Adaptations to Stream in 2026

Welcome to Today in Books, our daily round-up of literary headlines at the intersection of politics, culture, media, and more.

Adaptations to Stream

The big news is that the much-discussed, horny adaptation of Wuthering Heights is streaming on HBO Max this weekend. You will definitely want to check out our Zero to Well-Read podcast episode about the book; listen to the Wuthering Heights discussion on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you pod, or watch the rundown of Brontë’s classic on YouTube. If you’re a Netflix girly, then you’re in luck because the streamer released a meaty list of new book adaptations out this year. Highlights include Part 2 of One Hundred Years of Solitude adapted from the book by Gabriel García Márquez; Heartstopper Forever, the film finale of Alice Oseman’s Heartstopper series; and a reimagining of Little House on the Prairie based on the Laura Ingalls Wilder books (can I petition for an adaptation of Louise Erdrich’s The Birchbark House?). Check out the list and ward off the curse that is streaming ennui.

Big Claims From a Reading Trends Study

According to data from HarperCollins, NielsenIQ, and The Reading Agency, a rising focus on literacy skills is hampering reading for pleasure among young readers in the UK. I want to say this upfront: it’s hard to take this outcome seriously based on the information given in The Guardian piece, which reveals more correlation than causation. Researchers said, "Removing pressure and making reading a social activity could encourage children to pick up a book more often." Okay, sure. I would not go searching for anything revelatory here, but the individual data points are interesting. For instance, they found that more teens discover books through social and fewer teens think books aren’t cool. I’ll take it!

Boyfriend Material Acquired by A24 UK

I try to avoid calling out book optioning news since these deals don’t always come to fruition, but I have to believe that A24 UK optioning Alexis Hall’s Boyfriend Material will turn into something. The studio that also optioned Nick Brucker’s White Smoke, starring Benedict Cumberbatch, now has TV rights to Boyfriend Material, a contemporary M/M enemies-to-lovers romance with a huge fan base. I have to wonder if studios are chasing the success of the Heated Rivalry adaptation because who wouldn’t?

Books to Read With Your Book Club to Stay in the Know

Whether you’re in a book club or simply enjoy staying abreast of buzzy books, here’s your list of some of the most popular books out now. These books are popular for good reason, so don’t miss out! Enjoy a sample of these great reads and subscribe to All Access for the full list of buzzy books.