Recently we have seen many books adapted to T.V shows or movies. From Queenie to Hillbilly Elegy to the super popular It Ends With Us. But it’s much debated, which one was better, the book or the show. Let’s deep dive into some recent book to T.V. or movie adaptations to see which was better. I also tell you which adapations were my favorite and which ones missed the mark.

Queenie

Book: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Show: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Queenie is (and will forever be) a 5 star read in my opinion. After I read it, I was sure there would be an adaptation shortly after its debut. Alas, we all had to wait YEARS for this adaptation. But it was totally worth the wait! The show premiered on HULU and was phenomenal; for once a show stayed true to the book. It is definitely worth binge watching when you have a free weekend. This one’s a tie - the book and show are both good!

Black Cake

Book: 🌟🌟🌟🌟 Show: 🌟🌟🌟

Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson is definitely a must read book and also a Read With Jenna Book Club pick. This tense and emotional story of one woman’s life story of betrayal, secrets and lost memories really captured me when I read it. The show premiered on Hulu but I didn’t have the same feeling vs when I read the book. I still believe the show is worth seeing, just not as binge-worthy. The book was better.

Where The Crawdads Sing

Book: 🌟🌟🌟💫 Show: 🌟🌟

I really liked Where the Crawdads Sing despite the controversary surrounding the book and author. I thought it was unique perspective on girls journey to womanhood in the deep South. However, the movie seemed to miss the mark and was boring considering I liked the book. I also was not fan of the cast that was chosen so the movie completely missed the mark for me. The book was better.

Gone Girl

Book: 🌟🌟🌟🌟 Show: 🌟🌟🌟💫

Gillian Flynn is known for her fantastic thriller books, and Gone Girl is not exception. I really loved this book and I generally liked the movie adaptation. I glad the writers and producers stayed as close to the book as possible, I feel it would have been a miss if they hadn’t. The movie is definitely a must watch! The book was better.

Apples Never Fall

Book: 🌟🌟🌟🌟 Show: 🌟🌟

Apples Never Fall is a great thriller read and one that I really like. With tons of family drama, secrets, and coming of age stories, there’s lots to love with this novel. The show (aired on Peacock)…..not so much. It started great but if completely fell flat at the end. Everything just seemed so unbelieveable and I was really disappointed. The book was definitely better despite the fantastic cast in the show.

It Ends With Us

Book: TBD Show: TBD

I’m interested to see where this ends…..

Other Notable Mentions

The Other Black Girl Killers of the Flower Moon Dune
Silo (Wool by Hugh Howley) Daisy Jones and the Six 3 Body Problem
The Boys All The Light We Cannot See Bridgerton