Our Sherlock Holmes Celebration has ended, but the 2012 season of Adaptations is just getting started. Here's what we have to look forward to:
The Help by Kathryn Stockett
Screening Party: Sunday, Feb. 12th
AfterParty Discussion: Tuesday, Feb. 28th
The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith
Screening Party: Sunday, Mar. 11th
AfterParty Discussion: Tuesday, Mar. 27th
Moneyball by Michael Lewis
Screening Party: Sunday, Apr. 15th
AfterParty Discussion: Tuesday, Apr. 24th
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë
Screening Party: Sunday, May 6th
AfterParty Discussion: Tuesday, May 22nd
Coyboys & Aliens by Fred Van Lente & Andrew Foley*
Screening Party: Sunday, June 10th
AfterParty Discussion: Tuesday, June 26th
Watchmen by Alan Moore*
Screening Party: TBA (offsite)
AfterParty Discussion: Tuesday, July 24th
The Bourne Identity by Robert Ludlum
Screening Party: Sunday, Aug. 12th
AfterParty Discussion: Tuesday, Aug. 28th
The Blind Side by Michael Lewis
Screening Party: Sunday, Sept. 16th
AfterParty Discussion: Tuesday, Sept. 25th
The Thing ("Who goes there?" by John W. Campbell, Jr.)**
Screening Party: Sunday, Oct.14th
AfterParty Discussion: Tuesday, Oct. 23rd
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Screening Party: Sunday, Nov. 4th
AfterParty Discussion: Tuesday, Nov. 13th
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
Screening Party: Sunday, Dec. 2nd
AfterParty Discussion: Tuesday, Dec. 11th
*Part of our Super Summer Comic-Book-to-Film Series
**Part of our Monster Mash Movie Madness Series
http://avondaleadaptations.blogspot.com/
About the Roundtable
- RART Librarian
- Jefferson County, Alabama, United States
The Jefferson County Public Library Association (JCPLA) was founded in 1974 for the improvement of librarianship and for the advancement of public libraries in Jefferson County. The public libraries of Jefferson County form our cooperative system, the Jefferson County Library Cooperative (JCLC). Membership in JCPLA provides an organizational structure for staff training countywide.
The Reader's Advisory Roundtable is open to all library workers in the JCLC Community. If you love reader's advisory, need help honing your skills, or are looking for new tools/ideas, please consider joining us. JCPLA and the Roundtables are a great way to share resources, connect with other libraries in the county, network with your colleagues, or just take a break from the daily grind and get some fresh perspective!
Questions? Send an email to jclcraroundtable [at] gmail [dot] com
Showing posts with label books into movies. Show all posts
Showing posts with label books into movies. Show all posts
Monday, January 30, 2012
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Award-winners
We have a handful of meeting location changes. Our next meeting on Wednesday, October 12th (cross-genre romance) will hit the road, literally! We’ll be meeting at the Springville Road Library! It’s pretty far out on the calendar at this point, but make note that our February 8, 2012 meeting will be held at the new Pinson Library! Finally, and farthest out on your planning calendar, I am in negotiations to have our December 12, 2012 meeting in the Southern History department at the Birmingham Public Library downtown so that we may also view their local/historical cookbook collection!
Here are the meeting topics for 2012, look for exact dates in the sidebar!
The following is an alphabetical list of the awards won by the books we discussed today.
The Yiddish Policemen’s Union by Michael Chabon
(Hugo Award for Best Novel, 2008)
Michael Chabon, winner of the Pulitzer Prize for The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay, comes up trumps again with The Yiddish Policemen’s Union, winner of the 2008 Hugo Award for Best Science Fiction Novel. In this alternative history, the Jewish Homeland is not in Israel but in the Sitka district of Alaska. However, it has only been a temporary homeland; control of the district is about to be handed over to Alaska once more, leaving the Jewish refugees fearful for their futures. In the midst of this uneasy atmosphere, detective Meyer Landsman takes on a baffling homicide case that has occurred in the hotel where he drags out his days guzzling alcohol, missing his estranged wife, and reflecting on how “these are strange times to be a Jew.” It seems he is the only one who wants to solve the murder; the word from his higher-ups is to close the case at once. But Landsman persists, determined to do one thing right in a life that has gone completely wrong. Part speculative fiction, part hard-boiled detective novel, The Yiddish Policemen’s Union is an outstanding achievement in plot and style. Reminiscent of the noir worlds of Raymond Chandler and Dashiell Hammett, Chabon’s nod to the pulps takes nothing away from his unique narrative voice. The world-building is solid and readers may find themselves tempted to check a map of Alaska to see if the Jewish district really exists there. Mazel tov to Chabon for the creation of an excellent read.
