Back in February 2021 (feels like eons since then), CNN reported on the findings of The Netflix Diversity Audit. Long story short? While Netflix improved in certain areas, it still needs to do more. Here at Book Riot, we’ve already posted some suggestions of works you can adapt to fill those gaps: queer, Black, multicultural romances, Latinx-led adaptations, and stories focusing on disabled people. But that is not all, my friends. We want more. And, in my case, I want more LGBTQ+ books turned into movies. So there they are, Netflix. Please adapt these LGBTQ+ books. I’ll be ready and waiting, popcorn and licorice at my side. We all love a coming-of-age experience, don’t we? In Juliet’s case, she meets and joins a community of brilliant, queer Black writers, dates a sexy library intern named Kira, becomes more comfortable in her body, and learns about intersectional feminist ideologies. What. A. Summer. Additionally, there is an insightful critique of “white women feminism” that is very necessary. As a shy young man from Alabama, he wrestles with various complexities as he tries to decide what he wants to do with his life. There’s a confusing tryst with an ostensibly straight friend, the frustration of a mysteriously failed study, and the pressure to respond politely to constant microaggressions in his friendships and working relationships. On the whole, the book is unputdownable and, in the right director’s hands, a movie version would be gorgeous. The music scene that they inhabit is vibrantly portrayed, as the two women struggle to make their way in a frustrating, difficult industry. This is a layered, fast-paced novel dealing with friendship, race, career, and art. Telling a unique, folktale-inspired story by way of generational saga, these three women’s stories are shown through blurring genres. At times violent and grotesque, at times beautiful and moving, this is a story the audience wouldn’t forget anytime soon. Arthur, a novelist of some repute, has tumbled into middle age and is feeling very uncomfortable about it. After getting an invitation to his ex’s wedding and wanting an excuse to skip it, Less embarks on a series of jaunts around the world — hopping around international literary events. This has everything: well-developed characters, scenic settings, and a deliciously happy ending. This isn’t all fluff either, there is a serious subplot involving the #MeToo movement and on-set harassment. This is exactly the type of book that Netflix likes to turn into a summer of love romcom — Emma’s sister even owns a bakery, which seems like a prime setting for some wooing. Eventually, though, Julian goes home to London for six months. While living in Julian’s place alone, she falls for Edith, a cute, clever lawyer from a well-off Hong Kong family. As Ava has always struggled to connect with people, which of these two does she feel more at ease with? Generally, this would be awesome to see — it’s rare to see a character’s bisexuality presented so happily and matter-of-factly.
