It really doesn't matter, just know there may be some differences one way or the other. For some people, watching an adaptation first can be really helpful in their understanding of the text itself.

Many prefer to read the book first, but I notice that sometimes people do that just so they can feel some sense of superiority over those who haven't read the book or didn't read the book first (full disclosure, I have been that person and still sometimes am, but I realize it's a dick move and it doesn't really matter in the long run.) Take in a story whenever and however you want to take it in!

and that's fantastic! ALL READING IS READING! I think so many people get caught up on "kids these days don't read the things like I was reading back in the day" which they then translate as "kids aren't reading."

These are the same people who will lambast others getting their recs from sources like BookTok. Often sources like that are the first way a lot of teens/young adults find a gateway to what they enjoy and then branch off to find other things like it.

The problem is people make something their entire personality so when you say it's not for you they take it as a personal offense/affront.

Part of the reason I fell in love with reading was there was more room to have FUN reading in school. Class took a bi-weekly trip to the library with freedom to choose a book and write a few lines about what the book was about. Taught me what I liked and should continue to seek out vs. what I wasn't into.

That joy is taken away when kids are limited - my mom let me read whatever I wanted because she knew I wouldn't understand certain words, was at the limit of my own imagination. I tried reading Stephen King at a super young age because the allure of "mom's books" was so intriguing.

There are also a lot people who insist their kids don't like reading, but then insist that what their kids like isn't "real reading" and admonish choices like graphic novels, video game/movie tie ins that get them to buy in, etc. There are a lot of reasons "kids don't read."

I teach high school and a lot of my kids are also reading, just maybe less "traditionally." A lot of my students love fanfiction, creative writing, etc. It may not be perfect but they ARE reading. To the naked eye, I wasn't reading a lot for fun in high school (and I was a voracious reader too) but I also wasn't going to openly express I was reading horny fanfiction either. Sometimes kids ARE reading but might be a little embarrassed about what they're exploring.

Currently making my way through the Ice Planet Barbarians series by Ruby Dixon and even though the first one feels like she read Clan of the Cave Bear and watched James Cameron's Avatar and thought "these need to combined and at least 20x hornier" I AM EATING IT UP.

I also LOVED The DaVinci Code and Angels and Demons by Dan Brown. I still own the beautiful illustrated versions of each and reading the story and looking at the art pieces and locations referenced is a fantastic experience.