Before
Jenny HanHan’s teen romance streamed right into our living rooms — and our hearts — as a Netflix Original movie in 2018. Now, it’s the inspiration for a new Netflix series, a spinoff that focuses on side characters from Han’s source text. “XO, Kitty” premiered on May 18.
The Robot Who Looked Like Me: Stories
Robert Sheckley“Robots,” starring Shailene Woodley (“Divergent,” “Big Little Lies”) and Jack Whitehall (“Bad Education”), premiered in theaters on May 19. The movie is based on Sheckley’s 1978 short story, “The Robot Who Looked Like Me,” a satirical tale about a couple who use android doubles to fill in for them when life gets too busy. But their plans go awry when the robots embrace autonomy.
The White House Plumbers: The Seven Weeks That Led to Watergate and Doomed Nixon's Presidency
The White House Plumbers: The Seven Weeks That Led to Watergate and Doomed Nixon's Presidency
Egil "Bud" KroghThe late Krogh, with the help of his son, tells a story of misguided loyalty and redemption in this fascinating memoir, the inspiration for the HBO series starring Woody Harrelson, Justin Theroux, and Lena Headey. While working under Nixon’s administration, Krogh led the theft central to the Watergate scandal. He shares how this unfolded along with lessons learned from his resulting prison sentence.
The Little Mermaid
H.C. AndersenIn the wake of Disney’s live action remake of “The Little Mermaid” (which premiered on May 26), why not revisit the original story? No, not the beloved 1989 animated movie, but Anderson’s 1837 classic — and surprisingly dark — fairy tale. The Little Mermaid yearns to live above the sea with a human prince, but she must pay the ultimate price for her wish (not quite the happily ever after that Ariel gets in the Disney-fied version).
Wool: Book One of the Silo Series
Hugh HoweyThe first of Howey’s acclaimed “Silo” trilogy finds a group of people living underground after the Earth’s surface becomes uninhabitable. The suspense, coupled with lyrical prose and wide cast of characters, makes for a nuanced adventure full of dark, delightfully unexpected twists and turns. Apple TV+’s “Silo” series, starring Rebecca Ferguson (“Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation”) and Rashida Jones (“Parks and Recreation”), dropped in May.
One True Loves: A Novel
Taylor Jenkins ReidReid (“The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo”) writes a story of divided love, painful choices, and following one’s heart. After her first husband, Jesse, disappears over the Pacific Ocean, Emma Blair spends years trying to move on. When she’s finally engaged to another man, Jesse is miraculously found — alive. The film adaptation premiered in theaters in April and stars Phillipa Soo of Lin Manuel Miranda’s “Hamilton.”
How to Blow Up a Pipeline: Learning to Fight in a World on Fire
Andreas MalmMalm urges readers to reject complacency over climate change and take drastic action. By combing through history, the author proves how major social and political movements were rarely, if ever, accomplished peacefully. This nonfiction manifesto inspired a thriller movie by the same name, which follows young environmental activists who plot to take a radical stand (you can guess how from the title).
The Eight Mountains: A Novel
Paolo CognettiA coming-of-age tale about father-son relationships and friendship, Cognetti’s novel follows two young boys — Pietro and Bruno — over several summers spent in a small, mountainside Italian village. The 2023 film adaptation of this quiet, philosophical story focuses on Pietro and Bruno as adults.
The Crossover: A Newbery Award Winner
Kwame AlexanderAs competitive athletes and sons of a former pro baller, Josh and JB have big dreams and even bigger shoes to fill. They’re learning to balance middle school, basketball, rap, and family when a new love interest and their father’s failing health threatens to tear them apart. Author Alexander and NBA star Lebron James brought this novel-in-verse to the screen in a Disney+ series, which premiered in April.
Peter Pan: Peter and Wendy
J. M. BarrieBarrie’s classic has already inspired many adaptations, including a 1953 animated Disney movie, multiple broadway musicals, and the 1991 live action film “Hook,” starring Robin Williams. 2023 brought us a new chance to return to Neverland with the Disney+ original film, “Peter Pan and Wendy,” which premiered in April.
An Exorcist Tells His Story
Gabriele AmorthAmorth was a Catholic priest, prominent exorcist of the Diocese of Rome, and founder of the International Association of Exorcists. By the end of his career, Amorth claimed to have conducted 160,000 exorcisms. While his memoir includes anecdotes from some of those events, it’s more an exploration of biblical teachings about demonic possession and the legitimacy of exorcism. Russell Crowe plays Father Amorth in the 2023 horror film “A Pope’s Exorcist,” which is loosely based on this book and its follow-up, “An Exorcist: More Stories.”
Firefly Lane: A Novel
Kristin HannahBest friends Tully and Kate, played by Katherine Heigl and Sarah Chalke, returned to Netflix this year for season two of “Firefly Lane.” A heartbreaking look at the enduring power of friendship, “Firefly Lane” unfolds through the eyes of complex, distinct, and relatable women.
