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The “original” Netflix Originals
Here’s a long list of the books that inspired some of the best Netflix content.
Published on May 2, 2024
Fool Me Once
Harlan CobenMaya’s husband is captured on nanny cam footage — the same husband who was recently murdered. You’ll be fooled at least twice in this thriller from Coben, who makes sure you viscerally feel Maya’s struggles as she pieces together what’s going on. “Fool Me Once” is yet another in a growing list of Coben novels adapted into Netflix series.
My Life With The Walter Boys
Ali NovakAfter losing her parents, Jackie’s very orderly world is thrown into disarray when she moves in with family friends — who have 11 rambunctious sons. While dealing with noise, messiness, and pranks, she also finds herself in the midst of a love triangle. Novak’s YA tale about starting over inspired a Netflix Original series, which premiered in December 2023 and has already been renewed for a second season.
A Daughter's Deadly Deception: The Jennifer Pan Story
Jeremy GrimaldiThe Pans were a hard-working Vietnamese Canadian couple who had a clear vision for their daughter Jennifer. Everything seemed to be going perfectly, until one night in late 2010, when shots rang out at the Pan home, unraveling a web of lies that shook their Toronto neighborhood to its core. Written by crime journalist Grimaldi, this riveting and gut-wrenching account of Jennifer Pan’s deadly actions inspired a 2024 Netflix documentary called “What Jennifer Did.”
All the Light We Cannot See: A Novel
Anthony DoerrNetflix brought “All the Light We Cannot See” to the screen in a limited series adaptation. Doerr’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel follows the twin narratives of Marie-Laure, a blind French girl, and Werner, a German orphan recruited to the military, at the height of WWII. Directed by Shawn Levy of “Stranger Things” fame, the Netflix series will star Aria Mia Loberti, Mark Ruffalo, and Hugh Laurie.
The Killer Omnibus Vol. 1
MatzMatz’s graphic novel series (translated from the original French) follows an unnamed assassin as he grapples with the dangers of his job and the meaning — or lack thereof — of life. David Fincher directs the film adaptation, while Michael Fassbender stars as the Killer. The movie will have a limited theatrical run in late October before streaming on Netflix in November.
Survival of the Thickest: Essays
Michelle ButeauButeau’s hilarious essay collection reveals the less-than-glamorous road to making it in showbiz. Make it she did, though, as seen by her roles in Netflix titles like “Always Be My Maybe,” “Russian Doll,” and “Tales of the City.” Now, she’s getting her own series with a Netflix adaptation of “Survival of the Thickest,” streaming since July 13.
Queen Charlotte: Before the Bridgertons came the love story that changed the ton...
Julia QuinnQuinn brought us the blockbuster books, and Rhimes brought us the sensational Netflix series adaptation. Together, they deliver the backstory every “Bridgerton” fan has been waiting for. “Queen Charlotte” follows young Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz as she marries King George III and learns to navigate her new royal position — all decades before she becomes the formidable figure who rules the ton we know and love. The Shondaland series by the same name is streaming on Netflix.
To All the Boys I've Loved Before
Jenny HanHan’s teen romance streamed right into our living rooms — and our hearts — as a Netflix Original movie in 2018. It also inspired a 2023 spinoff series called “XO, Kitty.” Fall in love with the source material (and again with Peter Kavinsky) in this sweet and funny fan-favorite novel.
Nimona: A Netflix Film
ND StevensonStevenson’s “Nimona” shines for its original storytelling and feminist slant. It’s also seen quite the evolution, from web comic to graphic novel to Netflix Original movie voiced by Chloë Grace Moretz, Eugene Lee Yang, and RuPaul. The story explores good versus evil (and the gray area between them) as punk shape shifter Nimona teams up with Lord Ballister Blackheart to expose dark agendas at the Institution of Law Enforcement and Heroics.
The Lying Life of Adults: A Novel
Elena FerranteFerrante’s emotionally fraught coming-of-age novels translate beautifully to the screen, as seen in previous works like “My Brilliant Friend” and “The Lost Daughter.” “The Lying Life of Adults” follows Giovanna, a young Neopolitan girl who, spurred by a cruel remark from her father, attempts to bond with an estranged aunt. Her journey brings two starkly different sides of Naples to light.