Mary Anne, Southern History
Prior to the Hugo for The Yiddish Policemen’s Union, Chabon won a Pulitzer for The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay. Critics argued that those awards would not have been awarded the other way around. The chances are slim Chabon would have been considered for the Pulitzer if he’d won the Hugo first.
Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher
(2010 Georgia Peach Book Award for Teen Readers, YALSA 2008 Best Books for Young Adults, YALSA 2008 Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers, YALSA 2008 Selected Audiobooks for Young Adults, The International Reading Association (IRA) Literature for Young Adults Committee Young Adults' Choices 2009, 2007 California Book Award for Young Adult Literature)
Clay Jensen comes home from high school to find a package on his porch, addressed to him with no return address. Inside, there are seven audio cassette tapes. When he plays the first tape, he is astounded to hear the voice of Hannah Baker—a girl from his school who recently committed suicide. He wonders if this is some kind of strange suicide message, but then hears the following: “I hope you’re ready, because I’m about to tell you the story of my life. More specifically, why my life ended. And if you’re listening to these tapes, you’re one of the reasons why.” She further instructs that he is to listen to the tapes and then pass them on to the next person, that’s he’s being watched, and if the tapes are not forwarded, a copy will be released to the public. What follows is an excruciating narration of the destruction of a young girl’s life, interspersed with Clay’s reaction to each part of it. Hannah is not being vindictive. She just wants people to realize that no one knows the affect they may have on another person and how easily the most innocuous remark or action can contribute to pushing someone over the edge. This book switches from Hannah’s voice to Clay’s as he listens and then fits what she is saying into his memories. A movie is being made from the book, and Selena Gomez has been cast as Hannah.
Kelly, Springville Road
The audiobook for Thirteen Reasons Why is very highly regarded. There are two narrators for the separate parts of the book and, as you can see, it was a YALSA Selected Audiobook in 2008. The movie adaptation is in development and expected in theaters, according to IMDB, in 2013. April mentioned that Jay Asher is an excellent acquaintance to make on Facebook!
The Simple Art of Eating Well Cookbook: 400 Easy Recipes, Tips and Techniques for Delicious, Healthy Meals by Jessie Price & the EatingWell test kitchen
(The James Beard Foundation Award for Healthy Focus, 2011)
Gina, Gardendale
A flurry of foodie talk erupted at this point. We discussed how cookbooks have changed over the years from simple self-help to visually stunning volumes works of biography and local history.
Some very interesting stories may be found in books such as:
Fannie Flagg's original Whistle Stop Cafe Cookbook : Featuring Fried Green Tomatoes, Southern Barbecue, Banana Split Cake, and Many Other Great Recipes by Fannie Flagg; with recipes from the Irondale Cafe.
Southern Country Cooking from the Loveless Cafe: Hot Biscuits, Country Ham by Jane & Michael Stern (There is a new Loveless Café dessert cookbook coming out in September, Desserts from the Famous Loveless Cafe: Simple Southern Pies, Puddings, Cakes, and Cobblers from Nashville's Landmark Restaurant by Alisa Huntsman, 978-1579654344, $24.95)
The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Recipes from an Accidental Country Girl by Ree Drummond
Aunt Bee's Mealtime in Mayberry by Jim Clark and Ken Beck
White Trash Cooking by Ernest Matthew Mickler
The Unofficial Harry Potter Cookbook: From Cauldron Cakes to Knickerbocker Glory--More Than 150 Magical Recipes for Muggles and Wizards by Dinah Bucholz
On the fun side, there are many blogs devoted to food and food culture. Here are the three that came up in discussion:
The Inn at the Crossroads
“In the Game of Food, you win, or you wash the dishes…”
From the blog:
“We are two big fans of George R.R. Martin’s Song of Ice and Fire series. We are also fans of food. What, then, would be more natural than to combine them into one fabulous blog? In the coming months, we will be delving deep into the world of Westeros and far over the Narrow Sea to explore the mouthwatering cuisines favored by the fantastic cultures in the books. Where appropriate, some recipes will be two-fold: A modern recipe, and a traditional recipe more in keeping with the quasi-medieval world of the series. So loosen your belts, sharpen your knives, and whet your palate for the foods of Westeros…”
The Gallery of Regrettable Food
From the blog:
“What were they thinking? How did they eat this bilge? Good questions, but you won't find them answered here. This is a simple introduction to poorly photographed foodstuffs and horrid recipes. It's a wonder anyone in the 40s, 50s and 60s gained any weight; it's a miracle that people didn't put down their issue of Life magazine with a slight queasy list to their gut, and decide to sup on a nice bowl of shredded wheat and nothing else.”
