Book Club: Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty

It's been a while since we've updated this series, but Big Little Lies is the perfect start to refreshing our book club updates! The popular novel turned HBO series is definitely a must read – whether it be before or after you watch the show. We read the book over a year ago, and it's so interesting comparing the two because they're similar in so many ways but different in others.

The book takes place in a small, beach town in Australia and the mini series is set in Monterey, California. I personally love that the story takes place in Monterey! We used to vacation with our grandparents every summer in nearby Carmel growing up. It's fun seeing the scenery & it makes me want to go back now that I can really appreciate the beauty!

As much as I enjoyed the book, the HBO mini-series takes the story to an entirely different level. The cinematography and level of acting from the cast sets the tone for an entertaining, yet thought provoking hour-long show every week. The finale is this Sunday, so if you haven't started watching yet, the good news is you can binge watch the entire thing!

When the castings were first announced, I was a bit surprised by Shailene Woodley as Jane and Zoë Kravitz as Bonnie, but after watching the show I wonder why I ever thought that. Reese Witherspoon as Madeline, Nicole Kidman as Celeste & Laura Dern as Renata were PERFECT castings & they are by far my favorites on the show. P.S. I really hope the rumors about Reese & Nicole not getting along après-show are false. It's also "fun" seeing Alexander Skarsgård in a different role than I've previously seen him in (you'll understand why fun is in quotation marks after you watch) & shout out to David Clarke from Revenge!

Have you read the book or seen the show? I'd love to know which you prefer! I honestly think I prefer the show which is so rare, because usually books are better in my opinion.