If you are any bit the discerning reader, then you must hate those mass market movie cover books that come out after a wonderful novel has been adapted. It pains me that fresh copies of Ian McEwan’s Atonement have the cheap glossy cardboard covers with Kira Knightly and James McAvoy on it. Associated Content released a list of Books Slated to Become Movies in 2009-2010 earlier this year filled with Twilight, Harry Potter, and other NY Times bestseller drivel. Get a head start on your Fall reading with this list of engaging and exceptionally well written contemporary novels that are slated to become movies.
- Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro (2010): This Man Booker Prize shortlisted novel is a tour-de-force of emotions and metaphysical themes. What does it mean to be human? Ishiguro explores the nature of humanity in this sweetly subtle sci-fi novel.
- Life of Pi by Yann Martel (2011): Martel won the Man Booker prize for his hilarious novel about a boy stranded in the middle of the ocean with a Tiger. A must read.
- The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho (2011): This novel has been compared to St. Exupery’s legendary novel The Little Prince. In the Alchemist, a young boy sets off on a journey to find his “personal treasure” ,whatever it may be. And along the way he lerns some very valuable life lessons. This is a great book for anyone and everybody and easily ranks in my own top 10.
- Middlesex by Jeffery Eugenides (2009): Eugenides’ last novel, the Virgin Suicides, was an indie hit. Will Middlesex have as much success on HBO?
- Veronika Decides to Die by Paulo Coelho (2009): A darker novel than the Alchemist, Veronika Decides to Die centers around our title character’s inner struggle. She decides to commit suicide, but ultimately fails. After being told that she has done irreparable damage to her heart, she decides to spend her last few days doing whatever she wants and inadvertently discovers herself. Michelle Geller will play Veronika in the upcoming film. Read the novel first to see if her portrayal of the tortured Veronika is a thumbs up or thumbs down.
Any more? Let me know in the comments below!
Gee, I have a ‘cheap, glossy cardboard-covered’ edition of Atonement that was issued before the movie. That kind of packaging isn’t limited to movie editions.
Atonement, the film, is brilliant, as is the novel. You’re just being a pathetic “books-are-always-better-than-movies” snob.
And “Love in the Time of Cholera” was a terrible film, WONDERFUL novel. What’s your point? People shouldn’t watch the films in place of reading an exceptional book. And it never hurt anybody to be a bit of a snob, be it a book snob or a troll on the internet