Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
Aduba to host Netflix book club series
Netflix is entering the book club business.
The streaming giant recently announced the launch of a new Netflix series focused on literary offerings it helped propel into “pop culture phenomena.”
Already home to widely watched adaptations of literary heavy hitters such as Julia Quinn’s “Bridgerton,” Caroline Kepnes’ “You,” Walter Telvis’ “Queen’s Gambit” and Sheryl Woods’ “Sweet Magnolias,” the streamer is building on that success with a social media-savvy series catering to all lovers of literature.
“Netflix loves bringing books to life on screen and creating conversation with passionate readers and fans,” Netflix marketing boss Bozoma Saint John said with the announcement.
Three-time Emmy Award winner Uzo Aduba has been tapped as the inaugural host of the series — titled “But Have You Read the Book?” — and will hold discussions about the selected book and the adaptation process with authors, cast members and creators over coffee at different Starbucks locations.
First on the list is Nella Larsen’s novel “Passing,” which centers on the reunion of two Black childhood friends and one’s attempt to pass as white for her husband.
Netflix is releasing Rebecca Hall’s eagerly anticipated film adaptation of the 1929 book starring Tessa Thompson and Ruth Negga on Nov. 10.
The streamer’s new book club initiative is designed to encourage fans to watch the Netflix adaptation of the book and join Aduba in the discussion.
“I can’t tell you how many times I’ve asked friends, ‘But have you read the book?’ So I’m excited to host Netflix Book Club and bring together loyal book fans, TV and movie obsessives and the creators behind their favorite stories,” Aduba said in a statement.
“But Have You Read the Book?” will premiere Nov. 16 on the Still Watching Netflix channel on YouTube and Netflix’s Facebook page.
Cher sues Bono heirs: Cher has sued the widow of her former musical partner and ex-husband Sonny Bono over royalties for Sonny and Cher songs including “I Got You Babe” and “The Beat Goes On.”
In a federal lawsuit filed in Los Angeles, Cher alleges that former Rep. Mary Bono and other defendants have attempted to terminate provisions of business agreements Cher and Sonny Bono reached when they divorced in 1975 that entitled each to 50% of songwriting and recording royalties.
The lawsuit says that Sonny Bono’s heirs filed notice in 2016 that they were terminating some of his song licensing agreements, but they “did not terminate, and could not have terminated” his agreements with Cher. The breach-of-contract lawsuit alleges that the damages to Cher total at least $1 million.
Mary Bono’s attorney said the family’s moves are within their rights and the law.
Oct. 16 birthdays: Actor Angela Lansbury is 96. Actor Barry Corbin is 81. Actor Suzanne Somers is 75. Guitarist Bob Weir is 74. Actor Tim Robbins is 63. Actor Randy Vasquez is 60. Bassist Flea is 59. Actor Terri J. Vaughn is 52. Singer Wendy Wilson is 52. Singer John Mayer is 44. Actor Jeremy Jackson is 41.