Finding a gift on a budget can be tricky. Outside of a reasonably priced bottle of wine (which, let’s face it, requires little to no thought), your options can seem… limited, at best. As it turns out, there’s at least one retailer that’s stocked with quite a selection of budget-friendly finds, plenty of which are only $10 or less. Yep, we’re talking about Amazon: The same site you rely on for sensible household buys like spring cleaning products and top-rated humidifiers is actually flush with affordable gift choices that won’t make you look like a cheapskate. In fact, some of these picks are so cute, you’ll want to keep them for yourself! And why not? At these prices, you can actually afford to get two. Happy gifting!
Listen up, chefs: we thought Jeremy Allen White was officially off the market after months of dating the iconic Spanish pop star, Rosalía, but it looks like they're no longer an item! Jeremy was just spotted kissing one of this co-stars from The Bear, bringing their on-screen romance to real life.
Pascal Le Segretain / Getty Images
Jeremy's on-screen romance turned IRL.
Photos of Jeremy and co-star Molly Gordon (who plays his love interest, Claire, in The Bear) obtained by People show things heating up between the two. The duo had their arms wrapped around each other as they embraced for a kiss. This is the first time we've seen them both linked romantically, and we're honestly shocked and left wondering what happened with Rosalía, who he was going steady with in fall 2023.
Scroll on for a deeper look into all of Jeremy's recent romantic escapades!
Jeremy Allen White's Steamy Dating History
First, there were the Jeremy Allen White and Selena Gomez dating rumors.
An anonymous submission to DeuxMoi at the beginning of July 2023 set off speculation that the two A-listers were “in touch.” The tip noted that Selena and Jeremy had allegedly met at a Vanity Fair cover shoot and hit it off ever since.
The gossip was neither proved wrong *or* right, though in hindsight, it didn’t hold up too strongly. Not long after rumors began circulating, the Haim sisters posted on Instagram about "single summer," picturing Selena alongside a Taylor Swift-backed girl gang.
Then, a big PDA fest with Ashley Moore.
Things were steaming up on the streets of Los Angeles when Jeremy Allen White was spotted engaging in some serious PDA with model and actress, Ashley Moore in August 2023. How they met is a total mystery, but seeing them together via paparazzi pictures was jaw-dropping – especially considering Mr. White was seen with his estranged wife and kids the week prior. Yikes!
Next, Jeremy publicly thirsting over Alexa Demie.
He’s at it again! In August 2023, Jeremy Allen White scrolled past a video highlighting Alexa Demie’s new campaign with Calvin Klein and did what any fan would do – he left a comment (though minimal): “Wow.”
To publicly show his affection (or rather, attraction) via Instagram is a whole thing in itself. King.
Neilson Barnard / Getty Images for Latin Recording Academy
In fall 2023, Jeremy Allen White and Rosalía were going steady.
“Rosalía and Jeremy Allen White have recently started dating,” a source told Us Weekly in November 2023. “They started out as just friends, but things have turned romantic recently.”
Alexa, play "That Should Be Me" by Justin Bieber!
The duo had been sighted side-by-side a few times. TMZ shared photos of them together at a late-October 2023 farmer's market and even sharing a smoke break in a parking lot. Romantic!
That budding romance came after what we call White’s hot boy summer – he was out and about on the streets of Los Angeles amidst his separation from actress Addison Timlin. Throughout their divorce, White was rumored to be involved with Selena Gomez, thirsting over Alexa Demi on Instagram, and was publicly spotted smooching Ashley Moore.
Kevin Winter / Getty Images
Despite all of this, Jeremy was spotted being friendly with his divorced ex.
In what TMZ was calling "the friendliest divorce ever," Jeremy Allen White and his now-ex Addison Timlin had been seen doing family activities together amid his romantic antics. The pair shares two young daughters, which is likely why they're still seeing each other from time to time. Where Jeremy's head is, we can't say for sure, but we do know he's out there acting young, wild, and free.
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This post has been updated.
