July Book to Film Club Book Selection: The Help

July 2011 Book: The Help by Kathryn Stockett

Set in Mississippi during the early 1960s the centred on unlikely friendships and courageous women. The film stars Emma Stone (Paper Man), Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer, Directed by Tate Taylor (Pretty Ugly People).
Film Release Date: August 12, 2011 (see trailer here)

This one I found has been wildly popular and I put my library hold request in early (it had over 900 hold requests in Toronto!) and just recently got it. Even with moving around the corner I think I'll make it through as I'll have some in transit time which I find tends to be a great time to get some reading done. Besides, after getting through On the Road - I feel like I could get through just about anything! The Help is a bit of a different pick than what I normally read, but I have dipped in a bit and am enjoying it so far.

I hope you will join us in reading The Help this month!

You can join the Book to Film Club at any time. Sign up for updates here.

On the Road (Book Review)

Book: On the Road by Jack Kerouac

Reason to Read: June Book Selection for the Book to Film Club, and just 'one of those' that is on many to-read lists.

On the Road was a huge challenge to get through, and if it wasn't for the Book to Film Club I would have stopped reading it pretty soon after starting. I will admit that at about the half way point I sped-read the remaining half, which didn't feel all that different from the first half. I sense that it must be very much 'of it's time' and represent ideas and experience that people may want to have, but it just didn't do anything for me.

The book follows Sal and his friend Dean in the 1940's who have several cross country adventures (and misadventures) around the US. Sal is the protagonist, but it feels like he always puts himself in the shadow of Dean, and in a way I always felt the book put itself in the shadow of something else. The focus and energy is almost about what they could be doing or would be doing, and rarely enjoyed what they were actually doing. They seemed to want crazy experiences, but then when they had them never seemed to be happy - at least Sal, as the book is from his perspective. I also felt like they were presented as friends, but they weren't really even nice to each other. It was all about chasing the dream, and I prefer stories about living the dream.

Oddly, the book was pretty much as I expected. I had hoped to connect to it more but in all honestly it's not a book for me - I'm sure I'm not the target market and I doubt any woman is. It's easily the most male of the titles on the Book to Film Club and although I always try to see things from different perspectives and I find reading is a great way to understand different people and different points of view, but in this I couldn't find any way to relate and eventually became disinterested.

I will give it that the casting for the film is absolutely perfect with Sam Riley (Control, Franklyn) as Sal and Garrett Hedlund (Tron: Legacy, Country Strong) as Dean. No real comment to the casting of the women in the film, although I like both Kristen Stewart and Kirsten Dunst but the women characters seemed so undimensional I could barely tell one from another. The film version is directed by Walter Salles (The Motorcycle Diaries, Central Station) and a specific release date is still to be confirmed, but it still is listed at 2011. I'll keep you up to date when we get confirmation of a release date and I'll certainly see it being the completist that I am and loving the cast, but that's the draw for me over the subject or story.

One Day (Book Review)

Book: One Day by David Nicholls

Reason to Read: May Book Selection for the Book to Film Club, and one of the most recently released books in the book club as it came out in June 2009.

One Day by David Nicholls, our May selection for the 2011 Book to Film Club and the only book that I hadn't even heard about back in January when this journey started. I hadn't quite decided for the last selection so asked on Twitter for recommendations and this one shot to the top of the list (Something Borrowed was a close second). I'm very, very thankful for the recommend as I absolutely loved the book and had never heard of it before that Twitter request. Don't you love social media?

One Day follows Emma and Dexter, on the same day for many years. Honestly that hook hooked me deep and I didn't really need any more selling to want to read it. But to throw some cherries on tip, it will star Anne Hathaway (Devil Wears Prada, Rachel Getting Married) and Jim Sturgess (Across the Universe, Heartless) as Emma & Dexter and will directed by Lone Scherfig (An Education). I feel like we are in very good hands for the adaptation.

I enjoyed every minute of reading this book. Even though I only finished the book a few short days ago I still fully fell immersed in the lives of Emma and Dexter, and I felt this way every time I put the book down until I picked it up again - even if a week passed by. What would happens next, where would the emotions turn, how would their lives change, or stay the same. I remember the smallest things from places they lived or worked to of course the bigger moments. I often read it while I was on public transit, and more than once had to stifle a laugh and almost always had a smile on my face. If I'm making it sound purely like sunshine and rainbows, it certainly isn't as there are many hardships and strong emotions but I always connected to the emotional realness of their relationship. I also adored how the book easily transitioned the point of view from character to character although it did take a bit of getting used to, including sometimes wanting to jump ahead to see who was thinking, writing or talking. As the book wore on it was easier to know who it was because of how well the characters are developed.

I'm really excited about the casting of the film, I think Anne Hathaway and Jim Sturgess are going to be absolutely perfect! The only thing I wonder is if Anne Hathaway will have do an accent, which I'm not a stickler for in general but I think it is important to her character and would be weird if they changed it. I'm curious to what kind of storytelling style they will use for the film, especially in terms of transitioning from year to year and I really hope they get the clothes and 'cool factor' right and I really hope they keep the life trajectories consistent with the book.

Overall, I found it riveting, engaging and emotional ride from start to finish. Even though I could have read it faster, and always wanted to know what happened next, it was one of those books where I could sit contently after a chapter and reveal in the deliciousness of the banter, the joys & the horrors and above all the realness of the characters and their emotions. I highly recommend checking it out.

Film Adaptation
Current release date for the film is August 19, 2011. It was previously scheduled for July 8, 2011, although readers will know the best day would have been July 15, 2011 but then again that would have it going against the juggernaut that is Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 and well, that's not a good idea for any film. We can always watch it year and year again on July 15th is we so wish. And if we like it! Here's hoping!

The 2011 Book to Film Club is open year round, you can hop on the fun train at any time! Sign up for updates here.

