When it comes to books and their movie adaptations, the latter usually falls short. That said, even with disappointment looming, I am always excited when I learn that a book I have enjoyed will be released on the big screen (or maybe small screen this year). Here is a not even close to exhaustive list of books turned movies that you may want to look out for in 2021.

Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens (Movie release date: TBA)

Easily among the most popular books of past couple of years, Where the Crawdads Sing is a coming-of-age mystery novel that transports readers to a quiet coastal town in the 1960s. It follows the life and experiences of Kya “The Marsh Girl,” when someone in the town turns up dead. Details about the movie are somewhat mum, but it is been announced that Daisy Edgar Jones (known for playing Marianne in the adaptation of the Normal People by Sally Rooney) is set to portray Kya.

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah (Movie release date: December 21, 2021)

Like Where the Crawdads Sing, The Nightingale is among the most popular and most universally loved novels in recent history. Following the stories of two very different sisters who are trying to survive in wartime France, offering a moving portrayal of the Nazi occupation and what this meant for all the wives, daughters and widows left behind. The movie will star real-life sisters Dakota and Elle Fanning as the Rossignol sisters.

The Woman in the Window by AJ Finn (Movie release date: TBA)

Like many movies meant to be released over the past year, this one seems to keep getting pushed back. Thanks, COVID! It follows an agoraphobic woman, portrayed by Amy Adams in the film, who spends her days drinking and staring out her window spying on her neighbours. When one day she witnesses a murder, it's hard to know whether her hazy version of events is reliable. Plenty of twists and turns ensue.

The Last Letter from Your Lover by Jojo Moyes (Movie release date: TBA)

Primarily set in the 1960s, The Last Letter from Your Lover follows Jennifer, a woman who is recovering from an accident and can’t remember her life before. As time passes she realizes that people are keeping something from her, and then she begins to find letters hidden around her house, and realizes she had a lover—now who was that guy anyway? This isn't the first time Jojo Moyes reached the big screen (remember Me Before You?) but I doubt it will be her last.

Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah (Series release date: February 3, 2021)

Here we have yet another entry by Kristin Hannah. A relatively simple story of female friendship at its core, the novel follows Tully (played by Katherine Heigl) and Kate (played by Sarah Chalke) as they grow up throughout three decades and face all of life’s trials together. Please note that Firefly Lane will be released not as a movie, but as a Netflix series adaption.

101 Dalmatians by Dodie Smith (Movie release date: May 28, 2021)

Hearken back to childhood with this latest (live action!) adaption of the children's classic. Our favourite fashion-obsessed dog poacher Cruella de Vil (played by Emma Stone), earns the title card of this new movie, Cruella. It follows the villain's younger years, which seems like an interesting take.

Dune by Frank Herbert (Movie release date: October 1, 2021)

Far in the future, sci-fi classic Dune is set in an interstellar society where computers are banned, planets are controlled by Houses, and eternal human life is possible. When it comes to books becoming movies in 2021, this has to be one of the most anticipated – and it will just be part one of two blockbuster films starring Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, and Jason Momoa.

All of these books (and eventually the films too!) can be reserved from the County of Lennox & Addington Libraries. Search the catalogue here.

This article was originally published in The Napanee Beaver.