Toni's Book Corner

Category: Insights

  • I want to get into classics: 5 tips on where to start

    I want to get into classics: 5 tips on where to start

    Classics have a reputation of being hermetic, complex and too hard to understand. There are a product of their time, and it is true that some are difficult to fully grasp without historical and political context to make the book make sense. For instance, I have read some postmodern literature during my studies, and having deconstructed, fragmented stories was a product of a disillusioned time period, but feels like a complete fever dream when reading them. While older texts are often written in less ‘fluent’ and sometimes more archaic language, many of these books we now call classics are so because they were popular at the time as well. Some were written for an intellectual elite, but many were written for and loved by the masses. After all, many books that we are reading today will become classics for the future population as well. Everyone has a different taste in books, but these books are classics for a reason, so do not let yourself get discouraged by the status they have and dip your toe in the masterpieces of the past. In this article, I will give you five tips on where to start if you want to read some classics, and I will finish off with some accessible recommendations.

    Don’t put pressure on yourself

    If you are only getting into classics or want to read more complex books, there is no need to pressure yourself in terms of understanding everything. There is no need to excavate every layer or hidden message in a book, just because other people have said there is. A book can have many layers, and if you read and enjoy it just for the plot without figuring out a possible message the author wanted to convey, that is completely fine. You read for yourself, not for anyone else.

    Familiarise yourself with the time period

    Looking up some key elements about the time period a book is either set in or written in, can make the reading experience more enjoyable. Throughout history culture, politics and customs have evolved wildly and familiarising yourself beforehand can prevent some misunderstandings. You don’t need to perform a complete research of course, but just looking up the political context, the art movement and some key elements about the daily lives can go a long way. Depending on how much this interests you, you can research as much or as little as you like.

    An ereader is your best friend

    In terms of truly understanding the wording and phrases, it can be useful to have a dictionary at hand, and reading digitally makes it much easier. You can just select the word you don’t understand and look up the meaning while reading. That way you don’t have to put down the book, grab your phone or laptop and get distracted or lose the momentum you had. There are so many beautiful editions of classic books out there, but the ebooks are often very cheap, which is another bonus.

    Read modernised versions of older classics

    Some of the most well-known classics are centuries old and only slightly resemble modern languages. A great solution is to read modernised versions of these texts, as they are accompanied by a translation in the modern language and extra explanations. The best example of this is Shakespeare, but there’s also Beowulf, the legends of King Arthur or the Iliad for example, that have been translated many times. The latter three are adventurous tales filled with bravery, magic, excitement and love. As the greatest barrier to reading these is the language, modernised text versions are the perfect solution. Poetry is also a good example of this, since there are beautiful poems written that require a bit more explanation to fully grasp and appreciate them. A personal favourite of mine is the romantic poets, for which there are many texts that give more elucidation.

    Choose a genre you enjoy

    While classics is a catch-all term for books that have stood the test of time and have gained attention and popularity or have remained so, it is not an actual genre. Within the group of classics, there are many genres extremely similar to the ones we read today. Stick with what you know, and read a classic book in the same genre as what you already know and love. Here are some examples of books in different genres, that I find accessible to get into reading classics.

    Mystery/Thriller

    Sherlock Holmes is the perfect example of an accessible mystery from the 19th century. There are many books Arthur Conan Doyle has written about this famous detective, and some are short stories which is the perfect place to start. Conan’s stories and novels are engaging, immersive and perfect for fans of mystery and thriller books.

    Similarly, Agatha Christie is one of the most accessible classic writers and she has written many mysteries. Murder on the Orient Express is arguably her most famous novel, but it is not the only one. Many of her books have been used as inspiration for other authors or other pieces of media. She has been dubbed the ‘Queen of Crime’ and with over 2 billion copies of her works sold, she is an immensely popular author. Her books are more recent than some other classics, so the way they are written is very similar to modern language and they are therefore perfect to get into classics.

    Dystopian

    There are many dystopian novels in the ever-expanding group of classics, but it is also a popular genre today. The Handmaids Tale by Margaret Atwood is a modern classic, published in 1985 and has received many awards for its significance. It is a staple in the dystopian genre and is obvious in its messaging which makes it easy to get into, especially if you are already familiar with the dystopian genre.

    Another famous example is Animal Farm by George Orwell. Though 1984 by him is also very popular, it is longer and sometimes described as more complex, so I think Animal Farm is a better place to start. It is a very short book and uses animals to tell the historical event of the Russian Revolution and everything that followed. I do highly recommend looking this political context up before starting the book, but just knowing the basics will make you understand and appreciate Orwell’s exploration of this period.

