First, I am taking a moment to apologize for my extended absence. I was having unusual difficulties with my normally cooperative technology. But now my internet is fixed, and I’m delighted to return to my every-other-day blog schedule.
Since I was stuck on my phone rather than my laptop the past few days, the only thing I could really do was read up on book related articles, and this one was really popular: 16 Books to Read Before They Hit Theaters This Year. Now I’ve talked about what I think of movie adaptations before, and you can read about that here, but I just want to repeat my opinion in case you’re a newcomer (welcome!)
I look at movie adaptation as sister pieces – rather than something that needs to represent the novel exactly. I normally quite enjoy movie adaptations, even when other readers don’t. This doesn’t really mean anything aside from I love seeing a piece of art being interpreted using another method. So I wanted to share the upcoming movie adaptations and what I think about the book and/or the future movie. The links will take you to IMDB rather than the book. I would also love to hear what you’re looking forward to and what you’re worried about, so comment below so we can talk about it 😀
I am a Kate Winslet fan, and the trailer left me wanting more. I will probably see this, but I have yet to read the 4.2/5 star novel. I will probably wait for the DVD, but it looks like a promising drama that leaves questions about the good, the bad, and the ugly.
2. The Monuments Men by Robert M. Edsel and Bret Witter
I must see this. Again, I haven’t read this novel, but I am planning on checking it out a.s.a.p. I love history, and I love art. I plan on seeing this in theaters. It looks worth it to me. I’m also a John Goodman fan, so that helps.
3. Winter’s Tale by Mark Helprin
I’m really on the fence about this one. I wish I could say more, but I honestly don’t know how to elaborate except that I’m afraid the magic will be hard to convey on the screen.
4. Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead
As much as I’m a young-adult fan, this novel failed to gain my interest, and – like many – I’m a little burnt out on vampires. (Although it is directed by the same director who did Mean Girls. I don’t know if this means anything, considering I’m not a fan of the story, but I hope it does well for the fans!
5. A Long Way Down by Nick Hornby
I don’t think this is my cup of tea, but this doesn’t mean I think the book is bad or anything.
I think this might be one of the biggest films of the year in terms of young-adult trends. It will be interesting to see how the Chicago setting is done and/or if it fares well with the diehard fans. I’ll definitely be checking it out.
7. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
If I have the urge to have a cry fest, then, yes, I plan on seeing this emotional tale on the big screen.
8. The Hundred-Foot Journey by Richard C. Morais
Although this is a remarkable tale, the trailer didn’t really interest me enough. I might change my mind, depending on what else it out around this time.
This is one of my favorite novels of all-time, and I’m a HUGE fan of Meryl Streep, but I am worried about their decision to cast Taylor Swift. It makes me feel like they are simply trying to get people to come using big names, rather than finding the right people for the parts, but I still have hopes that Ms. Swift will live up to the high expectations of this classic and prove everyone wrong that she can, in fact, act.
I am wishing for too much, but I think it would be really neat if the first half shows how the world sees in black and white until the color vision begins to develop with the apple and hair through the protagonist. In fact, I made the photo below when thinking it would be really neat to see in black and white for one day. My roommate mentioned The Giver, and I got even more excited for this movie adaptation. I guess you could say this one is the one I look forward to the most.
10. Dark Places by Gillian Flynn
I really want to see this dark tale, too. I think it will translate well, and I hope the visuals add to the dramatic and twisted story.
11. This is Where I Leave You by Jonathan Tropper
Not sure about this one, but I am not familiar with the novel either.
12. The Maze Runner by James Dashner
Yes. Yes. and Yes. I will be seeing this. I think that’s all I need to say.
13. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
Wow. Second movie of the year inspired by Gillian Flynn. I’m a fan of Flynn, so I’ll probably see this, but I think I might wait until it’s out of the theater. But congrats to Gillian Flynn on the big year!
But I do have some (sad?) news about this movie adaptation. According to the guardian, the ending has been rewritten by choice of the director. Flynn has supposedly written it, but this mysterious ending is leaving readers wondering why and what will happen.
14. Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand & 15. Wild by Cheryl Strayed
Again, these both sound interesting, but I don’t think they are for me.
I love Jennifer Lawrence too much to not see this. It’s on my top movies to look out for in 2014. Although I have to admit that I used to not be a huge fan of Bradley Cooper’s, he’s made a huge comeback with me since Silver Linings Playbook, and I adore every movie Lawrence and Cooper have done together. (American Hustle was great!) So I will be seeing this on the big screen if possible! Not that this matters, but Serena is also my favorite name for a girl, so…that’s one more reason, right? :] (Fun fact: Serena is the name of my protagonist in my first, published novel, November Snow.)
So what do you think? Are you looking forward to any of these flicks? Are you worried about any of them? Which novels have you read? Are there any you plan on checking out before you watch it?
