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“Verity” is in theaters now, and based on projections, it could be the latest book-to-screen
adaptation from author Colleen Hoover to top the box office charts. Now, the real-life cast of the romantic thriller are revealing what other books they enjoy, in an exclusive clip shared with Variety from Amazon News.
Josh Hartnett, Anne Hathaway and Dakota Johnson sat down with Amazon for a rapid-fire Q&A game, where they shared thoughts on what makes a good book. As Hathaway explains, “Since ‘Verity’ is all about finishing a story, today we’re finishing a few sentences about the kinds of books we can’t put down.”
Among their answers: Hathaway thinks a great book villain requires “a great inner monologue,” with the actress adding that, “it has to be somebody even if you’re not agreeing with what they’re saying, you want to listen to them.”
Johnson, meantime, is asked what “‘Verity’ will have you questioning?” Her reply: “Your sexuality.”
“Verity” features a twisted love triangle that begins after struggling writer Lowen Ashleigh (Johnson) is asked by Jeremy Crawford (Hartnett) to help finish a manuscript started by his now-comatose wife, the bestselling author Verity Crawford (Hathaway).
Understandably, Hartnett says “Verity” could have you questioning “your partner” or at least lead to “some debate… by the end of [the book].”
READ THE BOOK
Verity
Collector’s Edition
First released in 2018, Hoover’s novel has returned to the top of the charts following the movie picture adaptation release. Amazon currently has the hardcover version of the book on sale. Readers can also find the book in Kindle Unlimited, with Amazon Prime members able to get three months of access for free (not a Prime member? Get a 30-day free trial here to access all the discounts and benefits).
The cast of “Verity,” meanwhile are also asked about what book recommendations they always trust, with Hathaway mentioning anything on the Man Booker Prize shortlist. Hartnett, meantime, shouts out a good friend who always “knows me” and “knows things.”
Watch the full Q&A with the “Verity” cast above, and scroll for some book recommendations based on the actors’ answers from Amazon Books.
GREAT VILLAINS
First Lie Wins: A Novel
Reese’s Book Club pick
One of Reese Witherspoon’s Book Club picks and a New York Times #1 Bestseller, “First Lie Wins” follows Evie Porter as she builds a life with her boyfriend, Ryan Sumner. The only problem: Porter isn’t who she says she is, and flashbacks reveal her murky history, including a shadowy boss she reports to known only as Mr. Smith.
QUESTION YOUR PARTNER
The Housemaid
Adapted into feature film
Freida McFadden’s “The Housemaid” was adapted into a feature film in 2025 starring Amanda Seyfried and Sydney Sweeney. The psychological thriller (and BookTok fave) follows the housekeeper Millie Calloway (Sweeney) who begins working for the affluent Winchester family, only to uncover a history of lies and secrets.
QUESTION YOUR SEXUALITY
Atmosphere: A Love Story
GMA Book Club pick
From Taylor Jenkins Reid, “Atmosphere” follows Joan Goodwin, one of the first female scientists to join NASA’s academy and part of a group of engineers preparing to go to space. Told through a present-day mission and past flashbacks, the novel explores everything from forbidden romances to female identify, as Joan fights to save her crew while navigating a (literal) whole new world.
BOOKER PRIZE SHORTLIST
Flashlight: A Novel
National Book Award-winning author
Susan Choi’s “Flashlight” was shortlisted for the Booker Prize in 2025 and was named one of the Best Books of the Year by more than a dozen publications. The novel begins with 10-year-old Louisa who is found alone and shivering after taking an evening walk along the water with her father, who only had a flashlight on him. Now, the family must piece together what happened that night, while navigating complicated feelings related to cultural identity and generational trauma.
BOOKER PRIZE SHORTLIST
The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny: A Novel
NYT 10 Best Books of 2025
Sonia and Sunny randomly encounter each other on an overnight train in India during a hiatus from their new lives in the U.S. But it turns out they have been introduced previously before, and their chance meeting resparks buried feelings and admissions. As a book description teases, the novel touches on “country, class, race, history and the complicated bonds that link one generation to the next.”
Hartnett says he picks up books based on a trusted recommendation: this book was listed as a favorite by none other than Barack Obama.
“Verity” is in theaters now and you can buy the book online on Amazon. You can browse more bestsellers and also find thousands of titles discounted for Prime Big Deal Days on the Amazon book hub here.
