I am a strong believer in reading the book before watching the corresponding movie. But there have been times where I have slipped up and just thought "Oh, I'll just read the book later," and then proceed to never read the book. Or wait years to read the books, long after I watched the film or show. More times than I can count have I heard my friends and family say, "This was a book?" and that's fine. There have been a handful of times where I have done that, too. It's no big deal. So, I thought I would refresh our minds about the awesome movies and TV shows that were books before they were produced onto to the big screen.
1. The 100
This is my absolute favorite show, but there aren't a lot of people that know it was a book series first. The series is comprised of four books by author Kass Morgan. And of course, these books are super different from the show. In my opinion, the books are definitely better.
2. Gossip Girl
I recently just finished this show and it was okay, but I lost interest in the show very quickly. This thirteen-book series is written by Cecily von Ziegesar and based on the reviews I read, people thought that the books were much better than the show. And that the chapters are quite short, so this daunting series makes for a quick read.
3. Pretty Little Liars
This is another long book series with 16 books by Sara Shepard. This series started in 2006, whereas the show franchise began in 2010. The books have page numbers ranging from 250-400. Which will make for a quick read and another series down.
4. 13 Reasons Why
You'd be surprised how many people didn't know this. This book was written by Jay Asher, and a few years ago I had the pleasure of meeting him and learning more about this heartbreakingly beautiful novel. He said that the reason he chose 13 reasons was that Hannah's last name is Baker. So, her reasons for killing herself are her baker's dozen.
5. Orange is the New Black
This show is actually a true story... to an extent of course. Piper Kerman, the real woman who was incarcerated, wrote a biography of her time in jail, and Netflix made her story into a hit series. I haven't read the book in full, but the parts I've read were pretty close to the TV show.
6. The Mortal Instruments
This books series is portrayed by the show "Shadowhunters." I love the show, I think it's very interesting and action-filled. I have not read the books yet, but with three seasons, the director has stated that the show is running out of material to use from the books. So, all six books are packed into three seasons.
7. Famous in Love
I saw this book available for purchase at Target, and both the show and book look riveting. The series only has three books, and the show has two seasons. Sounds like the perfect weekend for someone who likes drama and romance.
8. The Vampire Diaries
This book series has 13 books, written by three different authors. The show is equally as long with eight seasons. The books follow a series of protagonists and take many wild turns with love and surviving as teenage vampires.
9. The Kissing Booth
I just started reading this book, and I've watched the movie like five times, but so far, the book is way more detailed. However, I watched the movie first, and I like the movie better than the book. The book is very good though, don't get me wrong.
10. The Host
I have not read this book yet, but the movie is fantastic. Stephanie Dawn is notorious for her detailed pieces, so this book definitely follows that pattern. It's a super thick book, but it's about such an interesting topic that you're going to enjoy.
11. The Help
This movie came out a few years ago, so it has kind of gone under the radar. But, the book and movie are very similar, which is always a good thing. The book is expertly written and the movie has brilliant acting, a perfect pair.
12. The Maze Runner
This four-part series written by James Dashner, was an immediate hit when I read the first book. The first movie did exceptionally well in theaters, and then went off the deep end. The books are definitely better than the movies.
13. Warm Bodies
I'm not the biggest fans of zombies, but this movie and novel were amazing. I thought the book was hilarious and entertaining, and the movie the same. Both told from the zombie's point of view made it even more intriguing.
14. Ella Enchanted
I never really liked this movie until I re-watched it with my friends a few months ago. It turns out that it's actually a pretty good movie. And when I found out that it was also a book, I had to add it to my reading list.
15. Life of Pi
When I watched this movie, I was completely confused the entire time, had I read the book first, that probably wouldn't have happened. The thing about books is that they clear up the confusing parts, something that was needed during this movie.
16. Beastly
I loved this book when I read it a few years back. I thought it was so good. The movie is OK, the acting is terrible, but the plot remains the same. It stayed true to the book and characters, I just wish the screenplay was written better.
