Working in the library is like being surrounded by a treasure chest of stories, some true, some not; but for anyone who loves a good story taking home a book (or ten) every night is difficult not to do. One of my favourite things is seeing a book that I loved become a great movie, and one of the worst is seeing a great book turned into a poorly done film. Since the beginning of cinema, much of the source material for movies has come from novels both current and classic.
Looking at my reading list, I was struck by how many of my current favourite books are about to be released as films over the next few months. So now is a great time to get in gear for the season of summer blockbusters by reading the books.
The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
Hazel is only sixteen, but she is suffering through her final stage of cancer. To help her deal with her depression and come to terms with her diagnosis, her doctor sends her to a weekly support group, where she meets and falls in love with fellow cancer survivor, Augustus Waters. Fascinated by a cancer survival novel, they journey to Amsterdam to meet the author. The teen protagonists are remarkably intelligent and the book handles the situation with honestly and sensitivity.
The Hundred Foot Journey by Richard C. Morais
A novel for lovers of the The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, the novel follows the life of Hassan and his family who travel throughout Europe, to ultimately open a restaurant in the remote French village of Lumiere, home of the famous French chef Madame Mallory. A culinary war ensues, which is full of hilarious situations, eccentric characters and succulent descriptions of meals. The film opens this summer and stars cinema legend Helen Mirren.
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
On their fifth anniversary, Amy disappears and as there are signs of struggle, her husband Nick becomes the prime suspect. Nick isn’t honest with the police and as weeks go by and each lie is exposed, the case against Nick becomes more damaging. The story is told from both Nick and Amy’s point of view and revelation is more dark and twisted until the final and surprising conclusion. The movie adaption stars Ben Affleck and is out in late summer.
The Best of Me by Nicholas Sparks
Dawson Cole and Amanda Collier could not have come from a more different background and everyone was surprised when they became sweethearts, but their lives are set on different paths when Dawson accidentally runs over the town doctor and he is sent to prison. Twenty years pass and their lives have moved on, until the death of an old friend brings them together and they re-discover their love.
If I Stay by Gayle Forman
The book and movie are aimed at teens, but the idea of embracing the joys and pain in life is universal. This is the story of Mia as she clings to life in a hospital bed aware of everything around her. Mia has lost her family in a car crash but she still has her friends, her music and the boy that she loves. The book chronicles Mia’s life and the lives of those she loves, so that the reader is invested in the bittersweet tale of her decision.
Dark Places by Gillian Flynn
The second film of the summer based on a Flynn book, this is an edge of your seat crime thriller concerning Libby the only surviving member of a family massacre in their Kansas farmhouse. It was seven-year old Libby’s testimony that sent her elder brother Ben to prison. As an adult, Libby is convinced to have a “true crime” club investigate the scene and conclusion they come to is that Ben is innocent and that the real murderer is still on the loose. The truth that comes to light is shocking and unexpected.
Lori Kauzlarick
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