5 Books to Read Before Their Adaptations Hit Theaters This Year

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A new year means a whole new slew of book-to-film adaptations. And any fan worth their salt always reads the book before going to watch the movie. How else can you compare the differences between the two storytelling mediums? Check out these books and make sure to read them before their adaptations hit theaters this year.

Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly

Shetterly’s book tells the untold story of the black female mathematicians at NASA. It focuses primarily on Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, Katherine Johnson and Christine Darden and how they broke through Jim Crow laws and succeeded in helping get a man on the moon. The book has been made into a movie by 20th Century Fox and stars Taraji P. Henson of Empire fame along with Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monae, Kirsten Dunst, Kevin Costner, and Jim Parsons. It will be released on December 25th, 2016.

Fifty Shades Darker by E.L. James

Christian and Anastasia’s controversial love story continues in this sequel to Fifty Shades of Grey. After having broken up with Mr. Grey, Anastasia tries to move on with her life. However, when Christian approaches her and proposes a new arrangement Anastasia just can’t bring herself to say no. Jamie Dornan and Dakota Johnson reprise their roles as the star-crossed lovers on February 10th, 2017.

The Zookeeper’s Wife by Diane Ackerman

Ackerman’s book is special as it tells the story of the Warsaw Zoo and of the zookeepers who risked their lives to save people from the Nazis. During a three-year time span, the zookeepers were able to save hundreds of Jews from an untimely death. Jessica Chastain plays Antonnia Zabinski the zookeeper’s wife and co-conspirator against the ruthless Nazi regime. The movie will premiere on March 31, 2017.

The Circle by Dave Eggers

Tom Hanks and Emma Watson star in this movie adaptation of the suspenseful novel The Circle. It’s about a powerful internet company that could be described as a Google wannabe. But as the protagonist Mae becomes more involved with the company, she soon realizes that nothing is as it seems. It hits theaters on April 28, 2017.

Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver

Before I Fall is a YA version of the Bill Murray film Groundhog Day. Samantha Kingston died on February 12 but wakes up the next day like nothing happened. Soon she realizes that she’s reliving the day she died again and again and again…And that by changing what she does each time she may be able to prevent her own death. Look for it in the cinema in March 2017.