I'm always keeping an eye out for any and every kind of update from the Bridgerton cast. From adorable red carpet reunions to the stars who are actually dating IRL, this is one cast that truly loves each other. And that love makes their onscreen interactions even better! While Bridgerton season 3 ended in June, and we probably won't see season 4 until 2026, we did just get a Bridgerton cast reunion that will totally hold us all over until we finally get new episodes.
Nicola Coughlan (who plays Penelope Featherington — er, Bridgerton — on the show) and Hannah Dodd (Francesca Bridgerton) reunited to sit front row at Gucci's Milan Fashion Week show on September 20. "Thank you @sabatods for a beautiful show and a class party after," Nicola said on Instagram, while Hannah added, "@sabatods you are magic. 💛 u @gucci - thank you for a gorgeous trip x."
The two actresses sat beside Daisy Edgar-Jones and Dakota Johnson, and looked stunning in complementary outfits that were totally giving Mary Kate and Ashley.
Hannah rocked a white button down and jeans with pointed-toe heels and a camel-colored bag, while Nicola paired the dreamiest capelet and white button down dress with bejeweled heels. And TBH, this duo has me dreaming about what Bridgerton would look like in 2024!
Netflix
Now that the Ton knows Penelope is Lady Whistledown, she's going to have all kinds of celebrity that would totally score her a front row ticket to fashion week in the present day. And as a former wallflower, I think Penelope sees and understands shy Francesca in a really special way.
Ahead of Bridgerton season 3, Nicola told Brit + Co that she loved seeing Penelope "finding her self-worth — that side of her I really loved getting to play." Hannah also admitted she feels a similar shyness to Francesca amid the buzz of joining the global phenomenon.
"I'm so excited to see what the writers come up with," she saidof Bridgerton's (and Francesca's) future. "I just hope she steps into herself a little bit more and kind of goes after things that make her happy, and knows that she's deserving of that. But I'm new here. So, like anything they give me, I'm gonna be happy with."
I can't wait to see how these characters continue to grow and evolve, and I hope we get another Bridgerton reunion soon!
Tell us your favorite Bridgerton cast moment in the comments and check out our interview with the cast!
We have a serious appreciation for all things creative, like these plus-size Halloween costumes, and we have a hunch you’ll love some of our newest finds, too. Afterward, if you still haven’t decided on which costume to wear this Halloween, gather your group of besties and get their opinion — or, better yet, pick out a group Halloween costume, and you can all dress up together! Here are 40 of the most curve-lovin’ (and seriously hot) plus-size Halloween costumes you’ll find out there this season.
Yandy
Cruella de Vil
Cruella de Vil will always hold a special place among our most-feared villains, right alongside Voldemort and Ursula. After all, she’s going after puppies! But on Halloween, the celebration of the gruesome and morbid, this evilness equates to fabulousness, and we’ll more than forgive you for dressing up like her… just this once.
Walmart
Maleficent
Channel your deepest, darkest powers and channel your inner Maleficent this Halloween. “So you see, the story is not quite as you were told.”
Amazon
Cozy Deer
Wait, so we can look cute *and* be toasty-warm?! We’re sayin’ yes to this fuzzy zip-up.
Yandy
Sexy Stewardess
Get ready for liftoff in this flight attendant costume. If you’re a travel-lover, this is the perfect way to bring your passion into your costume.
Brit + Co
DIY Jessica Rabbit Costume
This has to be the ultimate curvy bombshell character to channel on Halloween. The dress, gloves, hair, and makeup are bold and will definitely put your bangin’ bod front and center. (via Brit + Co)
Amazon
Sexy Kitty
Frisky attitude not included. This plus size Halloween costume might look simple, but it’s anything but basic.
Amazon
Flapper Girl
There’s nothing as fun — and a little dangerous — as the glitz and glamour of the ’20s. Throw on a long string of pearls or do your makeup to look like a ghostly flapper for that extra creative edge.