    Magical Realism

    In stead of books I will recommend two authors for this genre, and those are Haruki Murakami and Gabriel Garcia Marquez. Murakami is still active as an author today and he is considered a modern classical author because his literary work has been so often praised and is globally considered as a staple in modern literature. While I have only read Iq84 by him, and immensely enjoyed it I might add, it is one of his longest works and therefore maybe not the best to get started on his publication list. With fifteen books and multiple short story collections already out, he is still writing, so if you enjoy magical realism I am sure you will find something on his publication list that you will enjoy.

    I have never finished a Garcia Marquez book personally, because it was not my cup of tea, but I know many people who love his books and I can see why. His writing style is accessible and his novels are filled with emotions, written in the genre of magical realism, in which he is considered a master. His most popular titles are undoubtedly A Hundred Years of Solitude and Love in the Time of Cholera.

    Romance and Literary Fiction

    I have included these two genres together, because some of the books I will recommend here have elements of both. If you are a true romance fan, any Jane Austen work is the best place to start to get into classics. Her books were popular in their time because they are filled with love, affection and romance in the time they are set. While the language is a bit more archaic than today, it is still accessible and easy to get swept up in once you get into it. I can wholeheartedly recommend her books.

    Little Women by Louisa May Alcott is considered one of the most famous classics of all time, and out of all of the books I have recommended, I think this is the most accessible to get started, because it was written as a children’s book. It is a coming-of-age story about four sisters, finding their way through life. It truly has something for everything, as it is filled with family, sisterhood, friendship, grief, identity and love. While love is a prevalent theme, I wouldn’t say it is the main storyline which is why the book is not classified as a romance, but I do believe that you will enjoy this book immensely if you love love.

    Finally, I want to recommend the Great Gatsby, which despite revolving heavily round love has a more tragic tone to it. It is more literary fiction, but still perfect for romance fans as love is the driving force of the protagonist. It is also quite a short book, so it is not daunting to get into it and the beautiful story will reward you handsomely.

  • Get to know my booktaste

    Get to know my booktaste

    I have been posting on my blog for a few weeks now, and I thought it could be a good idea to expand on my personal book taste. That way, you know if my taste aligns with yours and if any recommendations I give would please you too. Preferences are so personal, that someone can recommend a book with all of their praise, but someone else can think it is the worst book they have ever read. Therefore, in this article, I will highlight the genres I enjoy reading, some of my favourite authors and books and some extra things that define my book taste. Hopefully you can still find some common ground and enjoy my future reviews and recommendations.

    Genres

    This is the most difficult category for me, since I enjoy a lot of different genres and as I get older my preferences change. Although I don’t have a favourite genre and it switches throughout the year in terms of what is going on in my personal life, I feel like lately anything fiction-adjacent has been at the top. Let me expand on this vague description. While I do occasionally read books that are fully contemporary fiction, I enjoy books with a mix of genres far more. For instance, I recently read and loved The Future Saints by Ashley Winstead (review to come), which is classified as literary fiction, contemporary fiction, music fiction and rockstar romance. Another example is Promise Me Sunshine by Cara Bastone, which took me so completely by surprise that I cannot stop talking about it. I initially expected this to be a contemporary romance, which is not untrue, but a very prominent part of the book leans closer to emotional fiction than romance. These are the books I thoroughly enjoy. As you can find out from going through my blog, Kristin Hannah is heavily featured on here, which is because she is heavily featured on my list of favourites as well. She writes both contemporary and historical fiction, the latter one of my favourite genres as well because it allows me to travel through time and learn more about other cultures. Another genre I have discovered recently is healing fiction, but I want to dedicate an entire post on this genre soon, so I won’t expand too much on it here.

    I have always been a thriller reader as well, which I like to switch up with some heavier books to have variation between easy breezy reads and more dense books to dive into and analyse. Some of my favourite fiction authors are Riley Sager, Lucy Clarke and Freida McFadden, who have never let me down with one of their books yet.

    While I don’t read too much fantasy, I do enjoy the genre occasionally, and once I get sucked into a world I am there to stay. Sarah J. Maas is one of my all time favourite authors, and although I have never read any fantasy like her books, I have found some other great reads to sweep me away from reality for hundreds of pages at a time.