Feel free to elaborate as much as you want to about a specific novel. In fact, I hope you do! I would love to hear more about a story I’m on the fence about from someone who has read it and loved or hated it. Some of my favorite movies were ones I never thought I would see. (I can admit Silver Linings Playbook was actually one of those.) I’m really open-minded, and I love a challenge – meaning, I adore those moments where I have low expectations and the art blows me away. Surprises can be a beautiful thing.
~SAT
P.S. I took Bogart to the vet for his annual checkup, and he’s 18 lbs.! Now, I was worried he was overweight, but it turns out he is part Maine Coon. I thought that was pretty cool – and explains why he’s so HUGE! So I had to share 😀
Shannon A. Thompson 
I didn’t know The Giver was going to be a movie. I’m a little worried about Taylor Swift as well, although I am a big fan of hers. But she is really talented, so she’ll probably do fine. I can’t wait to see this movie and it’s also one of my all-time favorites.
I actually didn’t know that either until I read that article! I couldn’t believe I hadn’t heard about it before, especially with the big names, but I don’t think it comes out until late in the year. I wish there was a trailer.
~SAT
The Fault in Ours Stars is definitely on my list! I love the book. I hope the movie captures the beauty of John Green’s book 😀 though Im not sure how they will make the movie as inspiring as the book is a real tear-jerker and page turner without completely changing the story (just like what happened to the movie of Nicholas Sparks’ A Walk to Remember) oh well, fingers crossed
I am afraid that I will cry in that movie as much as I did in Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close. I will need tissues. Here’s to hoping it’s great!
~SAT
Didn’t know The Giver was finally being adapted for the screen. Hmmm. We’ll see how that plays – strikes me as a book that will be hard to adapt to the screen and still preserve its subtlety and intellectual genius.
Thanks for the post!
I’m looking forward to Divergent and The Fault In Our Stars since I just finished these books. Thanks for your post!
I’m glad you enjoyed it 😀
~SAT
Great Post–I’m gonna check some of these out!
And when is the Paradise Lost movie supposed to come out?
According to IMDB, Paradise Lost also comes out in 2014 😀 The article didn’t mention it though. Maybe IMDB will update the info soon.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2515030/
~SAT
Thanks for this list of books to check out. I am woefully behind on reading books these last twelve months and have been searching for some good titles to sink my teeth (eyes?) into.
Great post!
Heather xxx
I am so glad you liked it! I hope you find a book (or movie) you want to try out 😀
~SAT
I’m looking forward to The Monuments Men, Serena, and Divergent. Mazerunner also, but I need to hurry up and read the book first. It’s been on my TBR list forever. I’m also super hype for both Gillian Flynn adaptations, although I did read that they’re changing the ending of Gone Girl which kind of irks me a little. Actually, no, it irks me a lot.
Yes, they changed it. I actually put the article in that section if you want to read about why and/or what they’ve released. Sounds like we’re looking forward to some of the same flicks!
~SAT
I am not looking forward to Divergent whatsoever. I literally cringe each time I see the trailer. Thanks for giving me inspiration to write a blog post though! http://mrjonniewright.wordpress.com/2014/01/10/is-imitation-the-greatest-form-of-flattery/
I checked out your post and commented! Great post about the monopolized genres of the entertainment industries.
~SAT
i wish you money for all the popcorn, i must live vicariously through the young people in my life who actually go to the theatres, i will keep my eyes open for some of these
i am hesitant about Swift also, i love Lawrence and Streep, Jennifer may just grow up to be another Meryl
i haven’t said it sooner but you are one of my favorite younger bloggers, you express yourself freely and i admire that
also i had a big fat Maine Coon named Cold Coal Creek Just Jack, we called him Jack of course (he was adopted at 3 years old so he came with the name) and he was heavy, very furry and very heavy, my daughter used to lug him around…good luck to your kitty
Oh! I will need that luck to afford going to the theaters. I normally wait until they’re out (or make decisions between one or the other to see.) I’ve never thought as Lawrence as a future Meryl Streep, but I can totally see that! And cats! Love them.
Thank you for your kind words. I really appreciate that.
~SAT
Out of that list, I don’t know many of the books, but I am interested to see how they do The Maze Runner. That was a particularly good book, although I never did get around to reading the sequel. I didn’t even know they were doing that one.
What do you think about the upcoming release of The Book Thief? It is an amazing book that has received much attention, it’s also supposed to be highly regarded when its released on film.
I REALLY want to see the film, but it’s hard for me to see movies during the holidays due to money – so I’m waiting for now. Have you seen it?
~SAT
It’s unfortunately not out yet in the UK which is really sad but I cannot wait! I’m definitely going to go the first chance I get.
Wonderful! Let me know how you like it. You’ll probably see it way before me.
~SAT
I had to let you know – my friend surprised me, and I saw The Book Thief! I loved it. I thought it was really well done, and my friend – who hasn’t read the book nor knew the narrator – really enjoyed it. I hope you enjoy it, too, whenever you are able to see it in the future.
~SAT