5 Books to Read Before You See the Movie
I hate to admit it, but there are very few movies I've liked more than the actual book. In my opinion, the book is always the better version! But, my preference has never stopped me from going to the movie theatre anyway. It's entertaining to compare the two, see how Hollywood interpreted my favorite characters and debate which was best.
Lately, many books have been turned into box office hits! So, before you head off on your next movie date, I suggest reading some of these novels first.
01. The Light Between Oceans // M.L. Stedman
While on vacation a few years ago, I bought The Light Between Oceans. Though it was recommended by a fellow book-worm, I couldn’t get past the first few pages without losing interest. Recently, when I heard news of the book being turned into a movie, I felt inspired to give it another try. Now having finished the book in less than three days, I’m so glad I decided to pick it up off my bookshelf.
Truthfully, Stedman may not hook you from the beginning but keep reading. The early chapters become an integral part of what makes this story so captivating as it unfolds. Suddenly, every little detail weaves together seamlessly in an “oh my god” kind of way.
02. Me Before You // Jojo Moyes
There are no words to describe the many emotions I felt from the first page to the last while reading Me Before You. Even though the story revolves around a controversial decision, I was moved by the unlikely (yet somehow destined) relationship between Louisa and Will. Their story stuck with me for many days.
03. The Girl On The Train // Paula Hawkins
The girl on the train is a struggling alcoholic who is still in love with her ex-husband. Her impaired memory contributes to an unsettling lack of knowledge for the reader. I knew just enough to be emotionally invested and curious, but clueless enough to be surprised with each turn of the page.
I think the reason I couldn’t stop reading was because no matter how hard I tried, I could not predict what was going to happen next. The suspense!
04. Where’d You Go, Bernadette // Maria Semple
Not to judge a book by its cover but… shout out to whoever designed this eye-catching graphic. Job well done. That said, I have to praise the inside, too.
Maria Semple tells the unique struggle of a family that we can all relate to: dysfunctional at times, but loyal and loving through it all. Semple’s development of ridiculous yet redeeming characters creates a comical satire that pokes fun at private school parents, Seattle weather, anxiety disorders and life as we know it.
*fingers crossed for the development of this one *
05. Bridget Jones's Baby: The Diaries // Helen Fielding
My girl Bridget Jones is back! Much to our surprise (and her own), she's pregnant. And single. Pregnant and single?! But, that's not all... In typical Bridget fashion, she's gotten herself into a bit of a shamble-y mess. As her due date approaches, she's unsure which of her ex-lovers is the baby's father -- Mark Darcy or Daniel Cleaver?
Eager to discover who the baby will one day call "Daddy," I sped-read. And I loved every second. I was reminded with each journal entry how much I adore Bridget Jones and all of her imperfections. In a society so focused on self-improvement, Bridget is an inspiration to love yourself, just as you are.
Plus, One Movie to See Before You Read the Book
Eligible // Curtis Sittenfeld
Like I said in the introduction to this post, I always insist on reading the book before I watch the movie. But, Eligible is the rare exception to the rule. Described by USA Today as a modern retelling of Pride and Prejudice, Eligible both honors and updates Austen’s beloved tale.
Her modern re-telling places Jane and her sisters in the Millennial age. By watching the Kiera Knightly film before diving into Eligible, I was better prepared to appreciate Sittenfeld’s clever spin-off.
If you've read + watched any from this list, I want to know! Did the movie live up to your expectation from the book?