Strike Might Be Over Soon - Now What?

So you might have heard the rumors about the writers' strike being nearly resolved. You might be wondering what this means for the next few months - or, sad that your quiet time might be ending. Either way, I have a solution for you.

Many TV shows are based on books or have books written as tie-ins with them. Entertainment Weekly did a whole section on books you can read that are related to the shows currently on (in repeats). Here are some suggestions:

If you were a fan of Candace Bushnell's SEX AND THE CITY, the new series Lipstick Jungle is based on her book of the same name. It stars Brooke Shields, Kim Raver and Lindsay Price as high-powered women and their day-to-day triumphs and failures.

Fans of Bones already know that the show is based on the novels by Kathy Reichs. I am told they complement each other quite well, without a lot of overlapping storylines.

Dexter is no longer currently showing, but the books by Jeff Lindsay should tide you over as well as giving you a sneak peek as to what is coming up. The first two seasons were based on the first two books and the third book, DARKLY DREAMING DEXTER is on the shelves.

One of the best prime-time soaps on the air is based on the YA series Gossip Girl by Cecily von Ziegesar. Want to know what happened before Serena van der Woodsen became the reformed bad girl? Read the books the show is based on.

Women's Murder Club is a successful series by James Patterson and also a television show starring Angie Harmon. One episode had a very cute cameo by Ms. Harmon's footballer husband, Jason Sehorn.

And of course, there are tie-ins for nearly any successful show, many written by big name authors or authors who have written the very episodes you know and love on television. CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, Heroes, Monk and even old favorites like Buffy and Angel have books that tie-in to the series. So, grab a book and get ready to dive back into your favorite series when they come back from the strike.

Nicole