This summer has been treating us well enough when it comes to entertainment. Big sporting events like the Eurocup and the Tokyo Olympic Games have certainly required our attention. Plus, we’ve had plenty of newly released movies to keep us occupied throughout the pandemic.
As the long awaited Hong Kong Book Fair has just ended, it inspired us to reread some of our favorite books to make the most out of the summer. Sure, some of the greatest fiction book series have been turned into wildly popular film and television adaptations that keep us glued to our screens. However, sometimes you just can’t beat the original source material. Check out our favorite fiction book series we think are worth a reread this summer.
The “After” series by Anna Todd
Anna Todd first started writing the “After” series on Wattpad as a Harry Styles fanfiction. The romance she created between good girl Tessa and bad boy Hardin went viral and gained a massive fandom. It’s not like we can blame them – who doesn’t like a cheesy, passionate romance between two beloved characters?
The first two books in the series, “After” and “After We Collided” have already been adapted into movies, and the rest of the series is slated for upcoming film adaptations as well. As the third installment, “After We Fell,” will be released in the cinema this September, you still have some time to catch up on this crazy fandom by reading Todd’s books.
“A Song of Ice and Fire” by George R.R. Martin
Time really does fly. In case you haven’t noticed, it has already been two years since the finale of HBO’s massive hit “Game of Thrones.” Not satisfied with the much-debated ending? Feeling sad, angry, disappointed or bittersweet? No worries – it doesn’t have to end there.
While many people are dissatisfied with the hurried ending of the television series, the creator of the “Game of Thrones” universe, author George R.R. Martin, has yet to publish the rest of the fiction book series “A Song of Ice and Fire.” Devoted fans can find out what happens next in this fantasy, which is more than HBO can offer. The adventure hasn’t ended. “Not today,” as Arya Stark once said.
There are five total installments, with “A Game of Thrones” only being the first. With two more coming, fans have been looking forward to the sixth installment, “The Winds of Winter.” Now that there is some time between now and the next book’s release, perhaps you can fill this void by rereading the books to refresh your knowledge of Westeros and Essos.
The “Crazy Rich Asians” Trilogy by Kevin Kwan
Hollywood blockbuster “Crazy Rich Asians” was a surprise to movie fans. Hollywood’s Asian representation may be lacking, but filmmakers stayed true to the source material by featuring an all-Asian cast to star in this romantic comedy.
The movie holds a 91% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and it’s popularity owes thanks to the one and only Kevin Kwan, author of the “Crazy Rich Asians” trilogy. If you thought “Crazy Rich Asians” was a good movie and are curious about what Nick, Rachel, Astrid and the others will be doing next, read “China Rich Girlfriend” and “Rich People Problems.” These two sequels continue unfolding the fate of these megarich.
The “Bridgerton” series by Julia Quinn
Last Christmas, we gave you our hearts, but we also gave all our time to binge watch the entire Bridgerton series on Netflix at record speed. Viewers all over the world fell in love with the dreamy Duke of Hastings, Simon Basset.
The period piece consisted of only eight episodes, and left us wanting for more. Luckily, author Julia Quinn actually wrote eight more books in the series, so we are not done with the Bridgertons yet. While we’re awaiting news of the next season on Netflix, the rest of the Bridgerton books won’t escape our summer to-do list.
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