With recent orders for people to shelter in place (like the one from Michigan), we need easy home entertainment. Well, we’re in luck! There are tons of book adaptions that you can read/watch while you’re stuck at home. Worried that you you don’t have access to the book? Check your local library! A lot of libraries are creating ways for patrons to access books, movies, and more virtually. Personally, I’ve been streaming audiobooks! Which I do anyway outside of the library, but it’s even more important now.
For this list, I’m going to focus mostly on newer adaptations, but I’ll throw in a couple of my past favorites as well! Not only can you read these books, you can watch them in the same day. If you’re not able to work from home, this can help keep you from endlessly scrolling through social media.
Book Adaptations to Read/Watch
P.S. I Still Love You
This one just came out on Netflix about a month ago; the much anticipated sequel to To All the Boys I Loved Before. For me, the book is still sitting next to my bed, unread. I’ve heard good things about the book and the movie, though! If you’re looking for something lighthearted to distract you, this romance might be the perfect thing.
All the Bright Places
If you’re looking for something a little heavier, this might be in your wheelhouse. While I have yet to watch the movie (again on Netflix), the book deals with mental health and grief. The good thing about it though is that it’s ultimately hopeful, so it’s still likely to lift your spirits!
Looking for Alaska
From a different streaming service, this limited series came out on Hulu last fall. It is the adaptation of the John Green book that put him on the map, and probably one of the best adaptations I saw last year. From the characters to the writing to the music, they brought this beautiful book to life.
The Sun Is Also a Star
Available on Hulu and Amazon Prime, this adaptation came out last spring. This is another mix of lighthearted romance with heavier topics, specifically immigration and family expectations. The movie version was pretty decent too–it was pretty faithful to the book, except for a few minor things. Makes for a lovely afternoon in.
Love, Simon
The movie version of Simon Vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli and it’s such a happy movie! There are quite a few details that differ from the book to the movie, but that doesn’t take away the uplifting spirit of the story. This one came out a few years ago, but it’s still one of my favorite adaptations to date.