The Article below was published in Vol. 135, Issue 5 of the Lake Forest College Stentor on February 7, 2020
By Lauren Gantt ’21
Staff Writer
ganttl@mx.lakeforest.edu
The past few years have brought forth a plethora of book-to-screen adaptations. Some sorely missed the mark, but there have been more than a few that have astounded readers and viewers alike. Here are some of the best books and their adaptations to keep your eye on for when you’re wanting an escape from the semester’s stresses.
- The Witcher
Book series, TV series, Video Game series
An adult fantasy novel translated from Polish, The Witcher series has been popular in recent years. With the release of the Netflix-backed TV show in December, the number of fans has exploded. The Witcher follows Geralt, a monster hunter; Yennefer, a sorceress; and Ciri, a princess who all find their lives interconnected as their land erupts in turmoil. If books aren’t your thing, Netflix recently released Season 1 and announced Seasons 2 and 3. There’s also a collection of video games inspired by the books.
- To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before trilogy
Book series, Movie series
A feel-good story of romance, the To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before trilogy follows Lara Jean, a young girl who writes letters to all of her past crushes in order to get over her feelings for them. One day, her letters accidentally get sent to her old crushes and drama ensues. With plenty of laughs, baking, and swoon-worthy romance, this book trilogy is sure to lighten the mood from whatever stressful school project has you down. Netflix released the first movie in August of 2018, with the second movie releasing on February 12 of this year (just in time for Valentine’s day).
- Little Women
Book, Movie
This classic novel from the 1860s follows a group of sisters after the Civil War as they grow from childhood into womanhood. The new movie adaptation has some notable stars headlining it, including Emma Watson and Saoirse Ronan. While the book is definitely more suited for those who love a long read, the movie just released in theaters and is an easier option for consuming the story.
- City of Bones/Shadowhunters
Book series, TV series, Movie
City of Bones is the first in a six-book series by Cassandra Clare and follows a young girl named Clary who discovers that demons and other supernatural beings are real. Not only that, but she is a member of the Shadowhunter race, a group of half-human, half-angel beings who hunt these supernatural creatures. With multiple spin-off series, this book is the perfect introduction to a larger collection of works centered in this world and mythology. If you’re not up for the commitment of reading so many books, there is both a movie adaptation on various platforms and a TV series on Freeform and Hulu.
- The Host
Book, Movie
The Host is a standalone adult science-fiction novel about a dystopian Earth that has been invaded by Souls, a parasitic alien race that inhabits human bodies. This novel focuses on a Soul who discovers that her host human refuses to let her body be taken over. What follows is a high-stakes novel involving action, romance, and plenty of science. The book is an absolute masterpiece and not difficult to read at all. But if movies are more your thing, there was also a brilliant adaptation starring Saoirse Ronan.
