Before the Fall Festival season ends, we wanted to get ahead reading books being adapted for the big screen to prepare for any Adapted Screenplay nominees. While some of those hopeful nominees will have been adapted from other sources (The Bikeriders), this is a list of what our team will be reading in our Book Club for the rest of the year!

‘Elvis & Me’ 

Priscilla Beaulieu Presley and Sandra Harmon co-wrote Priscilla’s memoir detailing her time with her ex-husband Elvis Presley. The memoir was released in 1985 and details of their first meeting, their road to marriage, their tumultuous relationship, their divorce, and the resilient bond as the navigated co-parenting.  Priscilla, the film adaptation, will release on October 27^th and is written & directed by Academy Award Winner Sofia Coppola. The film stars Cailee Spaeny as Priscilla and Jacob Elordi as Elvis.

‘Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI’

The non-fiction book by David Grann uncovers the sinister murders of Osage Indians in the 1920s, a spree of killings that became known as the “Osage Reign of Terror.” These Osage Indians had become incredibly wealthy due to oil reserves beneath their land. Killers of the Flower Moon will release exclusively in theaters in October and stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro, and Lily Gladstone. The film was co-written and directed by Academy Award Winner Martin Scorsese. 

Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents

Isabel Wilkerson’s nonfiction book delves into the complex and deeply ingrained system of caste in the United States. Drawing parallels between the American caste system and those of India and Nazi Germany, Wilkerson offers a compelling analysis of how caste impacts every aspect of American society. Wilkerson uses historical examples and personal narratives to illustrate how caste influences not only systemic discrimination but also interpersonal relationships, perceptions of self-worth, and access to resources. Origin, the film adaptation, was written and directed by Ava DuVernay. The film stars Aunjanue Ellis, Jon Bernthal, Vera Farmiga, Audra McDonald, Niecy Nash-Betts, Nick Offerman and Blair Underwood.

‘Foe’

In the novel, ‘Foe,’ Iain Reid explores themes of identity, memory, and the nature of human relationships. The story centers around a couple, Junior and Henrietta, who live a quiet, isolated life on a remote farm. Their peaceful existence is disrupted when a stranger named Terrance arrives. The film adaptation is directed by Garth Davis and stars Saoirse Ronan and Paul Mescal. Foe will release exclusively in theaters in October.

‘The Lives of Lee Miller’

‘The Lives of Lee Miller’ is a biographical exploration of the extraordinary and multifaceted life of Lee Miller, written by Antony Penrose, her son. This book delves into the various roles Lee Miller played throughout her lifetime from modeling to photography to journalism. Lee, the film adaptation, is directed by Ellen Kuras and stars Kate Winslet, Alexander Skarsgård, Andrea Riseborough, Marion Cotillard, Josh O’Connor, and Andy Samberg. 

‘Poor Things’

By Scottish author Alasdair Gray, ‘Poor Things’ that weaves together elements of science fiction, satire, and social commentary. The story is set in Victorian-era Glasgow and follows the life of Bella Baxter, a young woman who drowns in mysterious circumstances but is brought back to life through a groundbreaking medical experiment. The film adaptation is directed by Yorgos Lanthimos and stars Emma Stone, Willem Dafoe, Mark Ruffalo, Ramy Youssef, and Jerrod Carmichael.

‘Eileen’

This novel is both a psychological thriller and character study written by Ottessa Moshfegh. Set in the early 1960s, the story revolves around the titular character, Eileen Dunlop, a young woman who lives a bleak and miserable life in a small New England town. Her life is devoid of joy or purpose, and she harbors dark secrets and disturbing obsessions. ‘Eileen’ takes a thrilling turn when Rebecca Saint John, a glamorous and confident new counselor, arrives at the facility. The film adaptation is directed by William Oldroyd and stars Thomasin McKenzie and Anne Hathaway.

‘The Zone of Interest’

‘The Zone of Interest’ is a provocative and thought-provoking novel by British author Martin Amis, set against the backdrop of the Holocaust during World War II. The story unfolds within the confines of Auschwitz, the notorious Nazi concentration camp. The novel is narrated by three distinct characters, each offering a unique perspective on the horrific events unfolding around them. The film adaptation is written and directed by Jonathan Glazer. The Zone of Interest stars Sandra Hüller and Christian Friedel and will be released in theaters this December.

‘The Color Purple’

While the film is being adapted from the Broadway musical, the novel ‘The Color Purple’ is the original source material. ‘The Color Purple’ is a classic novel by Alice Walker that tells the powerful and emotionally resonant story of Celie, a young Black woman living in the American South during the early 20th century. Celie’s story is a heart-wrenching exploration of the struggles faced by Black women in a deeply racist and patriarchal society. The film is directed by Blitz Bazawule and produced by Oprah Winfrey, Steven Spielberg, and Quincy Jones. The Color Purple has one of the most exciting ensemble casts of the year, starring Fantasia Barrino, Taraji P. Henson, Danielle Brooks, Colman Domingo, Corey Hawkins, H.E.R., Halle Bailey, Aunjanue Ellis, and Jon Batiste. 

Don’t forget to pick up other books that were adapted into films released earlier this year, including ‘Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret,’ ‘American Prometheus: The Triumph and Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer’ and ‘Losing the Signal: The Untold Story Behind the Extraordinary Rise and Spectacular Fall of BlackBerry.’