If you’ve known me or followed this blog for any length of time, you know that I’m a big fan of book to movie adaptations. Of-course I always prefer to read the book first (unless I plan to skip it – which is rare), and more often than not, I find the book better than the movie. But I still try to catch as many adaptations as I can, in hopes of finding a movie I love as much as the book.
Which is why I like to stay on top of the book to movie adaptations that are coming out every year, so in case I haven’t read the book, I still have time to get to it before the movie releases. And this year I thought I’d share my list with all of you as well, so in case any of these stories interest you, you too can plan to read the book (if you haven’t already) before the movie comes out.
Of-course this is not an exhaustive list. These are just some movies based on books I’ve either already read/plan to read before the movie comes out, listed according to their release date.
1. Fifty Shades Freed (Feb 9)
Does this book/series need any introduction? I guess not. But if by some miracle, you haven’t heard of this series, you can check out my review here. As far as this particular book is concerned, it’s the third, and final one in the trilogy, not to mention the most pointless one. So I really don’t have high hopes from the movie, which will also be (hopefully) the final one in the series.
I mean technically it has to be the last one, because it is based on the final book of the trilogy, but knowing the author’s tendencies to milk this series as much as she possibly can, one can never be too sure. Either way, if you have been waiting for the concluding part of the story to unfold on screen, it’s coming out on Feb 9.
Link to Book | Link to Movie Trailer
Check Out: Fifty Shades of Grey Trilogy: My Conflicting Thoughts
2. A Wrinkle in Time (Mar 9)
This is a book I want to read before the movie comes out, because on paper this sounds like something that will be right up my alley. It follows the life of a girl called Meg Murray, who seems to have the perfect family, until her father mysteriously vanishes into the unknown. And now only Meg, her brother, and her best friend can find him, and maybe save the universe along the way. No pressure or anything, right?
I really enjoy science fiction, and time travel is one of my absolute favorite themes. However, this book has mixed reviews, and there are 2 more book adaptations releasing in March, which are higher on my priority list (not to mention the bazillion books I have to read and review before that), so I am not sure if I will be able to get to this book, but I sure as hell will try to. So many books, so little time. Sigh.
Link to Book | Link to Movie Trailer
3. Love, Simon (Mar 16)
Speaking of books that are high on my priority list, I have wanted to read Simon and The Homo Sapiens Agenda (the book Love, Simon is based on) from the very first time I heard about it, but I had to keep putting it off for one reason or the other. Which is why I can’t even tell you how glad I am that it’s getting adapted to a movie, and I cannot put it off any longer. Strange are the ways of the human mind, no?
Anyway, the story revolves around this guy Simon (well duh) who is not-so-openly gay, and has so far managed to keep it that way. That is until an email falls into the wrong hands, and his secret is in danger of being dragged into the spotlight. What makes this situation worse is that the privacy of Blue (pseudonym of the guy he has a crush on, and has been flirting over email) is also threatened by the expose. So now change-averse Simon has to find out a way to step out of his comfort zone, before he is pushed out, without endangering everything and everyone he has ever cared about.
A love story, and a mystery to solve (to uncover the true identity of Blue) = win-win for me. I simply cannot wait to read it!
Link to Book | Link to Movie Trailer
4. Ready Player One (Mar 30)
I first found out about this book when I was researching books set in the future for the Bookish Bingo Challenge I had undertaken in 2016. And at that point all I knew was that this book was set in the future (2044), and it involved some kind of a virtual reality game called Oasis, which to be honest, I did not completely understand, except that it seemed to be pretty high stakes, and winning required knowledge of pop culture trivia from the 1980s. Yeah, go figure!
That’s pretty much all I know even now, except that now I’ve seen the trailer, and it has intrigued me enough to stop procrastinating, and finally pick up the book before I see the movie, both of which promise to be pretty amazing.
Link to Book | Link to Movie Trailer
Check Out: 3 Book To Screen Blockbusters Reviewed
5. Where’d You Go Bernadette (May 11 / Oct 19 / Aug 2019)
This is one book I can’t believe I haven’t read yet. Not only has it been on my TBR for a long long time, but I have also checked it out of the library twice now. And yet, every single time I return it unread, because I have either been unrealistic and checked out way too many books at a time or been unrealistic and checked out way too many books at a time. Yes, it’s a problem, what else can I say?