Book to Film Club May 2011: One Day by David Nicholls

It's almost the end of the month, how has your reading been going? Our May Reading Selection is One Day by David Nicholls and I hope you have been enjoying it. I just finished it on Friday and found it engaging and emotional from start to finish.

One Day by David Nicholls
The book follows 2 people on the same day every year.

Here are some questions to consider about the reading experience. Feel free to write a review, journal about them or voice them in any way that feels right.

Things to ponder on the book:

• Did you enjoy reading it?
• Was it what you were expecting?
• What did you know about the book before reading it?
• Did you enjoy the format?
• What did you think about the writing style?
• What did you take away from reading the book?
• Is there anything you would change about the book?
• Who would you recommend the book to?

About the upcoming film adaptation:

• How do you feel about the casting of the film (Anne Hathaway as Emma and Jim Sturgess as Dexter)?
• What do you hope to be the focus of the film?
• What do you think is essential to keep from the book in the film?
• What do you think they can trim away from the book to the film?
• What do you think the challenges of the adaptation may be?
• Do you have any hesitations on the adaptation?
• What are you most looking forward to about the film adaptation?

If this was a re-read:

• How did reading it this time compare with your previous time reading it?
• Did you notice anything different this time round?
• Did your interest and focus stay on the same characters and moments, or shift?

If you choose to shelf this out one:

• Was there a barrier (genre, focus, reception) ?
• Would you consider trying it later?
• Have you already read it?
• Will you join us again in June for On the Road? (I hope you will!)

Book reviews from Book to Film Clubbers:

• Shannon
• Norlinda

Film Adaptation
The film version of One Day will star Anne Hathaway (Devil Wears Prada, Rachel Getting Married) and Jim Sturgess (Across the Universe, Heartless), directed by Lone Scherfig (An Education) and although the original release date as will be released on July 8 (and it really, really should have been July 15 and is only understandable in the context that it's the release date of the final Harry Potter aka 7.2 film), it looks like it will be out on August 19, 2011. Sigh. I don't want to have to wait that long! You can check out the trailer for the film if you need a morsel of what we have to look forward to.
Film Release date: August 19, 2011

If you haven't yet joined the Book to Film Club, you can hop on the fun train at any time! Sign up for updates here.

2011 Book to Film Club: Summer Reading Selections

Even though I'm not finished One Day yet (and I'm loving every moment of reading it), I couldn't hold back any longer what our next set of books will be for the Book to Film Club. Summer is definitely a season where it's nice to chill out with a good book, and I hope these provide you with some awesome reading memories this year. If you haven't joined yet, you still can! Sign up for email updates for the club here.

Without further adieu... Summer 2011 Book to Film Books:

June 2011 Book: On the Road by Jack Kerouac
The classic road trip novel of the Beat Generation and apparently largely autobiographical. I have a feeling this one will be the most guy-ish of the year and easily just 'one of those you have to read' types of book. I think I'm the most hesitant on this one of all the choices, but curiosity on such well-known and well-loved titles often gets me in the end. Film version stars Sam Riley (Control, Franklyn), Garrett Hedlund (Tron: Legacy, Country Strong) and Kristen Stewart (Twilight, Adventureland); directed by Walter Salles (The Motorcycle Diaries, Central Station).

July 2011 Book: The Help by Kathryn Stockett
Set in Mississippi during the early 1960s the centred on unlikely friendships and courageous women. This one I found has been wildly popular and if you get your books from the library I'd recommend requested it soon (I'm talking holds in the 900 range here in the T-dot). The film Stars Emma Stone (Paper Man), Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer, Directed by Tate Taylor (Pretty Ugly People).
Film Release Date: August 12, 2011 (see trailer here)

August 2011 Book: The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas
All for one, one for all! Classic adventure tale that has seen many, many adaptations - but I'm sure this one will be the first one in 3D! The book is easily the largest and most dense of the year, so if you think you might need a bit of a head start - go right ahead! The film will star Logan Lerman (Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief), Matthew Macfadyen, Mads Mikkelsen (After the Wedding / Efter brylluppet, Valhalla Rising), Ray Stevenson (King Arthur, Kill the Irishman), Milla Jovovich (Fifth Element, Resident Evil), Christoph Watlz (Water for Elephants) and Orlando Bloom, directed by Paul W.S. Anderson (Resident Evil, Resident Evil: Afterlife, Death Race (2008), AVP: Alien vs Predator).
Film Release Date October 14, 2011 (see trailer here)

I think I'm most looking forward to The Three Musketeers, although every time I mention it to someone they ask if I've read any Dumas before and when I say no, there is a bit of a weighted pause. I guess he's pretty heavy with the text? Ah, only time will tell and I have a bit before I get to that one! What are you most looking forward to of the summer set?

Happy Reading!

Shannon

Bel Ami (Book Review)

Book: French novel Bel Ami by Guy de Maupassant

Reason to Read: April Book Selection for the Book to Film Club, and the first translated book of the book club.

I was a little skeptical diving into Bel Ami, another period selection for the Book to Film Club set in 1885 and following a character pretty much described as a scoundrel. Who knew I would end up loving it. I loved that even though I had no sense of the time or place going into the book, I really felt like I could imagine being there, in Paris in 1880 and what it would have been like there in the excitement of the time as well as the challenges. I think that's really want got me into the book is that we start off with George Duroy at a time of great challenge and not much opportunity, and his knowing specificity of exactly how much will get him how far and for how long.

