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The Book Was Better (Usually)
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items A running list of books that became movies and shows — with honest takes on both. Read first, watch second, decide for yourself.
I haven't read this one yet — and honestly it keeps getting backlogged because it feels a little daunting. But the movie is coming and I'll probably watch it first and let that push me to finally read it. Sometimes that's just how it goes.
Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
One of my favorite CoHo books and the one that feels most authentic and real. It tugged on my heartstrings in a way her other books don't quite reach — and the romance is genuinely good. I read it in two days. The movie hits theaters March 13 and I'm...
Reminders of Him by Colleen Hoover
My first Colleen Hoover book and still one of my favorites. Looking back I see it as the perfect entry point — accessible, emotional, and genuinely good. The movie carries a lot of controversy and I don't disagree with most of it. But the book stands...
It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover
You will not expect to enjoy or relate to a book about OnlyFans — but if you're a millennial, especially a millennial woman, you will. It brought back memories of reading Where'd You Go Bernadette for the first time. The Apple TV series drops April 1...
Margo's Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe
A top 5 book for me — maybe top 5 of all time. It's not a literary masterpiece but it's funny, warm, adventurous, and had me wanting more at every page. I haven't re-read it since 2017 but I'm itching to. Sadly the movie didn't come close to capturin...
Where'd You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple
The book and the movie are so wildly different — the ending especially — and somehow both work perfectly in their own right. The movie is one of my go-to comfort watches and I am so excited for the sequel releasing this year. A rare case where I refu...
The Devil Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger
This book scratched every itch I had as a PNW transplant. I was actually reading it at Eagle Harbor Book Co. on Bainbridge Island when a staff member told me the author was speaking at Elliott Bay — naturally I went, discovered she's from the PNW too...
Watch Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
The series is tough to watch. The book is tougher. It forces you to confront biases and systemic roadblocks that are easy to overlook when they aren't your reality. The most honest takeaway: the systems designed to help people get back on their feet ...
Maid: Hard Work, Low Pay & Survival
Non-fiction and not technically an adaptation — but essential for this list. This book unpacks the symbolism woven through horror films and what they reveal about feminism. One of the best non-fiction books I've read, full stop. If you love film and ...
Scream With Me by Eleanor Johnson
A rare case where I'll admit the series edges out the book — just barely. Both are worth your time, but if you're choosing one, watch first and read after. The story hits differently when you can see the performances.
Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng
This has been on my TBR forever and I keep pushing it off because the series was so heavy. I know the book is important — maybe one of the most important stories you can read right now — but I can't stomach it at the moment. I'd encourage anyone who ...
The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood
Haven't read it yet but I'm so excited to after seeing the film. The reviews have been overwhelmingly positive, it's been on my TBR forever, and the movie made me love the story even more. This one is moving up the list.
Hamnet by Maggie O'Farrell
I read this in a single day — a hot summer day, a big book, and zero ability to put it down. I've never watched the movie in full and I'm fairly certain nothing could live up to what Flynn does on the page. Start with the book. Always.
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
My first TJR and still my favorite. It's well written, a total page turner, and the 1970s rock world setting is completely compelling. I've tried to get past episode 3 of the series twice now and just can't do it. The book is the experience — start a...
Daisy Jones and The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
A light, enjoyable romcom that's easy to fly through. Have I avoided watching the movie out of fear it would ruin my enjoyment of the book? Absolutely yes. Make of that what you will.
People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry
I saw the movie long before I read the book and loved it. Then I read the book during the pandemic and did not want to put it down — it's even better. A rare case where both versions earn their place, but the book wins.
The Help by Kathryn Stockett