Brit + Co
DIY Ursula Costume
We’ll always be a sucker for classic Disney costumes. And if you want to give Ursula that extra-special take, you can follow this relatively simple DIY for the costume contest win! (via Brit + Co)
Halloween Costumes
Sea Siren Mermaid
This is — hands down — one of the best mermaid costumes we’ve ever seen. From the form-fitting metallic mermaid “tail” to the bustier top, this is for sure a look to emulate if you want to flaunt your curves.
Yandy
Storybook Alice
Down the rabbit hole you go this Halloween. You never know what’s going to happen when you channel this fairytale classic!
Halloween Costumes
Sea Siren
You had us at gold, sequins, and tulle. Oh, and we’re always down to rule the sea!
Amazon
Beauty And The Beast Belle
We’ll always love our classic Disney princesses, especially this beauty.
Amazon
Minnie Mouse
You don’t need a Mickey to look fly as heck in a retro-inspired Minnie Mouse getup.
Amazon
Empress Divine
One of the best reasons to dress up as an ancient Egyptian is obviously the cat-eye makeup.
Amazon
Goth Red Riding Hood
Pay homage to one of your favorite fairy tales with a sexy twist. Plus, if you haven’t worn a cape before, you truly haven’t lived.
Amazon
Flirty Cop
It may be illegal to impersonate a police officer, but no one ever said a flirty cop was off-limits!
Halloween Costumes
Cinderella Fairy Godmother
We could all use a fairy godmother, albeit notthis scheming one from Shrek. Still, this is a hilarious costume, and we’re definitely eyeing that wand and wig combo.
Amazon
Harley Quinn
We’re impressed with the mismatched thigh-highs and color-coordinated armbands on this plus-size Halloween costume.
Amazon
Cozy Bat Costume
The name of this costume says it all. If you’re in the mood to prioritize comfort, you’ll feel extra-snuggly in this cozy bat costume.
Amazon
Ghostbuster
If you loved the all-female Ghostbusters as much as we did, grab your friends and go as the whole crew. The best part? On Halloween, there will be plenty of monsters to bust, which makes a great conversation-starter!
Amazon
Queen Bee
Everyone at this year's Halloween party will be buzzing about you in this flattering bee costume. You are the queen, after all!
Amazon
Oktoberfest Fraulein
The beer maid costume is always a safe choice. It’s cute and classic, and you get to wear pigtails.
Amazon
Snow White
If you’re going to wear this outfit out on the town, you’ll definitely have at least seven admirers following you wherever you go.
Amazon
Pinup Sailor
Sail the open seas with this cute and comfy sailor costume. This retro getup is all about the accessories!
Yandy
Miss Muerte
Another way to celebrate Halloween is to celebrate the dead. Do it in style with this awesome costume.
Amazon
Cozy Skeleton
If you’re into traditional bones, this comfy number will surely scare the living dead out of you.
Amazon
Grease Pink Lady
This is the perfect Halloween costume for when you don’t really want to dress up. Flats? Check! Awesome jacket to keep you warm? Double check!
Walmart
Supergirl
No one is going to mess with you in this costume, and you just might feel faster than a speeding bullet.
Halloween Costumes
Spanish Senorita
With plenty of sass and a whole lot of ruffles, this costume will have you dancing for joy.
Amazon
Mrs. Incredible
Be your own superhero with this sleek Elastigirl costume. You would look totally incredible in it.
Amazon
Dark Alice
We wouldn’t drink the tea that this Alice serves. While we do love the original blue that Disney’s Alice wears, we are really digging this all-black dress too.
Amazon
Batgirl
Trick-or-treat in the name of justice! Grab Superman and bring him along too, because you two are friends now, remember?
Amazon
Hippie
Keep this Halloween totally tubular by donning this adorable retro dress with go-go boots and a fun '70s eye makeup look!
Amazon
Friday The 13th Miss Voorhees
If you’re team Jason, then you need to buy this sexy number. While we’re not sure who would ultimately win this fight, we’re sure this outfit is already winning our hearts.