It's and odd thing that it's the specificity and exactness was what sucked me into the book, especially considering it's often described about the tale of a scoundrel and about a man who was with a lot of women, and although I can see that's what people could take from it, it's not really what I took. I took in the essence of the time, the resourcefulness of the character, and the fascinating and varying night life and social events. Where everything was about something of importance, but also felt like it meant nothing at all. It's the story of George Duroy and like Jane Eyre from earlier in this years book club feels like a fictional biography, as it follows a persons life in such detail that it does feel like you are almost reading their diary of thoughts. We are privy to Georges actions and choices, whether we agree with them or not, and because we've been with him the whole time we know and understand the history behind them. It's quite wild from that perspective and although he's not the most likeable character, I didn't actually find him unlikable. He had limited choices and made the best with the offers that came up, so much so that that seem to become habit and would continue to do so even if he didn't need to. He also had quite the way with the ladies, and this habit was very often put to into action here.

I found the book to be way more accessible than I expected from a translated-to-English and older book (1885), and I only occasionally needed to check the explanatory knows (woohoo putting that 12 years of French classes to work!). I also ended up liking the book and the character of George more than I expected, especially because of the charm and spirit of the time it was set in.

I'm very curious about the adaptation, especially as we still don't know when it will be released. I'm very curious about Robert Pattinson as George and a little worried as the role needs not only charisma (check!), starting off on not solid footing (check!) but also lots or romancing (likely fine), but also quite the journey and development of character over time (eep..that's where I'm worried). Although I didn't love him in Water for Elephants, I still still hold true that his performances in both Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire and Little Ashes were great, so I'm hoping we get a little more edge in the mix. As for the remaining character I'm over the moon thrilled to see Philip Glenister as Forestier because I adored him as Gene Hunt in "Life on Mars". As for the ladies - I hate to say it but I could barely keep all of them straight in the book so I'll be happy to see them in the film so I can figure out who the heck was who! Great line up of talent including Christina Ricci, Kristin Scott Thomas, Uma Thurman, Holliday Grainger and Natalia Tena.

Sadly, still no official film site, no trailer and no official stills (although this image just popped up), but I'm still hopeful that it will come out in 2011.

Book to Film Club April 2011: Bel Ami (Book)

The Book to Film Club book selection for April was the French novel Bel Ami by Guy de Maupassant. The book is set in 1885 France and follows the character George Duroy, and is the first book in the book club that is a translation. I found that I enjoyed it much more than I expected! I enjoyed the time period but still found the language very accessible. Have you finished it yet? Did you review it? Here are some questions to ponder when thinking about the book and the upcoming film adaptation. As always, feel free to review it and if you comment or send me the link I'll add it to the list, or you can always journal your thought as well.

Things to ponder on the book:

• Did you enjoy reading it?
• Was it what you were expecting?
• What did you know about the book before reading it?
• Did you enjoy the setting?
• How was it reading a translation? Or did you brave reading it in the original French?
• Why do you think this book has stayed with us for over 100 years?
• What did you take away from reading the book?
• Who would you recommend the book to?

About the upcoming film adaptations:

• How do you feel about the casting of the film (see Wikipedia for descriptive cast & character list)?
• What do you hope to be the focus of the film?
• What do you think is essential to keep from the book in the film?
• What do you think they can trim away from the book to the film?
• What do you think the challenges of the adaptation may be?
• Do you have any hesitations on the adaptation?
• What are you most looking forward to about the film adaptation?

If this was a re-read:

• How did reading it this time compare with your previous time reading it?
• Did you notice anything different this time round?
• Did your interest and focus stay on the same characters and moments, or shift?

Book reviews from Book to Film Clubbers:

• Shannon
• Norlinda
  

Film Adaptation
Bel Ami will star Robert Pattinson in the lead role of George Duroy, and has a long list of ladies among the cast including: Christina Ricci, Kristin Scott Thomas, Uma Thurman, Holliday Grainger and Natalia Tena. More casting includes Colm Meaney, James Lance and Philip Glenister and the film is directed by Declan Donnellan & Nick Ormerod and is their feature film directorial debut. The film is currently in post production but unfortunately we don't have a release date for the adaptation (although it still is noted as May 12, 2011 on Wikipedia), there is no official film site, no trailer and no official stills. I'm still hopeful that it will come out in 2011, let's all keep our fingers crossed!

2011 Book to Film Club Final Selection: One Day

Our final book has been chosen for the 2011 Book to Film Club: One Day by David Nicholls

This one really looks amazing, and I've heard great things from people who are reading it. It follows 2 people who reconnect on same day for 20 year. Film version stars Anne Hathaway (Devil Wears Prada, Rachel Getting Married) and Jim Sturgess (Across the Universe, Heartless), directed by Lone Scherfig (An Education). Sounds like a recipe for a beautiful book to film experience.

We'll be reading One Day in May 2011, and the film will be released July 8, 2011 making it perfect as the July 2011 film selection.

If you haven't yet joined the Book to Film Club, you can hop on the fun train at any time! Sign up for updates here.

Water for Elephants (Book Review)

Book: Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen

Reason to Read: March Book Selection for the Book to Film Club, and I've only heard good things about it.

Wow. Where to start. I guess firstly I found Water For Elephants more than a little surprizing in terms of my reaction to the book. After all the love I've heard for it and reading several rave reviews, I was off to a very rocky start as I initially did not connect to the characters, story or setting. In fact, if it wasn't for the book club I would have actually put the book down after only reading a few chapters and gone onto the next book on my list. But, that wouldn't be setting the best example, so I kept on trudging though and eventually did start to make a connection, albeit never super strong.

I'll give it that it was a swift read and I enjoyed the circus setting, and did eventually start to warm over to the characters but had trouble connecting with the protagonist Jacob as he's well... so male. I guess I've really been reading books with female protagonists because I found this quite the change of pace and I was pretty impatient with Jacob, which feels pretty mean considering he starts off the journey with pretty devastating circumstances. And that was hard too, the setting and time period are during challenging times where everyone is really struggling and have very limited choices, which can lead to desperate acts, actions and reactions. I'm not a fan of that.

