It's seldom a movie or TV show is created from a book, considering how many different stories there are out there, so when a book is created from a TV series or movie, then people take notice. I decided to investigate why one of Netflix's most successful series, a show full of fun and adventure, needed to become a book. Spoiler alert! Which is not really a spoiler. It was because the fans wanted it! A second book was also written (although by a different author). A diary was written. A colouring book and everything else you can think of. It's unclear, however, whether Alyssa was approached to write the book or whether she is a fan herself. I hope to discover more as the investigation continues. For now, you should have a read and see what you think. Although, before you do, please read on.
First, the story follows a group of friends as they go in search of a lost treasure. Along the way, the gang face deception, murder, love, and betrayal while exhibiting a fondness and dependence on each other that friends rarely show these days in a society of fewer children playing in the streets (due to a decline in the birthrate in the west and an online friend society). Many reviews point out that the book and the TV series have everything you want from a story, and I agree. The book and TV series both have the same fun and adventure with amazing friendships, but there is a problem when we look at the reader comments from people who have read the book, especially when the book mentions the haves and the have-nots. Don't worry, there's nothing racist or weird, it's just that the book goes on and on about "them and us" to the point of annoyance. I mean; on and on and on and on. It's fine if you've seen the TV series because you'll forgive the occasional dragging of the book, but it's not so great if you are only interested in reading a page-turning story.
All in all, it's a good story that will keep you interested enough to keep turning the pages. If you think you might like a story that is similar but with adult characters and more action, then you may want to try, "Don't Kill Benjamin" instead. It has all the same mystery, fun and adventure with nail-biting suspense. Plus the kinds of friendships you enjoyed in Outer Banks.