The Night Agent: A Novel
Matthew QuirkFBI Agent Peter Sutherland receives a shocking tip about Russian spies in the White House, sending him on a high-octane mission to uncover the truth, protect the nation, and redeem his disgraced father (a former FBI agent wrongly accused of treason). Quirk’s political thriller (perfect for fans of the “Jason Bourne” franchise) is a Netflix Original series.
Wellmania: Extreme Misadventures in the Search for Wellness
Brigid DelaneyAn Australian journalist chronicles her attempts to break away from unhealthy habits through clean eating, exercise, and mindfulness. “Wellmania” is a memoir of escapades more than a self-help book, highlighting Delaney’s attempts to rid herself of toxins, cellulite, and negativity with hilarious anecdotes that skewer the misleading (and classist) nature of the wellness industry. Netflix adapted this nonfiction book into a comedy series by the same name.
Leave the World Behind: A Novel
Rumaan AlamA simple premise belies the provocative racial themes that unfold in this slow-burn thriller and National Book Award nominee. A white Brooklyn family renting a luxurious house in the Hamptons receives an unexpected visit from an older Black couple claiming to be the homeowners returning from vacation. The Netflix film adaptation slated for December 2023 stars Julia Roberts, Mahershala Ali, and Ethan Hawke.
The Fall of the House of Usher
Edgar Allan PoePoe’s gothic short story follows a narrator to the decaying home of his childhood friend, Roderick Usher, where a series of macabre events leads to an eerie conclusion. The upcoming Netflix miniseries adaptation is brought to life by Mike Flanagan, the creator of several other book-to-screen adaptations in the horror genre (including Stephen King’s “Gerald’s Game” and Shirley Jackon’s “The Haunting of Hill House”).
A Man Called Ove: A Novel
Fredrik BackmanSmalltown curmudgeon Ove is a man of staunch principles, strict routines, and terrible anger — all a coverup for true sorrow and loss. The book explores the comical and heartwarming relationship between Ove and his ill-fated new neighbors. While we can’t quite imagine the lovable Tom Hanks as a curmudgeon, he stars in this book’s film adaptation titled “A Man Called Otto,” streaming on Netflix.
The Pale Blue Eye: A Novel
Louis BayardRetired detective Gus Landor is called to investigate the murder of a West Point cadet in 1830. Landor enlists the help of another cadet, Edgar Allan Poe, to gather insider information, but Poe becomes embroiled with the victim’s family, risking the investigation. Bayard’s dark and clever mystery spins an intricate (though fictional) backstory for Poe and his eventual body of gothic literature. If you missed it in theaters, watch the film adaptation starring Christian Bale and Gillian Anderson on Netflix.
From Scratch: A Memoir of Love, Sicily, and Finding Home
Tembi LockeActress Locke (“Eureka,” “Sliders”) offers a moving (and mouth-watering) memoir of love worth fighting for, heartbreak, and the healing power of food. This book will have you longing to share steaming Sicilian dishes with your soulmate — perhaps while you watch the Netflix series adaptation starring Zoe Saldaña (“Guardians of the Galaxy”).
The Midnight Club
Christopher PikeTerminal teens, all living out their final weeks at a youth hospice, meet every evening to share eerie stories. Then, the group makes a pact: Whoever dies first must contact the others from the beyond. The main story is peppered with shorter tales told by each character, delivering a smorgasbord of frights and themes. The Netflix series dropped just in time for Halloween 2022.
Shadow and Bone
Leigh BardugoThis young adult fantasy series became the talk of the town thanks to its Netflix adaptation and #BookTok. The meteoric rise of Alina Starkov from overlooked orphan to heroic Sun Summoner has been great to witness, and Bardugo’s series is full of emotional twists, surprising turns, and relatable side characters to fall in love with.