So, it certainly wasn't what I was expected. It reminded me of when people call something 'inspiring' but when I see it, it feels like the majority of it is bleak and then the inspiring part is because of the high contrast. I did absolutely adore a lot of the animal focus though, without that I'd have had a lot of trouble making in through.

I think the casting in the film is absolutely perfect though. Robert Pattinson (Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse) as Jacob is a great fit, as are Reese Witherspoon as Marlena and Christoph Waltz as August. From the trailer I can say I'm totally loving the whimsical and slightly magical tone to the film, and the period feels like it's been captured with both quaintness and weariness that feel authentic and glamorous. The film is directed by Francis Lawrence, and I absolute loved the art direction an styling of Constantine, so with that in mind and the beauty of the trailer I have a feeling that I'll be captivated by the film, likely more so than the book.

Water for Elephants is our April Film selection for the Book to Film Club. The film will be released Friday April 22, 2011. See film review of Water for Elephants here.

Book to Film Club March 2011: Water for Elephants (Book)

The Book to Film Club book selection for March was the novel Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen, which follows a veterinary student who runs away with the travelling circus as their vet. I had heard a lot of love for this book before diving been, so it surprized me that I didn't latch on to it right away. How about you? Did you connect to it right away or did it take a bit? Or, have you even finished it yet? If so, have you reviewed it? Here are some questions to ponder when thinking about the book and the upcoming film adaptation. Feel free to review it and if you comment or send me the link I'll add it to the list, or you can always journal your thought as well.

Things to ponder on the book:
Did you enjoy reading it?
Was it what you were expecting?
What did you know about the book before reading it?
What did you take away from reading the book?
Who would you recommend the book to?

If this was a re-read:
How did reading it this time compare with your previous time reading it?
Did you notice anything different this time round?
Did your interest and focus stay on the same characters and moments, or shift?

About the upcoming film adaptations:
How do you feel about the casting of the film?
What do you hope to be the focus of the film?
What do you think is essential to keep from the book in the film?
What do you think they can trim away from the book to the film?
What do you think the challenges of the adaptation may be?
Do you have any hesitations on the adaptation?
What are you most looking forward to about the film adaptation?

Water for Elephants Book Reviews by Book to Film Clubbers:

• Shannon
• Norlinda
  

Water for Elephants will be out April Film Selection for the Book to Film Club. Follows a veterinary student who runs away with the traveling circus as their vet. The Film adaptation stars Robert Pattinson, Reese Witherspoon, Christoph Waltz, James Frain, Hal Holbrook and Paul Schneider, directed by Francis Lawrence (Constantine, I Am Legend). The film comes out April 22, 2011 and you can see the trailer below. I love the tone captured in the trailer, even thought it's completely a different vibe I got from the book. Really looking forward to seeing the film.

Jane Eyre (Book Review)

Book: Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë

Reason to Read: February book selection for the Book to Film Club and it's 'one of those books you just have to read'.

I normally start a review with a contextual piece, but with Jane Eyre I'm at a bit of a loss. Part of this is because I had almost no points of reference for the book before reading it beyond specific women in my life who had read, and loved, the book. If this book was a film (and yes, it is being adapted which is the reason I read it), I would align it to a genre, but books run a bit different in that contest. Drama would be where I'd place it, or with the feel of a fictional biography that now feels historically set, but was current of the time. Oh - and it was according to Wikipedia, originally noted as a biography under a pen name.

What really struck me about the book was that I never knew where it was going, which is bizarre for such a fame and acclaimed book. But I loved that. I loved it! Afterwards I turned over the book and was really happy that I hadn't read the back, because it would have skewed the focus for me while reading. Not knowing where it was going, meant that as a reader I could decide for myself which of the themes, actions and characters I thought were the most important to the moment, or to the whole. I wasn't always 'right' per se, but it made for a much more engaged reading experience.

It would be simplest to say that it's about the character Jane Eyre, who is intelligent and strong-willed but not a person who has a lot of support. One of the most fascinating things about here character to me was how frank, practical and truthful but not unemotional. That's something I haven't often seen or read. But what I adored about the book was that it really was about her in every facet of her life. Again, that felt very unusual to me, I'm used to things being more hyper focused, but it was a welcome and refreshing change because it really felt like knowing her on such an intricate level.

I'm so happy that this book is one of the Book to Film Club selections, because I don't think I'd have read it otherwise. I got kind of scared off classics books after struggling through Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte last year, but I found Jane Eyre to be a delightful read which I savoured and was happy to read it throughout the entire month. I'd highly & widely recommend the book, and although I think that there will be a particular resonance with girls & women I think it's accessible and interesting for everyone.

I'm really looking forward to the film adaptation, although I will admit to being hesitantly optimistic for several reasons. First, it's a HUGE book to adapt, so I'm a little worried that many of my favourite moments and themes that are more personal-development focused might be pushed to the wayside. In terms of casting, I'm on board with the boys picked as both Michael Fassbender (Fish Tank) and Jamie Bell (The Eagle, Billy Elliot) are perfect for their respective parts, but it's really all about Jane. In the film Jane will be played by Mia Wasikowska, whom was in Alice in Wonderland, The Kids Are All Right and I was most impressed with as Sophie in Season 1 of "In Treatment", and I'm really hoping she will be great here. I've decided not to watch the trailer for the film but rather wait and be surprized, but from pictures and the poster it looks like the historical period and styling is down pat so I'll be curious to see what they decided to go with in terms of tone and focus.

Jane Eyre is our March Film selection for the Book to Film Club. The film will be released Friday March 18, 2011.

Book to Film Club February 2011: Jane Eyre (Book)

The Book to Film Club book selection for February was the classic novel Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë. I found it thrilling to read as it does live up to all the acclaim and I didn't know literally anything about it other than the acclaim going in, which made all the more for a wonderful reading experience. Have you finished it yet? Did you review it? Here are some questions to ponder when thinking about the book and the upcoming film adaptation. Feel free to review it and if you comment or send me the link I'll add it to the list, or you can always journal your thought as well.