Cake Wrecks
“When professional cakes go horribly, hilariously wrong”
Did you know that the Southern History department at the Birmingham Public Library downtown collects local/historical cookbooks? Me either! Road trip!
Full Dark, No Stars by Stephen King
(Bram Stoker Award for Fiction Collection, 2010)
Mondretta, Leeds
Bury Your Dead by Louise Penny (first in the series is Still Life)
(Agatha Award for Best Novel, 2010)
Shannon, Hoover
The Long Quiche Goodbye by Avery Aames
(Agatha Award for Best First Novel, 2010)
Beth, Homewood
If you are a fan of mystery or you are the favorite librarian of someone who is, bookmark the following websites! They are timesavers and easy peasy ways to put together interesting displays!
Stop, You’re Killing Me
“Stop, You’re Killing Me! is a resource for lovers of mystery, crime, thriller, spy, and suspense books. We list over 3,600 authors, with chronological lists of their books (over 41,000 titles), both series (4,100+) and non-series. Use the alphabetical author and character links above or the special indexes in the left column. And it’s perfectly fine with us if you print our pages for your private use, especially for a trip to your local library or bookstore.”
Berkley Prime Crime
Cozy Mystery List
A Guide to Cozy Mystery (and Other Favorite) Books and DVDs
So Much for That by Lionel Shriver
(National Book Award, 2010 Finalist)
April, Pinson
April mentioned that Shriver’s other book, We Need to Talk About Kevin, will be out in theaters later this year.
Room by Emma Donoghue
(longlisted for the 2011 Orange Prize, won the 2011 Commonwealth Writers' Prize regional prize, was shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize in 2010 and was shortlisted for the 2010 Rogers Writers' Trust Fiction Prize[4] and the 2010 Governor General's Awards, Indigo Books Heather's Pick (2010), New York Times Best Books of the Year (2010), New York Times Notable Book of the Year (Fiction & Poetry, 2010), Salon Book Award (Fiction, 2010), Alex Award (2011), Publisher's Weekly Listen Up Award (Audio Book of the Year, 2010), ALA Notable Book (2011), Irish Book Award (Novel, 2010)
Susan, Trussville
Their Eyes Were Watching God by Nora Neale Hurston
(Audio Publishers Association Audie Award for Solo Narration-Female, 2001)
I consider Janie Crawford to be one of the strongest, most independent female characters I’ve ever encountered. Even during those times when she is dependent on someone else, she is, to paraphrase, living entirely between her hat and her toes, keeping her own counsel, dreaming her own dreams. She suffers through loveless marriage and through too much loving, poverty, constant discrimination, and tragedy, yet she continues on, beating the odds. The language is beautiful already, but Ruby Dee’s narration bumps it up into transcendence!
Holley, Emmet O’Neal
What are YOU reading?
Here are the meeting topics for 2012, look for exact dates in the sidebar!
February – Debut Novels
April – Cowboys vs. Aliens (westerns and/or science fiction)
June – Beach Reads
August – Young Adult
October – Audiobooks
December – Cookbook Potluck (bring a cookbook AND make a recipe!)
The following is an alphabetical list of the awards won by the books we discussed today.
The Yiddish Policemen’s Union by Michael Chabon
(Hugo Award for Best Novel, 2008)
Michael Chabon, winner of the Pulitzer Prize for The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay, comes up trumps again with The Yiddish Policemen’s Union, winner of the 2008 Hugo Award for Best Science Fiction Novel. In this alternative history, the Jewish Homeland is not in Israel but in the Sitka district of Alaska. However, it has only been a temporary homeland; control of the district is about to be handed over to Alaska once more, leaving the Jewish refugees fearful for their futures. In the midst of this uneasy atmosphere, detective Meyer Landsman takes on a baffling homicide case that has occurred in the hotel where he drags out his days guzzling alcohol, missing his estranged wife, and reflecting on how “these are strange times to be a Jew.” It seems he is the only one who wants to solve the murder; the word from his higher-ups is to close the case at once. But Landsman persists, determined to do one thing right in a life that has gone completely wrong. Part speculative fiction, part hard-boiled detective novel, The Yiddish Policemen’s Union is an outstanding achievement in plot and style. Reminiscent of the noir worlds of Raymond Chandler and Dashiell Hammett, Chabon’s nod to the pulps takes nothing away from his unique narrative voice. The world-building is solid and readers may find themselves tempted to check a map of Alaska to see if the Jewish district really exists there. Mazel tov to Chabon for the creation of an excellent read.
