There’s a special kind of magic in stories – whether they unfold on the page or play out on the screen. Each medium possesses its own charm, but there’s something truly thrilling about watching a beloved book come to life in motion. The recent surge in book-to-movie adaptations has set the stage for electrifying storytelling experiences, turning reading lists into watch lists that give us the best of both worlds. It’s fascinating to see how many stories are crafted with the silver screen in mind.

As the temperature dips and evenings grow cosier, it’s a perfect moment to curate your To Be Read (TBR) list. This holiday season, streaming platforms are lining up an irresistible mix of gripping thrillers, enchanting fantasies, and heart-tugging romances, all adapted from page-turners that have already captured readers’ hearts.

So before these stories light up the silver screen, immerse yourself in their original tales. Here are nine books to lose yourself in this Christmas. Let the reading season begin!

Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood

Are you in for a romantic narrative that’s as intellectually stimulating as it is heart-pounding? Ali Hazelwood’s debut novel, The Love Hypothesis, offers a captivating dive into the world of contemporary romance, all set against the backdrop of academia. The story revolves around a fake relationship between two scientists that spirals into a whirlwind of genuine emotions, challenging the protagonist’s meticulously crafted theories about love. Set within the fiercely competitive environment of Stanford University, the narrative expertly intertwines high-stakes research with the classic enemies-to-lovers trope. Get your copies now for a twisted romantic story!

Verity by Colleen Hoover

This one is the most anticipated, with Anne Hathaway in the lead, and a bestseller by Colleen Hoover – Verity is poised for a cinematic adaptation soon. The gripping plot revolves around Lowen Ashleigh, a struggling writer who finds herself entangled in a web of mystery when she’s hired to ghostwrite for the famed author Verity Crawford. This psychological thriller intricately weaves tension and complexity into its character dynamics and plot developments, creating a compelling story that will leave you on the edge of your seat!

The Running Man by Stephen King

Desperation is often a sense of powerlessness. Stephen King presents one such tale – The Running Man – the bleak future of a jobless Ben Richards who is out of work and out of luck. With limited financial resources, neither he nor his wife can manage a visit to the doctor. Facing the harsh realities of poverty and desperation, Ben sees only one viable option: to enter a high-stakes reality competition. Competition, a life-altering sum of money, and the risk of severe physical peril or even death – this thriller is worth a read.

Searching For Sarah Rector: The Richest Black Girl In America by Tonya Bolden

A weak society often shows signs of increased crime and poverty. Tonya Bolden’s captivating narrative of Sarah Rector is an ideal tale of rags-to-riches against the backdrop of American history. At just eleven years old, Sarah finds herself thrust into the limelight as a wealthy yet vulnerable child, surrounded by the drama and danger that come with her newfound fortune. Read it now for a mysterious turn that takes place in her life, ultimately leading to her disappearance and other children like her.

Die, My Love by Ariana Harwicz

Die, My Love, by Argentine author Ariana Harwicz, explores the themes of motherhood, love, and resilience. Set in rural France, the story follows an unnamed mother grappling with her mental health while navigating the complexities of her relationships with her husband and child. Initially titled “Matate, amor”, the book was translated into English in 2017, offering a profound look at love and pain. Be sure to add this heartfelt story to your TBR list.

Percy Jackson and the Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan

Following the incredible success of the Disney+ Percy Jackson series, Seasons 2 and 3 have officially been announced. In Season 2, we’ll dive into The Sea of Monsters, where our favourite demigod, Percy, and his friends embark on an epic quest to rescue Grover from the clutches of the fearsome Cyclops Polyphemus in the perplexing Bermuda Triangle. Fasten your seat belts, as more adventures in the world of Percy Jackson are ready to hit the screens soon! 

The Housemaid by Freida McFadden

The Housemaid by Freida McFadden is a gripping page-turner and a swift psychological thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The story centres on Millie, a young woman with a troubled past and a desperate need for money. As she lands a job as a housekeeper for a wealthy couple, which seems like a mundane gig at first, it quickly spirals into a web of intrigue and tension. With each passing day, Millie finds herself ensnared in a psychological tug-of-war, where nothing is quite what it seems. Don’t miss out on the suspenseful journey – this thrilling tale is set to make waves when it hits the silver screen!

People We Meet On Vacation by Emily Henry

Buckle up for a journey of love, discovery, and second chances! Emily Henry’s novel People We Meet on Vacation is a romantic tale between Poppy and Alex, who are poles apart – their bond ignites during a fateful car ride home in college. Their friendship flourishes and endures a decade of summer vacations until a mysterious rift that leaves them heartbroken. Desperate to mend their lost connection, she plans one final getaway, and Alex agrees to join her. What follows is a whirlwind week filled with adventure, laughter, and buried feelings that refuse to stay hidden.

Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë 

This novel captivates readers with its vivid portrayal of isolation and the explosive consequences of obsession. Critics argue that while Wuthering Heights dazzles with its gripping narrative, it also serves as a stark reminder of the dark side of revenge – showing how the quest for retribution can spiral into chaos, leading to heartache on all sides. Emily Brontë meticulously pens the book, regarded as a timeless classic and worth a read before the premiere.