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“Verity” is in theaters now, and predictions suggest it could be author Colleen Hoover’s latest book-to-screen adaptation to top the box office charts. Now, the real-life cast of the romantic thriller reveals what other books they’re enjoying in an exclusive clip shared with Variety from Amazon News.
Josh Hartnett, Anne Hathaway, and Dakota Johnson sat down with Amazon for a quick game of Q&A, where they shared their 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 kind of books you can’t put down.”
Among her answers: Hathaway thinks a great villain of the book requires a “great inner monologue,” with the actress adding, “He or she has to be someone you want to listen to, even if you don’t agree with what they’re saying.”
Meanwhile, Johnson is asked, “What will ‘Verity’ make you question?” His answer: “Your sexuality.”
“Verity” follows a twisted love triangle that begins when Jeremy Crawford (Hartnett) asks struggling writer Lowen Ashleigh (Johnson) to help him finish a manuscript started by his now-comatose wife, bestselling author Verity Crawford (Hathaway).
Understandably, Hartnett says, “Verity” might make you question your “partner,” or at least “cause some argument.” [the book].”
Amazon
READ THE BOOK
Truth
Collector’s Edition
First published in 2018, Hoover’s novel returned to the top of the charts following the release of its film adaptation. Amazon is currently offering the hardcover version of the book. Readers can also find the book on Kindle Unlimited; Amazon Prime members can get three months of free access (not a Prime member? Get a 30-day free trial here to access all the discounts and benefits).
Meanwhile, the cast of “Verity” are always asked what book recommendations they trust, and Hathaway mentions anything on the Man Booker Prize shortlist. Hartnett, meanwhile, always shouts out a good friend who “knows me” and “knows things.”
Watch the full Q&A with the “Verity” cast above, and scroll for some book recommendations based on the cast’s responses from Amazon Books.
Amazon
BIG VILLAINS
The First Lie Wins: A Novel
Reese’s Book Club pick
A pick of Reese Witherspoon’s Book Club and a #1 New York Times Bestseller, “The First Lie Wins” follows Evie Porter as she builds a life with her boyfriend, Ryan Sumner. The only problem: Porter is not who he says he is, and flashbacks reveal his dark past; This includes a shady boss he knows only as Mr. Smith.
Amazon
ASK ABOUT YOUR PARTNER
Servant
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 favorite) follows maid Millie Calloway (Sweeney), who begins working for the wealthy Winchester family, only to uncover a past full of lies and secrets.
Amazon
ASK ABOUT YOUR SEXUALITY
Atmosphere: A Love Story
GMA Book Club selection
“Atmosphere,” by Taylor Jenkins Reid, follows Joan Goodwin, one of the first female scientists to join the NASA academy and part of a group of engineers preparing to go into space. Told through a present-day mission and flashbacks, the novel explores everything from forbidden loves to female identity; Joan fights to save her crew while navigating a (literally) brand new world.
Amazon
BOOKER AWARD SHORTLIST
Flashlight: A Novel
National Book Award-winning author
Susan Choi’s “Flashlight” was nominated for the 2025 Booker Prize and named one of the Best Books of the Year by more than a dozen publications. The novel begins with 10-year-old Louisa, alone and shivering, after an evening walk on the water with her father, who carries only a flashlight. Now the family must piece together what happened that night while dealing with complex emotions about cultural identity and generational trauma.
Amazon
BOOKER AWARD SHORTLIST
The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny: A Novel
ENJOY The 10 Best Books of 2025
Sonia and Sunny meet randomly on a night train in India, while they are taking a break from their new lives in the USA. But it turns out they’ve met before, and their chance meeting rekindles buried feelings and confessions. As a book description puts it, the novel touches on “country, class, race, history, and the complex ties that bind one generation to another.”
Hartnett says he bought the books based on a trusted recommendation: It was listed as a favorite by none other than Barack Obama.
“Verity” is in theaters now and you can purchase the book online from Amazon. You can browse more bestsellers and find thousands of books discounted for Prime Big Deal Days here at the Amazon book hub.