Mary Anne, Southern History
Prior to the Hugo for The Yiddish Policemen’s Union, Chabon won a Pulitzer for The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay. Critics argued that those awards would not have been awarded the other way around. The chances are slim Chabon would have been considered for the Pulitzer if he’d won the Hugo first.
Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher
(2010 Georgia Peach Book Award for Teen Readers, YALSA 2008 Best Books for Young Adults, YALSA 2008 Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers, YALSA 2008 Selected Audiobooks for Young Adults, The International Reading Association (IRA) Literature for Young Adults Committee Young Adults' Choices 2009, 2007 California Book Award for Young Adult Literature)
Clay Jensen comes home from high school to find a package on his porch, addressed to him with no return address. Inside, there are seven audio cassette tapes. When he plays the first tape, he is astounded to hear the voice of Hannah Baker—a girl from his school who recently committed suicide. He wonders if this is some kind of strange suicide message, but then hears the following: “I hope you’re ready, because I’m about to tell you the story of my life. More specifically, why my life ended. And if you’re listening to these tapes, you’re one of the reasons why.” She further instructs that he is to listen to the tapes and then pass them on to the next person, that’s he’s being watched, and if the tapes are not forwarded, a copy will be released to the public. What follows is an excruciating narration of the destruction of a young girl’s life, interspersed with Clay’s reaction to each part of it. Hannah is not being vindictive. She just wants people to realize that no one knows the affect they may have on another person and how easily the most innocuous remark or action can contribute to pushing someone over the edge. This book switches from Hannah’s voice to Clay’s as he listens and then fits what she is saying into his memories. A movie is being made from the book, and Selena Gomez has been cast as Hannah.
Kelly, Springville Road
The audiobook for Thirteen Reasons Why is very highly regarded. There are two narrators for the separate parts of the book and, as you can see, it was a YALSA Selected Audiobook in 2008. The movie adaptation is in development and expected in theaters, according to IMDB, in 2013. April mentioned that Jay Asher is an excellent acquaintance to make on Facebook!
The Simple Art of Eating Well Cookbook: 400 Easy Recipes, Tips and Techniques for Delicious, Healthy Meals by Jessie Price & the EatingWell test kitchen
(The James Beard Foundation Award for Healthy Focus, 2011)
Gina, Gardendale
A flurry of foodie talk erupted at this point. We discussed how cookbooks have changed over the years from simple self-help to visually stunning volumes works of biography and local history.
Some very interesting stories may be found in books such as:
Fannie Flagg's original Whistle Stop Cafe Cookbook : Featuring Fried Green Tomatoes, Southern Barbecue, Banana Split Cake, and Many Other Great Recipes by Fannie Flagg; with recipes from the Irondale Cafe.
Southern Country Cooking from the Loveless Cafe: Hot Biscuits, Country Ham by Jane & Michael Stern (There is a new Loveless Café dessert cookbook coming out in September, Desserts from the Famous Loveless Cafe: Simple Southern Pies, Puddings, Cakes, and Cobblers from Nashville's Landmark Restaurant by Alisa Huntsman, 978-1579654344, $24.95)
The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Recipes from an Accidental Country Girl by Ree Drummond
Aunt Bee's Mealtime in Mayberry by Jim Clark and Ken Beck
White Trash Cooking by Ernest Matthew Mickler
The Unofficial Harry Potter Cookbook: From Cauldron Cakes to Knickerbocker Glory--More Than 150 Magical Recipes for Muggles and Wizards by Dinah Bucholz
On the fun side, there are many blogs devoted to food and food culture. Here are the three that came up in discussion:
The Inn at the Crossroads
“In the Game of Food, you win, or you wash the dishes…”
From the blog:
“We are two big fans of George R.R. Martin’s Song of Ice and Fire series. We are also fans of food. What, then, would be more natural than to combine them into one fabulous blog? In the coming months, we will be delving deep into the world of Westeros and far over the Narrow Sea to explore the mouthwatering cuisines favored by the fantastic cultures in the books. Where appropriate, some recipes will be two-fold: A modern recipe, and a traditional recipe more in keeping with the quasi-medieval world of the series. So loosen your belts, sharpen your knives, and whet your palate for the foods of Westeros…”
The Gallery of Regrettable Food
From the blog:
“What were they thinking? How did they eat this bilge? Good questions, but you won't find them answered here. This is a simple introduction to poorly photographed foodstuffs and horrid recipes. It's a wonder anyone in the 40s, 50s and 60s gained any weight; it's a miracle that people didn't put down their issue of Life magazine with a slight queasy list to their gut, and decide to sup on a nice bowl of shredded wheat and nothing else.”
