‘It Ends With Us’ by Colleen Hoover
Recommended by teachers, students, and all over social media, “It Ends With Us” by Colleen Hoover remains one of the most popular novels read by both avid and casual readers. Written in 2016, the novel was awarded “Best Romance Novel of the Year” by Goodreads. The novel’s dramatic plot line began to gain popularity throughout recent years, which is what made me break open the cover.
Before reading “It Ends With Us,” I had only heard mixed reviews. However, I can say with confidence that the book, though a heavy read, is definitely a book everyone should read once in their lives because it sends a message about strength and bravery to leave a bad situation. The novel follows female protagonist Lily Bloom who experiences domestic abuse in her marriage, and it shows first-hand how complicated and difficult it is to leave a relationship as such. I read “It Ends With Us” prior to watching the book-to-film adaptations, and as a result, I was pleasantly surprised with the production.
The film stars Blake Lively. Like most page-to-screen movies, there are many missing details in the movie that are important in the book. In the book, it is easy to see Lily develop relationships. However, in the movie, I feel that the focus on the relationship development between Lily and her significant other is underdeveloped, so in result, the movie was not as emotional. Not only that, but the outfits were ridiculous; why was Lily wearing two pairs of pants? The movie is intriguing for both readers and nonreaders, but readers should go into it with an open mind.
‘A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder’ by Holly Jackson
I was especially excited for “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” when it came out on Netflix as a television show, because I love mysteries. The novel follows an intelligent high school girl named Pip who investigates an infamous murder that happened years ago that her local police have already declared solved. With many twists and turns, the novel is definitely fast-paced. Oftentimes, the book’s local CT setting would surprise me, as I would be reading about familiar towns as Pip ventures off to interview yet another suspect. The novel can definitely be read in just one sitting, and have your jaw dropping constantly. I finished the book as quickly as I could so that I could watch the show while avoiding any spoilers that found their way through social media. Though the book was fantastic, the TV show was the complete opposite. With it being a quick watch (only six episodes, and each 45 minutes long) I was glad that it was over. While the book takes place in Connecticut, the TV show takes place in England. The TV show is basically just the British (more confusing version) of the book.
I highly recommend both novels, but the films require an open perspective. This coming school year, “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” is a great quick and easy read. For those of you who want a slower emotional read filled with a rollercoaster of hope, laughter, and anger, “It Ends With Us” is the perfect read that gets you through the harsh winter. These two examples of book-to-film adaptations show that once again, the book is always better.