Anyway, for the uninitiated, the plot of this book revolves around an agoraphobic architect and mother named Bernadette, who goes missing right before a family trip to Antarctica, and the story is narrated by her 15 year-old daughter Bee as she tries to find out where her mother went.
It claims to be a hilarious and compulsively readable novel about misplaced genius, and a mother and daughter’s role in an absurd world. And I have to say that I’m hooked, because the premise sounds really interesting and fresh (at-least to me), as I’ve never read anything like this, so clearly I can’t wait to read the book before I see the movie.
Link to Book | Link to Movie Trailer
6. Crazy Rich Asians (Aug 15)
Unlike all the books I mentioned above, that have been on my TBR for ages, this one I only came across recently. Actually it wasn’t even this book. My Goodreads timeline was flooded with people raving about Rich People Problems by Kevin Kwan, only to find out that it was the 3rd book in a series, and Book #1 in that series is Crazy Rich Asians.
Now I am not entirely sure how connected the three books are, but it doesn’t even matter, because when it comes to a series (any kind of a series, even companion books) I just have to start with the first one. So I checked this book out, and as I read the blurb I realized that I’ve very rarely (if ever) read about Chinese main characters, and definitely not in an Asian setting, so this was an absolute must read.
I read that the author’s main intention in writing this novel was to introduce a contemporary Asia to a North American audience, and I don’t know about you, but it’s just the kind of thing I’d like to explore. So this is one book (and series) that I’m definitely going to check out before I see the movie.
Link to Book | Link to Movie Trailer
Also Read: Crazy Rich Asians: Is It Worth The Hype?
7. Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald (Nov 16)
This movie is the second installment in the series of films based on the book Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, which is a companion novel to the Harry Potter book series.
Let’s face it, with these books and movies I simply have to read them/watch them. I don’t even have a choice in the matter. These decisions have been already made for me (by past me, when she first read the Harry Potter books). So it’s only really about waiting not-so-patiently till release day.
Link to Book | Link to Movie Trailer
8. To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before (TBD Aug 17)
This book has been on my radar for a long time, because the premise was unique, and the reviews were great. However, I put off reading it because I knew this was going to be a trilogy, and I wanted to wait till all the books were out. And they are all out now, plus the first book is getting adapted to screen, so it’s really perfect timing for me to finally start the series.
For those who haven’t yet heard of this book/series – it’s about this girl Lara Jean, who wrote love letters to every guy she had a crush on, but never actually mailed these letters to the guys, as they were meant to be for her eyes only. Which is also why she never felt the need to hold back at all, and wrote every single thought and fantasy she had about her crushes. However, as luck would have it, one fine day all these letters get accidentally posted, to all the 5 guys, all at once.
Sounds super interesting, right? I mean for the readers, I am sure it’s like a major disaster for her. Anyway I am definitely going to be reading this series, and checking out the movie when it releases.
Link to Book | Link to Movie Trailer
Check Out: To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before — My Thoughts on The Book Vs The Movie
9. Dumplin (TBD / Dec 18 )
So a few years back, this book kept popping up on my Goodreads timeline, and all the reviews I saw were mostly positive, which naturally triggered my curiosity enough to look it up. The story seemed to revolve around this self-proclaimed fat girl Willowdean Dickson, who had always been extremely comfortable in her own skin (in-spite of all the extra weight she felt like she was carrying around). That is until she came across this really good looking guy Bo, who she took an instant liking to, and who seemed to like her back.
Now this relationship should have been great for her, and provided validation for her self assurance, but for some reason it had the exact opposite effect and she began to doubt herself. So much so that she felt the need to take back her confidence by doing the most horrifying thing she could imagine: enter a beauty pageant (along with several other unlikely candidates) to show the world that she deserved to be up there as much as any twiggy girl did.
The underlying message seemed to be about body positivity, so I was definitely interested in checking it out back then, however other books came along, and I forgot about this one. But now that it is being made into a movie, I definitely want to read the book first.
