The Reel Deal: Self-Help Live Action Adaptations
- Victor Castillo
- Jan 15
- 4 min read
We're diving into the captivating world of book-to-screen adaptations! From the silver screen to the small screen, literature has long served as a wellspring of inspiration for filmmakers and television creators alike. Join us as we explore the magic of storytelling in both cinematic and episodic formats, delving into the nuances of adaptation and celebrating the artistry that transforms words on a page into unforgettable visual experiences. Whether you're a die-hard book lover or a cinephile searching for your next binge-worthy series, there's something for everyone in these remarkable adaptations. So, grab your popcorn, settle in, and let's journey from the page to the screen together!
Content & Trigger Disclaimer: This post discusses books, shows and films that may contain sensitive material. Reader discretion is advised. Please use your judgment and conduct further research if you have specific concerns. |
On The Silver Screen
Self-help books have long been a source of guidance and inspiration, offering readers practical advice for navigating life’s challenges. When these books leap from page to screen, they often transform into stories that bring their lessons to life in creative and entertaining ways. While some adaptations stay true to their instructional roots, others take a more narrative approach, using characters and plotlines to illustrate the advice and themes that made the books so popular.
The live-action adaptation of What to Expect When You’re Expecting captures the essence of Heidi Murkoff’s comprehensive guide with humor, heart, and a touch of cinematic flair. Known for its in-depth advice on everything from preconception planning to navigating the joys and challenges of pregnancy, Murkoff’s book has been a trusted companion for parents-to-be for decades. The film takes these relatable themes and weaves them into a series of interconnected stories, offering a lighthearted yet poignant look at the unpredictable journey to parenthood. Whether you’re a first-time reader or a longtime fan of the book, the movie adaptation provides a fresh perspective on the ups, downs, and everything in between when it comes to expecting.
What to Expect When You're Expecting
2012 | PG-13 | 1 hour 50 minutes
Follows the lives of five interconnected couples as they experience the thrills and surprises of having a baby and realize that no matter what you plan for, life does not always deliver what is expected.
The film stars Cameron Diaz and Matthew Morrison in the roles of Jules and Evan, respectively. They are joined by J. Todd Smith, Dennis Quaid, Jennifer Lopez, Elizabeth Banks, Chace Crawford, Brooklyn Decker, Den Falcone, Anna Kendrick, Chris Rock, Rodrigo Santoro, Joe Manganiello, Rob Huebel, Thomas Lennon, Amir Talai, Rebel Wilson, and Wendi McLendon-Covey.
Cameron Diaz (left), Heidi Murkoff, author (center), Matthew Morrison (right)
What to Expect When You're Expecting
by Heidi Murkoff, Arlene Eisenberg, & Sandee Hathaway
Incorporating everything that's new in pregnancy, childbirth, and the lifestyles of parents-to-be, complete with a preconception plan, information on choosing a practitioner, birthing alternatives, second pregnancies, twins, making love while pregnant, and coping with common and not so common pregnancy symptoms.
Show Buzz
Self-help books aren’t just about advice; they’re about connection, humor, and often finding solidarity in shared experiences. Few adaptations have captured this balance quite like Bravo’s Girlfriends’ Guide to Divorce, inspired by Vicki Iovine’s Girlfriends’ Guide series. In Girlfriends’ Guide to Pregnancy, the series' first book, Iovine offers a refreshingly honest take on the pregnancy journey, infused with practical advice and laugh-out-loud moments.
From unfiltered discussions about morning sickness and fashion struggles to tackling the emotional rollercoaster of hormones, Iovine writes with the warmth and wit of a best friend who tells it like it is. The TV show mirrors this approach, taking the raw realities of its characters’ lives and weaving them into stories that are both relatable and empowering. Where the book guides moms-to-be through nine transformative months, the show expands the conversation to tackle life’s next big changes with the same blend of heart and humor.
Girlfriends' Guide to Divorce
2014-2018 | TV-14 | 1 hour
Follows a best-selling author of a self-help book series who hides her recent separation as she starts to navigate her life as a single woman in her 40s in Los Angeles.
The series stars Lisa Edelstein and Beau Garrett in the roles of Abby McCarthy and Phoebe Conte, respectively. They are joined by Necar Zadegan, Alanna Ubach, Conner Dwelly, Dylan Schombing, Paul Adelstein, Brian Markinson, Retta, Alison Thornton, Julianna Guill, Matthew Glave, Maury Sterling, Will Kemp, James Lesure, Aaron Staton, Patrick Heusinger, J. August Richards.
Lisa Edelstein (left), Vicki Iovine, author (center), Beau Garrett (right)
The Girlfriends' Guide to Pregnancy
by Vicki Iovine
Your doctor gives you medical advice. Your mother buys you baby clothes. But who can give you the real skinny when you’re pregnant?
Your girlfriends, of course—at least, the ones who’ve been through the exhilaration and exhaustion, the agony and ecstasy of pregnancy. Four-time delivery room veteran Vicki Iovine talks to you the way only a best friend can—in the book that will go the whole nine months for every mother-to-be. In this revised and updated edition, get the lowdown on all those little things that are too strange or embarrassing to ask, practical tips, and hilarious takes on everything pregnant.
What really happens to your body—from morning sickness and gas to eating everything in sight—and what it’s like to go from being a babe to having one.
The Many Moods of Pregnancy—why you’re so irritable/distracted/tired/lightheaded (or at least more than usual).
Staying Stylish—You may be pregnant, but you can still be the fashionista you’ve always been (or at least you don’t have to look like a walking beachball)—wearing the hippest designers and proudly showing off your bump.
Pregnancy is Down To a Science—from in vitro fertilization to scheduled c-sections, there are so many options, alternatives, and scientific tests to take that being pregnant can be downright confusing!
All episodes of The Girelfriends' Guide to Pregnancy are available to stream on Prime Video.
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