Cake Wrecks
“When professional cakes go horribly, hilariously wrong”
Did you know that the Southern History department at the Birmingham Public Library downtown collects local/historical cookbooks? Me either! Road trip!
Full Dark, No Stars by Stephen King
(Bram Stoker Award for Fiction Collection, 2010)
Mondretta, Leeds
Bury Your Dead by Louise Penny (first in the series is Still Life)
(Agatha Award for Best Novel, 2010)
Shannon, Hoover
The Long Quiche Goodbye by Avery Aames
(Agatha Award for Best First Novel, 2010)
Beth, Homewood
If you are a fan of mystery or you are the favorite librarian of someone who is, bookmark the following websites! They are timesavers and easy peasy ways to put together interesting displays!
Stop, You’re Killing Me
“Stop, You’re Killing Me! is a resource for lovers of mystery, crime, thriller, spy, and suspense books. We list over 3,600 authors, with chronological lists of their books (over 41,000 titles), both series (4,100+) and non-series. Use the alphabetical author and character links above or the special indexes in the left column. And it’s perfectly fine with us if you print our pages for your private use, especially for a trip to your local library or bookstore.”
Berkley Prime Crime
Cozy Mystery List
A Guide to Cozy Mystery (and Other Favorite) Books and DVDs
So Much for That by Lionel Shriver
(National Book Award, 2010 Finalist)
April, Pinson
April mentioned that Shriver’s other book, We Need to Talk About Kevin, will be out in theaters later this year.
Room by Emma Donoghue
(longlisted for the 2011 Orange Prize, won the 2011 Commonwealth Writers' Prize regional prize, was shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize in 2010 and was shortlisted for the 2010 Rogers Writers' Trust Fiction Prize[4] and the 2010 Governor General's Awards, Indigo Books Heather's Pick (2010), New York Times Best Books of the Year (2010), New York Times Notable Book of the Year (Fiction & Poetry, 2010), Salon Book Award (Fiction, 2010), Alex Award (2011), Publisher's Weekly Listen Up Award (Audio Book of the Year, 2010), ALA Notable Book (2011), Irish Book Award (Novel, 2010)
Susan, Trussville
Their Eyes Were Watching God by Nora Neale Hurston
(Audio Publishers Association Audie Award for Solo Narration-Female, 2001)
I consider Janie Crawford to be one of the strongest, most independent female characters I’ve ever encountered. Even during those times when she is dependent on someone else, she is, to paraphrase, living entirely between her hat and her toes, keeping her own counsel, dreaming her own dreams. She suffers through loveless marriage and through too much loving, poverty, constant discrimination, and tragedy, yet she continues on, beating the odds. The language is beautiful already, but Ruby Dee’s narration bumps it up into transcendence!
Holley, Emmet O’Neal
What are YOU reading?
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Books Adapted for Film
Thanks to everyone who took time from their busy schedules to attend the meeting! After a unanimous vote before the meeting, I am pleased to serve as the moderator of the roundtable for another year. I forgot to mention at the meeting, but our blog visits for all of June and July and so far in August total 229!
I'd like to thank AND congratulate April Wallace on taking over Project Read One Book (PROB)! The RA Roundtable will assist April as needed with gathering titles for her committee to consider and with building "reader's map" content for the PROB website.
Leslie shared with us her philosophy of the book-to-movie experience:
"Books will always be better than movies; there is no question about that fact. While some movies totally disembowel the book they are based on, there are many good movie adaptations out there. Who doesn't want to see their favorite characters come to life on the big screen? Most times the movies don't end up quite how we imagined and the characters don't quite fit our expectations, but it is still fun to see our favorite books turned into movies."
Ellen Griffin Shade (BPL-Avondale) let us know about their new book-to-film discussion group, Adaptations! On selected Sunday afternoons each month, a film adapted from a book will be shown. Later that month, an after-party/book discussion will be held in the eventing. For more information, contact the Avondale Branch Library at 205/226-4000!
