Et cetera : What We're Reading: White Oleander

If you enjoy pairing books with their film adaptations, Janet Fitch’s 'White Oleander' is a powerful read to add to your list.

This haunting novel follows Astrid, a young girl navigating the Los Angeles foster care system after her mother—a brilliant but narcissistic poet—is imprisoned for murder. As Astrid moves from home to home, she faces heartbreak, instability, abuse, and manipulation—all while struggling to define herself outside of her mother’s controlling influence. Fitch’s writing captures the raw challenges of coming of age under extraordinary circumstances, making this both a dark and unforgettable read.

The 2002 film adaptation stays true to the spirit of the novel, bringing Astrid’s story vividly to life on screen. Try the book on the Libby App —and then stream the movie to see how this haunting story translates to film.

Happy reading, friends! ~Heather