The Three-Body Problem
Cixin LiuStarting from 1967 but spanning decades, Liu’s trilogy opener blends sci-fi, mystery, and political commentary. The tightly wound plot covers everything from alien invasion to China’s Cultural Revolution in a labyrinth of shocking reveals. The series adaptation is in post production, with Netflix confirming a 2023 release.
Uglies
Scott WesterfeldWesterfeld’s novel is a scathing, nuanced takedown of the price we pay for unrealistic beauty standards. Transforming into a Pretty comes at a high cost — perhaps too high for young protagonists Tally and Shay. Read the shocking (and sometimes troubling) twists and turns before they hit the screen as a Netflix original movie.
Luckiest Girl Alive: A Novel
Jessica KnollHumiliated as a teen, Ani spent years crafting the perfect, enviable life — but it’s built on a dark secret that could destroy everything. This fashionista’s “Gone Girl,” with just as much satirical observation about modern femininity and a lot more pop culture flare, inspired a Netflix Original film starring Mila Kunis, Jennifer Beals, and Connie Britton.
Persuasion
Jane AustenAusten’s “Persuasion” often plays second fiddle to her other works, like “Pride and Prejudice” and “Emma.” But it’s safe to say this second-chance romance about Regency spinster Anne Elliot is having a breakout moment, because there are two movie adaptations in the works at the same time. Netflix’s more modern take stars Dakota Johnson (“Fifty Shades of Grey”).
The School for Good and Evil: Now a Netflix Originals Movie
Soman ChainaniThe premise of this middle grade series is immediately compelling: Two children are taken to the titular school each year, and are taught to be either good or evil. But when Sophie and Agatha attend, they’re not assigned the expected classes, calling into question who they really are and what is the true nature of good and evil. The film adaptation is available to stream on Netflix.
Pieces of Her: A Novel
Karin SlaughterThis standalone from master of suspense Slaughter (yes, that is her given last name) inspired an upcoming Netflix series starring Toni Collette and Bella Heathcote. In the novel, 31-year-old Andrea finds out that her mother, Laura, is a completely different person than she led her daughter to believe. The truth comes out after the two women find themselves in a violent situation.
Anatomy of a Scandal: A Novel
Sarah VaughanYou’ve heard this story before: A married politician has an affair; he’s accused of rape; people wonder how it will affect his career. But Vaughan turns the standard narrative on its head in subtle ways you wouldn’t expect from an otherwise by-the-books thriller. “Anatomy of a Scandal” dissects exactly what other rape stories usually get so wrong about this heinous crime. TV writers David E. Kelley (“Big Little Lies”) and Melissa James Gibson (“House of Cards”) are adapting Vaughan’s novel for Netflix.
The Duke and I
Julia QuinnShonda Rhimes’ first series for Netflix is “Bridgerton,” based on Quinn’s Regency romance following the titular family (season two is in the works after a hugely successful first season). The first book begins as Daphne Bridgerton enters a courtship with Duke Simon Basset. But it’s a sham — Simon just needs a fair lady to pretend to be his devoted lover so it looks like he’s playing by society’s rules, and Daphne needs to attract a potential match by inspiring jealousy.
Nightbooks
J. A. WhiteProtagonist Alex feels alienated by his fascination with the macabre — and his hobby of writing creepy original stories. But when a witch imprisons him, his stories are his only hope for survival. Torn between intrigue and terror, Alex tells tales by night and explores the witch’s lair — well, apartment — by day. One of the more unique children’s novels, “Nightbooks” blends classic horror like “Hansel and Gretel” with themes of belonging and identity. The Netflix adaptation premiered in 2021.
Stealing Home
Sherryl WoodsIf you binged “Sweet Magnolias” on Netflix, you’ll love the novel that started it all. “Stealing Home” centers on Maddie Townsend and her two best friends (the aforementioned Sweet Magnolias) as they navigate motherhood, careers, and marriage in Serenity, South Carolina. Maddie faces a messy divorce, but her newfound single status doesn’t go unnoticed by baseball coach Cal Maddox — or the other residents of Serenity. A Woods classic, this character-driven drama is packed with friendship, romance, and southern charm.
