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Delve into the world of 'Younger', where Pamela Redmond craftily explores themes of age and identity through the eyes of Liza Miller, a 40-year-old woman masquerading as a millennial to relaunch her career. The novel offers a rich narrative that captures Liza's internal struggles and motivations, giving readers a deeper understanding of her character than what is portrayed on screen.

Reading 'Younger' provides an intimate experience of Liza's challenges and triumphs, filled with witty insights and poignant moments that only Redmond's adept storytelling can deliver. Encounter the vibrant landscape of New York's publishing scene, laced with humor and sharp observations, providing a literary adventure that is both thought-provoking and entertaining. Choose the novel for a more nuanced journey with Liza beyond the series.

Liza Miller, a suddenly single stay-at-home mother, tries to get back into the working world, only to find it’s nearly impossible to start at the bottom at 40-year old. When a chance encounter convinces her she looks younger than she is, Liza tries to pass herself off as 26 and lands a job as an assistant at Empirical Press. Now she just has to make sure no one finds out the secret only she and her best friend Maggie share.

Younger

Dive into the spectacular world of James Clavell's 'Shōgun,' where the intricate tapestry of 17th-century Japan is unfurled with breathtaking detail and masterful storytelling. Unlike the confines of a television adaptation, Clavell's novel allows readers to truly immerse themselves in the period's political intrigue, cultural exchanges, and the clash of civilizations. Experience the depth of character and the sweeping narrative that the source material offers, providing profound insights into the era's complexities and human emotions.

By choosing the novel over the TV series, you embark on a journey led by Clavell's vivid prose and historical expertise, which paints an expansive landscape of samurai tradition juxtaposed with the arrival of European influence. Allow yourself to become part of this enthralling saga where each page turns with suspense and discovery, offering a richness of context and perspective that can only be fully appreciated through the written word. 'Shōgun' the novel is not just a story; it's an adventure into the heart and soul of Japan's storied past.

In Japan in the year 1600, at the dawn of a century-defining civil war, Lord Yoshii Toranaga is fighting for his life as his enemies on the Council of Regents unite against him, when a mysterious European ship is found marooned in a nearby fishing village.

Shōgun

Dive into the immersive world of Andrzej Sapkowski's Witcher novels, where the depth and richness of storytelling far exceed the constraints of any television adaptation. The novels are a treasure trove of intricately woven plots, vivid character development, and a richly detailed fantasy setting that allows readers to fully engage with the complex moral dilemmas faced by Geralt of Rivia and his allies.

Reading the series provides an intimate connection with the characters, offering insights into their motivations, history, and evolution that are often simplified or glossed over on-screen. With Sapkowski's masterful prose, readers will find themselves captivated by the unique blend of European folklore and modern fantasy themes, enabling a personal journey through a world filled with magic, monsters, and mystery that only the written word can fully encapsulate. For those seeking a truly profound and comprehensive Witcher experience, the novels offer an unparalleled adventure beyond the limitations of visual media.

Geralt of Rivia, a mutated monster-hunter for hire, journeys toward his destiny in a turbulent world where people often prove more wicked than beasts.

Baptism of Fire

Time of Contempt

The Tower of the Swallow

Season of Storms

The Lady of the Lake

Blood of Elves

The Last Wish

Sword of Destiny

The Witcher

The charm of reading Julia Quinn's 'Bridgerton Series' lies in the intricate details of Regency-era romance that can only be truly appreciated through her lush, evocative prose. The novels invite readers to delve deep into the inner thoughts and emotions of unforgettable characters, painting a vivid picture that stretches the imagination beyond the screen's limitations.

In the books, readers can savor the full breadth of Quinn's storytelling talent, as she masterfully intertwines wit, humor, and passion into each page-turning volume. Every subtle nuance and character dynamic unfolds in an engaging manner, offering a richer and more personalized experience. By choosing the novels over the series, one can uncover hidden depths and intricate plots that the visual adaptation simply cannot capture.

Wealth, lust, and betrayal set in the backdrop of Regency era England, seen through the eyes of the powerful Bridgerton family.

Bridgerton Series

Bridgerton

A new faithful adaptation of the iconic and megahit J.K. Rowling book series.

Harry Potter

Dive into the rich tapestry of J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth with the original novels, where every page offers a profound depth of lore and imagination. Through intricate maps, languages, and extensive histories, Tolkien paints a world teeming with life and authenticity that unfolds beyond the limits of any visual adaptation. 

Reading Tolkien's works not only immerses you in the intricate history of Middle-earth but also allows for a more personal and imaginative journey. His narratives offer multifaceted layers of meaning and rich, timeless themes that resonate deeply with the human experience. Choose the novels for a more intimate discovery of Middle-earth's undiscovered paths and its enduring legacy.

Beginning in a time of relative peace, we follow an ensemble cast of characters as they confront the re-emergence of evil to Middle-earth. From the darkest depths of the Misty Mountains, to the majestic forests of Lindon, to the breathtaking island kingdom of Númenor, to the furthest reaches of the map, these kingdoms and characters will carve out legacies that live on long after they are gone.

