Netflix Is Launching a Book Club
Some of the most beloved Netflix original movies and series over the years have been based on books, including “Bridgerton,” “The Queen’s Gambit,” and the “To All The Boys” franchise. Now, the streaming giant is teaming up with Starbucks and fan-favorite authors on what might be the most fitting addition to everyone’s go-to leisure time activity. Enter: Netflix Book Club.
Each time a Netflix original turns into an instant hit on the app, viewers flock to bookstores to check out the page-turners that inspired their recent binge watches, with each respective book usually topping bestseller lists along the way. The clube will give fans a chance to connect more deeply with their favorite Netflix features. Uzo Aduba, the star of “Orange Is The New Black” (itself one of the first hit Netflix adaptations), will announce monthly book selections that will be making their way to the streaming service, and she’ll host conversations about the adaptation process with cast, creators, and authors over a cup of coffee at Starbucks.
The new social series titled “But Have You Read the Book?” will kick off on Nov. 16, available for fans worldwide to watch on the Still Watching Netflix YouTube Channel and the Netflix U.S. Facebook channel.
In a statement announcing her exciting new role, the three-time Emmy award winner shared, “I can’t tell you how many times I’ve asked friends, ‘But have you read the book?’ So I’m excited to host Netflix Book Club and bring together loyal book fans, TV and movie obsessives, and the creators behind their favorite stories. I can’t wait to dive deep into the creative process and what it takes to bring a book to life.”
Netflix Book Club will kick off with Nella Larsen’s 1929 novel “Passing,” with its film adaptation hitting the streaming service on Nov. 10. Directed and written by Rebecca Hall, “Passing” stars Tessa Thompson and Ruth Negga and follows the story of two Black women who can pass as white and choose to live on opposite sides of the color line in New York during the 1920s Harlem Renaissance era.
Bozoma Saint John, the chief marketing officer at Netflix, said in a statement: “From ‘Bridgerton,’ ‘To All the Boys,’ and ‘Sweet Magnolias,’ to ‘Queen’s Gambit,’ ‘Unorthodox,’ ‘Virgin River,’ and of course ‘Orange Is the New Black,’ Netflix loves bringing books to life on screen and creating conversation with passionate readers and fans. We’re thrilled to partner with Starbucks and excited that the incredible Uzo Aduba will be our host to discuss favorite books and what goes into the writing, developing, casting, and creating of our beloved series and films.”
Future selections will be announced soon, but if your interest is piqued and you want to check out more great book-to-screen adaptations available on the app, browse all the current offerings here.