When a book inspires an adaptation...

We often wonder what it would be like to see our heroes from books come to life. Don’t you deny that seeing the live version of Mr Darcy for the first time didn’t set your hearts racing! It’s time you finished catching up on some literary gems that got their due screen space. Whether you are someone who impatiently skips to the last page of a book first or just an avid reader who’d love nothing more than seeing your favourite book adapted, there are some cool shows to catch up on and make you a know-it-all in your literary circles. So if you are hankering for something bookish to watch, here are some excellent book-to screen adaptations that you can catch on Netflix right now...

ANNE WITH AN E

Anne from Lucy Maud Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables won hearts as the delightful orphan girl who is wrongly sent to a family wanting to have a boy. You will fall in love with the lovely red-haired young girl on the screen all over again, as she sets about winning over the members of her new family.

ARGO

Historical drama, real life events, CIA operatives in action, rescue operations — this story has all the ingredients in place. Often movies are adapted from a single book but Argo has its origins from two — The Master of Disguise, and The Great Escape written by Tony Mendez and Joshuah Bearman respectively.

MINDHUNTER

Based on the book Mindhunter: Inside the FBI’s Elite Serial Crime Unit by John E Douglas and Mark Olshaker, this one takes you through the lanes of criminal psychology, and into the innards of minds of deviants whom we often call ‘serial killers’.

OUTLANDER

It is the 19th century, World War II is rife, yet it is also the 17th century! Intrigued, aren’t you? Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander is a favourite of fantasy buffs and otherwise, which seamlessly transports you to the tumultuous encounters of 19th century nurse, Claire Randall in the 14th century, where known faces become adversaries, and the unknown dear. Smack in the middle of the Jacobite risings, unfolds a time-crossed love between Claire and Jamie. Prepare to be pleasantly surprised when your eyes fall on Claire’s hubby.

ALIAS GRACE

Irrespective of the century, murder shall always be considered a crime. Some people commit the sin for survival, while some for pleasure. In this riveting tale by Margaret Atwood, Dr Jordan is hell bent on figuring out why Grace chose to murder her employers.

THE PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER

It is freshman year at school, and the shy introvert Charlie isn’t feeling the excitement yet. With friends who draw him out into the outer world, and his beloved English teacher, this is the journey of Charlie from isolation to finally living in the moment. This is a brilliant adaptation of Stephen Chbosky’s work.

DIRK GENTLY’S HOLISTIC DETECTIVE AGENCY

One fine day, all that seems normal takes a tumble. And a holistic detective deduces that it’s all connected. Enter the world of author Douglas Adams, and meet his lovely characters Dirk Gently, and his assistant Todd.