Also, we selected topics for next year's meetings:
February 9th - Nonfiction of Choice
April 13th - Graphic Novels
June 8th - Fiction of Choice
August 10th - Award Winners (any award, bring a description of the award)
October 12th - Cross-genre Romance
December 14th - Travel Writing
April 13th - Graphic Novels
June 8th - Fiction of Choice
August 10th - Award Winners (any award, bring a description of the award)
October 12th - Cross-genre Romance
December 14th - Travel Writing
I'd like to thank AND congratulate April Wallace on taking over Project Read One Book (PROB)! The RA Roundtable will assist April as needed with gathering titles for her committee to consider and with building "reader's map" content for the PROB website.
Leslie shared with us her philosophy of the book-to-movie experience:
"Books will always be better than movies; there is no question about that fact. While some movies totally disembowel the book they are based on, there are many good movie adaptations out there. Who doesn't want to see their favorite characters come to life on the big screen? Most times the movies don't end up quite how we imagined and the characters don't quite fit our expectations, but it is still fun to see our favorite books turned into movies."
Ellen Griffin Shade (BPL-Avondale) let us know about their new book-to-film discussion group, Adaptations! On selected Sunday afternoons each month, a film adapted from a book will be shown. Later that month, an after-party/book discussion will be held in the eventing. For more information, contact the Avondale Branch Library at 205/226-4000!
September - To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee
October - Dracula by Bram Stoker (I heard they were hosting a Dracula Film Festival each Sunday in October!)
November - The Princess Bride by William Goldman
December - In God We Trust, All Others Pay Cash by Jean Shepherd
We had a lot of great variety in the titles members brought for discussion, just look!
Good Morning Miss Dove by Frances Gray Patton (film)
Mary Ann Ellis, BPL Southern History
Nicholas & Alexandra: The Story of the Love that Ended an Empire by Robert K. Massey (film)
Mary Ann Ellis, BPL Southern History
Appaloosa by Robert B. Parker (film)
Mondretta Williams, Leeds
3:10 to Yuma by Elmore Leonard (original & remake)
Good Morning Miss Dove by Frances Gray Patton (film)
Mary Ann Ellis, BPL Southern History
Nicholas & Alexandra: The Story of the Love that Ended an Empire by Robert K. Massey (film)
Mary Ann Ellis, BPL Southern History
Appaloosa by Robert B. Parker (film)
Mondretta Williams, Leeds
3:10 to Yuma by Elmore Leonard (original & remake)
While Leonard's short story shows up largely as the endings of both movies, both the original and the remake were great examples of the Western films of their respective eras. Well worth your time!
general discussion
My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult (film)
general discussion
My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult (film)
When Anna Fitzgerald (Abigail Breslin) learns the true nature of why she was born (to save her sister who has cancer) she hires a lawyer (Alec Baldwin) to sue her parents (Cameron Diaz & Jason Patric) for rights to her own body. If you haven't read the novel before you see this movie then you should. Then watch this adaptation. There were some major differences. Without giving away too much, I’ll say that I preferred the movie version. I found the ending much more credible and preferred it to the book’s ending. Read then watch this adaptation and see if you don’t agree. When you see this movie be prepared to cry. The acting was superb and in this case I liked the movie more than the book. Very unusual.
Leslie West, Vestavia
The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger (film)
The Time Traveler's Wife is a tale about a time librarian who has a gene that causes him to involuntarily travel through time, thus causing tension in his marriage. I am a fan of time travel novels but this idea that you pop in and out of different time with no warning, showing up in the new place buck naked is a bit discombobulating. The novel by Audrey Niffenegger was different and good, but the film adaptation was excellent. Perhaps it was the visuals, but I felt the story was better served on screen than in the actual novel. Rachel McAdams and Eric Bana starred as the lovers plagued by his random time travel. A quality adaptation that will leave fans satisfied at the movie's end.
Leslie West, Vestavia
The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger (film)
The Time Traveler's Wife is a tale about a time librarian who has a gene that causes him to involuntarily travel through time, thus causing tension in his marriage. I am a fan of time travel novels but this idea that you pop in and out of different time with no warning, showing up in the new place buck naked is a bit discombobulating. The novel by Audrey Niffenegger was different and good, but the film adaptation was excellent. Perhaps it was the visuals, but I felt the story was better served on screen than in the actual novel. Rachel McAdams and Eric Bana starred as the lovers plagued by his random time travel. A quality adaptation that will leave fans satisfied at the movie's end.