Walmart
Justice League Wonder Woman
While Superman is cool and all, we are particularly fond of Wonder Woman. She’s a badass chick that we are ready to represent. Flying an invisible jet doesn’t hurt, either.
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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.
Jet-setting or road-tripping, your beauty routine doesn’t have to take a back seat. Travel-size beauty products still pack as powerful of a punch as your regular go-to’s! These marvelous minis are perfect for keeping your skin glowing, hair sleek, and makeup flawless, all while fitting neatly into your carry-on or purse. Make sure you're always looking your best, no matter where your adventures take you! Say buh-bye to bulky bottles and hello to convenient, on-the-go beauty with these adorably small hair, skin, and makeup picks (that come at a fraction of the OG price)!
Our Fave Travel-Size Hair Care
Amazon
Moroccanoil Treatment
This hair oil does so much for your locks with only a little bit of product at a time: it conditions, smooths frizz, detangles, and boosts shine "by up to 118%." The mini size goes for $17.
Ulta
OUAI Travel Size Detox Shampoo
This is a great shampoo to use if your hair's craving a thorough clarifying wash. It helps scrub away dirt, oil and product buildup for a really clean feel. It's also formulated with keratin to help strengthen hair. The travel size goes for $14.
Ulta
SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Shine Conditioner Travel Size
SheaMoisture's hair products are perfect for restoring your hair with hydrating benefits. This "lightweight" $3 travel size pick "restores hair shine and smoothes dry hair cuticles."
Amazon
CHI 44 Iron Guard Thermal Protection Spray
If you plan to heat-style your hair when you're on vacay, this $7 thermal protection spray is a must. It nourishes your locks and prevents heat damage from straighteners, curling irons, blow dryers, and the like.
Amazon
Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray
This $12 travel size hair care product is all about frizz prevention and leaving your locks with a noticeable amount of shine. It's a great bottle to always have in your purse for those pesky flyaway moments.
Ulta
OUAI Travel Size Hair Oil
This $16 travel size hair oil leaves a "high-gloss, super-smooth finish" on your hair. It can be used before or after styling your hair, since it also has heat protectant capabilities. A little goes a long way!
Convenient Travel-Size Skincare
Amazon
Youth To The People Superberry Glow Dream Mask
You can finally master your airplane skincare routine on long flights with this travel size face mask. It packs a powerful punch in terms of hydration, which is especially important after being airborne. The mini size goes for $18.
Ulta
Naturium Travel Size Vitamin C Complex Serum
Vitamin C serums are total masters at blocking your skin from environmental stressors and aiding hyperpigmentation, AKA dark spots. This $10 pick promotes "healthier-looking skin" after consistent use.
Ulta
Byoma Barrier + Repair Treatment
This "rich, buttery moisturizer" is dedicated to protecting and building up your skin barrier, all while hydrating it. The travel size is just $13.
Ulta
CeraVe Travel Size Foaming Facial Cleanser
You can easily carry this $5 dermatologist-approved cleanser with you through TSA to tackle your skincare routine at the airport and once you've reached your destination. It's gentle on the skin and oh-so hydrating.
Ulta
Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm Makeup Remover Mini
This $11 cleansing balm helps melt away makeup and SPF in one easy step. The "silky balm" formula will feel like pure heaven on your skin after a long travel day!
Ulta
La Roche-Posay Travel Size Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer
Make sure you're moisturized when your skin needs it most with this $8 travel size pick. It's good for sensitive skin, too! The formula has niacinamide that provides "48-hour hydration."
Ulta
Neutrogena Travel Size Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Water Gel Moisturizer
Hyaluronic acid provides this moisturizer with a nice boost of hydration. It boasts a water-gel formula that wears unbelievably light on the face. The travel size goes for $11!
Travel-Size Makeup Faves
Ulta
Too Faced Travel Size Hangover Replenishing Face Primer
After a long travel day, this $14 mini size primer "hydrates, smooths, and brightens" the skin to provide a nice base for long-lasting-makeup.
