But don’t forget, there’s plenty more coming in 2025. From a new Frankenstein’s monster, directed by Guillermo del Toro, to the second part of Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo.
Animal farm, George Orwell
Short Novel
Published:1945
Pages: 140
Author’s nationality: UK
I met George Orwell through 1984, his world-famous novel. After that, I had to read more about the author because his way of portraying totalitarianism, political power, propaganda, and corruption really resonated with me.
After all I am Venezuelan.
Animal Farm does not disappoint.
Through this story of a group of animals, Orwell makes a scathing critique of how revolutionary ideals are corrupted by totalitarian power. The book satirizes the Russian Revolution under Stalin’s authoritarianism, exploring historical events that ended in brutal regimes.
Who’d like this?
The themes exposed in the book are universal and more current than ever, unless you haven’t heard about politicians who change laws to justify their actions. This is what the pigs do in the novel; after leading the revolution for animal freedom, they become the new oppressors.
Like the book, the film seeks to be emotionally resonant while exploring the story with a contemporary vision. The animated adaptation, directed by Andy Serkis, is scheduled for release in July, so you have time to read – or reread – the pages before it hits the screen.
Quotes
- “All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.”
- “The creatures outside looked from pig to man, and from man to pig, and from pig to man again; but already it was impossible to say which was which.”
Readers say
- “It is very eye opening. My little organs of sight could not look away. I still cannot believe how many real-world connections I have made!” says an Amazon user.
- “I have probably read this book 20 times in my 38 years of living and it never gets old… Power and control will always corrupt no matter if it’s left, right, man or pig,” says an Amazon user.
Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy, Helen Fielding
Novel
Published: 2013
Pages: 400
Author’s nationality: UK
Bridget Jones is a comfort movie that you can go back to at different times in your life. The books also give you that sense of security.
This year, the clumsy and funny Bridget returns to screens with the final book in the saga.
Fielding maintains the playful humor of the earlier novels, and although Bridget has matured, she still has the same sparkling and candid personality.
This time around, Bridget tries to balance her professional and personal life while raising two children and starting on the dating journey all over again. It’s not all laughs, there is also loss and tears, making it a heart-warming novel.
Who’d like this?
Many readers and viewers can relate to the story as it delivers a very human look at the contemporary world of relationships. To keep Bridget relevant and real, Fielding explores themes such as social media, dating, motherhood and the pursuit of happiness.
Quotes
- “We cannot avoid pain, we cannot avoid loss. Contentment comes from the ease and flexibility with which we move through change.”
- “I am brave, though I am alone.”
Readers say
- “This glimpse into the life of Bridget Jones as a mature – well, mostly mature – woman is as funny as the previous books. Well worth a read,” says an Amazon user.
- “I admit I was upset and a bit concerned when I heard the spoilers about Fielding killing off Mark Darcy, but then I realized that this is a book about Bridget Jones; not about Mark Darcy or even Bridget and Mark and I decided to trust that the author knew what she was doing. I can tell you that my trust was well-placed as this novel was extremely well done,” says an Amazon user.
Mickey 7, Edward Ashton
Science fiction
Published: 2022
Pages: 304
Author’s nationality: USA
Mickey 17, based on Mickey 7, is one of this year’s most anticipated films and you can read the book right now before diving headfirst into the new production from director Bong Joon Ho (Parasite).
The novel follows Mickey Barnes in a distant future where he works as an expendable — a disposable clone who is sent on dangerous missions on an icy planet.
The idea of the infinite recreation of a human opens up many questions about identity, death, the meaning of life, individuality and the possibility of defeating death with technology, an idea that has haunted humans for a long time.
Who’d like this?
Mickey 7 has a very well-constructed world with elements of science fiction, psychological thriller and adventure. The universe explores new technologies, colonization of new worlds, moral dilemmas of cloning, space exploration and human experimentation.
It is a must-have book for those interested in delving deeper into human nature and the value of life.
Quotes
- “In order to make a leap like that, you have to either be running toward something great, or running away from something truly terrifying.”
- “The second area where every new technology is applied, of course, is war.”
Readers say
- “This is the best book I’ve read in a while. Engaging characters, Murderbot style humor and a well thought out story,” says an Amazon user.
- “Original idea, funny and thrilling. says an Amazon user,” says an Amazon user.