Some of Netflix’s biggest hit shows originated from books, so the company decided to create the Netflix Book Club, a one-of-a-kind book club along with an online show hosted by actress Uzo Aduba.
Readers around the world know what’s next in their TBR (to-be-read) list whenever Netflix announces its next adaptation because the hype is real: books that Netflix turn into pop culture phenomena blast up to the top of bestseller lists long after they first publish, such as the Bridgerton books (18 years later) and The Queen’s Gambit (37 years later).
Through Netflix Book Club, readers will hear about their new favorite books, films and series adaptations first – and get exclusive access to the process behind bringing these books from page to screen.
Three-time Emmy Award winner and star of the hit series adaptation Orange Is the New Black Uzo Aduba will be the inaugural host, with Netflix and Starbucks partnering to bring the Netflix Book Club to life. Uzo will announce monthly book selections that will be making their way to Netflix and host conversations about the adaptation process with cast, creators and authors over a cup of coffee at Starbucks in a new social series, “But Have You Read the Book?” The social series will kick off on November 16 and live on the Still Watching Netflix YouTube Channel and the Netflix US Facebook channel.
Netflix Book Club’s first pick of the month will kick off with Nella Larsen’s Harlem Renaissance-era novel Passing to coincide with Netflix’s November 10 release of the acclaimed movie adaptation, which premiered earlier this year at the Sundance Film Festival and was recently seen at the New York Film Festival. Directed and written by Rebecca Hall and starring Tessa Thompson and Ruth Negga, Passing follows the story of two Black women who can pass as white and choose to live on opposite sides of the color line in 1929 New York.
Netflix Chief Marketing Officer Bozoma Saint John said: “From Bridgerton, To All the Boys and Sweet Magnolias to Queen’s Gambit, Unorthodox, Virgin River and of course Orange Is the New Black, Netflix loves bringing books to life on screen and creating conversation with passionate readers and fans. We’re thrilled to partner with Starbucks and excited that the incredible Uzo Aduba will be our host to discuss favorite books and what goes into the writing, developing, casting and creating of our beloved series and films.”
Netflix Book Club Host Uzo Aduba added: “I can’t tell you how many times I’ve asked friends, ‘But have you read the book?’ So I’m excited to host Netflix Book Club and bring together loyal book fans, TV and movie obsessives and the creators behind their favorite stories. I can’t wait to dive deep into the creative process and what it takes to bring a book to life.”