Amazon
Benefit Cosmetics They're Real! Lengthening Mascara Travel Size
Keep this $16 fan-fave mascara in your bag for quick and easy mid-day makeup touchups! It "curls, volumizes, lifts, and separates lashes" for a wide-awake eye look.
Ulta
Tarte Travel Size Shape Tape Full Coverage Concealer
You only need a little bit of product at a time to make this $11 travel size concealer pop! It comes in so many shades, too, all without taking up important real estate in your travel makeup bag since it's small.
Amazon
IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream Travel Size
This $22 CC cream is like a full-coverage foundation, hydrating and anti-aging serum, and SPF50+ sunscreen all in one. f you have to pick one travel size makeup product to keep close on flights and road trips, let this be it!
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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
There are many moments that shape a young woman’s life. For me, I distinctly remember watching Holes and then being so excited to read the book. We were driving home from the movie theater and my mom had the book in her car (no, it’s not odd, she’s an English teacher) and I picked it up immediately.
When I tell y’all the disappointment that followed!! I couldn’t help but picture the people I had just seen as the main characters and I’m still slightly convinced Shia LaBeouf was not the best choice for Stanley. I couldn’t get through it, no matter how many times my mom tried to convince me it was good, I just could not finish the book. From that day on, I vowed to always read the book before watching the movie.
Now I get to tell you about the 13 best book to screen adaptations!
'Uglies' by Scott Westerfield
Brian Douglas/Netflix
Tally Youngblood has waited her whole life to become pretty, and experience the new life promised by a total body makeover. During her final summer as an Ugly, she befriends Shay and the two pull hilarious pranks, and go on daring adventures as they wait to turn 16. But in the few weeks leading up to their surgeries, Shay disappears and Tally decides she can’t turn Pretty without her. When it comes to loyalty, will Tally betray one of her only friends for her dream?
When Netflix announced this adaptation, I was met with excitement but I was also a wee bit nervous. I remember reading Uglies for the first time and being able to picture it perfectly in my head, especially how cool it would be to hoverboard. And in true Netflix fashion, almost everyone from the cast, including leads Joey King and Chase Stokes, have been in other Netflix shows (they really like to keep it in the family).
This adaptation is so far, so good. I reread the book before starting the movie recently and I will say, it holds up. The writing is definitely super YA, but it was fun to slip back into the story and experience it all over again.
Uglies is streaming on Netflix now and stars Joey King, Chase Stokes, Brianne Tju, Keith Powers, Laverne Cox, Charmin Lee, Jan Luis Castellanos.
'Percy Jackson and The Olympians' by Rick Riodran
Disney
I simply could not write a book to screen adaptation article WITHOUT mentioning Percy Jackson. This is one of my all time favorite books ever. I read The Lightning Thief every single summer and rock out to the musical by Joe Tracz from time to time.
The first two movies (starring Logan Lerman as Percy) were horrendous, so I about fell out of my chair when Uncle Rick announced Disney was adapting Percy, Annabeth, and Grover's story into a TV show. What if we got burned twice? Would we continue obsessing over the potential for a great Percy Jackson adaptation?
Disney said stop right there. The first season was truly incredible, and it captured so much of the wit and fun from the first book. Earlier this month, the show announced additional cast members for the upcoming season 2, which will bring The Sea of Monsters to life.
If you loved these books and are hesitant to start the show, don’t be scared to press play.
Percy Jackson And The Olympians season 1 is streaming on Disney+ now. The series stars Walker Scobell, Leah Sava Jeffries, Aryan Simhadri, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Toby Stephens, Virginia Kull, Charlie Bushnell, and Dior Goodjohn.
The 'Bridgerton' Novels by Julia Quinn
Liam Daniel/Netflix
Our dearest gentle readers, I simply cannot recommend the latest season of Bridgerton enough. I've read all of the Bridgerton books by Julia Quinn, and Romancing Mr. Bridgerton is in my top two (number one: When He Was Wicked, Franscesa’s Story. Grab tissues if you read this one!).