Link to Book | Link to Movie Trailer
10. Fahrenheit 451 (TBD / May 19 )
This was another book (like Ready Player One) that I only came across while I was researching books that fit into certain categories in the Bookish Bingo, and this was also a contender for the same category as Ready Player One – books set in the future.
Fahrenheit 451 is a dystopian novel, set in a future American society where books are outlawed and “firemen” burn any that are found (interesting definition of firemen, no?). The book’s tagline explains the title – Fahrenheit 451 – the temperature at which book paper catches fire and burns.
As a book lover/hoarder, I found the premise shocking yet also really intriguing, so I definitely wanted to read it, but again, there were just so many books to be read that this one slipped through the cracks and I never got around to actually picking it up. Anyway, since the movie is coming out now, I am sure that I will get to it before then, so all is well.
Link to Book | Link to Movie Trailer
That’s all from my end folks. I would love to hear from you. Have you read any of these books? Which movies are you the most eager to check out? Are there any movies that I’ve missed listing out here, that you are really looking forward to? Do share!
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Mithila Menezes
Ooh! Do read Where’d you go Bernadette? before it releases! I loved that book!
I must read Ready Player One and Fahrenheit 451 before the movie releases. And also, Dumplin’. The cover looks too cute ❤
Shanaya Tales
Right? I found the cover adorable too! I am currently reading Ready Player One, and it’s been an interesting read so far.
Shanaya Tales recently posted…February 2018 – The Month That Was #GratitudePost
lisa thomson
OMGosh, I have not read any of these, Shantala. I have a used copy of A Wrinkle In Time that I’ve been meaning to read. Now is the time. The film cast looks like a good one. Also, JK Rowling’s ‘new’ book is something I would likely enjoy. #5, #8 and #9 also ones I would probably enjoy! Thanks for the lists. It’s always better to read the book before seeing the film IMHO.
Shanaya Tales
Always, Lisa. Always. I hope you get a chance to read A Wrinkle in Time and also catch the movie. I am currently reading the book and cannot wait to see the movie.
Harry Potter is always a foregone conclusion for me – I just have to read/watch everything in that universe! 😀
Shanaya Tales recently posted…February 2018 – The Month That Was #GratitudePost
Gayathri
Damn looks like I have a lot to catch up on. I was mentally marking the books to be read ASAP and gave up entirely because every one of the book in the list is on my TBR and I can’t read them all ‘ASAP’. Love Simon might be on the top list though.
P.S You might check the Commentluv plugin, it doesnt seem to work for me.
Shanaya Tales
Oh that is the story of my life! I want to read about 100 books ASAP (not even exaggerating a little bit, the number is probably higher). Sigh.
P.S. I did check the comment luv settings, and nothing jumped out to me. What was the issue you were facing?
Shanaya Tales recently posted…February 2018 – The Month That Was #GratitudePost
Shilpa Garg
This is such a wonderful list. Two books from this list are on my TBR – Fahrenheit 451 and Simon and The Homo Sapiens Agenda. So would love to read and watch their movie adaptations too!
Shanaya Tales
I just finished reading Simon, and I adored it! Can’t wait to watch the movie! I am currently reading Ready Player One, but Fahrenheit 451 is on my list too, definitely going to read it before I see the movie!
Shanaya Tales recently posted…February 2018 – The Month That Was #GratitudePost
Ramya Abhinand
Fifty shades freed— I could not tolerate even the first book, dont think I would go for this. I have read Simon versus Homo sapiens. Eager to watch the film. Hope it does justice to the book.
Shanaya Tales
Yes, I totally get it. I am excited as well as nervous to see Love, Simon. Excited to finally see the story I love unfold on screen, and nervous because I don’t know if they will be able to do it justice.
Shanaya Tales recently posted…February 2018 – The Month That Was #GratitudePost
Shailaja Vishwanath
Am I the only one who is more excited about each of the books than the movies? I am so fascinated by your summaries of each (except of course the Fifty Shades one, which I have NO desire to read) that I am eager to buy them all right away on the KIndle. CONTROL, SHAILAJA!
The one about Simon and the one about Bernadette are especially something I think I’d enjoy. So let’s see.
As for the movies, I usually am not the first day, first show person so will be content to watch it when it comes on TV or something 😉 The books now… okay off to browse Amazon innocently.