    Finally, classic books will always have a special place in my heart as well, although I believe a classic book is not the genre of the book. There are thrillers, romances, sciencefiction, satires and many other genres that make up the list of classical books. That being said, I did want to include them in books I like to read, because people often view them as a separate group. As a literary major, I have read and analysed a lot of the most ‘famous’ books, and after graduating I have slowed down in reading these. I thoroughly enjoyed delving into analyses in class and learning more about the books, authors and time periods than I ever could by reading them on my own, but I have come to realise that I don’t need to pressure myself into understanding every hidden meaning or commentary, as long as I just enjoy the book. Therefore, I have a number of classics that I haven’t yet read on my list to read soon.

    While these are the genres I read most often, I dabble in many more occasionally. I recently read Project Hail Mary, which is a sciencefiction novel and my favourite of the month. Andy Weir has now expanded my list of books to read by writing such a masterpiece, because obviously I now have to read his other books as well. I have also started to read more non-fiction lately, mostly memoirs, but I am open to exploring more.

    Authors

    This is such a difficult list to set up, because I have read and loved so many books. For the purpose of not making this article too long, I have listed the ones I thought of first and authors I have read more than one book by, the only exception is when they only have one book out yet (because I had to include Matt Coyne). I will add them in list form, because I simply cannot expand on them all if I don’t want to keep writing until tomorrow.

    • Sarah J. Maas
    • Kristin Hannah
    • Matt Coyne
    • Beth O’ Leary
    • Freida McFadden
    • Riley Sager
    • Cara Bastone
    • Jane Austen
    • Jessa Hastings
    • Jennifer Saint
    • Emily Brontë
    • Shakespeare
    • Katy Brent
    • Elin Hilderbrand
    • Fredrik Backman
    • Emily Henry
    • M.J. Alridge
    • Abby Jimenez
    • Lynette Noni
    • Louisa May Alcott

    Various

    Here are some things I love, either in books or about books without too much extra context. Firstly, I love fleshed out characters that show growth, no matter what genre they are in. When I get to connect to characters in a way that makes me sad the book is over because I miss them, I know it is a great book. What truly makes a book stand out to me besides its characters, is its depth. Lately I have been reading books that either explore some more difficult topics like grief, or show different sides of humanity when put in different situations, and these are the stories I love. Reading makes us understand other people better, because we see things we would never encounter in real life. While I enjoy some books to take me out of reality and whisk me away in a world of adventure, drama or fantasy, I also enjoy books grounded in humanity that show hopeful stories of heartfelt and true connections.

    While I can keep going, there are too many things to list and I don’t want my post to go on forever. This article is like a moment in time for me, because if I revisit this in a few years’ time, I am sure my feelings and tastes have changed once again. If after reading this article, you have any tips or recommendations for me of books you think I would love, please let me know down below.

  • Authors I wish had more books out

    Authors I wish had more books out

    When I find a new favourite book by an author I have never read before, I always look up other books they might have written. It is no given that you will like all of their books, but the chances are high if the writing style and type of content is similar. Sometimes I am lucky enough to find a new favourite author who has a bunch of books out already, like Kristen Hannah or Freida McFadden. But often I find a debut that has no follow-up out yet, or an author with a short backlist. It does however give me new authors to follow in their growth and I alway keep an eye out to pick up on any of their new releases. In this article, I will list authors that I wish had more books out. These authors have one or two books out that I have read and enjoyed so much that I am certain I will enjoy their other books as well.

    Matt Coyne

    Here I am again, talking about Frank & Red, because it is one of my absolute favourite books and I cannot stop recommending it. If you want my full review you can read it here, but let me just repeat that this is one of the most wonderful, heartwarming books I have ever read. Frank & Red is about the unlikely friendship between a grumpy old man and a young boy, who are both going through struggles that come with different stages of life. Coyne’s character work is excellent and the way his story grips you is unparalleled, which is why I am convinced I will like any of his books. So far Frank & Red is his only adult book out, but I can’t wait to read more of his masterpieces.

    Katie Holt

    Holt’s debut novel came out in 2024 and I read it before I even saw it recommended anywhere. Not in My Book has gained some popularity and rightfully so. The plot is unique, with the protagonists who are in a writing class together not getting along at all, and as punishment having to write a book together. I enjoyed the city setting and Rosie’s Peruvian background. Her culture added depth to her character and I always love learning new things when I read. Furthermore, Aiden felt like such a mature and steady character, which I really enjoyed in this story. Rosie’s fire and Aiden’s calm matched each other perfectly and I had a really great time reading this book. Though it is Holt’s first and only book currently out, she has a new publication planned for May, so her publication list is currently expanding.

