- The movie adaptation of Lansing author Lori Nelson Spielman’s book “The Life List” will premiere on Netflix on Friday.
- The film, written and directed by Adam Brooks and starring Sofia Carson and Connie Britton, took 13 years to realize.
LANSING – The movie adaptation of local author Lori Nelson Spielman’s book “The Life List” will premiere on Netflix on Friday.
The film, written and directed by Adam Brooks and starring Sofia Carson and Connie Britton, took years to realize. Spielman’s book was published in 2013.
Spielman, a retired Lansing teacher, has since written two other novels. Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming movie and its local connection, including how to watch.
A written list inspired the book
The story behind Spielman’s “The Life List” was inspired by her own list of life wishes, written when she was 14 years old and discovered lying in a drawer years later. In the book, the main character is asked to complete hers, a requirement to receive an inheritance from her recently deceased mother.
There are differences between the film and the book, but Spielman said the theme from her novel carries through to the movie.
Book has been an international success
“The Life List” has been published in more than two dozen countries, including the U.S., since its release.
Spielman’s written two more books since “The Life List” was released. “Sweet Forgiveness” debuted in 2015 and “The Star-Crossed Sisters of Tuscany” was released in 2020.
Film has been in the works for more than a decade
Fox 2000 first optioned the movie rights for a film adaptation in 2012 but it took more than a decade for the film to be made. Several companies optioned the rights to adapt it on-screen before it ended up with 3dot Productions who contracted with Netflix for the upcoming release.
Spielman will meet with readers next month
Spielman plans to hold a discussion with readers about “The Life List” and its film adaptation at Hooked, located at 3142 E. Michigan Ave. in Lansing, at 5 p.m. on April 6.
Learn more about Spielman’s books at www.lorinelsonspielman.com.
How to watch
Netflix will offer the movie beginning Friday. People with a Netflix subscription can stream it at their convenience. Learn more about the Netflix film at www.netflix.com/title/81246107.
Contact Reporter Rachel Greco at rgreco@lsj.com. Follow her on X @GrecoatLSJ .
