Books With Film Adaptations That Are Worth Your Time

The ultimate test of patience: you come across an interesting movie that is adapted from a book...... should you watch it? is it worth the wait until you can get to a book store? will the movie ruin the book? well, here are four books with film adaptations that you should watch and read, because neither will disappoint.

Usually, if a movie comes out that I want to see, I have a hard time waiting to read the book. There are not many movies I like more than books, but I think if it is a good story, both are usually worth it. As someone who is trying to get around to Dune before i'm too tempted by Timothée Chal--I mean, the movie, I know what it feels like to be torn between the two. So here are four stories that I think you should read AND watch, in whatever order you please. :)

Call Me By Your Name by André Aciman

"Time makes us sentimental. Perhaps, in the end, it is because of time that we suffer."

I read an interesting article once that made the claim that, "Call Me By Your Name is the rare case where you should watch the movie before reading the book." Both being masterpieces in their own way, it made me think about the unique experience each one has to offer. As someone who read the book first and then watched the movie, I knew what was going on inside Elio's head during the entire film. As this reviewer points out, it would be an interesting opportunity to watch Elio consider Oliver's subtle advances from the outside, and then get the inside scoop on what he was thinking. Although i'm not convinced watching the movie first is ever the right call, I do not think that seeing a movie should stop anyone from reading the book version, and this is especially true for CMBYN. They both have so much to offer. Those who only watched the movie are truly missing out on the depth of Elio's relationship with his parents and Marzia, while those who only read the book miss out on the beautiful setting, added metaphors, and Timothée Chalamet. Overall, both are more than worth your time and will bring anyone with a heart to tears.

André Aciman provides a beautiful story told through Elio's lens that should not be missed. The book gives a totally unique experience and a slightly unreliable narrator that will be hard to untangle yourself from. The book version also provides a continuation of the story years after the movies memorable conclusion.

Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon

"Spoiler Alert: Love is worth everything. Everything."

Everything, Everything is a wonderful story from the perspective of Maddy, a teenage girl who, since being diagnosed with SKID, has not left her house. At times, the book is written as a sort of journal of Maddy's, detailing her drawings, book reviews, or text conversation. It definitely gives a more interesting and in depth look into the character and how she interacts with her small world. Although the setting is stuck to the inside of Maddy's house, her imagination takes it all over the world. This however, is almost enhanced by the movie, where Maddy's text conversations with Olly are acted out by the characters in whatever location she imagines herself in. The movie stays very true to the story and I couldn't decipher whether it or the book did the twist at the end better. This refreshing love story is amazing in both forms. Whenever I remember it and feel the need to hear it again, I always contemplate whether I should just watch the movie or read the book in one night. I'm sure you can predict me saying that I would recommend the book be read first, but if you've seen the movie, it's just as enjoyable when you've heard it before.

If I Stay by Gale Forman

"Love can make you immortal."

This one............This one really makes me rethink it all. Another love story, but I think that speaks to my taste in movies more than my taste in books. If I Stay follows Mia's walk between life and death after one snowy morning when she looses everything. This tragic story is packed with hope, love, redemption, and everything in between. The movie follows the book exactly, and honestly, gives Mia's family and home so much more life and color than my imagination did reading about it. This is honestly one of my very favorite movies. Personally, I watched this movie before I read the book and I can say that both, like all of these, are certainly worth your time. The soundtrack alone enhances Mia's story as a cello player and her musical family in ways the book has no means to make up for. For this one, I wouldn't blame you in you watched the movie first. If you watched it a long time ago and your memory is fuzzy though, it might be the perfect time to pick up the book!

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

"Don't try and make me grow up before my time."

Don't. even. get. me. started. Don't even get me started on how much I love this book. Or how beautiful and wonderful and amazing Greta Gerwig's movie adaptation is. Ok where do I begin.

First, I think this story is ESSENTIAL!! So if you don't like to read classics, at least watch Greta Gerwig's adaptation.

As for the book, it is a classic that was written a long time ago, but don't let that stop you. This book is truly very easy to read and understand. I would say even easier than Pride and Prejudice, which modern readers typically do not have problems understanding. Luisa May Alcott rights about herself through the fictional character Jo in this feminist masterpiece that provides a stark contrast to what culture said a women's role should be. Little Women is a piece on familial love and finding yourself through early adulthood. Marmee will act as your mother, just as she does for everyone in the story, teaching valuable lessons about temper, forgiveness, and loving deeply that have all truly stuck with me. Reading this book allows you to see through Alcott's lens more intimately, and see just how she feels about traditional gender roles. It is a must read and a page turner--I PROMISE!!! Even if you have already seen one of the movies, the book is worth it. (Just be aware the end is certainly less feminist than the film due to Alcott's issues with her publisher)

"Give them all of my dear love and a kiss. Tell them I think of them by day, pray for them by night, and find my best comfort in their affection at all times. A year seems very long to wait before I see them, but remind them that while we wait we may all work, so that these hard days need not be wasted. I know they will remember all I said to them, that they will be loving children to you, will do their duty faithfully, fight their bosom enemies bravely, and conquer themselves so beautifully that when I come back to them I may be fonder and prouder than ever of my little women."

As for the movie...you have no excuse to not see this film. Greta Gerwig gives Luisa May Alcott the ending she dreamed of writing with a truly beautiful delivery. I really don't know much about film, but you best believe I watched all the behind the scenes videos on this movie and WOW. I would encourage anyone who is only watching the movie to read up on Alcott's story and her publishing difficulties as a women in her day. Gerwig truly did Alcott a beautiful service and I wish she could have seen her novel portrayed this way.