There’s really nothing quite as special as a summer movie. Outside, it’s hot and bright, maybe hot and stormy, but definitely way too hot. Inside the theater, it’s cool and dark and the screen is so big, you can get lost in the experience (queue up the Nicole Kidman impression for that last part...). And, of course, there’s popcorn, which is the best snack food in the entire world—hands down.
Many blockbusters were adapted from novels or short stories, as Hollywood has always looked to the written word to gain inspiration for its next big hit. While most of the time, I’m on team “the book was better,” there are definitely many adaptations that live up to the reputation of the original work (you cannot honestly tell me that you didn’t love The Princess Bride, can you?).
Maybe some of these will become your new favorites, so grab that bucket of popcorn and download the Libby app to read these great books becoming movies and TV series!
🎧 The Watchers by A.M. Shine
Release date: June 7
I will not be watching this one, as I do not need a summer scare, but I do love a scary book, and this fits the bill! When Mina’s car breaks down on the outskirts of a forest, she finds herself alone and frightened until she encounters a woman ushering her into a bunker to save herself. Once she enters, she meets a group of strangers who are hiding out from “the watchers” and the horrors that the creatures inflict on those who don’t make it to safety in time.
This claustrophobic page-turner will make you want to go outside, even in this heat.
Presumed Innocent by Scott Turow
🎧 Audiobook
Release date: June 14
While the new TV series moves us to modern-day, this 1986 novel introduced us to one of America’s best legal thriller writers, Scott Turow. Rusty Sabich, one of the top prosecutors in Kindle County finds himself in shock when he's handed the case of his former lover’s murder. But that pales in comparison to what comes next, as evidence unfolds that point towards him as the person who committed the horrible crime.
Every page brings new twists and turns, and you’ll find yourself wanting to know what happened almost as much as Rusty does.
Fire & Blood by George R. R. Martin
🎧 Audiobook
Now streaming, Season 2
While many people weren’t thrilled with the ending of the TV show Game of Thrones (the book series is yet to be finished, so we’ll reserve judgement on that to when/if the final book comes out!), no one could wait to sink their teeth into this prequel series, based on the bestselling book. Martin outlines the long and dark history of the House of Targaryen, taking place centuries before the Game of Thrones series, the only family of dragonlords that survived the Doom of Valyaia.
If you love sweeping fantasies and the show, be sure to pick this up for even more detailed information about everyone’s favorite house of dragons.
Those About to Die by Daniel P. Mannix
Release date: July 18
If you’re also excited for this fall’s Gladiator 2, this book delves deeply into the Roman games and the bloodthirsty sport. Originally published in 1958, this book has stood the test of time, as we continue to be fascinated by the brutality that the Roman games devolved into over time, becoming more and more violent as the empire fell deeper and deeper into disrepair.
This book is a fascinating look at history, sport, human nature, and more.
Lady in the Lake by Laura Lippman
🎧 Audiobook
Release date: July 19
Laura Lippman writes big, twisty, well-thought-out thrillers, and this one is too big for just one movie. This series introduces us to two women in 1960s Baltimore. They seem to have nothing in common—one a white former homemaker turned investigator, Maddie, and a young Black woman, Cleo, who goes missing. When Cleo’s body is found, Maddie is determined to find out what happened. When Cleo’s ghost challenges Maddie to find out more about her than her death, Maddie learns that being interested in how someone died is not as important as how they lived.
Deadpool vs. Wolverine by Larry Hama and others
Release date: July 26
We’ve all been waiting for Deadpool and Wolverine to join forces ever since Deadpool’s quiet appearance in 2009’s X-Men Origins: Wolverine. Lucky for us, we have lots of comics to read now while we wait for what’s sure to be equally hilarious and bloody.
This comic collection will take us from their first meeting to all of the highs and lows of their relationship—one hero who can’t stop talking and another who’s known for his quiet broodiness.
If you’re a big fan of enemies to not-quite-friends, this will be a must-read.
Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson
🎧 Audiobook
Release date: Aug. 2
The movie is going to take us into the world beyond the pages of this childhood favorite, and it should be a great movie for the whole family. But before you see the movie, be sure you’ve brushed up on the source material!
Harold can make any drawing come to life with his trusty magical purple crayon, battling dragons and going across the ocean, all while getting ready for bed.
If you haven’t revisited this one in a while, now’s the time to do it.
It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover
🎧 Audiobook
Release date: Aug. 9
Blake Lively stars in what’s sure to be one of the biggest hits of the summer movie season. Lily has spent her whole life trying to rise above her childhood, and it seems that she’s finally done that with her successful business and new relationship with a neurosurgeon, Ryle. But sometimes things seem to be too good to be true because they are.
This romance will hit you in all the feels and will be nearly impossible to put down.
Check out even more movies and TV series you can stream on Kanopy, free from your library. Watch everything from hit films to cult classics for everyone in your household!
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Published Jul 24, 2024