If you’re looking to update your reading list why not check out the books behind some of 2017’s most anticipated films.
With a variety of genres from children’s to war stories, there’s a book (and movie) to suit everyone.
And if you’re a horrible person, you can also indulge in spoiling the movie to friends and family members.
Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterley
Why read the book: Hidden figures tells the true story of a team of African-American women providing NASA with important mathematical data needed to launch the program’s first successful space mission. A beautiful uplifting read about how three women crossed gender and race lines to inspire future generations. Go girls!
Why watch the movie: The film is set to be just as incredible with brilliant African-American actresses Katherine G. Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson. Screening in black history month it’s the perfect time to learn about the accomplishments of black women of the past.
Release date is 16th February
The Zookeeper's Wife by Diane Ackerman
Why read the book: This non-fiction book draws on the unpublished diary of Antonina Żabińska. The diary recounts how she and her husband were able to save 300 Jew’s lives during WW2 by sheltering them in the zoo. This New York Times bestseller is a beautiful heroic story which is must read.
Why watch the movie: The book has been developed into a major motion picture featuring Jessica Chastain (from The Help and Interstellar). Chastain has been praised for her performance which is full of sensitivity and the film has been dubbed one of the most anticipated for 2017. With such a great front-woman and director, Niki Caro it looks to be in good hands.
Release date is March 31st
The Circle by Dave Eggers
Why read the book: The book chronicles tech worker Mae Holland as she joins a powerful Internet company. However, as she climbs up the company ladder things start to fall apart. This is Dave Eggers tenth piece of work. He is known for writing suspenseful and confessional styled stories and this is not lost on ‘The circle’ which warns of the dangers of social media and oversharing.
Why watch the movie: The film is set to capture the ethos of the book with reviews calling it ‘thrilling modern morality tale.’ The film also has an all-star cast with Emma Watson, Tom Hanks and Karen Gillan who are bound to bring the characters to life.
Release date is April 28th
Captain Underpants by Dav Pilkey
Why read the book: I for one am I excited to relive this childhood classic. If you didn’t get through this book in your primary school reading list, make sure you give it a go! The book follows two fourth graders whose comics accidentally become real when they hypnotise their principal.
Why watch the movie: DreamWorks animations have taken on the task of animating the film and features talented comedians Kristen Schaal, Kevin Hart and Ed Helms. The director, David Soren has also done some fantastic kids films including Turbo and Shark Tale. It’s the perfect movie to bring a young child to, but secretly enjoy yourself.
The release date is 14th September