By Janice Somosot, International Business Times
The trend in the film industry nowadays is to find an amazing novel and then turn it into a film. This is a wise move on their part because these books already have a dedicated fan base to begin with. Film makers are more confident in investing millions of dollars into making something that is already familiar to people. This set-up is mutually beneficial for both the film makers and the people involved in writing, producing and promoting the books.
But, as enjoyable as the movies made from films are, nothing beats perusing the pages of a book. The very act of reading a book inspires people to use their imagination to make the story come alive in their heads.
That’s why it’s so much better to read the books first before watching the movie versions. Of course, the downside to doing that is a prior knowledge of the characters, the story and how it will end. Thank goodness for brilliant scriptwriting, directing and film editing, because it still manages to surprise those who have already read the book versions before watching the adapted films.
Without further ado, here are 10 must read books with film adaptations that you have to read first before watching the movie versions. These are arranged in order of the dates the films will be shown.
1. “The Book Thief” by Markus Zusak – (Film Release Date: Nov. 8, 2013)
The Book Theif
“The Book Thief” is a must-read because it is an inspiring story about a brave young girl named Liesel Meminger who is taught how to read books by her foster father Hans. Set during World War II in Nazi Germany when it was still controlled by Adolf Hitler, it gives a glimpse of how life is back then and how people tried to live amidst chaos and fear. It is written by Australian author Markus Zusak and was published in 2005.
It is a must-see (preferably after reading the book) because it would be interesting to see how this beautiful story will be portrayed on the big screen. Plus, it stars Geoffrey Rush, an amazing actor, and promising new actress Sophie Nélisse as Liesel, who reportedly delivers a brilliant performance in the film.
2. “Catching Fire” by Suzanne Collins – (Film Release Date: Nov. 22, 2013)
Catching Fire
“Catching Fire” is a must-read because it continues to tell Katniss Everdeen’s fascinating dystopian adventure in vivid detail, including her romance with Peeta Mellark as well as another round of Hunger Games for them to join in. It was published on September 1, 2009.
It is a must-see because of its stars Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth, who play each of their roles — as Katniss, Peeta and Gale Hawthorne — so well that they embody their characters from the book and seamlessly translate it to the film version.
3. “The Hobbit” by J. R. R. Tolkein – (Film Release Date: Dec. 13, 2013)
The Hobbit
“The Hobbit” is a must-read because it is a bit different from the film version. It’s great to know the original story before watching the tweaked version. Compared to “The Lord of the Rings” (LOTR) novels, this book is a lighter read, which can be appreciated by more children. But, adults will love it as well.
It is a must-see because it has additional characters and storylines written in. Director Peter Jackson also tries to tie it up with “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy by using flashbacks of characters in LOTR as part of the storytelling. He also brings back beloved characters like Legolas who didn’t really have a big role in the book. And of course, the brilliant special effects, costumes and sets as well as the talented actors make this film a definite must-see!
4. “Mary Poppins” by P.L. Travers – (Film Release Date: Dec. 20, 2013)
Saving Mr. Banks
“Mary Poppins” is a must-read because of the lovable story about a magical English nanny and her adventures in the Banks household. It is a series of eight books published from 1934 – 1988.
The 1964 musical film version of this book which starred Julie Andrews as Mary Poppins is a classic adaptation produced by Walt Disney. It has a lot of memorable songs. But, the new version based on this wonderful story is called “Saving Mr. Banks,” starring Tom Hanks in the title role and Emma Thompson as P.L. Travers. Unlike the 1st film version, this updated version tells the story of the author’s childhood and how the novel she wrote was turned into a movie. It includes the story of how she met Walt Disney. It must be seen simply because of the unique angle of the script as well as Hanks and Thompson’s portrayals which seem tailor-made for the two actors.
5. “Vampire Academy” by Richelle Mead (Film Release Date: Feb. 14, 2014)
Vampire Academy
“Vampire Academy” is a must-read because it is different from the usual vampire novels out in the market today. Unlike “Twilight,” and “The Vampire Diaries,” it is darker and sexier, not to mention more mysterious and complicated.
It is a must-see because it’s always fascinating to see vampires on the screen. And, it’s intriguing how the book will be adapted onto film. Will it surpass Twilight’s popularity? It stars Zoey Deutch as heroine Rose Hathaway.
Read the full article by Janice Somosot from International Business Times.
