Savvy Summer Reading Series: Now As Movies/T.V.
For part two of our Best Summer Reading Series, we bring you 5 books that are now movies or T.V. We think reading is savvy, so try checking these out before a Netflix binge and compare how much more detail and nuance you get from the books. We’re sure you won’t be disappointed!
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
Quick rundown: This is the tale of two sisters in Nazi-occupied France and how they find courage to resist the atrocities surrounding them by hiding Jewish children and assisting Allied pilots whose planes have been shot down. Christina Baker Kline, #1 New York Times bestselling author calls it, "haunting, action-packed, and compelling."
Why we love it: This is for anyone who loves historical fiction. WWII was a time of great loss, abrupt changes in lives, and extreme and difficult challenges. Sound familiar? This book reminds us that there is always hope and good in humanity can never be extinguished by the bad. Just don’t be surprised if you shed a tear.
The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt
Quick rundown: The Goldfinch tells the story of how a pivotal and tragic experience of a young boy, Theodore Decker forever changes his life. You follow him as he grows up and how he clings to something he acquired during that fateful day throughout - a picture of a tiny bird chained to its perch.
Why we love it: Donna Tartt is masterful at bringing Theodore’s experiences to life. As a resident New Yorker for almost a decade, the sites and sounds sprang from the page and it was as if we were there walking the streets and witnessing the catastrophe that occurred. You won’t be able to put down this coming-of-age tale.
Shadow and Bone (The Shadow and Bone Trilogy) by Leigh Bardugo
Quick rundown: Follow Alina Starkov as she is suddenly attacked in her war-ravaged country and discovers dormant power within her. Can this power be the key to peace, and can she confront what comes with becoming a member of the magical elite?
Why we love it: Two words: fantasy trilogy. Bustle describes it as, “the best magic universe since Harry Potter" and we can’t agree more!
The Outsider by Stephen King
Quick rundown: An eleven-year-old boy's violated corpse is found in a town park and one of Flint City’s most popular citizens, Little League coach Terry Maitland is found to be the main suspect. But as the investigation unfolds, it is not as straightforward as what police initially believed and horrifying answers begin to emerge.
Why we love it: Suspense, intrigue, and plot twists galore, Stephen King doesn’t disappoint with this page-turner. You’ll be on the edge of your seat trying to guess “whodunit” right up until the end.
Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng
Quick rundown: Little Fires Everywhere “tells the story of Elena Richardson, a woman who thrives on structure and rules, and her family. When Mia Warren, an artist who has been living a nomadic lifestyle as a single mother with her daughter, Pearl, arrives in town, it threatens everything that Mrs. Richardson has known. Slowly, Mia becomes the enemy of Mrs. Richardson. Meanwhile, in another part of town, close friends of the Richardsons have adopted a Chinese-American baby, which results in a custody battle. When a fire breaks out in the Richardson home, the town is buzzing with their ideas on who the suspect is.”
Why we love it: Celeste Ng’s masterful character development allows her to bring to the forefront relevant topics that are thought provoking and deserve to be addressed. It “explores the weight of secrets, the nature of art and identity, and the ferocious pull of motherhood – and the danger of believing that following the rules can avert disaster.”
You can purchase all of the recommended titles from Amazon at the links above. Happy reading and let us know what you think about them in the comments below.
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