Anything that’s in Shondaland is really magical, and I give her and her team so much credit for bringing the Bridgertons to life. I will say, if you read the books, the show is really nothing like them. I know what you’re thinking, "But Emily, how can you say it’s a great book to screen adaptation if it’s not word-for-word what’s in the book?"
Easy! It brings the text to life in such a cohesive and immersive way that you can’t help but be giddy as you watch your favorites fall in love all over again.
Though the books are being adapted out of order, I have full faith that Netflix can bring these together well. Season 4 will follow Benedict and Sophie, and is almost guaranteed to be filled with plenty of dancing and steamy rendezvous.
Bridgerton seasons 1-3 are on Netflix now. The show stars Luke Thompson, Luke Newton, Nicola Coughlan, Jonathan Bailey, Simone Ashley, Claudia Jessie, Hannah Dodd, Will Tilston, Florence Hunt, Harriet Cains, Nicola Coughlan, Jessica Madsen, and Bessie Carter! Yerin Ha will join season 4.
'Little Women' by Louisa May Alcott
Sony Pictures Releasing
Not to sound dramatic, but the 2019 Little Women movie was the first time I understood what people meant when they said, “Wow, that was a great movie.” The casting? Superb. The music? Revolutionary. How Greta Gerwig showed the passage of time with color filters? Genius.
I do think American and British classics are hard to adapt as movies or shows because so much of the plot relies on the reader understanding the historical context, and how people would interact with each other. I say that because it’s not like if you crack open Little Women you’ll immediately know Amy is terrible, you kind of have to pick up on it, especially when she talks about limes. That being said, Florence Pugh, you did that gal a favor because if Amy was my little sister, she probably would’ve stayed in the ice.
The fall is actually a perfect time to reread this book and enjoy the movie. Definitely worth making yourself a cup of tea, putting on fuzzy socks and a good cry.
Little Women is streaming on Hulu and stars Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, Florence Pugh, Eliza Scanlen, Laura Dern, Timothée Chalamet, Meryl Streep, Tracy Letts, Bob Odenkirk, James Norton, Louis Garrel, and Chris Cooper.
'Apples Never Fall' by Liane Moriarty
Vince Valitutti/Peacock
Liane Moriarty is no stranger to having her books turned into TV shows. Big Little Lies was a hit on HBO and had people on the edge of their seats.
Former tennis players-turned-coaches, Joy and Stan Delaney have a perfect life and marriage to folks looking in from the outside. They run a thriving tennis camp and have incredibly successful kids who are each following their own path in life. But when Joy goes missing, every ugly truth bubbles to the surface and shatters what everyone thought about the Delaneys.
While Apples Never Fall isn't a super intense book in my opinion, it still has the same whodunit and leaves you guessing like all our favorite thrillers. There’s been a few mixed reviews about the show, but I do recommend it if you’re looking for a little mystery that’s not going to make you question your own reality.
Apples Never Fall is streaming on Peacock and stars Annette Bening, Alison Brie, Jake Lacy, Conor Merrigan-Turner, Sam Neill, Essie Randles, and Georgia Flood.
'Black Cake' by Charmaine Wilkerson
James Van Evers/Hulu
Charmaine Wilkerson's debut novel is an in-depth story about a family’s secrets, betrayals, memories, and so much more.
Byron and Benny Bennett lost their mother Eleanor, who left behind a black cake from a family recipe and a voice recording. In the voice recording, Byron and Benny learn things about their mother they never knew — and her true history.
When books with alternate timelines get turned to TV or movies, I’m immediately skeptical. It can be difficult to show the difference between the past and present, and to keep up with it as a viewer. But this show is unreal. We don’t lose the intricate dynamics of the characters, and the actors bring the concept of family secrets to life. Watch Black Cake on Hulu and see Eleanor’s secrets for yourself.
Black Cake is streaming on Hulu and stars Mia Isaac, Chipo Chung, and Faith & Glynn Turman.
'A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder' by Holly Jackson
Netflix
Let me start by saying I think Holly Jackson is truly incredible. The first book I read by her was Five Survive and she's a mastermind at creating suspense and taking the story in a completely different direction than you thought WHILE making it make sense.
