If you've heard it once, you've heard it a million times—the book was better! There's nothing like debating the differences between a favorite book and its translation to the screen. But if you don't know your beloved series is coming out as a movie or that the fun-looking preview you saw was adapted from a book, how can you join the debate? The Library is here to the rescue! Here, we will be exploring the movie adaptations soon to hit screens big and small, and give you the chance to read before you view.
Coming This January
The Dutchman by Amiri Baraka
The meeting of Clay, a young college-educated black man, and Lula, a flirtatious young white woman, on the subway in 1960s New York City sets off a chain of dramatic events. Amiri Baraka’s play The Dutchman explores racism and racial identity during the height of the Civil Rights Movement. The modern film adaptation will star André Holland and Kate Mara and be released in theaters on January 2, 2026.
The Chronology of Water by Lidia Yuknavitch
From the abusive childhood that led her to pursue a competitive swimming scholarship to her career as an author and teacher, Lidia Yuknavitch’s memoir The Chronology of Water is a raw exploration of grief, sexuality, abuse, and family. The film adaptation, set to premiere in theaters on January 9, will be Kirsten Stewart’s directorial debut.
H is for Hawk by Helen Macdonald
While grieving the death of her father, Helen Macdonald adopts and raises a vicious goshawk named Mabel. The bird’s fierce temperament matches her own, and together the two form an intimate bond. Part nature writing and part memoir, Helen Macdonald’s bestselling H is for Hawk is a beautiful read. Starring Claire Foy and Brendan Gleeson, the film adaptation will premiere in theaters on January 23, 2026.