Book-to-screen adaptations have long been a common practice, often resulting in increased book sales once the adaptations are released. However, Canadian bookstores are now witnessing a surge in sales for book-to-screen adaptations unlike anything seen before.
Kobo, an online retailer specializing in e-books and audiobooks, has observed significant spikes in sales for books that have recently been adapted for the screen. Examples include Rachel Reid’s hockey romance novel “Heated Rivalry,” now a popular Crave television series, and Emily Bronte’s classic gothic novel “Wuthering Heights,” set to premiere as a movie featuring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi on Feb. 13.
Another noteworthy instance is Emily Henry’s romance novel “People We Meet on Vacation,” which has been adapted into a Netflix movie starring Emily Bader and Tom Blythe. Additionally, Julia Quinn’s period romance “An Offer From a Gentleman” served as the inspiration for the latest season of Netflix’s “Bridgerton” series.
Deandra Lalonde, Kobo’s Content Sales Lead of North America, highlighted the role of social media fandoms in driving sales for these adaptations. Platforms like BookTok and Bookstagram have played a significant part in creating buzz, with spinoff podcasts, group chats, and subreddits further immersing fans in the fictional worlds being brought to life.
“Heated Rivalry,” in particular, has seen a remarkable surge in sales following its television adaptation. The e-book sales skyrocketed by 265% within the first two days of the show’s premiere, reaching nearly 500% growth by Dec. 7. Print sales have also seen a substantial increase, with Reid’s book series experiencing a staggering 5,805% rise in sales since the TV adaptation aired.
Interestingly, the book version of “Wuthering Heights” has seen a nearly 600% sales increase since the beginning of the year, aligning with the anticipation surrounding the upcoming movie adaptation directed by Emerald Fennell. Despite some controversy and attention over casting choices and on-screen chemistry, the adaptation has piqued audience interest.
The trend of book-to-screen adaptations has not only revitalized book sales but has also attracted new readers to bookstores. Readers like Lionel Zahrai, who discovered “Heated Rivalry” through the show and subsequently delved into the book for a deeper understanding of the characters, exemplify this phenomenon.
Looking ahead, the entertainment industry anticipates significant interest in upcoming book-to-screen adaptations, such as Suzanne Collins’ “Sunrise on the Reaping,” Andy Weir’s “Project Hail Mary,” and Marissa Stapley’s “Lucky.” These adaptations are expected to further fuel the crossover between literary and visual media, drawing in both existing fans and new audiences.
As the landscape of book-to-screen adaptations continues to evolve, the debate persists: read the book first or wait for the adaptation? The increasing popularity of these adaptations suggests that audiences are eager to explore both versions of their favorite stories.