    Sonoko Machida

    The Convenience Store by the Sea is her debut novel and has many great qualities. It is similar to both Welcome to the Hynam-Dong Bookshop and Days at the Torunka Café in that they are all comforting and show the positives of slow and conscious living in stead of a fast and efficient lifestyle. The focus on human connections grounded me and made me feel very present when I was reading this book. There is a sequel out which I have not yet read, but plan to soon. I hope more of her books will appear in the future.

    Maggie Knox

    I stumbled upon Maggie Knox when I was looking for a holiday romance to get into the festive spirit a few years ago. She has two of those out, All I Want for Christmas and The Holiday Swap, and they were both so enjoyable. They were fun and festive, but not too cringe or stereotypically Hallmark and I was sad to find she has no other books published. I hope in the future she decides to put out more books, because I would love to see what else she has to write.

    Katy Brent

    I have mentioned Brent before on my blog, and she does have three books currently out with a fourth on the way. But, her books are so entertaining and humorously thrilling that I cannot put them down and want to read so many more of them.

    Hwang Bo-Reum

    Welcome to the Hynam-Dong Bookshop is a comforting read that feels like a warm hug and someone telling you that everything will be allright. This is one of the books I want to re-read this year, because I have come to really enjoy this healing fiction genre. Bo-Reum has a short story collection out, which I do plan to read, but I hope she will come out with more fiction books in the future as well.

    M.L. Rio

    I have not actually read all of the books Rio has out currently, but I read If We Were Villains and loved it so much. As a graduate in English Literary studies, the Shakespeare references that were woven throughout the entire book were a path straight to my heart and I could not put the book down. While I am not sure her short story Graveyard Shift is for me, I want to read Hot Wax as soon as possible (if only there weren’t so many great books out there). I look forward to seeing more of her work in the future.

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  • 8 Books and their perfect snack

    8 Books and their perfect snack

    If you are like me, you enjoy having a snack and a drink with your book. While I try to read whenever I have a bit of time, the best feeling is when you get to sit down for an extended period of time, focus wholly on your book and get immersed in that world. It gets even more enjoyable if you create a cosy atmosphere: light a candle, play some soft music and enjoy a drink or snack. In this article, I will pair some books with the perfect drink, snack or food to heighten your reading experience even more.

    The Retirement Plan by Sue Hincenbergs and a Martini

    The cover of this book speaks volumes already, and while any cocktail would do, a martini is the perfect fit. After three husbands’ bad investments robs their wives of the carefree futures they deserve, the women have to come up with a retirement plan of their own. The inspiration? Finding out their husbands have very expensive life insurance’s. The plan? Planning three murders, with a refreshing alcoholic beverage on the side.

    One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune and chocolate cake

    Even if it is not your birthday, you should have a huge cake on hand when you are reading this book. Set during summer at a lake, it is a beautiful love story between photographer Alice, who goes back to her Nan’s cottage to care for her after an operation, and Charlie Florek, who has been summering there for decades. It is a perfect book to read on a warm and sunny day, and I can also recommend listening to the audiobook. However, I was unlucky enough to be listening to this book while I was not at home and a birthday was taking place. Fortune’s writing is fantastically immersive, but in my case it was too immersive, because the chocolate cake she was describing was making my stomach grumble and my salivary glands tingling. I therefore recommend everyone who reads this book to have a chocolate cake at hand, so the same unfortunate circumstances don’t befall you as they did me.

    Days at the Torunka Café by Satoshi Yagisame and a cup of coffee

    This will come as no surprise to anyone who has read my review on this book, or read the book itself. Nestled in an alleyway that branches off of the market street, people who are meant to find the place will stumble upon the Torunka Café. The book is filled with warmth, lovely characters and heartfelt advice disguised in three different stories about love and life. All of this takes place while the café owner pour a mean cup of coffee that will heal your soul.

    The Reunion by Bronwyn Rivers with a lot of water

    Ten years after their friend Ed passed away, Hugh, Charlotte, Alex, Laura and Jack go back to his childhood home to remember him with his mother Mary. She, however, is convinced the five people she has invited are keeping secrets about what really happened all those years earlier, and she will stop at nothing to find those out. Set in the Australian outback, tensions are not the only things that rise and survival makes us reach back to the basic necessities. Trust me, you will want a glass of water next to you when reading this book.