Things to ponder on the book:
Did you enjoy reading it?
Was it what you were expecting?
What did you know about the book before reading it?
What did you take away from reading the book?
Why do you think this book has stayed with us for over 150 years?
Who would you recommend the book to?

If this was a re-read:
How did reading it this time compare with your previous time reading it?
Did you notice anything different this time round?
Did your interest and focus stay on the same characters and moments, or shift?

About the upcoming film adaptations:
How do you feel about the casting of the film?
What do you hope to be the focus of the film?
What do you think is essential to keep from the book in the film?
What do you think they can trim away from the book to the film?
What do you think the challenges of the adaptation may be?
Do you have any hesitations on the adaptation?
What are you most looking forward to about the film adaptation?

Jane Eyre Book Reviews by Book to Film Clubbers:

• Shannon
• Norlinda

Jane Eyre will be our March Film selection. The film stars Mia Wasikowska, Michael Fassbender, Jamie Bell & Judi Dench and is directed by Cary Fukunaga (Sin Nombre). The film comes out March 18, 2011 and you can see the trailer below I'm going to hold off on watching it myself, even though I've read the book I don't want any spoilers in terms of the focus and feel. I'm looking forward to being surprized when seeing it in the theatre.

2011 Book to Film Adaptations

List of 2011 book to film adaptations, chronological by releases date if release date known. Films without confirmed Toronto or North American release date are listed alphabetically together at the end.

Ten films listed are included in the 2011 Book to Film Club with one more title to be added to the mix by the end of the year. You can join the Book to Film Club at any time!

Know of an upcoming adaptation? Leave a comment or let me know by email.

2011 Book to Film Adaptations

Incendies
Based on the play Scorched by Wadji Mouawad.
Heart-wrenching drama centred on searching through family history, this Canadian film is directed by Denis Villeneuve (Polytechnique, Next Floor, Maelstrom) and stars Lubna Azabal, Mélissa Désormeaux-Poulin, Maxim Gaudette and Rémy Girard. Oscar nominated for best foreign language film of the year.
Film Release Date: January 21, 2011

The Way Back
Based on the book The Long Walk: The True Story of a Trek to Freedom by Slavomir Rawicz
Inspired by true events, the film follows the long walk of gulag escapees.
Film is directed by Peter Weir (2003 Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World, The Truman Show, Witness) and stars Jim Sturgess, Ed Harris, Colin Farrell, Saoirse Ronan & Mark Strong.
Film Release Date: January 21, 2011

The Rite
Based on the book The Rite: The Making of a Modern Exorcist by Matt Baglio.
Film adaptation is a supernatural horror centred on skeptical priest (Colin O'Donoghue) who learns how to perform exorcism. Also stars Anthony Hopkins, Ciarán Hinds, Alice Braga & directed by Mikael Håfström (Derailed, 1408).
Film Release Date: January 28, 2011

Robber, The / Der Räuber
Based on the book Der Räuber / On the Run by Martin Prinz about Johann Rettenberger, a bank robber in 1980's Austria who was also an amateur marathon runner.
Film stars Andreas Lust, Franziska Weisz, Florian Wotruba and is directed by Benjamin Heisenberg (Sleeper, At the Lake).
Film Release Date: February 4, 2011

Oliver Sherman
Based on the story story "Veterans" by Rachel Ingalls.
Canadian film starring Garret Dillahunt as Sherman Oliver, a man looking for the person who saved him during war. Also stars Molly Parker & Donal Logue, feature film directorial debut by Ryan Redford.
Film Release Date: February 4, 2011

The Eagle
Based on the book The Eagle of the Ninth by Rosemary Sutcliff.
The novel is a children's fiction, historically set during 2nd century Roman Britain and the film stars Channing Tatum, Jamie Bell, Donald Sutherland and Mark Strong, directed by Kevin Macdonald (The Last King of Scotland, State of Play, Touching the Void). I love any sword & sandals films so I am very much looking forward to this one!
Film Release Date: February 11, 2011 (UK release March 25, 2011)

From Prada to Nada
Adaptation of the novel Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen.
Described as plot conceived from the book and given a Latina spin, it features to riches to rags sisters who move in with their estranged aunt. Stars Camilla Belle, Alexa Vega, Adriana Barraza, Kuno Becker and is the feature film directorial debut Angel Gracia.
Film Release Date: February 11, 2011

Gnomeo & Juliet
Adaptation of the play Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare.
Very liberal and charming adaptation of Romeo & Juliet into an animated film with characters translated into garden gnomes. Features voice talents of James McAvoy, Emily Blunt, Michael Caine, Jason Statham, Maggie Smith & Julie Walters. Directed by Kelly Asbury (Shrek 2, Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron).
Film Release Date: February 11, 2011

Just Go With It
Based on the film Cactus Flower, which was adapted from Broadway stage play written by Abe Burrows, which based on the French play Fleur de cactus by Pierre Barillet and Jean-Pierre Gredy.
Three times removed, but still has a connection. The film follows a man who pretends to be married to attract women, although when he falls for someone he needs to plot out a divorce. Stars Adam Sandler, Jennifer Anniston and Brooklyn Decker.
Film Release Date: February 11, 2011



7 Sins Unforgiven / 7 Khoon Maaf
Based on the short story Susanna's Seven Husbands by Ruskin Bond.
Bollywood crime film featuring a woman who kills her 7 husbands. Stars Priyanka Chopra, Neil Nitin Mukesh, John Abraham, Irrfan Khan, Aleksandr Dyachenko, Annu Kapoor. Directed by Vishal Bhardwaj.
Film Release Date: February 18, 2011

