Listen, I know we’re all getting some book adaptation fatigue. BUT I think it’s more bad book adaptation. So, based on Goodreads reviews, ratings, and overall general recent favorites, I gathered the 10 books that surprisingly have not been adapted (as of yet) despite the potential:
1.Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Avg. rating: 4.3/5
Liz is a rom-com-obsessed teenager determined to win her crush over, but as the days go by, the next-door neighbor is becoming more and more attractive.
Why it should be adapted ASAP: The people yearn for classic ’90s/2000s rom-coms, which is the EXACT feeling this story gives.
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2.The Wedding People by Alison Espach
Henry Holt and Co.
Avg. rating: 4.1/5
Phoebe arrives at a grand hotel with certain plans, but those quickly get derailed when the other hotel guests mistake her for being a part of the wedding that’s taking place.
Why it should be adapted ASAP: This funny and emotional story explores timely and important themes of mental wellness, without feeling like a mushy and insincere Hallmark movie.
3.The Measure by Nikki Erlick
William Morrow
Avg. rating: 4.0/5
One day, a box arrives at everyone’s doorstop. What’s in the box? A string measuring how long your life is.
Why it should be adapted ASAP: It explores an interesting topic everyone will face someday — death and their mortality.
4.The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
Celadon Books
Avg. rating: 4.2/5
Alicia brutally attacked and murdered her husband. Years later, she hasn’t spoken a single word. Not about the crime. Not about her husband. Not. A. Single. Word. Not until Dr. Theo Faber visits her in the hospital…
Why it should be adapted ASAP: This viral BookTok read has people divided, but the plot twist still remains unmatched.
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5.A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
Riverhead Books
Avg. rating: 4.45/5
A heart-wrenching tale of two women in war-torn Afghanistan, exploring resilience, friendship, and survival.
Why it should be adapted ASAP: Its epic scope and emotional depth would make for a powerful drama similar to The Kite Runner (which has been adapted).
6.The Battle of the Labyrinth (Percy Jackson #4) by Rick Riordan
Disney Hyperion Digital
Avg. rating: 4.42/5
Part of the beloved Percy Jackson series, this installment dives into Greek mythology with high-stakes adventures.
Why it should be adapted ASAP: While the main series has adaptations, this specific book’s labyrinthine plot screams for a standalone fantasy blockbuster.
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7.Night by Elie Wiesel
Hill and Wang
Avg. rating: 4.38/5
A harrowing memoir of the Holocaust from a survivor’s perspective.
Why it should be adapted ASAP:Â Its raw intensity and historical significance could translate into a poignant, Oscar-worthy film, though its sensitive subject matter has kept it unadapted.
8.Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein
HarperCollins
Avg. rating: 4.3/5
A whimsical collection of poems and illustrations for all ages.
Why it should be adapted ASAP:Â An animated adaptation could capture its playful creativity, much like Dr. Seuss films, but it remains untouched.
9.The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón
Penguin Books
Avg. rating: 4.3/5
A gothic mystery set in post-war Barcelona about a boy discovering a cursed book.
Why it should be adapted ASAP:Â Its atmospheric intrigue and literary twists would suit a thriller directed by someone like Guillermo del Toro.
10.Number the Stars by Lois Lowry
HaperCollins
Avg. rating: 4.19/5
A WWII story of a Danish girl helping her Jewish friend escape the Nazis.
Why it should be adapted ASAP:Â Its themes of bravery and friendship could make an inspiring historical film for younger audiences. Also, Lowry’s other bestseller has made its mark on the big screen (The Giver).
What do you think? Comment the book you would love to see on screens!
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