    People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry with ice cream

    As you might be able to guess, a big portion of this book takes place on vacation. Poppy and Alex meet on a road trip home from college, and while their initial connection leaves things to be desired, they become fast friends and make a pact: once a year, every year, they will go on a vacation together, somewhere in the world. As years pass and destinations get crossed off, they draw closer to finding out if there is more than friendship between them, or if they are doomed to fall apart. The perfect snack to accompany a summer vacation book? Ice cream, of course.

    Breathless by Amy McCulloch with a hot tea or soup

    A thriller set on one of the highest mountains in the world, where journalist Cecily Wong goes to interview internationally famous mountaineer Charles McVeigh. To make or break her career, Cecily bets everything on this article, including her life, by climbing Manaslu. When one climber dies, it can still be seen as an accident, but when a second climber dies, one thing is certain: there is a killer on the mountain. Set in an icy world of snow, wind and cold, this book pairs perfectly with a hot cup of tea or a bowl of nourishingly warm soup.

    If It Makes You Happy by Julie Olivia with a cinnamon roll

    Michelle, after losing her mother and divorcing her husband, moves from Seattle to Vermont, to temporarily run her late mother’s bed-and-breakfast, until her sister graduates and can take over. Her new neighbour is a single dad and runs a bakery, but he still finds the time to help her get settled in the bed-and-breakfast and offer companionship. They quickly develop a strong friendship, but as the end of Michelle’s three months in Vermont nears, they wonder if their relationship can blossom into something more than friends. Not only is the male main character a baker, Michelle is also constantly trying out new recipes to offer her guests warm and yummy pastries, to a cinnamon roll or any other baked good would go perfectly with this book.

    Margo’s Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe with popcorn

    When Margo falls unexpectedly pregnant, she has to find a way to provide for her child and herself, and quickly. She decides to make an OnlyFans account and with the help of her estranged father, crafts a series of videos starring a compellingly curious character. When her account skyrockets into succes, she has to ask herself if this is truly the answer to her problems, or just a temporary fix. The story was so entertaining, that it feels just like watching a reality series or something equally compelling, and what is more perfect to go with that than popcorn?

  • 7 Books I want to read again

    7 Books I want to read again

    The highest compliment you can give to a book, is that you want to read it again. Not only does it show you enjoyed it, but that you liked it so much you want to read it again, even though you already know everything that happens. This year, I have already read some of my favourite books again, for instance The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah and the entire Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas, and they are some of the best books I have ever read. So, in stead of giving you recommendations of great books to read, I will list books that I have already read, but plan to read again sometime, because actions speak louder than words.

    The Favourites by Layne Fargo

    If the fact that I want to read this book again, less than a year after reading it the first time, does not convey how much I enjoyed this book, maybe the fact that I finished it in just over a day will. I was completely invested in the story of Kat and Heath and almost read it in one sitting. After the recent Olympic Games, Fargo’s book is extra relevant, especially for those who enjoyed watching the skating. She transports the classic story of Wuthering Heights to the modern setting of figure skating, where it is mostly the passion and toxicity between the protagonists that is taken from the original. Kat and Heath have been partners on the ice for years, and are skating their way to the Olympics. Their chemistry on the rink continues on into real life, but the way to the top is ruthless. After a dramatic turn at the Games themselves, their years-long partnership falls apart while the whole world is watching.

    Fargo tells this story in a documentary-style, which makes it even more captivating. Each character tells their version of the events so the reader can figure out what actually happened ten years earlier, one piece at a time. Picking up this book means getting swept away in a whirlwind of pirouettes, medals, passion and rivalry, and finding out what lies between ambition and love.

    Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop by Hwang Bo-Reum

    After reading Days at the Torunka Café, I was reminded of Bo-Reum’s book . The two have a similar atmosphere, in that they are both comforting, and promote feeling happiness in the little things of life in stead of striving after constant success, forward movement and speed. While reading this novel, it actually feels like you are in the bookstore, surrounded by the other characters, which made me feel incredibly peaceful. I have another book in this genre of healing fiction on my radar, but in the future I will re-read Welcome to the Huynam-Dong Bookshop to get that warm feeling again.

    Anxious People by Frederik Backman

    I recently wrote about Anxious People in my post on 6 books with the most original plot, and this made me realise how much I enjoyed reading this and what a wonderful book this was. Generally, I really appreciate books where the characters are truly developed and feel like real people, and this is definitely true for Anxious People. Not only is the plot unique and well-developed, filled with both fiction and thriller elements, the execution of the storyline is woven into the characters and the human connections they form with each other. The story is a beautiful reminder that we never know what other people are going through, and that we are never truly alone, even though it sometimes feels that way.

