17 Love Stories to Read Before You See the Movie
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There are a ton of books becoming movies, but if you'd rather read (and, later, see) something romantic, we've got you covered. There are several beautiful love stories in the works, while some are on the racier side. Find your next romance to get sucked into — and then see if you can imagine your favorite actors as the love interests!
01
Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertelli
- What it's about: In this coming-of-age novel, high school junior Simon hasn't come out yet, but he's forced to do so when a classmate finds out.
- Who's starring: 13 Reasons Why's Katherine Langford will play the female lead, Leah, and Everything, Everything's Nick Robinson will play Simon. Greg Berlanti will direct.
- Release date: March 16, 2018
02
Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter
- What it's about: Spanning decades, the book kicks off in 1962 on the Italian coast, following the ups and downs of a love affair that ends in Hollywood years later.
- Who's starring: Imogen Poots will play Dee Moray, and Sam Mendes will produce and potentially direct the film adaptation.
03
The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion
- What it's about: An awkward genetics professor falls for a woman who does not fit into his ascribed criteria — the titular Rosie.
- Who's starring: Ryan Reynolds is attached to potentially star.
04
The Engagements by J. Courtney Sullivan
- What it's about: The romantic read traces a diamond engagement ring from the 1930s to now, weaving together five relationships along the way.
- Who's starring: The film adaptation hasn't been cast, but Reese Witherspoon will produce.
05
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
- What it's about: The magical series follows two magicians who compete in a mysterious circus that runs from nightfall to dawn.
- Who's starring: There hasn't been any casting news yet, but Jane Eyre writer Moira Buffini will pen the script.
06
Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire
- What it's about: Good girl Abby heads to college and meets a charming, tattooed guy named Travis who challenges her to a bet: if he loses, he has to stay abstinent for a month, and if he wins, she has to live with him for a month.
- Who's starring: The film — which has been compared to Fifty Shades of Grey — hasn't been cast yet, but screenwriter Julia Hart is attached.
07
Birdsong by Sebastian Faulks
- What it's about: The historical drama tells the story of an Englishman, Stephen, and an older married Frenchwoman, Isabelle. After their affair, Stephen can't help but hold onto the romance while he serves in WWI.
- Who's starring: Nicholas Hoult stars in Birdsong as Stephen, the 21-year-old WWI army officer.
08
All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven
- What it's about: In this young adult romance, a girl named Violet falls for Finch, a boy who is intent on ending his life.
- Who's starring: Elle Fanning is starring, and Miguel Arteta is directing.
09
Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
- What it's about: The relationship of two young Nigerians is tested by long distance and immigration issues when one of them moves to America.
- Who's starring: Lupita Nyong'o will play the female lead opposite David Oyelowo, while Brad Pitt is producing.
10
The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith
- What it's about: A young girl gets stuck at JFK on her way to London, only to meet a boy who seems utterly perfect.
- Who's starring: Hailee Steinfeld will star with Robert Sheehan in the adaptation, which is written by Dustin Lance Black.
11
Every Day by David Levithan
- What it's about: Sixteen-year-old Rhiannon has fallen in love — with a soul that goes by the name "A" and which inhabits a different body every single day.
- Who's starring: Angourie Rice plays Rhiannon; Maria Bello and Justice Smith also star.
- Release date: Feb. 23, 2018
12
Love May Fail by Matthew Quick
- What it's about: A woman dealing with the breakup of her marriage heads back to her hometown to clear the name of a former teacher.
- Who's starring: Emma Stone will star in the movie, which is being adapted by Mike White.
- Release date: TBD
13
Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan
- What it's about: New York-based Nick brings his girlfriend, Rachel, home for a wedding in Singapore, where she discovers he's vastly wealthy — and that she may not fit into that world.
- Who's starring: The movie adaptation has a huge, well-known cast including Constance Wu and Ken Jeong. Jon Chu is directing.
- Release date: Aug. 17, 2018
14
Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus by John Gray
- What it's about: This bestseller argues that the most common relationship problems can be attributed to fundamental personality differences between guys and girls.
- Who's starring: Reese Witherspoon is set to headline the film.
- Release date: TBD
15
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows
- What it's about: After WWII has come to an end, while London writer Juliet Ashton is looking for inspiration for her next book, she becomes acquainted with a wild crew on Guernsey Island after receiving a letter. She becomes drawn into the world of the man who wrote to her and his friends under Nazi occupation.
- Who's starring: Michiel Huisman and Lily James will costar in the adaptation.
- Release date: 2018
16
On Chesil Beach by Ian McEwan
- What it's about: A young couple dates and marries in quick succession, but immediately runs into trouble on their honeymoon night.
- Who's starring: Saoirse Ronan (who was nominated for an Oscar for her last Ian McEwan adaptation, Atonement) plays lead character Florence, opposite Billy Howle as her husband, Edward.
- Watch the trailer for On Chesil Beach.
- Release date: May 18, 2018
17
The Sun Is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon
- What it's about: A young woman, Natasha, falls in love in New York City . . . just before she and her family are set to be deported back to Jamaica.
- Who's starring: Yara Shahidi will play Natasha.
- Release date: TBD