Hollywood is releasing several movies based on page turners this year. As an avid reader and book club leader, I’m excited for authors when their novels are optioned for movies — but I always read the book before I go see the movie. I think the books are always better (and best enjoyed first), although I do enjoy seeing how a director adapts the story on screen. Here’s what to download on your e-reader now — and go see in theaters later:
5 Books You Should Read Before You See the Film Versions
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Dark Places
The plot: In Dark Places by Gillian Flynn (who also wrote Gone Girl), Libby Day is the only family member to survive what the media calls “The Satan Sacrifice of Kinnakee, Kansas.” At 7 years of age, she testified against her 15-year-old brother Ben. After her trust fund runs out 25 years later, Libby meets The Kill Club, a secret society obsessed with her past. The club believes Ben is innocent and hires Libby to help dig up people from her past. As she uncovers new information about her family’s murder, she realizes the testimony she gave as a child might not be the truth.
The movie: No release date yet. Charlize Theron will star as the tortured Libby
Photo: Broadway Books
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Me Before You
The plot: The formerly thrill-seeking executive Will hasn’t adapted well to his life as a quadriplegic. Small town girl Louisa is hired to become his caretaker. While she has no past experience as a caretaker, she refuses to put up with Will’s prickly personality. Can Louisa show Will that his future is not as bleak as he thinks?
The movie: Opens August 21, 2015, and stars Emilia Clarke and Sam Clafin.
Photo: Pamela Dorn Books
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Room
The plot: Room by Emma Donoghue is told from the point of view of 5-year-old Jack, whose entire world is a shed where he lives with is Ma. Born and raised in this small space, he has no idea that he and his mother are imprisoned by Old Nick. Every time Old Nick comes for his nightly visits with Jack’s mother, Ma hides him safely in a wardrobe. Eventually, Jack’s mom devises an escape plan for him, but will he be prepared for his new life?
The movie: No release date yet. Will star William H. Macy, Joan Allen, and Brie Larson
Photo: Little, Brown and Company
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The Light Between Oceans
The plot: After two miscarriages and a stillbirth, lighthouse keeper Tom and his wife Isabel discovers a dead man and a baby in a boat that washed up on the shore of their isolated island. Tom wants to turn the boat and its contents to the authorities but Isabel begs to keep the baby. The two raise the baby as their own, but upon their return to the Australian mainland, their decision has more consequences than they expected. The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman shows that, when it comes to a family and loss, there’s no right or wrong answer.
The movie: Comes out September 2015; starring Michael Fassbender, Rachel Weisz, and Alicia Vikander
Photo credit: Scribner
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The Martian
The plot: Astronaut Mark Watney is left for dead after a dust storm cuts the first manned mission to Mars is abruptly aborted. Resourceful and sarcastic, Watney attempts to survive long enough until NASA can send a rescue mission-- while the entire planet Earth watches with bated breath. The Martian by Andy Weir is action packed and full of fun surprises.
The movie: Comes out in November 2015, and stars Matt Damon as Mark Watney.
Photo: Crown Publishing