    Beach Read by Emily Henry

    As I mentioned earlier, I find it hard to rank Emily Henry’s books in terms of which one is my favourite. I have read most of her books by now, and enjoyed all of them. The reason I specifically want to read Beach Read again, is because the first time was a busy period for me, and I don’t feel like I got to enjoy it to the best of its abilities. Exactly because Henry’s books always make me fall in love with reading, I want to read Beach Read to its full potential. I Particularly enjoyed the setting by the lake and the meta-aspect of the protagonists both being writers. It gives an actual insight into what writing must be like for Henry herself, since I assumed authors often put little pieces of themselves into the subject matter they write about. Plus, I truly enjoyed all of the cameo’s of the books of both January and Gus in Henry’s other books. This was coincidentally the book I read right after The Favourites, so it was a great week of reading for me then.

    Frank & Red by Matt Coyne

    This will come as no surprise if you have read my review on Frank & Red. It was my first favourite of 2026 and really tugged at my heartstrings. The characters truly feel like friends at the end of the novel, which I why I want to read about them again. Since I have already gushed about this book quite a lot on my blog, I won’t write too much about it here, other than that I knew right when I turned over the last page that I would one day read this book again.

    Firefly Lane Kristin Hannah

    It could also come as no surprise that Kristin Hannah features on this list, since I have written many a positive word about her, and as mentioned in the intro I have re-read the Great Alone by her at the beginning of the year. Choosing which book of hers I wanted to re-read next was the most challenging part, and it was a toss-up between Firefly Lane and The Nightingale. I might pick the latter up again in the future as well, but since it is being made into a movie coming out in 2027, I will be more surprised watching it if the contents have moved to the back of my mind a bit more. I vividly remember how I felt while reading Firefly Lane, and it was full of many emotions. Though I have cried with almost each of her books, Firefly Lane really hit me hard, and that is because it is so relatable for many of us. The book shows the power of female friendship, and because I have been blessed by wonderful friends myself, it felt special reading about it. While I am convinced it is not the last Kristin Hannah book I will read once again, it is the next one on my list.

    Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen

    Because of my Literary studies and interest in literature I have read many classics and Austen’s books have always been among my favourites. While I have read a few and have read her most famous work Pride and Prejudice multiple times already, I want to read Sense and Sensibility again soon. The first time I read it is already a few years ago, but I love the lyrical writing, reading about a different time, and the characters. It is a love story set in a different time, but still moves me as a reader in the 21th century. And, since the edition I have is incredibly beautiful, I have to honour it by reading it again.

  • Books that are coming to the screen in 2026

    Books that are coming to the screen in 2026

    The last few years has seen a surge of book to movie adaptations with the online popularity of books rising. Although it can go one of two ways when you favourite book is being brought to the screen, it is usually exciting. After seeing both The Housemaid and People We Meet on Vacation, I wanted to list the other upcoming adaptations for myself, so I decided to write a post about it. Here are some book to movie adaptations coming out in the next few months.

    His & Hers by Alice Feeney (January 8)

    I only found out there is already a series out for this Feeney book by doing research for this article. At first I wasn’t going to include it, but there might be others like me, who read and liked the book and don’t know it has recently been made into a series yet. His & Hers is a thriller with a hint of romance and a great plot that keeps you guessing until the very end.

    Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir (March 20)

    While I have not read this book yet, I have a copy because I want to get to it soon. I have heard great things about the novel, and since I want to expand my book taste this year I chose Project Hail Mary as the first book to dip my toe back in to sci-fi. It takes place in space, is supposedly funny ánd thrilling, so I expect great things of both the book and the movie.

    Margo’s Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe (April 15) Elle Fanning

    Thorpe has written such an original storyline with Margo as the protagonist. When she falls pregnant, unplanned, she has to find a way to provide for her child and herself, and quickly.

    She is twenty years old, unemployed and about to get kicked out of her apartment when she decides to make an OnlyFans account. With the help of her estranged father, who moves in with her to help care for her child and, oh yeah, is also a famous wrestler, she crafts a series of videos starring a compellingly curious character. When her account skyrockets into succes, she has to ask herself if this is truly the answer to her problems, or just a temporary fix. The book was so cleverly crafted and funnily absurd, that I can’t wait to see how they bring this to the screen. The main role is reserved for Elle Fanning, who will undoubtedly do a fabulous job and other names like Nicole Kidman promise a wonderful movie.

    Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt (May 8)

    Like Project Hail Mary, I have this book on my shelf, but still have to read it. Not only did this debut novel gain in popularity last year, but it is a unique concept where themes of loneliness, grief and hope are explored through the narration of an octopus. I am anticipating a wonderful reading experience with this book, but also am intrigued to see how they will bring this to the screen.

    The Odyssey by Homer (July 17)

    As this is an indisputable piece of cultural history, I don’t think I need to give a summary of the book, nor do I think I can. This literary masterpiece is set in Ancient Greece and forms the basis of many other stories, books, movies and so on. Though it has been adapted often before, Ancient Greece and Greek mythology are topics that I am very interested in, so am excited to watch The Odyssey when it comes out in July. With names like Tom Holland, Matt Damon, Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Anne Hathaway, Christopher Nolan and many more working on this film, I am sure it will be nothing short of inspiring.

    Verity by Colleen Hoover (Oktober 2)

    Many of Hoover’s books are getting adapted recently, but I have not watched any of them yet. The adaptation of Verity one I will definitely watch though, since I both enjoyed the book and Dakota Johnson is starring as the main character alongside Anne Hathaway. When the cast is that strong, the movie has to be too.

    The Hunger Games, Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collings (November 20)

    Another book I have not read yet, but I will without a doubt watch the movie. I have read the original trilogy way back when they had just come out, and was captivated by them, like so many of us. The movies were possibly even better, and when The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes came out, I watched the movie without having read the book. If I get to it first, I still want to read the latest novel, but if not I will gladly watch the movie when it comes out.

    The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah (2027)

    While this one is not planned for 2026 and does not have a definite release date yet, I simply had to include it in this list. As you may know, Kristin Hannah is one of my favourite authors and The Nightingale was the first novel I read by her. The storyline is captivating, heartbreaking and devastatingly relevant today. Set during World War II in France, it follows two sisters who take different paths in the war. The roles will be filled by the Fanning sisters, which I think is an excellent choice for these roles and I am incredibly excited to watch this move whenever it comes out.

    Beach Read by Emily Henry (2027)

    It is hard to pick a favourite Emily Henry book, but Beach Read is definitely in the top for me. After watching People We Meet On Vacation, I am even more excited to watch all of her other adaptations, if they are set to follow the same trend of colourful settings and great casting. Knowing that Phoebe Dynevor is already cast as January, I am confident this adaptation will be at least just as good as the previous book, if not better. Though we are still waiting for an official release date, it is already on my radar for 2027.

    If you watch any of these adaptations or read the books, let me know what you thought of them. And if there are more book-to-screen adaptations that I have missed, be sure to let us know as well.

    Follow me on Instagram @tonis_bookcorner

  • New Releases to add to your TBR

    New Releases to add to your TBR

    I might be a bit late with this post, since the beginning of the year is a time people look for the new releases that are coming out and it is already March. Some of the books I was excited for in 2026 have already come out, though I have not yet read all of those, but spring and summer are also popular periods to publish books. In this article I will share which releases in the coming months I am looking forward to.

    MARCH

    You With The Sad Eyes by Christina Applegate (March 3)

    This one actually just came out, but is still new enough for me to include in this list. As I have mentioned in my article about inspiring memoirs, it is a genre I have come to enjoy and appreciate more recently. I am always looking for inspiring stories of different people and to learn from them. I was really entranced by Kelly Bishops recounting of her life in the showbusiness, so I hope to find something similar in Applegate’s book. The memoir will also talk about her diagnosis with multiple sclerosis, an illness that many people deal with and that I imagine to be quite painful, so I want to learn more about it to understand what some people go through.

    Starside by Alex Aster (March 24)

    I have read the Lightlark series and Summer in the City by Aster, and enjoyed both of them. Though I have yet to read Crowntide, I am curious about Starside and what exactly she will do with it, since it is her adult fantasy debut.There are some similarities with Lightlark from what I can tell by the blurb. It is about a land split in two, where every fifty years the gates separating them open and fifty challengers can go on a quest for magic, wealth or an extended life. Aris, the protagonist, is not after the glory or prize, she wants vengeance on the gods and is joining the quest to kill them. I expect this to be a thrilling fantasy and am curious to see what Aster does with the plot, and how she differentiates from her YA fantasy.

