Binge-Worthy Books vs. Mini-Series

Welcome to the WBC Book Club, where your favorite Admins & Agents share our favorite books of the moment! From fictional adventures to inspiring true stories, you can find it all right here on the WBC blog. You may notice that the format of our book recs look a little different than most, but that’s because our team loves to stand out and provide an unparalleled experience in all aspects of our business.

When our favorite books get picked up for a movie or TV series, we have a chance to see characters come to life and watch their stories unfold on the screen. Check out this month’s Literary Listings, a collection of stories that have recently been adapted into binge-worthy mini-series!

Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus

Marketing Remarks:

Lovely starter home that is as bright and sunny as the Southern California weather! A scientist’s dream home, this two-bedroom charmer features a completely remodeled kitchen with top-of-the-line Bunsen burners and plenty of beaker storage. Located in the Sugar Hill neighborhood, it is convenient to both the Hastings Research Institute and the riverfront for those interested in the deceptively challenging sport of rowing. Come make Commons, CA home!

Agent Remarks: Mix together a dash of romance, a good helping of mother-daughter bonding and a healthy appetite for knowledge and you have Lessons in Chemistry. A brilliant yet unrecognized chemist, Elizabeth Zott is struggling against the patriarchal standards of America in the 1950s and 60s not just in her work as a scientist, but also in her role as an unwed mother after the death of her partner and colleague, Calvin. The hurdles Elizabeth faces are not so different from the standards that women continue to fight against to this day, making Lessons in Chemistry not just a well-written book of fiction to easily enjoy, but a moving commentary on society, feminism and the power of knowledge that will stand the test of time.

Directions: Read the full synopsis here! You can catch the mini-series on Apple TV+.

Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins- Reid

Marketing Remarks: Own a piece of rock and roll history! Situated in the hills of Topanga Canyon, this mid-century bungalow is where legendary band, The Six, wrote their debut album before rising to international fame in the 1970s. With three bedrooms plus loft and a converted garage/flex space, this home is perfect for hosting raucous house parties. For those looking to chill out, relax while taking in panoramic views of the canyon and breathe in the scent of fresh rosemary wafting on the Santa Ana winds. This bohemian retreat is worthy of a ballad.

Agents Remarks: Following the rise and fall of a fictional band in the 1970s, Daisy Jones & The Six transports readers smack dab into the infamous Laurel Canyon music scene. With its raw, unfiltered character accounts, DJ&TS delves into the emotional, physical, and mental tolls found on the path to fame inspired by the turbulent relationships and whirlwind success of Fleetwood Mac. Taylor Jenkins-Reid encapsulates a unique period in music history and the timeless struggle of people just trying to make sense of the world around them.

Directions: Read the full synopsis here! You can catch the mini-series on Amazon Prime.

All the Light We Cannot See by Anothony Doerr

Marketing Remarks: Escape to the seaside village of Saint-Malo. Just blocks from the city wall, this six-level townhome offers plenty of rooms to entertain guests and long-lost relatives on the run. Described by locals as a “bird’s nest of a house”, you can experience an eagle-eye view from the top floor, which can be converted into additional sleeping area, office or radio broadcast center. Conveniently located near local amenities, from boulangeries to the beach – your next chapter begins in Saint-Malo!

Agent Remarks: Set in France near the end of World War 2, All the Light We Cannot See is a riveting tale told from the perspectives of two people who find themselves on opposing sides of a global conflict. Marie-Laure is a French woman who lost her sight at a young age, raised by a single father in Paris before fleeing the Nazi occupation. Werner, a German orphan, is forced into service for the Nazi regime due to his unparalleled skill with radios. As war rages around them, Werner finds comfort in the broadcasts voiced by a mysterious woman as Marie-Laure desperately puts out hidden signals via radio to find her missing father. This story is beautifully crafted and poignant in its representation of two people caught in a battle beyond their control.

Directions: Read the full synopsis here! You can catch the mini-series on Netflix.

What should we read next? We are always on the lookout for new book recommendations and would love to hear from you – tag us on social media with your favorite stories!

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Written by Makena Schoene