The Lovely Bones tells the story of Susie Salmon who’s murdered but continues to observe her family on Earth after her death. Although she is detached from the world she once knew, Susie witnesses the impact of her loss on her loved ones, whilst her killer skillfully covers his tracks and prepares to murder again. In a tone that is both emotionally truthful, and darkly humorous, Susie tries to balance her desire for vengeance against the love she feels for her family and her need to see them heal; and ultimately comes to understand that the concept of family can encompass both the living and the dead. I suspect that those open to “alternative” versions of Heaven will enjoy the fantastic scenes of Susie’s unusual afterlife. I found it amazing and thoroughly enjoyable. In my estimation this was a phenomenal adaptation, every bit as good as the book. The cast (Saoirse Ronan as Susie, Rachel Weisz and Mark Wahlberg as Susie’s parents, Susan Sarandon as Susie’s feisty grandmother, Stanley Tucci as Susie’s neighbor and killer, and Michael Imperioli as the police officer on the case) is fabulous. Great adaptation. Read the book & watch the movie!
Leslie West, Vestavia
The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson (original & remake)
Leslie West, Vestavia
The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson (original & remake)
Forty years ago, Harriet Vanger disappeared from a family gathering on the island owned and inhabited by the powerful Vanger clan. Her body was never found, yet her beloved uncle is convinced it was murder and that the killer is a member of his own tightly knit but dysfunctional family. He employs disgraced financial journalist Mikael Blomkvist (Michael Nyqvist) and the tattooed and troubled but resourceful computer hacker Lisbeth Salander (the amazing and perfectly cast Noomi Rapace) to investigate. When the pair link Harriet’s disappearance to a number of grotesque murders from almost 40 years ago, they begin to unravel a dark and appalling family history. But the Vangers are a secretive clan, and Blomkvist and Salander are about to find out just how far they are prepared to go to protect themselves. A mystery thriller based on Stieg Larsson’s international bestselling novel by the same name. Turn on the English dubbing, which is excellent, and enjoy a fast paced thriller that does not disappoint fans of the series. I intend on seeing all the Swedish film versions while waiting on the American versions to be filmed.
Leslie West, Vestavia
Sally Sizemore, Hoover
Leslie West, Vestavia
Sally Sizemore, Hoover
Two U.S. marshals, Teddy Daniels (Leonardo DiCaprio) and Chuck Aule (Mark Ruffalo), are summoned to a remote and barren island off the coast of Massachusetts to investigate the mysterious disappearance of a murderess from the island's fortress-like hospital for the criminally insane. It is hard to tell what is creepier, the patients, the staff or the hospital grounds themselves. This story has so many twists and turns that I dare you to guess the ending! An excellent well acted movie co-starring Ben Kingsley, Michelle Williams, and Max von Sydow all in pivotal roles. Based on the equally excellent Dennis Lehane book Shutter Island. Great book, great movie!
Leslie West, Vestavia
Neon Angel: A Memoir of a Runaway by Cherie Currie (film)
Los Angeles 1975. Joan Jett (Kristen Stewart) and Cherie Currie (Dakota Fanning), two teenage valley girls with punk in their blood, meet and become the heart and soul of the seminal all-girl band, The Runaways. The Runaways comes to the big screen in this story of a group of extraordinary young women as they rise from rebellious Southern California kids to rock stars of the now legendary band that paved the way for future generations of girl musicians. Under the Svengali-like influence of rock impresario Kim Fowley, the group evolves into an outrageous success and a family of misfits. With its tough-chick image and raw talent, the band quickly earns a name for itself --- and so do its two leads: Joan is the band’s pure rock ‘n’ roll heart, while Cherie, with her Bowie-Bardot looks, is the sex kitten. Based on Neon Angel: A Memoir of a Runaway by Cherie Currie, with Tony O’Neill. Curious about the inside story of this group, I found a dark and depressing story, with deafening music, a lot of drug use, as well as excellent acting. I think fans of the group will love it. But it’s not for the faint-hearted!
Leslie West, Vestavia
Neon Angel: A Memoir of a Runaway by Cherie Currie (film)
Los Angeles 1975. Joan Jett (Kristen Stewart) and Cherie Currie (Dakota Fanning), two teenage valley girls with punk in their blood, meet and become the heart and soul of the seminal all-girl band, The Runaways. The Runaways comes to the big screen in this story of a group of extraordinary young women as they rise from rebellious Southern California kids to rock stars of the now legendary band that paved the way for future generations of girl musicians. Under the Svengali-like influence of rock impresario Kim Fowley, the group evolves into an outrageous success and a family of misfits. With its tough-chick image and raw talent, the band quickly earns a name for itself --- and so do its two leads: Joan is the band’s pure rock ‘n’ roll heart, while Cherie, with her Bowie-Bardot looks, is the sex kitten. Based on Neon Angel: A Memoir of a Runaway by Cherie Currie, with Tony O’Neill. Curious about the inside story of this group, I found a dark and depressing story, with deafening music, a lot of drug use, as well as excellent acting. I think fans of the group will love it. But it’s not for the faint-hearted!