I Am Number Four - Book to Film Club Selection
Based on the book I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore (pseudonym), part one in a proposed six-book series called the Lorien Legacies.
A young adult science fiction novel with film adaptation starring Alex Pettyfer (Wild Child, Beastly), Timothy Olyphant (High Life), Teresa Palmer, Dianna Agron, Kevin Durand, and Callan McAuliffe. Directed by D. J. Caruso (Eagle Eye, The Salton Sea).
Film Release Date: February 18, 2011

Unknown
Based on the novel Out of My Head (English translation title( by Didier Van Cauwelaert.
Mystery film where identity thief is at the forefront, supplemented by action and thriller tones. Stars Liam Neeson, Diane Kruger, January Jones, Aidan Quinn. Directed by Jaume Collet-Serra (Orphan).
Film Release Date: February 18, 2011

The Adjustment Bureau
Based on the short story "The Adjustment Team" by Philip K. Dick.
The film is a romance/thriller centred on a politician (Matt Damon) and a ballerina (Emily Blunt) and has a mildly science fiction feel going on. Also stars Terrance Stamp and is the feature film debut from The Bourne Ultimatum, Timeline & Oceans Twelve writer George Nolfi,
Film Release Date: March 4, 2011

Beastly
Based on the book Beastly by Alex Flinn.
This one is a which is modern day a re-imagining of Beauty and the Beast following a high schooler who has everything Kyle (Alex Pettyfer of I Am Number Four) but miffs off the wrong girl. Also starring Vanessa Hudgens, Mary-Kate Olsen and Peter Krause, directed by Daniel Barnz (Phoebe in Wonderland). I read and reviewed it in 2010 as it was originally to be released in 2010 before being bumped to 2011.
Film Release Date: March 4, 2011 (bumped back from March 18, 2011)

I Love You Phillip Morris
Based on the book I Love You Phillip Morris: A True Story of Life, Love, and Prison Breaks by Steve McVicker
Biopic that's in the vein of based on true story & person so it's got a so-crazy-it's-true view based on con man who falls in love with a fellow inmate in prison. Stars Jim Carrey & Ewan MacGregor; directed by Glenn Ficarra & John Requa (feature film directorial debuts)
Film Release Date: March 4, 2011

Mars Needs Moms!
Based on the book Mars Needs Moms! by Berkeley Breathed.
This animated science fiction about a boy whose Mom is she's taken by Martians to take care of Martian film features the voices of Seth Green, Dan Fogler, Elisabeth Harnois, Mindy Sterling, Kevin Cahoon & Joan Cusack and is directed by Simon Wells.
Film Release Date: March 11, 2011

Red Riding Hood
This one is a little less direct, as it's only loosely based on Le Petit Chaperon Rouge by Charles Perrault and Rotkäppchen / Redcape by The Brothers Grimm. There is now a movie-tie-in novelization written by Sarah Blakley-Cartwright and David Leslie Johnson.
The film adaptation is a horror film directed by Catherine Hardwicke (Twilight) and starring Amanda Seyfried (Chloe, Letters to Juliet, Dear John), Lukas Haas (Mars Attacks, Inception), Gary Oldman, Billy Burke (Twilight, Drive Angry), Julie Christie & Virginia Madsen.
Film Release Date: March 11, 2011

Jane Eyre - Book to Film Club Selection
Based on the book Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë.
Classic novel following female protagonist Jane Eyre, and this latest film adaptation stars Mia Wasikowska (Alice in Wonderland (2010)), Michael Fassbender (Fish Tank), Jamie Bell (Billy Elliot, The Eagle) & Judi Dench. Directed by Cary Fukunaga (Sin nombre).
Film Release Date: March 11, 2011

The Butcher, The Chef and the Swordsman / Dao Jian Xiao
Based on a short story by An Changhe.
The film is an action/comedy with a group of misfits and crazy kitchen and sword-ness, starring Masanobu Ando, You Benchang, Liu Xiaoye and is directored by Wuershan.
Film Release Date: March 18, 2011

Kill the Irishman
Based on the book To Kill the Irishman by Rick Porrello
1970's set biopic/crime film centred on Danny Greene (played by Ray Stevenson), who worked for mobsters in Cleveland. Also stars Christopher Walken, Vincent D'Onofrio, Val Kilmer, Linda Cardellini & Fionnula Flanagan and directed by Jonathan Hensleigh.
Film Release Date: March 18, 2011

Limitless
Based on the book The Dark Fields by Alan Glynn.
Science-fiction thriller centred on a writer (Bradley Cooper) who takes a drug which appears to make him more successful on all levels. Also stars Robert DeNiro, Abbie Cornish (Bright Star, Somersault) and is directed by Neil Burger (The Illusionist (2006), The Lucky Ones).
Film Release Date March 18, 2011

The Lincoln Lawyer
Based on the book The Lincoln Lawyer by Michael Connelly.
Film adaptation follows Mickey Haller, an Los Angeles lawyer who conducts business from his Lincoln car, who takes on a new big time client who is on trial for murder. client
The film stars Matthew McConaughey, Ryan Phillippe and Marisa Tomei and is directed by Brad Furman (The Take).
Film Release Date: March 18, 2011

Diary of a Wimpy Kid 2: Rodrick Rules
Based on the book Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules by Jeff Kinney
Family/comedy and sequel to 2010 film Diary of the Wimpy Kid Greg Heffley (Zachary Gordon) is back in middle school and trying to deal with parental boding. Also stars Devon Bostick, Rachael Harris, Robert Capron & Steve Zahn. Directed by David Bowers.
Film Release Date: March 25, 2011

Winter in Wartime / Oorlogswinter
Based on the novel written by Jan Terlouw
Set in Holland during the end of WWII and following Michiel (Martijn Lakemeier) who in the end years of war time joins the resistance and also comes into his own. Also stars Jamie Campbell Bower and Yorick van Wageningen, directed by Martin Koolhoven.
Film Release Date: April 1, 2011