The Silmarillion

The Hobbit

The Lord of the Rings

Unfinished Tales of Númenor and Middle-earth

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power

While the TV series Sherlock offers a thrilling and modern interpretation of the legendary detective stories, nothing compares to the original works by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Within the pages of his iconic novels and short story collections, readers encounter the brilliance of Sherlock Holmes's deductive prowess, conveyed with Doyle's masterful storytelling and period-evocative prose that immerses us in late Victorian London. Every case is replete with intrigue, atmospheric detail, and an unparalleled sense of adventure that only the written word can fully capture.

Sliding into the narration of Dr. John Watson, readers are privileged with a firsthand account of Holmes's extraordinary ability to unravel the most perplexing of mysteries. Beyond the high-stakes thrill of the plotlines, Doyle's works intimately explore the enduring friendship between Holmes and Watson, against the backdrop of a world on the brink of great change. To truly appreciate the depth and genius of Sherlock Holmes, the original literary works reveal dimensions untapped by any screen adaptation, inviting the reader to venture into a world where each story beckons with timeless allure.

A modern update finds the famous sleuth and his doctor partner solving crime in 21st century London.

The Return of Sherlock Holmes

A Study in Scarlet

The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes

The Hound of the Baskervilles

The Valley of Fear

The Case-Book of Sherlock Holmes

The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes

The Sign of the Four

His Last Bow

Sherlock

While television adaptations can offer stunning visuals and engaging performances, the true essence of 'Dune' is best experienced through the pages of Frank Herbert's groundbreaking novel. The book delves deeply into the complex political and ecological systems of the desert planet Arrakis, exploring themes of power, religion, and human potential with a nuance that is often lost in visual mediums. In reading 'Dune,' one embarks on a profound journey through the mindscapes of its richly developed characters, encountering a depth of introspection and philosophical inquiry that can be only partially captured on screen.

Additionally, Herbert's masterful prose weaves a tapestry of imagination that transcends the narrative constraints of television, inviting readers to picture their own visions of sandworms underneath the vast ochre sky and the tense corridors of political manipulation in a distant future. His deft storytelling ability transports readers into a universe that feels both alien and tangibly real, offering an experience that lingers in one's thoughts long after the final page is turned. The complexity and intricacy of 'Dune' provide layers of meaning and insight that warrant multiple readings, each uncovering new truths and perspectives.

Ten thousand years before the ascension of Paul Atreides, sisters Valya and Tula Harkonnen establish the fabled sect and female order that would become known as the Bene Gesserit to control the future of humankind.

Dune

Dune: Prophecy

Dive into the rich world Neil Gaiman has crafted in 'American Gods', a novel that allows your imagination to roam free in its vast narrative landscape. Gaiman's writing captivates with its poetic cadence and intricate layers, weaving mythology seamlessly into the fabric of modern America in a way that television sometimes struggles to convey. This book promises an immersive reading experience, where you dictate the tempo and rhythm, allowing you to pause and ponder the complexities of belief and identity at your own pace.

Unlike the TV adaptation, the novel offers an intimate exploration of character motivations and internal conflicts that are often condensed in visual formats. Gaiman's novel provides a depth and nuance to its characters as you get lost in the inner turmoil and revelations of Shadow Moon, the protagonist. While the TV series dazzles with its stunning visuals, 'American Gods' the novel provides an incredibly personal journey into myth, making the exploration of gods old and new a meditative and thought-provoking experience. Witness firsthand the genius of Gaiman's storytelling, where each page unfolds a layer of the complex universe he has imagined, filled with hidden meanings and resonant themes.

An ex-con becomes the traveling partner of a conman who turns out to be one of the older gods trying to recruit troops to battle the upstart deities. Based on Neil Gaiman's fantasy novel.

American Gods

Delve into the captivating universe of Robert Galbraith's novels, where you are treated to an enriched tapestry of mystery, character development, and detailed observation that only reading can offer. Galbraith, known as J.K. Rowling’s pseudonym, constructs each of Cormoran Strike's cases with masterful prose that allows you to explore the depths of each character's psyche and the intricacies of their relationships—a dive much deeper than a screen adaptation can provide. 

The books offer an immersive experience nesting in the heart of London's bustling ambiance and rich descriptions that paint every locale vividly in the reader's mind. Through the compelling, first-hand narrative style, readers get to explore the thoughts and nuances of protagonists Strike and Robin, building a more intimate understanding of the motivations and complexities of each character, making the novels an unputdownable journey far beyond the televisual curtain.

A war veteran turned private detective operates out of a tiny office in London’s Denmark Street. Although wounded both physically and psychologically, his unique insight and background as a military police investigator prove crucial in solving complex crimes that have baffled the police. Based on the bestselling novels written by J.K. Rowling under the pseudonym Robert Galbraith.