Firefly Lane: A Novel
Kristin HannahHannah, author of “The Nightingale,” “The Great Alone,” and many other bestsellers, is a whiz at stealing the spotlight on both page and screen. “Firefly Lane” is no exception. This heartbreaking look at the enduring power of friendship is shown through the eyes of complex yet relatable Kate and Tully, played by Katherine Heigl and Sarah Chalke in the Netflix series.
The Queen's Gambit
Walter TevisCan’t get enough of Beth Harmon’s defiant charm and masterful chess-playing? “The Queen’s Gambit” show is based on the book of the same name, published decades ago and inspired by elements of author Tevis’ life: He was a Class C chess competitor himself, allowing him to describe the game with a rare beauty.
The White Tiger: A Novel
Aravind AdigaThis Man Booker Prize winning novel captures the duality of India: A beautiful and plentiful country with seemingly insurmountable income inequality and corruption. The main character, Balram Halwai, is a hard-working and charming man trying to build a better life for himself. He’s also a murderer. The Netflix adaptation of “The White Tiger” was nominated for the Writing (Adapted Screenplay) Oscar.
You: A Novel
Caroline Kepnes“Gone Girl” meets “Gossip Girl” in this extremely unnerving novel about how easy it is to become prey to stalking (or, to become a stalker yourself) in our hyper-connected digital age. It’s now a hit TV series starring Penn Badgley in a role that’s essentially a grown up and much-creepier Dan Humphrey.
Monster: A Printz Award Winner
Walter Dean MyersMyers is a staple of YA literature, and “Monster,” written at the very end of the 20th century, is already considered a classic. As the title of this award-winning and uniquely told book suggests, it deals heavily with the dehumanization faced by those going through the criminal justice system, particularly when they’re people of color. The movie adaptation (starring Jennifer Hudson, Jeffrey Wright, A$AP Rocky, and Nas) premiered at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival and is now available on Netflix.
Behind Her Eyes: A Suspenseful Psychological Thriller
Sarah PinboroughPinborough’s psychological thriller has been making waves since well before the divisive Netflix adaptation dropped. It involves a meet-cute that immediately goes awry when Louise discovers the man she kissed at the bar last night is her new — married — boss. From there, readers are brought into an increasingly complicated love triangle with a twist that you’d never expect.
The Headspace Guide to Meditation and Mindfulness: How Mindfulness Can Change Your Life in Ten Minutes a Day
The Headspace Guide to Meditation and Mindfulness: How Mindfulness Can Change Your Life in Ten Minutes a Day
Andy PuddicombeTen minutes a day is all it takes to find a level of calm many of us rarely experience in this day and age, as we’re always online and on-the-go. Former Buddhist monk Puddicombe provides a great introduction to the wonders of meditation. “The Headspace Guide to Meditation” was turned into an animated Netflix series.
Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat: Mastering the Elements of Good Cooking
Samin NosratAnyone who’s fallen for Nosrat’s charming Netflix series “Salt Fat Acid Heat,” will be delighted to discover that the source material is just as — if not more — charming. Written in Nosrat’s signature warmth and approachability (accompanied by the gorgeous, whimsical illustrations of Wendy MacNaughton), it makes cooking less of a color-by-numbers and more of a flavor adventure.
Anne of Green Gables
L. M. MontgomeryNetflix’s “Anne With an E” originated from this classic delight. Montgomery’s prose allows you to experience life through the eyes of rambunctious redhead Anne as she falls in love with Canada’s Prince Edward Island and her adoptive family, Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert. No other character inspires a love of life — and a flare for the dramatic — quite as much as Anne Shirley.
When Dimple Met Rishi
Sandhya MenonUnbeknownst to Dimple, who believes she’s been freed from the shackles of tradition, her parents only send her to coding bootcamp so she can meet Rishi, whom they’ve arranged for her to marry. Dimple, of course, is not totally on board with this plan. But watching Dimple and Rishi genuinely fall for each other over the summer is the sweet, sweet romance we all need. Netflix released an adaptation of the series under the title “Mismatched,” starring Prajakta Koli and Rohit Suresh Saraf.
