It feels like every time I open my phone, another book-to-screen adaptation gets announced. And don’t get me wrong, I’m not complaining! But it did get me thinking… what about MY favorite books? Where’s their screen time?

So, consider this my official pitch for 6 book to screen adaptations. And to any Hollywood producers reading the Bookinfluencers blog (because obviously they’re our biggest fans, duuhhh), please take notes. You’re welcome.

The Secret History by Donna Tartt

• Genre: Dark Academia / Mystery
• Published: 1992

There’s one book I’ve been dying to see as a book to screen adaptation, although the chances of it happening seem slim to none. And not for lack of trying, either. We’re talking about The Secret History, of course.

So, I must admit, I fell down the dark academia rabbit hole during its resurgence on BookTok in 2022 and absolutely fell in love with Donna Tartt’s cult classic. But it turns out Bunny’s death isn’t the only mystery surrounding this novel. Its history of failed adaptations is almost as dramatic as the book itself. And the behind-the-scenes drama? Juicy!

The ‘Curse’ Timeline:

• The ’90s: Director Alan J. Pakula optioned the rights, but the project halted after his sudden passing.
• The 2000s: Gwyneth and Jake Paltrow attempted an adaptation, which stalled following their father’s death.
• The TV Attempt: A later television deal fell through before reaching production.

So, I’m not sure if anyone would dare go near this novel again, but come on, guys! Surely it’s time to give it another chance. Imagine the autumnal cinematography, the classical soundtrack, the increasingly unhinged dinner parties. We’d be seated for every second of it. 

Graveyard Shift by M. L. Rio

• Genre: Gothic Horror / Mystery
• Published: 2024

Forget pumpkin spice lattes—THIS is what October needs. Every fall, we get the usual horror film lineup, but M. L. Rio’s novella offers something far more sinister: five strangers, a cemetery, and an open grave.

The premise is practically begging for a Halloween book to screen adaptation! But the real mystery isn’t what’s buried beneath the ground. It’s who’s been digging, and why.

So who’s going to give us the moody 90-minute thriller, a haunting soundtrack and an October release date? No cheap jump scares, please.

Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber

• Genre: Fantasy Romance (Romantasy)
• Published: 2021

Disney, we have a proposition for you. Sincerely, the entire bookish community.

It’s time to get into the studio and bring Stephanie Garber’s magical world to life. A hopeless romantic striking a bargain with the wicked Prince of Hearts, whose kisses could kill? Cue the crowd going wild. (It’s me. I’m the crowd.)

Think Alice in Wonderland, but darker, dreamier, and dripping with magic. Jacks: the wicked Prince of Hearts whose kisses are fatal, is begging for a live-action debut.

The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston

• Genre: Magical Realism / Rom-Com
• Published: 2023

Rom-coms are back, apparently. In my household, they never left. 

May I introduce the ultimate time-bending romance? A magical New York apartment, a charming stranger living seven years in the past, and a love story where timing is literally everything.

I went into this expecting a cute little romance and came out questioning everything I know about timing and love. So of course, I now need to experience that emotional damage on screen too.

And honestly, if a romance about falling for someone seven years in the past doesn’t have a theatrical release written all over it, I don’t know what does. 

A Dowry of Blood by S. T. Gibson

• Genre: Gothic Fantasy / Horror
• Published: 2021

Who said the vampire era was over?

Actually, don’t answer that.  I’ve personally never left it, and I don’t plan on starting now.

Forget everything you know about Dracula. Told from the perspective of his first bride, Constanta, this is a dark, lush story of queer vampires, polyamory, and surviving a toxic immortal relationship.

Yes, queer, polyamorous vampires. You’re welcome.

And honestly, hasn’t Dracula had enough screen time? It’s time we heard from the woman who had to put up with him.

The Ex Vows by Jessica Joyce

• Genre: Contemporary Romance / Second-Chance Tropes
• Published: 2024

Because sometimes all we want is two people who are painfully, obviously still in love.

Can we PLEASE bring back rom-coms where the romantic tension is so unbearable you practically feel it through the screen? Because Jessica Joyce’s The Ex Vows had me screaming at two fictional people to JUST KISS ALREADY!

If you know me, you know I’ll do anything for a second-chance trope done right. 

What’s worse than running into your ex? Teaming up with them to save your best friend’s wedding while pretending you’re totally over each other. If you love second-chance romance, agonizing tension, and men who actually YEARN, this needs to be greenlit immediately.

And there you have it! Six books that deserve their own book to screen adaptations.This was way too much fun, but now I want to hear which books are on your adaptation wishlist? Let’s compare notes (and give producers a few more ideas).