Amelia is a movie about the life story of legendary female pilot, Amelia Earhart. This movie stars Hilary Swank as Amelia Earhart, as well as Ewen McGregor, Richard Gere, and Virginia Madsen in key roles. This was an exciting movie about Earhart's life and disappearance that is more than a documentary style film. Swank gives a remarkable performance as the legendary female pilot. This movie was adaptated from Susan Butler and Mary Lovell's biography of Earhart.
Leslie West, Vestavia
Mystic River by Dennis Lehane (film)
general discussion
Prince of Thieves by Chuck Hogan (film)
Sally Sizemore, Hoover
Leslie West, Vestavia
Mystic River by Dennis Lehane (film)
general discussion
Prince of Thieves by Chuck Hogan (film)
Sally Sizemore, Hoover
April Wallace, Irondale
Jason Baker, Trussville
Crazy Heart by Tom Cobb (film)
general discussion
Miami Blues by Charles Ray Willeford (film)
Jason Baker, Trussville
Empire Falls by Richard Russo (TV miniseries)
general discussion
Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett (TV miniseries)
general discussion
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button by F. Scott Fitzgerald (film)
Benjamin Button's case is curious indeed. Benjamin is born an old man and ages in reverse. Along the way, his relationship changes with the girl he comes to love. Both the book and the movie have this love interest, though the treatment is vastly different between the two. Benjamin in the movie has more depth and is much more likable. Benjamin in the book is more self-serving and grasping. All in all, an excellent treatment of this slim Fitzgerald short story!
Holley Wesley, Emmet O'Neal
A young couple, in the midst of a lovers' quarrel while on vacation, stop at a busy gas station. The woman goes in to shop and never returns. The man is haunted by her disappearance, never guessing at the malevolence behind her abduction until it's too late. The book is translated from Dutch and is a very slim, yet affective psychological thriller. The villain's cold, dispassionate preparations are chilling in both forms. An additional love interest is expanded upon in the remake, but I liked her character enough to forgive the embellishment. I have not yet seen the Dutch original but I look forward to it!
Holley Wesley, Emmet O'Neal
The Reader by Bernard Schlink (film)
The Reader opens in post-WWII Germany when teenager Michael Berg becomes ill and is helped home by Hanna, a stranger twice his age. Michael recovers from scarlet fever and seeks out Hanna to thank her. The two are quickly drawn into a passionate but secretive affair. Michael discovers that Hanna loves being read to and their physical relationship deepens. Despite their intense bond, Hanna mysteriously disappears one day and Michael is left confused and heartbroken. Eight years later, while Michael is a law student observing the Nazi war crime trials, he is stunned to find Hanna back in his life - this time as a defendant in the courtroom. As Hanna's past is revealed, Michael uncovers a deep secret that will impact both of their lives. The Reader is a story about truth and reconciliation, about how one generation comes to terms with the crimes of another. The book is a modern classic written by Bernhard Schlink, and the movie an award winner featuring Oscar winning Kate Winslet as Hanna. Highly recommended reading, then follow up with a viewing of this excellent movie.
Leslie West, Vestavia
Revolutionary Road by Richard Yates (film)
general discussion
Shoeless Joe by W. P. Kinsella (film)
Ellen Griffin Shade, BPL Avondale
Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo (film)
Leigh Wilson, North Birmingham
Confessions of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella (film)
Theresa Davis, Hoover
Theresa Davis, Hoover
Catch Me If You Can by Frank Abagnale (film)
Andrei T. Jones, Five Points West
Jonathan Newman, Avondale
Golden Years by Stephen King (TV miniseries)
Jonathan Newman, Avondale
This subject makes an easy and popular display. There are several references in the JCLC available for making a bibliography at your library.
Novels Into Film: The Encyclopedia of Movies Adapted From Books by John C. Tibbetts
The Encyclopedia of Novels Into Film by John C. Tibbetts
Enser's Filmed Books and Plays: A List of Books and Plays From Which Films Have Been Made 1928-1991 by Ellen Baskin
Short Stories On Film by Carol A. Emmens
Writers On the American Screen: A Guide To Film Adaptations of American and Foreign Literary Works by Larry Langman
As always, the internet is a treasure trove of information when looking for broad topics like this. Seek the wisdom of the crowd!
What is YOUR favorite book-to-movie adaptation?
Happy reading (and viewing)!
Holley
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