Tales of the City
Armistead MaupinYou don’t have to live in San Francisco to be blown away by this collection of love letters to the renowned City by the Bay. Come for the wonderful cast of characters, stay for their thrilling adventures, and be entertained throughout. Maupin’s classic got a Netflix miniseries adaptation starring Laura Linney, Olympia Dukakis, and Elliot Page.
The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing
Marie Kondo“Tidying Up With Marie Kondo” blew up on Netflix in the beginning of 2019. If you’re starting to feel buried under all your clutter, it’s time to finally learn the ins and outs of the KonMari Method so you can effectively declutter your house — and your mind.
I'm Thinking of Ending Things: A Novel
Iain ReidThis critically acclaimed Canadian thriller is a psychological saga for the ages. Jake’s girlfriend is thinking of leaving him (as the title suggests), but agrees to go to an awkward dinner with his parents on their farm (never a good idea, particularly in a horror novel). Netflix’s adaptation diverges from the source text, so it’s well worth a read.
Arsène Lupin, Gentleman-Burglar
Maurice LeblancIt’s highly likely that you’ve encountered some other adaptation or reference to famous thief Arsène Lupin before — there have been several films and TV series, plus the well-loved anime “Lupin III” — but when Netflix enters the ring, it’s bound to renew interest. This is the original collection of interrelated stories about the wily burglar who evades capture time and again. Netflix’s adaptation, “Lupin,” became the first French series to be among the service’s top 10 in the United States.
Tiny Pretty Things
Sona Charaipotra“Tiny Pretty Things” is a drama-filled story starring three talented students at one of Manhattan’s most exclusive ballet schools. They’re all under immense pressure to outperform one another, and to satisfy the powers that be, from mothers to teachers to themselves. It’s an all-out brawl to be the best in show between the three frenemies.
Cursed
Frank Miller“Cursed” is a retelling of Arthurian tales with a big twist: Arthur isn’t even the protagonist. Instead, the book follows Nimue, a young woman who wields dark magic and, eventually, the sword of legend. Arthur and Merlin assist in her quest for revenge after everyone in her village is killed. The Netflix adaptation stars Katherine Langford of “13 Reasons Why.”
Unorthodox: The Scandalous Rejection of My Hasidic Roots
Deborah FeldmanFeldman writes with raw intensity in this memoir about her life as a member of a very stringent sect of Judaism. Netflix based its miniseries of the same name off of Feldman’s chilling experiences growing up as a Satmar Hasidic Jew in New York City, surrounded by modern life yet seemingly so far removed from it.
The Ghost Bride: A Novel
Yangsze ChooThis hauntingly beautiful and original story is infused with Chinese folklore. Li Lan, whose family fortune was squandered by her father, becomes the bride of the Lim family’s dead son. And that’s just a glimpse at the ghastly turns Li Lan’s life takes as she becomes more and more connected to spirits in the afterlife. Netflix turned it into a limited series co-directed by Quek Shio-chuan and Ho Yu-hang.
The Stranger
Harlan CobenStranger danger has never been higher than in this Coben novel. When Adam, a husband and dad who seems to have it all, is told a secret about his wife by a random stranger, he has to decide what to do with the information. This quickly begins to unravel his life’s facade of perfection. “The Stranger” is now a Netflix series starring Richard Armitage. The series is just one of 14 Coben titles that are slated for adaptation by the streaming service.
Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. Walker
A'Lelia BundlesAs America’s first self-made female millionaire, according to the Guinness Book of World Records, entrepreneur Madam C.J. Walker carved a path for Black women to create and lead their own companies. Walker’s great-great-granddaughter, A’Lelia Bundles, shares how Walker, the daughter of slaves, overcame the odds to become a wealthy businesswoman, philanthropist, and activist. “Self Made” is now a Netflix series starring Octavia Spencer.
Virgin River
Robyn CarrCarr’s uplifting “Virgin River” series has been adapted into a Netflix show starring Alexandra Breckenridge (“This Is Us”). This touching story of small-town community ties, overcoming grief, and opening yourself to new love has melted many a frozen heart.