Lethal White

The Silkworm

The Cuckoo's Calling

Career of Evil

Troubled Blood

Strike

Immerse yourself in the extraordinary world of Liu Cixin’s 'The Three-Body Problem' series, where each page offers a journey through the cosmos that's filled with complex theories and philosophical musings on humanity's place in the universe. The novels provide a gripping exploration of how humanity might respond to the discovery of alien civilizations, unraveling layers of science and emotion that are difficult to capture on screen. 

Reading the source material allows for a deeper intellectual engagement and offers the chance to savor Liu’s detailed and rich storytelling. The books invite reflection on the choices and consequences faced by humanity in the face of the unknown as they interweave intricate scientific ideas with profound philosophical questions. By diving into Liu Cixin's original language and narrative, readers can appreciate the nuances and depth of this epic saga far beyond what a television adaptation can convey.

Across continents and decades, five brilliant friends make earth-shattering discoveries as the laws of science unravel and an existential threat emerges.

The Three-Body Problem

Death's End

The Dark Forest

3 Body Problem

Immerse yourself in the rich historical tapestry of medieval England by diving into Bernard Cornwell's acclaimed book series, 'The Saxon Stories.' Unlike the television adaptation, the books offer a deeper exploration of the characters' inner thoughts and motivations, alongside vivid historical detail and nuanced portrayals of the complex world they inhabit. Reading these novels allows you to experience Uhtred's journey in its original form, complete with Cornwell's meticulous attention to historical accuracy and storytelling flair. The gripping narratives, combined with a richly detailed account of the period's culture and events, make 'The Saxon Stories' an unparalleled literary adventure.

While the series beautifully portrays the intensity and spectacle of the dark ages, the books provide a comprehensive exploration of themes such as identity and loyalty, enriched further by the author's expertly crafted prose. Cornwell's sophisticated narrative style and well-researched historical backgrounds allow you to appreciate the authentic ambiance of the time. For those who relish a blend of fiction with historical truth, Cornwell's saga is a must-read, inviting readers to live the past rather than just view it on screen.

A show of heroic deeds and epic battles with a thematic depth that embraces politics, religion, warfare, courage, love, loyalty and our universal search for identity. Combining real historical figures and events with fictional characters, it is the story of how a people combined their strength under one of the most iconic kings of history in order to reclaim their land for themselves and build a place they call home.

The Saxon Stories

The Last Kingdom

Dive into the original novel 'The Leftovers' by Tom Perrotta, where you'll experience a profound exploration of human emotions amid unimaginable loss. Through its captivating prose, the book allows readers to delve deeper into the psychological landscape and internal struggles of the characters, offering an intimate connection that transcends the screen.

Unlike the TV adaptation, the novel invites readers to explore the subtle complexities and personal transformations of its characters in a more nuanced manner. The contemplative narrative provides rich insights into the nature of grief, survival, and rebuilding one's life, making it a more personalized journey that strongly resonates with each individual's unique interpretation and imagination.

When 2% of the world's population abruptly disappears without explanation, the world struggles to understand just what they're supposed to do about it. This is the story of the people who didn't make the cut.

The Leftovers

Immerse yourself in the visionary world of Isaac Asimov's original 'Foundation' novels, where science and strategy collide in a grand tapestry of the future. By delving into the pages of Asimov's work, readers can experience the intricacies of a universe meticulously crafted with intellectual fervor and philosophical depth. Asimov's prose carries you through a journey that challenges perceptions of time, fate, and the vastness of human potential.

Reading the 'Foundation' novels offers insights into Asimov’s exploration of psychohistory and the eventual rise and fall of empires. The novels provide a profound understanding of his characters, from the enigmatic Hari Seldon to the imperious Mule. Where the TV series might seek to entertain with grandeur and visual spectacle, the books present an intimate engagement with ideas and theories that remain relevant today. Explore the themes of decay and resurgence, prediction and unpredictability, and immerse yourself in a saga that has influenced generations of science fiction.

Follow a band of exiles on their monumental journey to save humanity and rebuild civilization amid the fall of the Galactic Empire.

Second Foundation

Foundation

Foundation and Empire

Dive into the authentic world captured by Jennifer Worth in her autobiographical series that inspired the beloved TV show, 'Call the Midwife.' In these compelling memoirs, Worth takes you on a journey through the streets of post-war East London, revealing not only the incredible story of midwifery in the poorest parts of the city, but also the resilience and strength of the human spirit in times of hardship.

These books allow you to experience the heartwarming and often challenging stories in greater depth and detail than the television series. Through Worth's candid and poignant writing, you will meet unforgettable characters and learn about their real-life struggles and triumphs. The books offer a richer, more nuanced dive into these historical narratives, and they illuminate the fascinating social and cultural backdrop of a rapidly changing London. Expand your understanding and appreciation of this captivating era by immersing yourself in Worth's beautifully rendered personal recollections.

Drama following the lives of a group of midwives working in the poverty-stricken East End of London during the 1950s, based on the best-selling memoirs of Jennifer Worth.

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