“Are you still watching” — Read the book!

Starbucks and Netflix have recently teamed up on a new social content series — “But Have You Read the Book?” The partnership between the two giants will be an exclusive part of The Netflix Bookclub, “a one-of-a-kind club for literary and entertainment lovers to hear about their new favorite books, films and series adaptations first.”

But Have You Read the Book?

This is a question that is often asked between friends that sparks conversation. With this in mind, Starbucks has decided to kick off the new social content series, starring Orange Is the New Black Uzo Aduba. The series will revolve around conversations sparked by the books behind that tv series or film; giving viewers an inside look at how a book is brought “from page to screen.”

What do I think about it?

Personally? I think this is genius. Over the years, I have been at coffee shops with friends and a common theme of conversation is always about a new series or film that has popped up on Netflix; needless to state the obvious, someone always asks if you read the book (when there is a book involved), myself included. There is something different about reading the book first and then watching. It just hits different.

From a marketing perspective, considering that Netflix already has The Netflix Bookclub, partnering with a company like Starbucks was a very smart move. Coffee, books, series, films, and a great conversation over a cup of coffee; what more could you want? Besides bringing the companies together, I think that the concept is great. The series with Starbucks will take place at actual Starbucks locations with Uzo and some will get the opportunity to simply have a conversation about a series or film and a book with her.

I feel that through this (besides being a huge marketing campaign for both) people may actually be inspired and driven to read the book associated with the series or film before watching it. I think that it will also gives viewers insight into how things translate from one to the other. If you ask me, its amazing how directors are able translate and allow viewers to experience the scenes through a series that came from a book. Can you imagine how difficult it can be to pin point and actually nail the scene and the feeling that someone gets from reading something and moving it to the big screen? It’s an art in itself.

Let’s meet at Starbucks.

All in all, this is a great idea. Next time I’m stumped and want to spark a conversation with someone new (my friends already know what I watch), I have a great conversation starter. “But did you read the book?” is a great way for anyone to start a conversation about a new series or film. Try it out when you go out for a cup of coffee with friends and see what happens. You never know, you might even decide to read the book thanks to that conversation!

A message from Uzo.