The cast of the new film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s thriller “Verity” has opened up about their personal reading preferences in an exclusive segment shared with Variety by Amazon News. As the movie hits theaters, projections suggest it could become another top-grossing book-to-screen adaptation for the bestselling author.
In a rapid-fire question-and-answer session, actors Josh Hartnett, Anne Hathaway, and Dakota Johnson discussed the elements that make a novel unputdownable. Hathaway noted that the cast was focusing on finishing sentences about books they cannot put down, mirroring the plot of “Verity,” which centers on completing a manuscript.
When asked what constitutes a compelling antagonist, Hathaway emphasized the importance of a strong internal narrative. She explained that a great villain must be someone the audience wants to listen to, even if they disagree with their perspective.
The film revolves around a disturbing love triangle involving Lowen Ashleigh (Johnson), a struggling writer hired by Jeremy Crawford (Hartnett) to complete the unfinished memoir of his comatose wife, Verity Crawford (Hathaway), a famous author. During the interview, Johnson revealed that the story prompts viewers to question their own sexuality, while Hartnett suggested audiences might leave questioning their partners or engaged in heated debate about the ending.
Beyond discussing the film, the actors shared trusted book recommendations. Hathaway pointed to titles on the Man Booker Prize shortlist, highlighting Susan Choi’s “Flashlight” and “The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny.” Hartnett credited his close friends for his reading choices, specifically noting a recommendation for “The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny” that came from former President Barack Obama.
The interview also promoted several related titles, including Reese Witherspoon’s Book Club pick “First Lie Wins” by Ben H. Winters, which explores themes of deception, and Freida McFadden’s “The Housemaid,” a psychological thriller recently adapted for the screen. Additionally, Taylor Jenkins Reid’s “Atmosphere: A Love Story” was recommended for its exploration of identity and romance.
Hoover’s original 2018 novel has re-entered the bestseller lists following the film’s release. It is available in hardcover and via Kindle Unlimited, with Amazon offering special discounts and free trials for Prime members.
Leave a Reply