Years ago in a small town, Andrea “Andie” Bell and Salil “Sal” Singh were killed in a murder-suicide. Pippa “Pip” Fitz-Amobi has a mission to find out what truly happened to Andie and Sal. As she does research for a “school project,” she quickly learns that a killer might still be out there, but who?
I describe this book as a modern day Pretty Little Liars but better. There’s a lot of pressure on actors to deliver when it comes to characters that are as well-rounded as Holly Jackson’s, but the crew pulls it off. I recommend this book and show if you’re looking for something with serial vibes and high stakes drama.
A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder is on Netflix and stars Emma Myers, Zain Iqbal, Anna Maxwell Martin, Gary Beadle, Mathew Baynton, India Lillie Davies, Rahul Pattni, Henry Ashton, and Mitu Panicucci.
'Red, White and Royal Blue' by Casey McQuinston
Prime Video
I would like to take a moment to show my appreciation for Casey McQuinston. They are incredible and have given us amazing reads like One Last Stop, I Kissed Shara Wheeler, The Pairing, and most importantly, the love story between First Son Alex Claremont-Diaz and Prince Henry (too many last names).
When the First Son makes a fool of himself at a party by confronting his longtime nemesis the Prince, their publicists scramble to create a stunt friendship. But are friends supposed to feel butterflies in their stomachs when they catch them getting dressed? Should friends want to kiss each other at any given moment? These two definitely do.
This book was adapted by Amazon Prime and the casting department knocked it out of the freaking park. Taylor Zakhar Perez as Alex was the gift we needed and Nicholas Galitzine was born to play Prince Henry. It was brought to the screen in an inclusive way without one-dimensional stereotypes, and a lot of that is credited to Casey’s amazing writing.
If anyone would like to have a watch party for this, please, please let me know. I will happily giggle and kick my feet while eating snacks and watching these two glorious men fall in love.
Red, White and Royal Blue season 1 is on Prime Video and stars Nicholas Galitzine, Taylor Zakhar Perez, Uma Thurman, and Clifton Collins, Jr.
'Argylle' by Elly Conway
Apple Studios
We need more spy books turned into movies. There’s something so bad—ss about the leather outfits, being strapped with weapons, and hiding in close quarters with someone that just gets me going.
This book and movie differ greatly. The book is a pretty straightforward novel: a CIA agent is the only one who can stop the world from entering chaos, but she needs a partner to help. Whereas the movie takes place to serve as the writer’s adventure — like she’s enters a movie herself and then goes to write about it.
While I wouldn’t say these are necessarily the best adaptations when it come to recreating every detail, I will say they're two pieces of art that live somewhat together, and that you can appreciate separately. Don’t read the book and expect everything in the movie to be the same, but read the book and watch the movie for some fun and entertainment!
Argylle is streaming on Apple TV+ and stars Bryce Dallas Howard, Henry Cavill, Ariana DeBose, Sam Rockwell, Bryan Cranston, Catherine O’Hara, John Cena, Dua Lipa, and Samuel L. Jackson.
'Normal People' by Sally Rooney
Enda Bowe/Hulu
Hot take: I'm not the biggest Sally Rooney fan. I think she's brilliantly talented, but her works are really just not my cup of tea. However, I, like many people, fell in love with Marianne and Connell from Normal People. How can you not? They are characters written so much like real people, it’s like you can see their lives as clearly as your own.
Daisy Edgar-Jones and Paul Mescal are the best people that could have been cast as the leads, and they just do it so well. The whole production is vulnerable and intimate, but also doesn’t lose the nuances of Sally’s work by bringing it to life.
The book and show can be heavy, absolutely, but it shows the reality of life and what could have been if we made different decisions in our younger years. If you read or watch, you want to cheer on the characters and feel every up and down alongside them.
Normal People is streaming on Hulu and stars Daisy Edgar-Jones and Paul Mescal.