Saint X: A Novel
Alexis SchaitkinThis debut thriller topped all the summer reading lists of 2020, and its Hulu series adaptation premiered in April 2023. Claire is only seven when her college-aged sister is killed during a Caribbean vacation, and the two initial suspects are quickly released. Years later, Claire crosses paths with one of the suspicious men, which inspires her to start her own stealthy investigation.
The Last Thing He Told Me: A Novel
Laura DaveOne of the most popular releases of 2021 is now a series on Apple TV+, produced by Reese Witherspoon and starring Jennifer Garner. This thriller begins with a mysterious note, a missing person, and half a million dollars of questionable origin. As newlywed Hannah searches for her husband Owen amid growing police suspicion, her one goal is clear: Protect Owen’s daughter at all costs.
Frog and Toad Are Friends
Arnold LobelLobel’s award-winning “Frog and Toad” series — which began in 1970 with “Frog and Toad Are Friends” — follows the adventures of the eponymous characters in an easy-reading format for young learners. Check out the animated series adaptation of this beloved classic on Apple TV+.
The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart
Holly RinglandYoung Alice is orphaned and must move to her grandmother’s flower farm, where she thrives despite her immense loss. As an adult, Alice struggles to uncover secrets about the women in her family — secrets that may be the key to her own healing. The diverse Australian landscape comes alive in Ringland’s book about redemption and self-discovery. The Prime Video series stars Sigourney Weaver.
Feels Like Family
Sherryl WoodsSeason three of “Sweet Magnolias” dropped on Netflix in July. While the third book in Woods’ series focuses primarily on Helen, the latest season of the show covers broader strokes — including the return of an old love and a rift between Maddie, Helen, and Dana Sue.
An Echo in the Bone
Diana GabaldonThe series adaptation of Gabaldon’s genre-bending, time-traveling historical romance continues this year, with season seven (based on “An Echo in the Bone”) streaming on Starz. As tensions surrounding the Revolutionary War escalate, Jamie Fraser finds himself torn between family and country. Claire is steadfastly by his side, using her skills as a surgeon to support the infantry.
Evidence of Love: A True Story of Passion and Death in the Suburbs
John BloomIn 1980, a small Texas community was deeply disturbed by the ax murder of Betty Gore. The accused killer, Candy Montgomery, a friend and fellow church-goer (who also had an affair with Betty’s husband), claimed self-defense. This true crime case is stranger and more horrifying than fiction, with Bloom and Atkinson’s investigative book inspiring two screen adaptations: the 1980 TV movie “A Killing in a Small Town” and a recent HBO miniseries, “Love & Death,” starring Elizabeth Olsen. A 2022 Hulu original series, “Candy,” with Jessica Biel is also based on this case.
Siege and Storm
Leigh BardugoNetflix’s “Shadow and Bone” Grishaverse adaptation became an immediate sensation. Another season dropped in March, based on the second book in the trilogy. “Siege and Storm” is filled with adventure, playful new characters (including our favorite, Nikolai), and page-turning action and magic.
Shriver: A Novel
Chris BeldenBelden’s satirical comedy offers a clever spin on imposter syndrome and the price of fame. Shriver, a lonely alcoholic, is mistaken for a renowned author by the same name and invited to a literary conference, where his reputation precedes him. Murder, romance, and other shenanigans soon threaten to blow his cover. Michael Shannon and Kate Hudson star in the film adaptation, titled “A Little White Lie.”
Jesus Revolution: How God Transformed an Unlikely Generation and How He Can Do It Again Today
Jesus Revolution: How God Transformed an Unlikely Generation and How He Can Do It Again Today
Greg LaurieThis book, along with the film by the same name, explores the “Jesus Movement,” a time when evangelical Christianity grew in popularity and spread rapidly across the United States and beyond. The movement started in an unlikely place and time, 1960s California, and was largely led by late pastor Chuck Smith. In the book, authors Laurie and Vaughn share their personal experiences of revival, faith, and community.
Wuthering Heights
Emily BrontëSet in the wild English moors, this twisted and dark love story of a family’s adopted son, published in 1847, is the only novel written by the middle Brontë sister. The atmospheric film “Emily” is not a direct adaptation of “Wuthering Heights,” but instead a reimagining of Brontë’s journey of writing the novel.
Wellmania: Extreme Misadventures in the Search for Wellness
Brigid DelaneyAn Australian journalist chronicles her attempts to break away from unhealthy habits through clean eating, exercise, and mindfulness. “Wellmania” is a memoir of escapades more than a self-help book, highlighting Delaney’s attempts to rid herself of toxins, cellulite, and negativity with hilarious anecdotes that skewer the misleading (and classist) nature of the wellness industry. Netflix adapted this nonfiction book into a comedy series by the same name, which began streaming in March.
Great Expectations
Charles DickensIn 19th-century England, young orphan Pip dreams of prosperity, but rising above his humble beginnings leads to unexpected consequences. The Hulu miniseries adaptation of Dickens’ timeless tale of ambition and redemption stars Fionn Whitehead and Olivia Colman. It premiered on March 26.