In the Tall Grass
Stephen KingWhen they hear a child cry for help, a sister and brother head into a maze-like field, only to discover something very, very frightening lurks in the grass, hunting them. This is just one of many King stories to get an adaptation — and keep you up at night.
Fear Street
R.L. StineWhile best known for his kid’s horror series “Goosebumps,” Stine’s “Fear Street” books offer more teen-centric themes and relationships. Slasher flick meets ghost story, this saga — the inspiration for the Netflix Original movies by the same name — is endlessly spooky and entertaining.
Jim Henson's Beneath the Dark Crystal #1
Jim Henson“Age of Resistance,” the prequel to Henson’s iconic dark fantasy YA film, “The Dark Crystal,” hit screens in 2019 as a Netflix series. The Gelfling are back on a quest to save their world from darkness and the evil Skeksis. In this sequel to the original, join the adventures of Thurma, a young Fireling, and Gelfling Kensho, as they battle to save the land of Thra.
Mudbound
Hillary JordanNetflix’s adaptation of this bestselling novel won several awards. Two soldiers, one black and one white, return to their small Southern hometown after serving in WWII — to strikingly different receptions. This is a brutally engrossing and affecting story.
Mindhunter: Inside the FBI's Elite Serial Crime Unit
John E. Douglas“Mindhunter” is the true story of FBI agent Douglas, one of the founders of criminal profiling. His interviews with killers are dark, disturbing, and undeniably fascinating. If you’re a fellow fan of the Netflix adaptation, read slowly to fill the void between seasons.
Gerald's Game
Stephen KingKinky sex goes horribly wrong in “Gerald’s Game,” where the protagonist, Jessie, spends most of the story handcuffed to the bed after her husband has a heart attack. Terrors both real and imagined threaten Jessie as she struggles to free herself. Perhaps unsurprisingly, only Netflix would take a gamble at an adaptation for this one, even though the film’s director, Mike Flanagan, called the story “unfilmable,” both for its sexual content and stationary action. While a novel is a more natural medium for the events of the story, we have to admit that the movie turned out astonishingly well.
Passing
Nella LarsenThe idea of “passing” (where a person of one racial group is wholly accepted by another racial group) is as fraught today as it was in the 1920s, when Larsen’s short but stunning novel about two Black childhood friends in Harlem passing as white, was originally published. Movie stars Tessa Thompson and Ruth Negga play Irene and Clare (which was likely a big talking point on your Twitter feed in October 2021).
Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis
J. D. VanceVance shows how deeply the scars of poverty — and the familial and societal ills that it engenders — have compromised the health and happiness of generations. A must-read for those interested in the ramifications of American social, economic, and political policy. Vance’s memoir is so inspiring it led to a film adaptation by the same name, starring Glenn Close and Amy Adams.
House of Cards
Michael DobbsSo, Netflix’s “House of Cards” is actually an adaptation of a BBC miniseries adaptation of this novel. Are you keeping up? The real original book is very 1980s and very British. How the themes play out in different times and places is fascinating to compare.
Watership Down: A Novel
Richard AdamsEnter the rich, anthropomorphized life of a colony of bunnies on their harrowing journey to avoid catastrophe. The Netflix animated miniseries pulled out all the stops on its voice casting, with James McAvoy as Hazel, Nicholas Hoult as Fiver, and John Boyega as Bigwig.
Dear White People
Justin SimienThis is the companion book to the original film...that was then made into a Netflix series of the same name. Surely by now you’re intrigued by this satire? “Dear White People'' is clever and challenging, addressing common microaggressions and stereotypes head-on. Sections like “We Don’t Know Why Kanye West Did That” are essential laughs (and learning experiences) that anyone can appreciate.
Depth of Winter
Craig JohnsonIn this installment of Johnson’s bestselling series (the basis for Netflix’s “Longmire”), Sheriff Walt Longmire has to save his daughter from a drug cartel in Mexico, which leads to some funny shenanigans and a whole lot of violence.
