In the world of entertainment, turning books into movies or TV shows is a common practice that often leads to a surge in book sales. Recently, Canadian booksellers have observed an unprecedented spike in sales for book-to-screen adaptations.
Kobo, a prominent online retailer of e-books and audiobooks, has witnessed significant growth in sales of books that have been recently adapted for the screen. Popular examples include the hockey romance novel “Heated Rivalry” by Rachel Reid and the classic gothic tale “Wuthering Heights” by Emily Bronte, which is soon to be released as a film starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi.
The trend is driven by the strong presence of fandoms on social media platforms, such as TikTok and Instagram, where fans passionately discuss and promote the adaptations. This immersive experience has led to a surge in book sales even before the release of the corresponding movies or shows.
“Heated Rivalry” has particularly stood out, with a remarkable increase in sales following the premiere of the TV adaptation. The book has consistently held the top spot on CBC’s bestseller list, reflecting the high demand among readers. Similarly, “Wuthering Heights” has seen a substantial rise in sales ahead of its movie adaptation, generating buzz and anticipation among book enthusiasts.
The impact of book-to-screen adaptations goes beyond boosting sales—it also attracts new readers to bookstores. The success of adaptations like “Heated Rivalry” has introduced fresh audiences to the world of literature, encouraging them to explore more books within the same genre.
As the trend of book-to-screen adaptations continues to flourish, industry experts predict promising outcomes for upcoming adaptations like “Sunrise on the Reaping,” “Project Hail Mary,” and “Lucky.” These adaptations are expected to draw in both existing fans and new audiences, further bridging the gap between books and visual media.
In a world where storytelling transcends multiple platforms, the debate on whether to read the book before watching the adaptation remains a timeless question, inviting readers to choose their preferred narrative journey.