Shanaya Tales
What is this innocent Amazon browsing you speak of? :O 😛
Shanaya Tales recently posted…February 2018 – The Month That Was #GratitudePost
Beat About the Book
This is an absolute gold mine. How on earth am I going to stick to my resolution and not buy these books? I’ve only read Simon and that’s a sweet simple love story. Bernadette has been on my TBR list for ever.
Shanaya Tales
I have given up on book buying ban kinda resolutions, life is too short to deprive myself. 😛
However I have gotten better at reading the books I do own before I buy more. As of now I am following a ‘read 3 before you buy 1 new book’ system, and so far it’s working well for me.
Shanaya Tales recently posted…February 2018 – The Month That Was #GratitudePost
Soumya
I feel ashamed to say that for a bibliophile I haven’t read any of these books. But knowing me, if I want to watch a movie and know that it is a book adaptation, I’d sit over night and read it. This might happen this year too 🙂
Shanaya Tales
Same here. I always try to read first, even if I have to binge read the book a couple of days before I catch the movie. 😀
And oh don’t fret about not having read these books – there are just too many good books, and not nearly enough time to read them all. 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…February 2018 – The Month That Was #GratitudePost
Esha
Quite an exhaustive list, Shantala! I’ll bookmark your post and come back to it when I’m looking for noteworthy names from that list. Thanks for sharing.
Shanaya Tales
You are very welcome. I am so glad you found the compilation helpful. 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…February 2018 – The Month That Was #GratitudePost
Geethica
Hey Shanaya, I am also a big fan of books turned into movies. Sometimes back I watched Twilight one part then bought the book and concluded that emotions are well expressed in books. Especially for book lovers like us, every paragraph is automatically changed into a scene. So it is always book cum movie for me.
Shanaya Tales
Haha! That is true. For folks like us, who have a very vivid imagination, reading is like TV in our heads anyway! 😛
Shanaya Tales recently posted…February 2018 – The Month That Was #GratitudePost
PhenoMenon
The only movie which came close or better than the book was Godfather. Sadly I do not like movies from books. However the list itself is interesting. Thanks for that. he wrinkle in time seems like my type of book
Shanaya Tales
That’s cool. I hope you get to read it, and watch it soon! 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…February 2018 – The Month That Was #GratitudePost
Rajlakshmi
Seriously these titles are unknown to me. I don’t even know how you find such variety of books. I stick with the same ol mystery and murder. I liked the story line of Dumplin and the one about love letters being sent out. Something new to add to my list ?
Shanaya Tales
Yay! Always happy to help with book suggestions and recommendations! 😀
Shanaya Tales recently posted…February 2018 – The Month That Was #GratitudePost
Mybookjacket
I’m most excited for Bernadette, Asians and Fantastic Beasts. It’s going to be so good! I hope to god they actually use Asians though and not a bunch of white people.
Shanaya Tales
I think they will, considering people are more sensible about diversity representation these days. But of-course you never know. Have you read the book yet? I am yet to get to it, so I am curious about this series.
Shanaya Tales recently posted…February 2018 – The Month That Was #GratitudePost
Lata Sunil
Its quite a list. I plan to read some of these. But, I am done with fantasy and YA. Anything else, I will check.
Shanaya Tales
Happy reading! 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…February 2018 – The Month That Was #GratitudePost
shalini baisiwala
What a thorough list Shantala – this is pretty impressive. You really pick up some offbeat books and I loved th eone about the girl who wrote love letters! I dont think I will be reading any of these yet – but will watch out for the movies. Your synopsis of every book is just fantastic!
Shanaya Tales
Thank you Shalini. So glad you liked the compilation. 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…February 2018 – The Month That Was #GratitudePost
Pratikshya Mishra
I knew about some of the books mentioned, but the last few are new to me… 2018 would be such a bookish treat…
Shanaya Tales
Oh yes, it definitely promises to be just that. 😀
Shanaya Tales recently posted…February 2018 – The Month That Was #GratitudePost
Suja aka Sindhuja Kumar
Wow, The books you mentioned is really intriguing. Wrinkle in time interests me more than the other books you listed. I am adding it to my list. Thank for sharing.
Shanaya Tales
Thank you so much. Glad you found the list helpful.