Soul Surfer
Based on the book Soul Surfer by Bethany Hamilton, Sheryl Berk and Rick Bundschuh.
Biopic on surfer Bethany Hamilton who loses and arm in a shark attack. Stars AnnaSophia Robb as Bethany, and also stars Helen Hunt, Dennis Quaid, Lorraine Nicholson, Ross Thomas, Kevin Sorbo, Carrie Underwood & Cody Gomes; directed by Sean McNamara (Raise Your Voice).
Film Release Date: April 8, 2011

Water for Elephants - Book to Film Club Selection
Based on the book Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen.
Follows a veterinary student who runs away with the traveling circus as their vet.
Film adaptation stars Robert Pattinson, Reese Witherspoon, Christoph Waltz, James Frain, Hal Holbrook and Paul Schneider, directed by Francis Lawrence (Constantine, I Am Legend).
Film Release Date April 22, 2011

Something Borrowed
Based on the novel Something Borrowed by Emily Giffin.
Romantic comedy following Darcy who often falls in the shadow of friend Rachel until things start to change and morals come into question. Stars Ginnifer Goodwin, Kate Hudson, Colin Egglesfield and John Krasinski; directed by Luke Greenfield (The Girl Next Door).
Film Release Date May 6, 2011

Thor
Based on the comic book character from the comic book by Stan Lee, Larry Lieber & Jack Kirby.
Action/fantasy/science fiction film following the Nordic God Thor (Chris Hemsworth of Star Trek) as he is cast into the world of mortals. Also stars Natalie Portman, Anthony Hopkins, Tom Hiddleston, Rene Russo, Skarsgård, Jaimie Alexander, Kat Dennings and Ray Stevenson; directed by Kenneth Branagh (Henry V (1989), Dead Again).
Film Release Date May 6, 2011

Pitoche
Based on the play Pitoche by Pierre Barillet and Jean-Pierre Grédy.
French comedy set in 1977 and staring Catherine Deneuve as a submissive wife, also stars Gérard Depardieu, Fabrice Luchini, Karin Viard, Judith Godreche Potiche; directed by François Ozon (8 Women, Swimming Pool, Angel).
Film Release Date May 13, 2011

Priest (2011)
Based on the graphic novel series Priest by Min-Woo Hyung.
Post-apocalyptic/western feel supernatural action film starring Paul Bettany as a warrior priest trained to fight vampires. Also stars Maggie Q, Karl Urban, Cam Gigandet, Lily Collins, Brad Dourif, Stephen Moyer and Christopher Plummer; directed by Scott Charles Stewart (Legion).
Film Release Date May 13, 2011

One Day - Book to Film Club Selection
Based on the book One Day by David Nicholls.
This one looks amazing! It follows 2 people who reconnect on same day for 20 year. Film version stars Anne Hathaway (Devil Wears Prada, Rachel Getting Married) and Jim Sturgess (Across the Universe, Heartless), directed by Lone Scherfig (An Education).
Film Release Date July 8, 2011

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2
Based on the book Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling, the 7th and last book in the Harry Potter series.
The epic fantasy saga and hero story comes to a close with this second part film which along with Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 completes the adaptation of the last book in the book series by J.K. Rowlings. All the regulars in the cast return including the primary trio of Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson along with Ralph Fiennes as the big bad of Voldemort. Directed by David Yates (Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1).
Film Release: Date July 15, 2011.

Winnie the Pooh
Based on the characters from the Winnie the Pooh books by A.A. Milne, and will be from 5 previously unadapted stories.
Animated film following the adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Piglet, Rabbit, Eeyore, Owl, Kanga, Roo and Christopher Robbins, featuring the voices of # Jim Cummings, Tom Kenny, Craig Ferguson, Travis Oates, Bud Luckey, Jack Boulter, Kristen Anderson-Lopez, Wyatt Hall and John Cleese; directed by Stephen J. Anderson (Meet the Robinsons) and Don Hall (directorial debut).
Film Release: Date July 15, 2011.

The Help - Book to Film Club Selection
Based on the book The Help by Kathryn Stockett.
Set in Mississippi during the early 1960s the centred on unlikely friendships and courageous women. Sounds good to me! The film Stars Emma Stone (Paper Man), Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer, Directed by Tate Taylor (Pretty Ugly People).
Film Release Date August 12, 2011

The Thing (2011)
Based on the 1938 novella Who Goes There? by John W. Campbell Jr.
Lots of history with this one, and the latest version is actually a prequel to the The Thing (1982), which was a remake of The Thing From Another World. The 2011 film is a science fiction/horror film set in Antarctica research station where things go amok. Stars Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Joel Edgerton, Ulrich Thomsen, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje and Eric Christian Olsen; feature film directorial debut form Matthijs van Heijningen Jr.
Film Release Date October 14, 2011

The Three Musketeers - Book to Film Club Selection
Based on the book The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas
Classic adventure tale that has seen many adaptaions, this film version stars Logan Lerman, Matthew Macfadyen, Mads Mikkelsen, Ray Stevenson, Milla Jovovich, Christoph Watlz and Orlando Bloom, directed by Paul W.S. Anderson (Resident Evil, Resident Evil: Afterlife, Death Race (2008), AVP: Alien vs Predator). All for one, one for all!
Film Release Date October 14, 2011

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1
Based on the book Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyers, the fourth and final book in the Twilight Series.
The film is Part 1 of 2 (Part 2 to be released November 2012), that continues the romantic adventure of human Bella and vampire Edward that has began and unfolded with Twilight, New Moon and Eclipse. This film also chronicles the conflicts with the nearby Quiluette werewolf tribe and the Volturi, the vampire council. The film features the returning cast of Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner and many, many more.
Film Release Date November 18, 2011