    The Night We Met by Abby Jimenez (March 31)

    Abby Jimenez is an author whose new releases I will always want to read. Her writing style is engaging and her characters are always fleshed out, which I often look for in the romance genre. Her books are usually interconnected standalones, and this one is in the same world as her previous book, Say You’ll Remember me, so I am excited to see the cameo of those characters in her new book. I am a bit apprehensive about the plot itself, since it is the main character’s boyfriend’s best friend, but I trust Jimenez in writing this well. And bonus: this one again includes a dog, which is an instant win in my book.

    APRIL

    The Name Game by Beth O’Leary (April 7)

    If you have read almost any of my posts, you will know that I am a big fan of O’Leary’s books, so I will read all of her releases. Her newest one is coming out in April, and it is about Charlie Jones who arrives on a small island, Ormer, to embark on a new life. When she arrives at her new job, she finds that she is not the only Charlie Jones. Both of them are supposed to start this same job, but there is only one position available. Once again, I find this premise intriguing, and the cover promises a beautiful island setting.

    Wolvers by Taylor Brown (April 7)

    Although I have not read anything by Brown before, the blurb of Wolvers peaked my interest. It is described as a beautiful story of pursuit, survival and redemption between two species: human and wolf. Trace Temple is hired to take down the most notorious wolf of the area, but after a harrowing incident, he has a change of heart. He joins two others in protecting both the wolves and the wilderness area against a ruthless hunter and assassin. Brown is an award-winning author, and I hope to really enjoy this book.

    MAY

    The Shippers by Katherine Center (May 19)

    While I have currently only read The Romcommers by Center, I have wanted to read some of her other books for a long time. The Shippers is a romance book, set on a cruise, featuring a wedding and what promises to be a messy, chaotic situation. This will be lovely to read away on a sunny day in May.

    JUNE

    Shadow Reaper by Lynette Noni (June 16)

    After finishing her Prison Healer trilogy, I have wanted to read something else by Noni, but I have not gotten around to it yet. Reeve Ashton is a reaper, one of the deadly creatures plaguing the city of Aravell. Viri is a reaper hunter, wanting nothing more than to capture their leader who has killed her parents. When she captures the leader’s right hand, Reeve, he offers her a bargain to avenge her parents. Trusting a reaper does not only come with a high risk, but also with a heavy cost. Will she finally avenge her parents, or will she loose everything, including her heart…

    JULY

    Hot Girl Murder Club by Ashley Winstead (July 14)

    I was actually more excited for her other new release, The Future Saints, but when looking this one up, I found out she has another new release in 2026. This one seems more similar to In My Dreams I Hold a Knife, as it tells the story of Scout Sage. Aspiring singer-actress, the one thing plaguing her past is the mysterious death of her sister Georgia. When years later, murders in LA are making the headlines and Scout is pointed to as the killer, she will have to prove her innocence. In trying to discover the true murderer, the detective on this case unearths secrets that are way in the past, secrets not even Scout knows. This feels like a mystery thriller heavily entwined in Hollywood culture, which is right up my alley.

    AUGUST

    The Unknown by Riley Sager (August 4)

    To be honest, I had not even read what this book is about before putting it on my future tbr list. I have not read a single book by Sager that I have not enjoyed, so whatever he comes out with, I am bound to like. In function of this post, I have looked up the blurb and it has made me even more convinced that this is a book I will enjoy. For a role in a movie about an unsolved mystery, actress Marin Keane is required to go to the island the mystery took place at to do research. That way, she can be fully emerged in the part. The island is one with a history of spiritual mediums, who disappeared without a trace, except for their dresses, hanging from a tree branch. Consider me intrigued.

    To All the Men I’ve Killed Before by Katy Brent (August 27)

    This is the third in the series of How to Kill Men and Get Away With It. I have not seen many people mention Katy Brent, but I wildly enjoyed all three of her novels. While I wish she wrote something new, like her second book The Murder After the Night Before which is not a part of the series, I am curious to see how she continues Kitty’s adventures. I hope the series is not dragged out unnecessarily, and that the book introduces an interesting new plot, but Brent’s writing is truly captivating. Her books are original, and they always make me laugh while being entirely engaging, so I will definitely read her new release.

    Bonus: Sarah J. Maas!

    Now, originally I wanted to stop at August, since September introduces us to a new season of reading, but after the news of this week I had to include Sarah J. Maas’ new releases. I have read all of Throne of Glass, A Court of Thorns and Roses and Crescent City, and like many of us, have been (im)patiently waiting for a new book by her, whatever it would be. We have been graced with not one, but two release dates for the continuation of ACOTAR, the first on October 27th and the second on January 12th of next year. Needless to say, I will definitely be reading these as soon as they come out.