Books are regularly being adapted to the big screen in order to bring story's, characters and exciting new worlds to life through film.
Whether you love (or hate!) to watch them, it's always an interesting experience comparing the source material to the screen adaptation. We've created a specially curated list of books that are set to have a movie adaptation released this year - add them to your reading list now, sit back and enjoy the movie later!
Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
Project Hail Mary will guarantee you a gripping science fiction read featuring discovery, survival and mystery. This popular read has since been adapted into a film featuring Ryan Gosling as lead – and it’s already hit the big screens! So, if there’s one book to pick up first, we recommend this one!
Currently available as Book Express!
You can also find copies in the general collection, as an eBook (Libby), eAudio (BorrowBox), Audiobook (MP3 or CD), and as Large Print.
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
Tova, an elderly widow, forms an unlikely bond with Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus living at the aquarium she works night shifts at – leading to a life-changing discovery and series of events that may bring her joy and wonder once again. Shelby Van Pelts' book is a gentle exploration of friendship, hope and being open to new possibilities in our future despite our difficult pasts. Grab a copy of this book soon, the film adaptation is set to be released in May!
Coming soon to our Book Express shelves! Also available from the general collection, eAudio (Libby), and as an eBook (Libby).
The Odyssey by Homer
Widely regarded as one of the finest works of literature in the Western canon, Homer's Odyssey is a masterpiece of classical epic poetry to dive into before the highly anticipated film adaptation is released in July. Directed by Christopher Nolan, and starring a broad range of talented actors, we’re excited to see this classic piece of literature full of suspense and drama brought to life through film!
There are various translations of The Odyssey in our collection: translated by E. V. Rieu, translated by Emily Wilson (also available as an eBook), eAudio (narrated by Ian McKellen!), and a translation by Alexander Pope also available as an eBook.
![Klara and the Sun [electronic resource]](/media/5pplqhtr/klara-and-the-sun.png)
Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro
Klara is an Artificial Friend, a solar-powered, highly observational robot designed to accompany children. Ishiguro explores relevant conversations and questions surrounding AI, and what it means to be human in a technologically advanced, dystopian America. The film adaptation directed by Taika Waititi, starring Jenna Ortega as Klara, is set to be released later this year, so there’s plenty of time to explore this book before the movie releases!
Find it in the collection here, also available as Large Print, eAudio (Libby or BorrowBox).
The Dog Stars by Peter Heller
The Dog Stars is a hopeful, post-apocalyptic story that follows our main character Hig – set to be played by Jacob Elordi – living primarily in isolation with the exception of his stand-offish neighbour, his dog, and beloved Cessna aeroplane. With very few people left in the world, a mysterious message heard through the radio from another pilot leaves Hig unable to ignore the possibility of who or what he might discover...
The Dog Stars has been directed by Ridely Scott and is set to be released in August this year – a must read before it hits the big screen!
Find it in the collection here.
Anxious People by Fredrik Backman
Looking at real estate isn't usually a life-or-death situation, but an apartment open house becomes just that when a failed bank robber bursts in and takes the group of apartment viewers hostage. What follows is a series of increasingly bizarre and humorous events as this group must ally together; each of them carries a lifetime of grievances, hurts, secrets, and passions that are ready to boil over.
We’re looking forward to the chaos and comedy of Anxious People hitting cinemas this year! But why not have a laugh ahead of time and read the source material first!
Find it in the collection here, also available as Large Print, and as an eBook (Libby).
The Book of Magic by Alice Hoffman
The Book of Magic, or more popularly recognizable as ‘Practical Magic’, is the story that inspired the beloved film starring Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock. The Book of Magic continues to explore the generational troubles and challenges of the Owens family, how far the family will go to protect themselves, and what they’re willing to sacrifice for love.
Practical Magic 2 is set to be released later this year, so there’s plenty of time to catch up on this whimsical series!
Find it in the collection here, also available as Large Print.
Here’s a couple of anticipated releases to go see with the whole family!
The Magic Faraway Tree by Enid Blyton
A long-standing adored classic in children's literature, The Magic Faraway Tree will probably already be in cinemas by the time you are reading this! We guess this title is one already read by many, but there are many stories within this world by Enid Blyton to be enjoyed by young and adult readers alike.
There are many different collections for The Magic Faraway Tree, start browsing here!
Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew by C. S. Lewis
Another highly regarded and popular children’s series, the Chronicles of Narnia, is set to have another film added to the franchise by the end of this year. Directed by Greta Gerwig, we look forward to seeing the earlier part of this series adapted to the big screen!
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If you're a film buff and love exploring world cinema, old classics and even some amazing popular contemporary releases - don't forget to check out Kanopy for free access to TV shows and movies with YPRL!