I love page-to-screen adaptations. Each year I research the books that are becoming films (and shows) so I can attempt to read them all. I’ve made an ongoing rule for myself: “read it before you see it”. So, here are the next 20 page-to-screen books I want to read.
I’m writing this post for fun… I’m not an authority on page-to-screen adaptations, I’m just a girl who likes to read and watch films. Please, keep in mind that the information in this post is subject to change, especially for projects that are still in the early stages of production. This list includes all the relevant information I could gather, as of Thursday, July 12, 2018.
Book order is based on film/series release date;
Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn
About the Book: Fresh from a brief stay at a psychiatric hospital, reporter Camille Preaker faces a troubling assignment: she must return to her tiny hometown to cover a series of violent murders.
Mini-Series Information: Amy Adams (American Hustle, Justice League) is playing the role of Camille. You can watch the trailer for this show, currently airing.
Mini-Series Release Date: July 8, 2018. This mini-series is currently airing on HBO.
Why I Want to Read It: I bought this book in 2015, after I read Dark Places and Gone Girl (also by Gillian Flynn). I planned to start reading it immediately, but never did: I heard that mental illness was a big part of the book, and it intimidated me. However, I want to watch the show, so I’m overcoming my fears and reading the book first. I’m currently 38 pages in, and I really like it.
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows
About the Book: January 1946, Writer Juliet Ashton is looking for her next book subject. She finds it in a letter from a man she’s never met, a native of the island of Guernsey. As Juliet and her new correspondent exchange letters, Juliet is drawn into the world of this man and his friends—and what a wonderfully eccentric world it is.
Film Information: The film will star Glen Powell (Hidden Figures), Lily James (Cinderella, Baby Driver), Matthew Goode (Watchmen, The Imitation Game). This film will be posted to Netflix. A trailer has been posted.
Film Release Date: August 10, 2018.
Why I Want to Read It: The trailer for the film is lovely. Juliet seems like a darling woman who I would love to be friends with.
You by Caroline Kepnes
About the Book: When a beautiful, aspiring writer (Guinevere Beck) strides into the East Village bookstore where Joe Goldberg works, he does what anyone would do: he Googles the name on her credit card. Online he learns everything he needs to know about her. Moving from stalker to boyfriend, Joe transforms himself into Beck’s perfect man, all while quietly removing the obstacles that stand in their way — even if it means murder.
Series Information: This series will star Penn Badly (Easy A, John Tucker Must Die), Elizabeth Lail (Once Upon a Time), and Shay Mitchell (Pretty Little Liars), also with John Stamos. A trailer has been posted for this series.
Series Release Date: September 9, 2018, on Lifetime
Why I want to Read It: The book synopsis really intrigues me. It seems like an edge-of-your-seat-thriller, and I feel like I could really get into it. I also like books where the reader knows more than the main character.
The House with a Clock in Its Walls by John Bellairs
About the Book: A gothic horror children’s novel, published in 1973. A young orphan named Lewis Barnavelt aids his magical uncle in locating a clock with the power to bring about the end of the world.
Film Information: The film is being directed by Eli Roth (Cabin Fever, Inglourious Basterds). Cate Blanchett (The Aviator, Thor: Ragnarok), Jack Black (School of Rock), and Kyle MacLachlan (Twin Peaks, Desperate Housewives) are starring in this film, with Owen Vaccaro (Daddy’s Home). A trailer for this film has been posted.
Film Release Date: September 21, 2018
Why I Want to Read It: Eli Roth is one of my favorite directors. So, I’ll watch/read anything that he is directing.
Venom: Lethal Protector by David Michelinie and Mark Bagley
About the Comic Book: This 1993 6-issue mini-series established Eddie Brock’s origin story. In this series, Eddie Brock and his symbiotic “other” have decided to turn over a new leaf and become a hero.
Film Information: The film will be titled Venom. It will focus on Eddie Brock (played by Tom Hardy), who acquires the powers of a symbiote. Eddie will have to release his alter-ego, “Venom”, to save his life. A trailer has been posted for this film.
Film Release Date: October, 5 2018
Why I want to Read It: I’m aware that this film won’t fit the mold of any previously written comic book, bit I’m very excited for the film… and I want to read a comic book in preparation.
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
About the Book: The story of young Starr Carter, who witnesses her best friend being killed at the hands of a police officer.
Film Information: Amandla Sternberg (Hunger Games, Everything Everything) is starring in this film, as Starr. With Anthony Mackie (Avengers, Detroit). A trailer for this film has been posted.
Film Release Date: October 19, 2018.
Why I Want to Read It: There is a lot going on in the world that I don’t understand, but I want to learn. I feel that reading the first-hand accounts of people will allow me to broaden my understanding. Plus, I love Amandla Sternberg and Anthony Mackie.
Miles Morales: Ultimate Spider-Man by Brian Michael Bendis
About the Comic Book: Miles Morales (son of an African-American father and a Puerto Rican mother) has to assume the role of Spider-Man after the passing of Peter Parker.
