Book to TV Show Recommendations

So recently I've been obsessed with TV shows, however, most of these shows started out as published novels and then adapted for the small screen. So because of that very reason I want to recommend you guys my favourite book to TV show adaptations. Now the list is small; and when I say small I actually mean it.


THE 100

The 100 is already on its 4th season and I cannot believe how fast the time has flown by since we got introduced to the bunch of rag tag teens in the Pilot episode. The show stars Eliza Clarke who you may know from Australian soap, Neighbours. Talking about Australian soaps, Bob Morley who portrays Bellamy also starred in both Neighbours and Home & Away.

Now what's special with this series is that the book and TV show were all in production at the same time and I'm pretty sure the show premiered before the release date of the book. But I will say the TV show has a better plot line and character arc than the book series does. But if you're after loving characters, a dangerous world but kick ass action then you'll love this series.

BIG LITTLE LIES


Big Little Lies made ripples when it was published back in 2014. Telling the story of three school mothers who get wrapped up in a murder mystery in their small town. The book broke down each character, showcasing their lives behind closed doors and that makes for an incredible series. Madeline is portrayed by Legally Blonde legend, Reese Whitherspoon. Celeste is portrayed by Nicole Kidman and Jane, the single mother with a whole load of secrets is portrayed by our very much beloved Shailene Woodley. Other cast include Zoe Kravitz and Alexander Skarsgard. Now the show does show an abusive relationship between Celeste and Perry, which is so well acted and keeps you very much on your feet.

Currently there are only 3 episodes out in the UK, showcasing on Sky Atlantic but I can easily confess that this has become a favourite show of mine. I love the drama surrounding a secret filled small town that's soon to crack. Right now I'd say this may be better than Broadchurch.

 

 

 

RIVERDALE

 

I can't really tell you much about the Archie Comics but what I can tell you is that the shows adaptation known as Riverdale is one of the best Teen shows to hit the screens since Gossip Girls and 90210. Set in small town, Riverdale after the shocking events occurring a murder over the summer the show follows the lives of every one affected.

 

And who killed Jason Blossom?

 

The casting of the show is very varied as most of the cast are unknown to the acting world, however, the show does include a crush of my childhood years: Cole Sprouse. Cole portrays wannabe writer and narrator of the show, Jughead who possibly may know more than he's letting off. But overall this is a show that keeps on getting better. And to let you know how good it is, Season 1 has yet to even finish airing and it's already been renewed for a second season.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Know any more book to TV show adaptations I should watch?

Let me know in the comments.

Review: Beast by Brie Spangler

Title: Beast
Author: Brie Spangler
Genre: YA Contemporary / Retelling
Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers
Published: October 11th 2016
Page Number: 336
Rating: 3.5/5

Summary:

Tall, meaty, muscle-bound, and hairier than most throw rugs, Dylan doesn’t look like your average fifteen-year-old, so, naturally, high school has not been kind to him. To make matters worse, on the day his school bans the two things that let him hide, his hat and his long hair, Dylan goes up on his roof, only to fall and wake up in the hospital with a broken leg—and a mandate to attend group therapy for self-harmers.

Dylan vows to say nothing and zones out during therapy—until he meets Jamie. She’s funny, smart, and so stunning, even his womanizing best friend, JP, would be jealous. She’s also the first person to ever call Dylan out on his superficiality. As Jamie’s humanity and wisdom begin to rub off on Dylan, they become more than just friends. But there is something Dylan doesn’t know about Jamie, something she shared with the group the day he wasn’t listening. Something that shouldn’t change a thing. She is who she’s always been—an amazing photographer, a true romantic hidden inside a realist, and a devoted friend, who is also transgender. Will Dylan’s hang-ups about himself cause him to lose the best girl he’s ever known?

REVIEW

 

I've had my eye on Beast for quite some time now and when I finally sat down to read it I was left feeling a little deflated. My goal for 2017 is to read more books that feature diversity. Whether that be in sexuality, religion, ethnicity. I just want to be more open minded that I am. I was hoping Beast was going to educate myself and other people on what it means to be transgender and transgender issues in regards to dating, however, I felt like the way the author portrayed the issues was in a way that felt under valued and not all there.

 

At least it did to me.

 

Dylan and Jamie should be seen as a guy and girl in love but it's continuously brought up, even by Dylan that she's just a girl with a penis and it left me feeling uncomfortable. I wanted to see acceptance even though I know not everyone is. I just thought Dylan would have had a more positive attitude towards it even after he accepted it the first time. Two steps forward and a hundred steps back is how you'd describe their relationship. So naïve.

 

However, what I really enjoyed about the book was the loving support from Dylan's mother. She embraced it, knowing all the hardship Dylan would go through and went and educated herself on gender and sexual identity. That warmed my hard as I know so few LGBT people get that in their life times. I also really loved how passionate Jamie was about life. She never let anything get in her way, she stood open and proud, which paired with Dylan's strong personality despite his insecurities really endearing.

 

I know my review is slightly negative but I'm trying to get the point out there that transgender issues are so important to portray correctly. I'm passionate about gender identity, always will be. I want people out there who want to educate themselves a little by reading fictional works to be a little educated with each book they read.

 

 

 

 

Buy this book (Book Depository)