READ THEN WATCH

The books set to be big news on telly

GENTLEMAN JACK

What it’s about: The real-life Anne Lister who, back in the 1800s, was a total badass: a Yorkshire heiress who travelled the world as a proud lesbian during a time when that was basically impossible. She wore all black, openly bitched about men and slept with a gun under her pillow. Who wrote the book? LGBTQ+ historian Angela Steidele penned a biography of Lister. Who’s in the TV series? Doctor Foster’s Suranne Jones plays Lister and Bodyguard’s Sophie Rundle co-stars as Ann Walker, the woman Lister intends to marry. It’s been adapted for TV by Sally “Happy Valley” Wainwright. The book: Serpent’s Tail, £16.99 The TV series: BBC One, early 2019

PURE

What it’s about: Pure O – an excruciating form of OCD where intrusive, unwanted sexual thoughts infiltrate the mind – and one woman’s 10-year search to find out what’s wrong with her. Who wrote the book? Rose Bretécher, whose memoir opened the world’s eyes to this little-spokenabout condition. Who’s in the TV series? In the adaptation, Rose is called Marnie – and the plot follows her as she moves to London and makes a bunch of rag-tag mates. Newcomer Charly Clive takes the main role, but it also stars Peaky Blinders’ Joe Cole and Black Mirror’s Anthony Welsh. The book: Unbound, £8.99 The TV series: Channel 4, February

YOU

What it’s about: Joe and Guinevere, a bookshop manager and a writer who fall for each other hard. But they’re both hiding secrets – and their relationship quickly becomes destructive. With twists and turns, it will have you racing through the pages… and then bingeing on the episodes. Who wrote the book? Thriller writer extraordinaire Caroline Kepnes. Who’s in the TV series? Gossip Girl’s Penn Badgley (right) and Pretty Little Liars’ Shay Mitchell. It’s from some of the same team behind Riverdale, giving it all the ingredients to become your new hangover show of choice. The book: Simon & Schuster, £7.99 The TV series: Netflix, out now

THE WHEEL OF TIME

What it’s about: Rand, a simple farm boy, learns he has enough magic to defeat the world’s enemy and bring peace. The problem? In his land, only women can use magic. If men use it, they go mad and die. What to do… Who wrote the book? Robert Jordan created the series, writing 12 epic books. When he died, Brandon Sanderson took over and wrote the final three. Now do you see why it’s being compared to Game Of Thrones? Who’s in the TV series? It’s closely guarded, but considering the books have sold more than 90 million copies and it’s produced by one of the writers for Agents Of SHIELD, we’re excited. The books: First in the series is The Eye Of The World, Orbit, £9.99 The TV series: Amazon Prime, 2019

CATCH-22

What it’s about: Set during World War II, the story follows Captain John Yossarian and the other airmen in his camp, who are trying to fulfil their service requirements so they can go home… while also trying to maintain their sanity. Who wrote the book? American author Joseph Heller. It was published in 1961 and is considered one of the most significant novels of the 20th century. Who’s in the TV series? George Clooney, who was also executive producer. Smartie pants. Starring alongside him are Hugh “Dr House” Laurie and Christopher Abbott (hello, Charlie from Girls). The book: Vintage Classics, £9.99 The TV series: Channel 4, this autumn