Since the motion picture was invented, books have been adapted as films, and most recently TV series. Here are the book-to-TV adaptations I’ll be reading so I can later binge when it gets really cold and icy later this fall.
The Good Lord Bird by James McBride
Watch it on Showtime
James McBride’s modern classic tells the story of abolitionist John Brown from the POV of crossdressing Henry Shackleford. You’re not alone if that sounds a lot like Huckleberry Finn to you, and you’re definitely not alone if that excites you. Be sure to read our recaps!
The Highway by C.J. Box, adapted as Big Sky
Watch it on ABC
Is the west still wild? It’s definitely still got plenty of room to hide in the dark. C.J. Box has more books about Cody Hoyt and Cassie Dewell up his sleeve, but this kidnapping mystery is a great place to break into his book about the law enforcement officers of Montana.
The Haunting of Bly Manor, based on the works of Henry James
Watch it on Netflix
Season one, The Haunting of Hill House, shared a title and a few characters with the Shirley Jackson novel, and for season two, The Haunting’s production team has gone the same route with Henry James’s shorter works. Fans of Henry James (there are dozens of us!) will catch the unmistakable influence of The Turn of the Screw and will probably be able to find references to his other writings scattered throughout the series.
The Queen’s Gambit by Walter Tevis
Watch it on Netflix
Smart young lady masters chess sounds like a Nabakov plotline, but it’s actually from the imagination of Walter Tevis. Classic movie fans will recognize Tevis as the pen beyond The Hustler and The Color of Money. Book nerds ought to remember Anya Taylor-Joy’s hilarious performance in Emma earlier this year.
