But Have You Read the Book?
Who else can relate to that excitement of finding out that a book you read and enjoyed is turning into a movie or TV series? Because I can.
My first experience of this anxiousness was with the Twilight saga back in 2008, during my middle school days. As a young teenager who was in love with all things fantasy, sci-fi, and romance, I couldn't WAIT to see the fictional love triangle on the big screen.
My binder was heavily Twilight-themed with cutout pictures and quotes. At some point, I went to the extreme of believing that vampires were real. My mind even fantasized about falling in love with one. Truly, I was a #TwiHard #TeamEdward.
When the series came to the cinema, I was disappointed. Not only by the cringe acting but also by the number of scenes the movies excluded. Despite the back and forth debates with my #TeamJacob friends about the book in our little self-created “book club”, the underwhelming feeling of the movies was agreed upon at the very least.
Convos and Cold Brew
I’ve noticed quite often that books are better than their cinematic versions. Perhaps it’s because reading allows more room to imagine what our favorite characters are like, creating the best versions of them in our heads. Painting our favorite scenes word by word, page by page. But it might also be because filmmakers fight the dilemma of only including the “important” scenes. After all, sitting through a 3.5-hour long movie on Netflix is kind of a stretch.
It’s always interesting to hear about someone else’s opinions on movies/ tv series that are based on a book. From how they interpreted certain scenes, to thoughts on character development, and even future predictions of a story’s ending. These conversations just might be the start of lifelong friendships.
What better place to have these enthusiastic convos than a place like Starbucks? Conversations are just so much more intimate over a grande nitro cold brew (yes, this is my go-to Starbucks order).
That is why Starbucks and Netflix partnered to start a social book club series called “But Have You Read the Book?”, where featured host Uzo Aduba will have conversations with cast members, creators, and authors on their process of bringing a book alive… over Starbucks coffee (duh, no brainer)!
Each episode of the series will revolve around a different book and movie/ TV show for that month. Some of which were mentioned included Bridgerton, To All the Boys, Queen’s Gambit, You, Sweet Magnolias, Orange is the New Black, Maid, Nappily Ever After, and much more.
Kicking off with Passing, based on a novel by Nella Larsen this upcoming November. Although this book/film is a first-timer for me, it’s now queued on my Netflix playlist and next reads, just so I can tune in on the Pilot of “But Have You Read the Book?”. Give me 2 weeks, my answer will be a yes by then!
If this motivates more people to read, then so be it!
Physically apart, Intellectually together
In a society where we often feel disconnected and are now physically distanced from each other too, interactive and engaging conversations are craved more than ever. With Starbucks and Netflix being the top leaders of their industries, this partnership is more than just a call for brand exposure. Instead, it’s a way to build community, intimacy, and even bring a sense of lightheartedness that big corporations tend to lack. But more so, it gives closure that people heavily yearn for, especially with cliffhanger endings.
Although the world’s rapid shift into the digital space creates more physical distance between us, information accessibility is becoming more within reach. What was once a trip to check out a book at the nearest public library is now a few thumb taps away, giving us less of an excuse not to read. And then, of course, some people rationalize themselves with “not having enough time” to read but can spend an entire Sunday binging on Netflix.
The point is: why not have the best of both worlds?! You’d be surprised at how much perspective this combo will give you. After all, it’s why they say that books and films are like little portals into different universes.
Don’t know where to begin? Well, Netflix Book Club seems fitting! The coolest part is anyone from anywhere can participate and follow along. If you’re running out of long-distance relationship date ideas, this one may just be it. What more do you need than bonding over intellectual conversations and aromatic coffee?