'Heartstopper' by Alice Oseman
Netflix
Did you know Heartstopper was originally published as a webcomic on Tumblr and Tapas back in 2016? It got such a following that Alice started a campaign to help fund the publication of a graphic novel — and here we are today!
Charlie Spring and Nick Nelson go to the Truham Grammar School and they couldn’t have more different lives. Nick is a popular boy at school and a star of the rugby team. Charlie is quiet, suffering from multiple mental health problems and crushing on Nick from afar. The novel follows their story and everything that comes along with being a teenage couple in love.
Netflix has released two series so far with a third to release later this fall in October. The series has been praised for bringing the characters of Truham Grammar School to life while showing the everyday battles teenagers face about sexuality, fitting in, and honestly just existing.
Alice Oseman stayed close with production and writing to bring her novels to life. It’s also proof that bringing in authors during the creative process for TV is worth every bit of it!!
Heartstoppers seasons 1 and 2 are streaming on Netflix. The show stars Kit Connor, Joe Locke, William Gao, Yasmin Finney, Corinna Brown, Kizzy Edgell, Tobie Donovan, Jenny Walser, Rhea Norwood, and Leila Khan.
'Turtles All the Way Down' by John Green
Max
John Green should have a line in his bio about how he likes to create YA novels that will personally hit you in the heart. John, if you’re reading this, hit me up and I’d be happy to work that line in for you.
Turtles All the Way Down was published in 2017, and if you haven’t had the chance to read it yet, what are you doing? The major plot point of this book is that Aza and her best friend Daisy are supposed to be investigating the mystery of billionaire Russell Pickett, but that isn’t what really held my attention.
Aza Holmes has nearly crippling anxiety and OCD while also grieving the loss of her father. As someone who has been diagnosed with OCD for over a decade, it was a sort of an aha moment seeing myself represented on the pages. You don’t need to be diagnosed with any mental illnesses to understand what Aza is going through, you just need to be human.
Director Hannah Marks brought Aza, Daisy, and Davis to the screen in a way that balances teenage angst and emotions that seem larger than life. Because let’s face it, at 16, everything seems bigger than it is. Isabela Merced, who plays Aza, was praised for her accurate portrayal of OCD thought spirals. It can seem somewhat impossible to nail the big feels that John Green puts in his novels, but this might be one of the best depictions of one of his works ever.
If you’ve ever heard me say “it’s turtles all the way down,” in response to a sh—ty day, you can thank this book right here for that.
Turtles All The Way Down is streaming on Max and stars Isabela Merced, Felix Mallard, Cree Cicchino, Judy Reyes, J. Smith-Cameron, Poorna Jagannathan, and Maliq Johnson.
'The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store' by James McBride
Amazon
Okay this is a bit of a cheat since this movie isn’t out yet, but this is one I am readyyy for. Barack Obama shared that this was one of his favorite books for 2023, and there's a reason for that. This story is hauntingly beautiful and will show you a part of American history that has been erased and almost forgotten. But we have to tell these stories and educate everyone in America about the ugly, but also hopeful, parts of our nation.
In a Pennsylvania small town, new developments are going up everywhere, but the digging crew didn't expect to find a skeleton at the bottom of a well. The town starts looking for answers, and quickly finds out that the residents of Chicken Hill, a dilapidated neighborhood where immigrant Jews and African Americans live, may have the answers.
Moshe and Chona Ludlow lived in Chicken Hill, where Moshe integrated his theater and where Chona ran the Heaven & Earth Grocery Store. When the state comes looking for a deaf boy to institutionalize him, Chona and Nate Timblin, the Black janitor at Moshe’s theater and unofficial Black leader, work together to keep him safe.
The book weaves a tale of all the characters and as they deepen, shows how people on the margins of white, Christian America struggle to survive.
This movie adaptation is in the early stages of development but A24 and Steven Spielberg are working on the film!
Did your favorite book-to-screen adaptation make the list? Let us know in the comments, and check out The 12 Most Relatable Coming-Of-Age Movies for more flicks you'll love.