11 Books to Read Before the Movie Releases

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It’s true that the books are always better than the movie version. While big screen (or Netflix and Amazon screens) may not match the film I’ve imagined, I prefer to read the book before the watching the movie.

The four remaining months of 2018 promise an exciting line-up of diverse movies based on novels. If you start now, you should be able to read all of these before the movie releases. With a slate of dramas, horror, comedies, and thrillers, you’ll find a book (and movie) for your current mood. Which of these books will you read first?

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11 Books to Read Before the Movie Releases

First Man: A Life of Neil Armstrong by James Hansen

In theaters October 11, 2018

Technically this film has already released, but how often do busy parents go see movies during opening weekend? Neil Armstrong may have landed on the moon almost fifty years ago, we’re still fascinated by his historic first steps for mankind. Read Hansen’s exploration into Armstrong’s complex legacy, both as an astronaut and as a person in First Man. Then head to theaters for Ryan Gosling as he portrays the legend on the big screen.

Photo credit: Simon & Schuster
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

In theaters October 18, 2018

YA novel The Hate U Give has spent 84 weeks (and counting) on the New York Times Bestseller list, so it’s no surprise that the film is one of the most anticipated this year. Sixteen-year-old Starr witnesses a police officer kill her friend Khalil. As the death of a black boy killed by police makes national headlines, Starr must decide if she will speak up about what truly happened that night.

Photo credit: Balzer + Bray
Can You Ever Forgive Me? by Lee Israel

In theaters October 19, 2018

Lee Israel’s memoir Can You Forgive Me? is a case where truth is stranger than fiction. Not to mention funny and fascinating. Shel had a career writing biographies, one of which was a New York Times bestseller. When money became tight, she embarked on a new path: forging letters of famous authors. She then sold these fake letters to dealers in order to make ends meet. The book includes reproductions of her forgeries. Once you’re through, catch Melissa McCarthy as Israel in theaters.

Photo credit: Simon & Schuster
You Were Never Really Here by Jonathan Ames

On Amazon Prime Video October 26, 2018

You Were Never Really Here is a dark suspense thriller that will have you turning the pages! Portrayed by Joaquin Phoenix in the film, Joe is a damaged man. The former FBI agent and Marine has witnessed horrible things. Instead of a regular job, he makes a living rescuing girls who have been kidnapped into the sex trade. His newest cast uncovers a conspiracy and puts his life in danger.

Photo credit: Vintage Books
Boy Erased by by Garrard Conley

In theaters November 2, 2018

At the age of nineteen Garrard Conley was sent to an religious program that promised cure him of his homosexuality. In his memoir Boy Erased, Conley recounts his brutal journey and how he finds his true self. Directed and screenplay written by Joel Edgerton, the film is sure to be a gut wrenching so throw a travel pack of tissues in your purse.

Photo credit: Riverhead Books
The Girl in the Spider’s Web by David Lagercrantz

In theaters November 9, 2018

In The Girl in the Spider’s Web, Lagercrantz continues Stieg Larsson’s series with hacker and dragon tattooed Lisbeth Salander. This time, journalist Blomkvist is in desperate need of a big scoop, so he enlists Salander for help. The two become entangled in a web of spies, criminals, and international governments--all of whom are ready to kill to protect their secrets.

Photo credit: Knopf
Deadly Sexy by Beverly Jenkins

Premieres November 17, 2018

Beverly Jenkins knows how to make your heart pound in her romantic suspense Deadly Sexy. Jenkins’ novels feature feisty African American women and this one is no exception. JT Blake is no damsel in distress. She’s a tough sports agent who negotiates big contracts for her client. She’s met her match with sexy trucker Reese, whose secrets put both their lives in danger. While the crowdfunded film has limited showings, don’t let that stop you from picking up this book.

Photo credit: Harpercollins
If Beale Street Could Talk by James Baldwin

In theaters November 30, 2018

Though published in 1974, If Beale Street Could Talk tells a story that could easily happen today. Set in Harlem, the novel follows nineteen-year-old Tish and Fonny, the father of her child. They are determined to get married, but Fonny is accused of a crime he didn’t commit. Filmmaker Barry Jenkins, known for Moonlight, tackles another emotional journey featuring Kiki Layne, Stephan James, and Regina King.

Photo credit: Vintage
Queen of Scots: The True LIfe of Mary Stuart by John Guy

Mary Queen of Scots will be in theaters December 7, 2018

There can never be enough books or movies about great queens. In the adaption of John Guy’s Queen of Scots,Saoirse Ronan plays Mary Stuart as she tries to overthrow her cousin Elizabeth I (Margot Robbie) as the Queen of England. Refresh your Elizabethan history before grabbing popcorn for drama in the royal courts.

Photo credit: Mariner Books
Mortal Engines by Philip Reeve

In theaters December 14, 2018

If you love futuristic steampunk, crack open a copy of Mortal Engines. In Reeve’s world, London is a city on giant wheels trying to outlast bigger, faster cities. There’s a shortage of resources but not quirky characters or villains. Peter Jackson helms the movie, whose trailers promises plenty of action and special effects.

Photo credit: Scholastic Press
Bird Box by Josh Malerman

On Netflix December 21, 2018

Horror fans will love Bird Box, an apocalyptic thriller by Josh Malerman. A mother (played by Sandra Bullock) and her two children make a terrifying journey down river--blindfolded. If they take off their blindfolds and catch a glimpse of that something, it can drive them to deadly violence. No one knows what that something is, so how can they avoid it?

Photo credit: Ecco