Book-to-film adaptations are taking over, and every decent human being knows the novel is always better than the movie. We’ve put together our top 10 list of books you need to read before you watch their adaptations.
‘The Book Thief’
Why You Should Read It:
Written by Markus Zusak, The Book Thief follows the story of a young girl who resides in Nazi Germany. Her foster father teaches her how to read and opens a whole new world to her. The Book Thief is a highly-praised novel and has spent over 230 weeks on the New York Times Bestseller List.
Why You Should Watch It:
From the trailer alone, it’s obvious that this movie is going to be beautiful, and with source material such as this, no doubt the screenplay will follow in those footsteps. While Geoffrey Rush is enough of a reason to go see The Book Thief, it looks like Sophie Nélisse, who will be portraying our heroine Liesel Meminger, is going to be the real star. Just from the trailer alone we’re impressed by the young starlet.
Release Date: November 8, 2013
‘Catching Fire’
Why You Should Read It:
More than likely you’ve already read the Hungers Games trilogy, but just in case you haven’t gotten to Catching Fire yet, let’s just say we highly recommend it. It’s the second book in Suzanne Collins’ three-book series, so it has the benefit of an already established world and cast of characters. The great thing about Catching Fire is that it gives you everything you loved about the first book, but with an added twist.
Why You Should Watch It:
The Hunger Games did well with critics and fans alike, and even though Catching Fire will have a different director, a fresh take may be just the thing to take the second installment above and beyond the first. With a great story, fantastic actors, and wonderful CGI, a movie like this has a little bit of something for everyone.
Release Date: November 22, 2013
‘The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug’
Why You Should Read It:
The Hobbit is one of those books that should be read by children and adults everywhere. It’s lasting influence on literature is apparent, and it certainly deserves all the credit it is given. The story follows Bilbo Baggins before the time of Frodo, but there is just as much adventure to be had in this story as there is in The Lord of the Rings.
Why You Should Watch It:
The Desolation of Smaug is the second of three movies to be made from the novel by J. R. R. Tolkein, and while there were certain issues some fans had with the first film, we can’t see anyone boycotting this one because of them. Filled with humor and terror in equal measures, the second Hobbit promises to bring us more of what we love about this whole world. Which, if you’re like us, is basically Orlando Bloom in a blond wig and Benedict Cumberbatch’s voice.
Release Date: December 13, 2013
‘Saving Mr. Banks’
Why You Should Read It:
Mary Poppins, written by P.L. Travers, was published in 1934 and still stands the tests of time. A classic in literature, this is actually a series of eight books that star the magical nanny in many exciting adventures. And though many of us are familiar with the film starring Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke, far fewer have experienced the story in its original form.
Why You Should Watch It:
Tom Hanks stars as Walt Disney, and Emma Thompson plays author P.L. Travers. You’d be hardpressed to find two actors more worthy of their roles, and from the trailer above, we think this is going to be an excellent film. It tells the story behind the story, so to speak. In a world where remakes are inundating movie-goers, it’s nice to get another Mary Poppins movie that explores the meaning of the tale from another angle.
Release Date: December 20, 2013
‘Vampire Academy’
Why You Should Read It:
The Vampire Academy series has been getting a lot of hype for a while. While many people might be steering clear of vampire books now that the marketplace is flooded with them, we would still recommend you pick up the first book in this series by Richelle Mead. With a mythology different than your typical vampire story, a novel this sexy and dark is definitely worth your time.
Why You Should Watch It:
Much like the book, the movie has gotten a lot of hype. It seems to have captured the sexy and dark vibe of the novel, and the casting has given fans a lot to look forward to. This series has the potential to join the big leagues with the likes of The Hunger Games and Divergent in terms of fan expectations, and our hopes are already high.
Release Date: February 14, 2014
Continue reading for ‘Divergent,’ ‘The Fault in our Stars,’ and more!
‘Divergent’
Why You Should Read It:
Divergent is the first book in the Divergent Trilogy by Veronica Roth. Set in a world where you’re placed in neat little categories called factions, it’s a dangerous game to be someone like Tris — someone who is Divergent. Being Divergent means you don’t just belong in one category, and it also means you can’t be controlled. Set in a frightening world that isn’t as impossible as it may seem at first glance, this is definitely a must-read book.
Why You Should Watch It:
Shailene Woodley has gotten a lot of press recently with her casting in such movies as Divergent and The Fault in Our Stars, among others. Directors, fellow cast members, and authors are all gushing about the actress, and we’re definitely looking forward to seeing her play Tris. With a strong fan base in place already, this movie has the potential to be huge and is definitely a can’t-be-missed film.
Release Date: March 21, 2014
‘Days of Future Past’
Why You Should Read It:
We’re switching it up a little in order to offer a different kind of book to read — a comic book. Days of Future Past is a popular story in the X-Men world, and one that you should definitely read ahead of the movie. While the film won’t be borrowing from the comic point for point, it will be interesting to see what parts make it into the film.
Why You Should Watch It:
The follow up to X-Men: First Class has a lot of promise. The first film blew X-Men fans out of the water, exploring Charles Xavier and Erik Lehnsherr as young men before they became enemies. Days of Future Past will bring the original story, the one with Patrick Stuart and Ian McKellan, in direct contact with the former one. And few things will get X-Men fans as excited as seeing Old Charles and Young Charles coming face to face.
Release Date: May 23, 2014
‘The Fault In Our Stars’
Why You Should Read It:
The Fault in our Stars is a beautiful story about life and death from author John Green. It follows Hazel and Augustus, who both have cancer, and explores how they live and express themselves in a world that doesn’t know exactly how to treat them. It’s full of deep thoughts and memorable moments, and we’d recommend it to anyone who isn’t opposed to crying their eyes out over fictional characters.
Why You Should Watch It:
When the author of the book visits the set of the film and can’t help but cry with joy, you know this is going to be a good movie. Green has been outspoken about his trust in the movie, and if it’s good enough for Green, it’s good enough for us. Shailene Woodley will play Hazel and Ansel Elgort will play Augustus.
Release Date: June 6, 2014
‘The Giver’
Why You Should Read It:
Louis Lowry wrote The Giver in 1993, and it has continued to be popular with both children and adults. It follows the story of a boy who is given the responsibility of remembering the history of the world that existed before the establishment of the Utopian society in which he now lives. Profound and full of important messages, this is definitely a novel that should be on your To Be Read list.
Why You Should Watch It:
This movie is already gearing up to be something of a magnificent adaptation. With names like Jeff Bridges and Meryl Streep attached, it might be worth a viewing for the star power alone. Other actors involved include Alexander Skarsgård, Katie Holmes, and even Taylor Swift. Brenton Thwaites will play Jonas, and we’re sure that everyone working on this film will do their very best to capture the heart and soul of a book that is loved by so many.
Release Date: August 15, 2014
‘The Maze Runner’
Why You Should Read It:
The Maze Runner is the first book in the trilogy of the same name by James Dashner. It follows the story of Thomas, who wakes up in a strange place and can remember nothing more than his name. Set in a mysterious place surrounded by a maze that changes every night and contains hideous monsters within its walls, this is a sci-fi thriller that’s a little bit Lord of the Flies and a little bit The Hunger Games.
Why You Should Watch It:
Fans are cautiously optimistic to see The Maze Runner, which stars a relatively unknown — but very promising — actor named Dylan O’Brien. Though there is not yet a trailer for the film, author James Dashner’s excitement for the adaptation is contagious, and we’re hoping that this trilogy will do great things for both the novels and the cast and crew involved in the film.
Release Date: September, 2014