Film Information: The film will be titled Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. In the film Spider-Man crosses parallel dimensions and teams up with the Spider-Men of those dimensions to stop a threat to all reality. A trailer for this film has been posted.
Film Release Date: December 14, 2018.
Why I Want to Read It: It’s Spider-Man — for me, that’s reason enough. Spider-Man is awesome, and I’m super excited that Miles is getting some attention.
The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein
About the Book: The story of a dog’s efforts to hold together his family in the face of a divisive custody battle, as told by the dog.
Film Information: Milo Ventimiglia (This is Us) and Amanda Seyfried (Mean Girls, Mamma Mia!) are staring in this film. The film will focus on a dog named Enzo, as he recalls the life lessons he has learned from his race car driving owner, Denny.
Film Release Date: TBD, currently filming.
Why I Want to Read It: I love dog books, especially when the dog is narrating. My husband bought this book for me (years ago) and I’ve never gotten around to reading it. I’m shocked that I haven’t read it before now; dogs and race cars — it seems perfect!
Looking for Alaska by John Green
About the Book: A new student arrives to a boarding school and meets a young girl named Alaska. During his time getting to know and understand her he slowly falls in love with her. But through his time with her, he finds out that her life isn’t as perfect as he thought.
Mini-Series Information: I’ve heard that the screenplay is being adapted by the same team who adapted The Fault in Our Stars (also by John Green).
Mini-Series Release Date: TBD, said to be released as a TV mini-series.
Why I Want to Read It: I love John Green. When he writes a book, I read it. When that book becomes a film (or in this case, a mini-series) I reread the book before viewing.
Into the Water by Paula Hawkins
About the Book: In the last days before her death, Nel called her sister. Jules didn’t pick up the phone, ignoring her plea for help. Now Nel is dead. They say she jumped. And Jules has been dragged back to the one place she hoped she had escaped for good, to care for the teenage girl her sister left behind. But Jules is afraid. Most of all she’s afraid of the water, and the place they call the Drowning Pool.
Film Information: Paula Hawkins (the book’s author) will be an executive producer.
Film Release Date: Release TBD, film listed as “in development”.
Why I Want to Read It: I read The Girl on the Train (also by Paula Hawkins) and really liked it; I found the female characters very relatable. Therefore, I started reading Into the Water last summer; I made it half-way through, then stopped due to book-related-nightmares. However, a year has passed, and I’m super curious to find out what happens in the book, so I’m planning to revisit it.
The Bell Jar by Silvia Plath
About the Book: Sylvia Plath’s shocking, realistic, and intensely emotional novel about a woman falling into the grip of insanity.
Film Information: Kirsten Dunst (Spider-Man, Interview with the Vampire) will be playing Esther Greenwood, young woman who finds her life spiraling out of control as she struggles with mental illness. Bel Powley (Broadway) is also rumored to be in the film.
Film Release Date: TBD, film is in pre-production.
Why I Want to Read It: I’m a mental health blogger and advocate, therefore, I feel like this is a required re-reading for me. I see this book differently each time I read it, I’m interested to see how I interpret it this time around. Additionally, I saw Bel Powley in Lobby Hero on Broadway and I absolutely fell in love with her.
The Minds of Billy Milligan by Daniel Keyes
About the Book: It’s the true story of Billy Milligan, the first defendant in the US law system to use multiple personality disorder as a defense.
Film Information: The film adaptation will be titled The Crowded Room. It is believed that Leonardo DiCaprio will produce the film, and possibly star as Milligan.
Film Release Date: TBD, film listed as “in development”.
Why I Want to Read It: The case is fascinating, and I like reading true-story-books before I watch the film. Plus, Leonardo DiCaprio.
The Husband’s Secret by Liane Moriarty
About the Book: Cecilia’s husband wrote a letter that was to be opened after his death. The letter contained his deepest, darkest secret. Cecilia stumbles across the letter while her husband is still alive. The letter changes everything, and not just for Cecilia: Rachel and Tess barely know Cecilia – or each other – but they too are about to feel the earth-shattering repercussions of her husband’s secret.
Film Information: Blake Lively (The Shallows, The Age of Adeline) will star as Cecelia.
Film Release Date: TBD, this film is officially announced.
Why I Want to Read It: This book seems like a rollercoaster of scandal, mystery, and emotion… cool, right? Plus, I feel like this film will be awesome; it is following the success of Big Little Lies, so I think it will be polished and really well-done.
The Rules of Inheritance by Claire Tidwell Smith
About the Book: A memoir about a young woman (Claire) who loses her family but finds herself in the process. Claire’s story is a remarkable lesson on how to overcome some of life’s greatest hardships.
Film Information: There is talk that Jennifer Lawrence (Silver Linings Playbook) will star in the film adaptation as Claire.
Film Release Date: TBD, film listed as “in development”.
Why I Want to Read It: Initially I wanted to read this book because Jennifer Lawrence was rumored to be in the film. However, after reading the synopsis I realized that I would read this book even it wasn’t a film. It sounds pretty awesome; the tale of a young woman overcoming hardships – sign me up!
