You would have to be living under a rock to miss the hype surrounding Christopher Nolan’s adaptation of Homer’s The Odyssey. Not only is there top-tier casting, but also the vibrant, big-budget settings are compelling audiences to hit the theatre in droves. As a result, we are also seeing a significant spike in the number of people reading one of the many versions of these classic books. Furthermore, this renewed interest in the source material is likely to inspire even more adaptations in the future.
This leads to my next piece of advice:
- Read books that have become adaptations.
The order in which you consume this material is not important. For instance, some people prefer reading a book before seeing the big or little screen adaptations. They feel that doing so heightens the experience by adding visual context and a deeper understanding of the story. Additionally, it can also introduce you to new genres that you weren’t quite ready to sample. In fact, a two-hour movie is easier to digest than a book that could take days. Thus, whether you start with the book or the movie, the choice ultimately enhances your overall enjoyment.
However, others prefer reading a book afterwards, which can fill in holes around character motivations, thought processes, as well as the little details that might not translate easily into a different medium.
But be warned! There is no guarantee that an adaptation will be true to the source material, and those loyal to the book can be extremely disappointed in the final product.
Good adaptations should have vibrant settings, a fun cast of characters, or an interesting twist. The books below would be perfect! And check out this list of book adaptations that are coming out this year.
Three Books I Hope Become Adaptations
Henry Tudor Must Die by Jillian Laine
Catalina should be dead. At least that is what Anne Boleyn believes when she receives a visit from her rival on the eve of her beheading. While Anne has her magic, Lina has the support of a clandestine and powerful society that wants to keep them both alive…and eliminate all the men who have plotted against them.
Vera Stein is Fine by Julie Murphy
Vera likes to play it safe. For years, she has cared for her dying mother and managed her boss’s ego, resulting in her missing out on love and fame. However, after losing everything, she unexpectedly finds herself with her grandmother at the Starlight Palms Living Center. A retirement facility for industry professionals. Here, she discovers new purpose and the potential for rekindled love, possibly leading her to the Hollywood ending she has always dreamed of.
Years after they broke up, Henry is a married father running the family business, and Faye is one half of a powerful producing couple in Hollywood. Success that may have come from her starring in and writing a hit episode of television based on their vicious breakup. After attending the funeral of an old professor they both loved, Faye suddenly wakes up in Henry’s remote cabin, captive and looking for answers.
New Releases For August
If you are interested in knowing more about the above books, check out my latest post over on Substack and subscribe.
Then don’t forget to check out my previous lessons to help your reading life below.
- It’s okay to give up on a book if you just aren’t into it.
- Try a new genre.
- Audiobooks are still books.
- Do a buddy read.
- Have a book handy everywhere and anywhere.
- Track Your Reading.
- Join a Book Club.
- Join a reading challenge.
- Listen to Book Podcasts
- Try shorter books, novellas, or books of short stories.
- Read multiple books at once
- Browse Bookstores and Libraries
- Browse Reading Lists
- Do a Slow Read
- Go to an author event or listen to an interview with an author.
- Take a reading break
- Create the perfect space for reading