Colleen Hoover's psychological thriller Verity has stormed back onto bestseller lists this October, proving once again that the author's devoted fanbase is a force to be reckoned with. The novel, which first captivated readers with its shocking twists and morally complex characters, is enjoying a massive sales resurgence thanks to the release of its film adaptation, now playing in theaters worldwide.
As of this writing, Verity sits at No. 2 on Amazon's bestselling books chart and also claims the second spot on Audible's audiobook rankings. That's an impressive feat for a book that originally hit shelves years ago, but Hoover's legions of fans—many of whom discovered her through BookTok—are clearly eager to revisit the story or experience it for the first time before or after seeing the movie. The novel was already a juggernaut, having debuted as a #1 New York Times bestseller and becoming a perennial topic of discussion online.
The film adaptation stars Anne Hathaway in a reunion with director Michael Showalter, who previously helmed The Idea of You for Prime Video. Dakota Johnson and Josh Hartnett round out the cast, bringing Hoover's twisted tale to life on the big screen. While the movie has generated plenty of buzz, critical reception has been lukewarm at best. The film currently holds a 43% score on Rotten Tomatoes, with some reviewers feeling it plays things too safe. Our own review of Verity praised Hathaway's performance but noted the adaptation's cautious approach.
Still, box office analysts expect Verity to perform well this weekend, as audiences flock to see the latest Hoover adaptation. The combination of a star-studded cast, a built-in fanbase, and the start of spooky season makes it a tempting option for moviegoers. And for those who prefer to read before watching, the book's return to the charts is perfectly timed.
Not the Only Big Release This Weekend
Verity isn't the only film vying for attention this October weekend. Tom Cruise is making a bid for Oscar gold with Digger, a satirical black comedy directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu. It marks Cruise's first non-franchise role since 2017's American Made and Iñárritu's first English-language film since The Revenant. Early reviews have been polarizing, with some critics left underwhelmed, but the film is already sparking intense online debate.
For those who prefer their thrills on the page, there are plenty of other options. If you're looking for more psychological suspense, check out our list of horror novels that hook you instantly. And if you're curious about other book-to-screen adaptations, we've ranked the worst book-to-movie adaptations—hopefully Verity won't be joining that list.
Whether you're team book or team movie, one thing is clear: Colleen Hoover's Verity remains a cultural phenomenon. Its chart resurgence is a testament to the power of passionate readers and the enduring appeal of a truly unhinged story. Catch Verity in theaters now, and keep an eye on those bestseller lists—it's not going anywhere anytime soon.