The King's Grave: The Discovery of Richard III's Lost Burial Place and the Clues It Holds
The King's Grave: The Discovery of Richard III's Lost Burial Place and the Clues It Holds
Michael JonesThis nonfiction account of the discovery of King Richard III’s long-lost remains was adapted into a film titled “The Lost King,” which premiered in theaters in March. The book weaves between perspectives: Writer and producer Langley recounts her search for the king’s final resting place while Jones, a historian, tackles the monarch’s life and legacy. Together, they paint a fresh picture of a historical figure who’s been unjustly vilified.
The Night Agent: A Novel
Matthew QuirkFBI Agent Peter Sutherland receives a shocking tip about Russian spies in the White House, sending him on a high-octane mission to uncover the truth, protect the nation, and redeem his disgraced father (a former FBI agent wrongly accused of treason). Quirk’s political thriller (perfect for fans of the “Jason Bourne” franchise) is now a Netflix Original series.
Winnie-the-Pooh
A.A. MilneMilne’s classic story set in the Hundred Acre Wood is probably the last book we’d expect to be source text for a horror movie, but here we are. In “Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey,” Christopher Robin leaves Pooh and Piglet behind when he goes off to college. And they’re not happy about it. In fact, they’re downright murderous.
The Black-Eyed Blonde: A Novel
John BanvilleBlack breathes new life into late author Raymond Chandler’s popular character Philip Marlowe, who made his first appearance in the 1939 hardboiled crime novel, “The Big Sleep.” In this fresh take, Detective Marlowe investigates a hit-and-run, which unspools a complex plot full of hidden agendas. Liam Neeson plays the fan-favorite detective in the film, “Marlowe,” alongside Diane Kruger and Jessica Lange.
The Cabin at the End of the World: A Novel
Paul TremblayA quiet vacation turns nightmarish when Eric and Andrew, along with their daughter Wen, are confronted by four strangers demanding the impossible. Two-time Bram Stoker winner Tremblay (“A Head Full of Ghosts”) unites apocalyptic horror with psychological thriller. M. Night Shyamalan’s movie adaptation, titled “Knock at the Cabin,” stars Dave Bautista, Jonathan Groff, and Ruper Grint.
The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents
Terry PratchettPratchett’s reimagining of the Pied Piper follows Maurice, a clever cat who recruits a horde of rats to con townships out of their money. But one town holds dangers the animals never expected. Set in Pratchett’s “Discworld,” this farcical tale inspired an animated movie voiced by Hugh Laurie (as Maurice) and Emilia Clarke.
Wolf Pack
Edo Van BelkomVan Belkom’s award-winning YA novel follows three shape-shifting siblings, who, after their true nature is discovered, must go to great lengths to protect one another. The Paramount+ series adaptation stars Sarah Michelle Gellar and Rodrigo Santoro as the siblings’ adoptive parents.
The Lying Life of Adults: A Novel
Elena FerranteFerrante’s emotionally fraught coming-of-age novels translate beautifully to the screen, as seen in previous works like “My Brilliant Friend” and “The Lost Daughter.” “The Lying Life of Adults” follows Giovanna, a young Neopolitan girl who, spurred by a cruel remark from her father, attempts to bond with an estranged aunt. Her journey brings two starkly different sides of Naples to light. The Netflix series adaptation premiered in January.
Women Talking
Miriam ToewsAfter a horrifying revelation, a group of Mennonite women gather to discuss their next steps, torn between forgiveness and fighting back. Called “an inspiring and unforgettable novel” in a starred review by Publishers Weekly, “Women Talking” explores patriarchal abuse and personal agency. The Oscar-winning film adaptation features Frances McDormand, Rooney Mara, and Claire Foy.
From Scratch: A Memoir of Love, Sicily, and Finding Home
Tembi LockeActress Locke (“Eureka,” “Sliders”) offers a moving (and mouth-watering) memoir of love worth fighting for, heartbreak, and the healing power of food. This book will have you longing to share steaming Sicilian dishes with your soulmate — perhaps while you watch the Netflix series adaptation starring Zoe Saldaña (“Guardians of the Galaxy”).
The Pale Blue Eye: A Novel
Louis BayardRetired detective Gus Landor is called to investigate the murder of a West Point cadet in 1830. Landor enlists the help of another cadet, Edgar Allan Poe, to gather insider information, but Poe becomes embroiled with the victim’s family, risking the investigation. Bayard’s dark and clever mystery spins an intricate (though fictional) backstory for Poe and his eventual body of gothic literature. If you missed it in theaters, watch the film adaptation starring Christian Bale and Gillian Anderson on Netflix.
A Man Called Ove: A Novel
Fredrik BackmanSmalltown curmudgeon Ove is a man of staunch principles, strict routines, and terrible anger — all a coverup for true sorrow and loss. The book explores the comical and heartwarming relationship between Ove and his ill-fated new neighbors. While we can’t quite imagine the lovable Tom Hanks as a curmudgeon, he stars in this book’s film adaptation titled “A Man Called Otto,” streaming on Netflix.