Hemlock Grove: A Novel
Brian McGreevyFirst of all, who can resist the awesome cover of McGreevy’s gothic novel? Inspired by the likes of “Frankenstein” and “Dracula,” McGreevy adds modern twists on the “humans are the real monsters” tropes of horror. A suspected werewolf is accused of murdering a girl. While he is, in fact, a werewolf, he is not the killer, and sets out to find the real culprit in this fictional Pennsylvania town.
Brain on Fire: My Month of Madness
Susannah CahalanA shocking memoir that follows Cahalan (played by Chloë Grace Moretz in the Netflix film) through a series of seemingly inconsequential events that suddenly make her violent and psychotic. Her scattered-but-thorough account of her month of madness is frightening and engrossing.
Bird Box: A Novel
Josh MalermanMalerman’s chilling, apocalyptic debut has been favorably compared to the likes of Stephen King. What phenomenon could be so horrifying that one look will be your undoing? It’s no wonder the Netflix adaptation starring Sandra Bullock became such a craze.
The Last Kingdom
Bernard CornwellWhether you love the Netflix adaptation of this book series or you’re simply a fan of historical fiction, Cornwell’s original “The Last Kingdom” has plenty of excitement waiting for you. It’s set in the 9th century and follows Uhtred of Bebbanburg, a Saxon boy adopted by the Danes and torn between two warring worlds.
A Series of Unfortunate Events #1: The Bad Beginning
Lemony SnicketBegin at the beginning of this wonderfully weird, impressively imaginative, sprawling series by master wordsmith Snicket, whose spellbinding prose captivates readers of all ages. The Netflix adaptation stars Neil Patrick Harris as Count Olaf and has three seasons. (Because three is a LUCKY number, as opposed to the unlucky 13 books…)
Dumplin'
Julie MurphyBreaking conventional tropes, this fan-favorite features a self-proclaimed fat character who accepts herself (even if her mother doesn’t). It’s now also a Netflix film starring Jennifer Aniston and Danielle Macdonald.
The Dirt: Confessions of the World's Most Notorious Rock Band
Tommy LeeThis tell-all from one of the most successful and wildest bands of all time, Mötley Crüe, inspired a 2019 Netflix adaptation starring Machine Gun Kelly, Pete Davidson (SNL), and Iwan Rheon (“Game of Thrones”). Anyone who’s ever heard a Mötley Crüe song (which is to say, everyone) knows they loved the fast and loose life, but you’ll still reel from the twists and turns and blazing crashes here.
The Other Mrs.
Mary KubicaA family of four looking for a fresh start moves from Chicago to a house they inherited on an island in Maine. Unfortunately they inherited it due to a suicide, and someone across the street gets murdered shortly after they move in. Kubica throws in tons of twists to throw you off. It’s no wonder Netflix picked it up for an adaptation a year before the novel was even published.
The One
John MarrsThe TV adaptation of Marrs’ thriller takes a lot of liberties, but the main plot is the same: Set in the near future, a new DNA test can match you with your ideal mate. But the fairytale stops there, as homes and marriages are destroyed and dark secrets are revealed. The book and the TV series follow the lives of five characters who’ve been notified of their matches and must see them through in a dramatic, “Black Mirror”-esque chain of events.
I'm Special: And Other Lies We Tell Ourselves
Ryan O'ConnellO’Connell’s penchant for frank and funny blogging translates directly into his memoir, which was adapted for Netflix (“Special”) in 2019. “I’m Special” offers a glimpse into the experiences that define O’Connell’s life and career a gay millenial with cerebral palsy. Whether you take the author’s words as wisdom or mere entertainment, they’re relatable to young adults, young professionals, and anyone else trying to make sense of our chaotic world.
The Chestnut Man: A Novel
Soren SveistrupAfter winning the 2020 Audie Award for Best Mystery, Sveistrup’s police procedural was adapted into a Netflix series. This Scandinavian noir packs shocking clues, twists, and turns as investigators Naia Thulin and Mark Hess track a serial killer with a brutal M.O. Not only is the murderer targeting mothers, but his crimes are also linked to a high-profile case involving a government official’s daughter.