Books on Screen: What to read before you watch

Published 12:17 pm Tuesday, August 5, 2025

There’s something uniquely satisfying about seeing a beloved book brought to life on screen—whether the adaptation thrills, surprises, or sparks heated debates about casting choices and plot changes. Here are some books that are hitting theaters and streaming platforms soon. Check them out now so you can say, “I read the book first!” 

The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman (stream August 28 on Netflix)

In a peaceful retirement village, four unlikely friends meet up once a week to investigate unsolved murders. But when a brutal killing takes place on their very doorstep, they find themselves in the middle of their first live case. 

Caught Stealing by Charlie Huston (in theaters August 29)

When his punk-rock neighbor asks him to take care of his cat for a few days, New York City bartender Hank Thompson suddenly finds himself caught in the middle of a motley crew of threatening gangsters who all want a piece of him.

The Long Walk by Stephen King (in theaters September 12)

Against the wishes of his mother, 16-year-old Ray is about to compete in the annual grueling match of stamina and wits known as The Long Walk. 100 boys must keep a steady pace of four miles per hour without ever stopping, with the winner being awarded The Prize—anything he wants for the rest of his life. There is no finish line—the winner is the last man standing. 

Paradise by Lizzie Johnson (stream The Lost Bus October 3 on Apple TV+)

A bus driver has to navigate a bus carrying children and their teacher to safety through the 2018 Camp Fire, which became the deadliest fire in California history.

Regretting You by Colleen Hoover (in theaters October 24)

Morgan and her 16-year-old daughter, Clara have warring personalities and conflicting goals, and find it increasingly difficult to coexist. The only person who can bring peace to the household is Chris—Morgan’s husband, Clara’s father, and the family anchor. But that peace is shattered when Chris is involved in a tragic and questionable accident. 

Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell (in theaters November 27)

This fictional account of William Shakespeare’s son, Hamnet, who died at age eleven in 1596, focuses on his parents’ grief.

The Housemaid by Frieda McFadden (in theaters December 25)

This thriller follows a struggling woman who is happy to start over as a housemaid for an affluent couple.

Jen Pace Dickenson is the Youth Services Librarian for Polk County Public Libraries. For information about the library’s resources, programs, and other services, visit polklibrary.org or call (828) 894-8721.