The Mothers by Brit Bennett
About the Book: Set within a contemporary black community in Southern California, this book tells a story about community, love, and ambition. It begins with a secret, and shows how the secret impacts the characters throughout their lives.
Film Information: Kerry Washington (Scandal) will produce the film.
Film Release Date: TBD, film listed as “in development”.
Why I Want to Read It: I’m skeptical about reading this book, but my skepticism is the reason I want to read it. I’m skeptical because the book focuses so heavily on abortion, and the emotional aftermath that it causes. I fear that it will be an overly emotional read. However, I’ve heard amazing things about this book; and Brit Bennett’s writing style. So, I’m going to push myself to try a book that is outside my comfort-zone.
All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven
About the Book: A story about a girl (Violet) who learns to live from a boy (Finch) who intends to die. Theodore Finch is fascinated by death, and he constantly thinks of ways he might kill himself. But each time, something good, no matter how small, stops him. Violet Markey lives for the future, counting the days until graduation, when she can escape her Indiana town and her aching grief in the wake of her sister’s recent death. When Finch and Violet meet on the ledge of the bell tower at school, it’s unclear who saves whom.
Film Information: The film will star Elle Fanning (Maleficent). Jennifer Niven (the book’s author) will be adapting the screenplay.
Film Release Date: TBD, the script is being written.
Why I Want to Read It: I typically try to avoid books that discuss suicide. However, while reading the book’s synopsis I landed on a phrase that made me want to read this one; Finch wants to kill himself but, “something good, no matter how small, stops him”. It seems like this book is going to be hopeful, I hope.
In a Dark, Dark Wood by Ruth Ware
About the Book: When reclusive writer Leonora is invited to the English countryside for a weekend away, she reluctantly agrees to make the trip. But as the first night falls, revelations unfold among friends old and new, an unnerving memory shatters Leonora’s reserve, and a haunting realization creeps in: the party is not alone in the woods.
Film Information: This film is being produced by Reese Witherspoon (Big Little Lies, Wild).
Film Release Date: TBD, film listed as “in development”.
Why I Want to Read It: The cover of this book initially pulled me in, it just looks cool. But the concept of a “reclusive writer” that is reluctant to attend social gatherings sounds perfect. Actually, it almost sounds like a synopsis of me.
The Sun Is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon
About the Book: A young woman, Natasha, falls in love in New York City… just before she and her family are set to be deported back to Jamaica.
Film Information: The project has begun filming. The film will star Yara Shahid (Black-ish, Grown-ish) and Charles Melton (Riverdale).
Film Release Date: TBD, filming.
Why I Want to Read It: I enjoyed the book and film adaptation of Everything, Everything (also by Nicola Yoon). Once I like an author, I normally stick with them.
The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion
About the Book: Don Tillman, a professor of genetics who may suffer from Aspergers, has never been on a second date until he embarks upon The Wife Project, designing a questionnaire to help him find the perfect partner: a punctual, non-drinking, non-smoking female who will fit in with his regimented lifestyle. When the unorthodox and free-spirited Rosie appears on the scene, it is clear that she fits none of his selection criteria, but she still may just be the perfect match to help turn his life around.
Film Information: There are rumors that Ryan Reynolds (Deadpool) may star in this film.
Film Release Date: TBD, film listed as “in development”.
Why I Want to Read It: Ryan Reynolds, duh. But seriously, this book sounds absolutely delightful… Ryan Reynolds would be a huge plus, though.
A Dogs Way Home by W. Bruce Cameron
About the Book: A dog travels 400 miles in search of her owner.
Film Information: W. Bruce Cameron (book author) and Cathryn Michon (author’s wife, and talented actor/writer) are doing the screenplay for the film. Alexandra Shipp (X-Men, Love Simon), Ashley Judd (Double Jeopardy), and Edward James Olmos (Battlestar Galactica, Dexter) will star in this film.
Film Release Date: TBD, this film is in post-production.
Why I Want to Read It: I loved reading A Dog’s Purpose, it was an absolutely delightful book. I also like the fact that W. Bruce Cameron and Cathryn Michon are so hands-on with the books and films. I love dog books.
Conclusion:
Have you read any of these books? If so, what did you think? Are you planning on reading any of them? If so, which ones? Is there a page-to-screen adaptation that you are looking forward to that I didn’t mention? If so, tell me about it. Comment on this post.
I hope you read a few of these books, and enjoy yourself.
Sincerely, the Uncustomary Housewife.
Uncustomary Housewife 
I loved the Hate U Give!
What a fantastic goal! I must admit I am really bad about reading the books before watching the movies. That’s something I’ll have to improve on. XOXO.
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This is a great list of books! It’s a wonderful goal, thanks for sharing
Thank you, so much, for reading. I appreciate it.
What a great list! I’m currently reading The Hate U Give and enjoying it, I feel it’s an important for everyone. And good luck with All the Bright Places, Finch is the most relatable character ever for me and it’s one of my favourite books… it’s going to hurt reading it though so good luck. You’re going to need it badly.