Hugo Cabret - Book to Film Club Selection
Based on the The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick
This one if s a little bit different as the book is a combination written & illustrated book and was inspired by "Georges Méliès, his surviving films, and his collection of mechanical, wind-up figures called automata. (source)". I hope the film keep sthat kind of feel! The film stars Asa Butterfield, Chloë Moretz, Michael Pitt, Jude Law, Ben Kingsley and Sacha Baron Cohen and is directed by Martin Scorcese (Shutter Island, The Departed, Gangs of New York, Goodfellas).
Film Release Date December 9, 2011

Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows
Based on characters from the books by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Not a direct book to film adaptation but does include characters of Sherlock Holmes, Doctor Watson and Professor Moriaty. Returning cast from Sherlock Holmes (2009) include Robert Downey, Jr., Jude Law, Rachel McAdams & Eddie Marsan and new cast includes Jared Harris and Noomi Rapace. Guy Ritchie returns to direct.
Film Release Date December 16, 2011

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
Based on the Swedish book Män som hatar kvinnor (Men Who Hate Women) by Stieg Larsson, the book is part 1 of The Millennium Trilogy.
The Film is a US/UK/German/Swedish co-production and will star Rooney Mara, Daniel Craig, Stellan Skarsgård and Christopher Plumber and will be directed by David Fincher (Fight Club, Zodiac, The Social Network).
This is the second book to film adaptation, as we have already seen Swedish adaptations of the entire trilogy released in 2010: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo / Män som hatar kvinnor, The Girl Who Played with Fire / Flickan som lekte med elden and The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest / Luftslottet som sprängdes
Film Release Date December 21, 2011

Release Dates To Be Confirmed
Alphabetical by title, with North American release date to be confirmed.
International release date noted if known.

Bel Ami - Book to Film Club Selection
Based on the book Bel Ami by Guy de Maupassant.
The book Bel Ami was first published in 1885, and follows one mans pursuit of power through the manipulation of powerful and wealthy women.
Film stars Robert Pattinson, Christina Ricci, Uma Thurman, Kristen Scott Thomas and Colm Meaney and is the feature film directorial debut from Declan Donnellan & Nick Ormerod
Film Release Date noted as May 12, 2011 (release date source, but still awaiting release date).

Brighton Rock - Book to Film Club Selection
Based on the book Brighton Rock by Graham Greene.
The book is a crime thriller set in the 1930's, and the film adaptation shifts the setting to the 60's. Film stars Sam Riley (Control, Franklyn), Andrea Riseborough, Andy Serkis, John Hurt and Helen Mirren and is directed by Rowan Joffe.
Film Release Date: Feb 4, 2011 (UK), North American release date to be confirmed.

The Eye of the Storm
Based on the book The Eye of the Storm by Patrick White.
Australian drama film following a powerful matriarch, film starrs Charlotte Rampling, Geoffrey Rush and Judy Davis and directed by Fred Schepisi (Last Orders, Six Degrees of Separation, Roxanne).
Film Release Date: 2011, specific date to be confirmed

The Killer Elite
Based on the book The Feather Men by Sir Ranulph Fiennes.
The book has had a bit of controversy to it on whether it's based on true events or not, and it follows 4 soldiers who are a hit squad known as "The Clinic". The film adaptation is into an action film that stars Jason Statham, Clive Owen, Yvonne Strahovski, Robert De Niro and Dominic Purcell. The film is directed by Gary McKendry.
Film Release Date: 2011 (USA/Australia co-production), specific release date to be confirmed

The Hunter
Based on the book The Hunter by Julia Leigh
This one piqued my interested as it was termed a "Tasmanian Gothic", which was a term I had never even heard of before. It follows a mercenary on the hunt for a Tasmanian Devil. Film stars Willem Dafoe, Sam Neill, Francis O'Connor, Dan Wyllie and Sullivan Stapleton, directed by Daniel Nettheim (Angst).
Film Release Date: 2011 (Australia), specific release date to be confirmed

On the Road - Book to Film Club Selection
Based on the book On the Road by Jack Kerouac.
Road trip & beat generation classic and much listed & acclaimed book, the film stars Sam Riley (Control, Franklyn), Kristen Stewart (Twilight), Reese Witherspoon and Garrett Hedlund (TRON: Legacy), directed by Walter Salles (Dark Water, The Motorcycle Diaries).
Film Release Date: 2011, specific release date to be confirmed

Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy
Based on the book Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy by John le Carré
Espionage story set during cold war and following George Smiley an intelligence expert pulled out semi-retirement. Film stars Gary Oldman, Tom Hardy, Colin Firth, Mark Strong, Ciarán Hinds (The Eclipse), directed by Tomas Alfredson (Let the Right One In / Låt den rätte komma in).
Film Release Date: September 16, 2011 (UK), North American release date to be confirmed

The Woman in Black - Book to Film Club Selection
Based on the book by The Woman in Black by Susan Hill
This supernatural thriller follows a young lawyer who goes to small town which has a menacing spectre. I can't wait for this one! Stars Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter series), Ciarán Hinds (The Eclipse) and Janet McTeer, directed by James Watkins (Eden Lake).
Film Release Date: October 28, 2011 (UK) North American release date to be confirmed

Wuthering Heights
Based on the book Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë.
The heartbreaking romance between Catherine & Heathcliff in a new adaptation directed by Andrea Arnold (Red Road, Fish Tank) and starring Kaya Scodelario (Skins) and James Howson.
Film Release Date: September 30, 2011 (UK) North American release date to be confirmed.

Feel free to GoodReads, feel free to friend me!

Book to Film Club January 2011: I Am Number Four (Book)

The Book to Film Club book selection for January is I Am Number Four by Pitticus Lore.

I Am Number Four is a young adult science fiction novel that is the first of a proposed 6-part series (and the only series included in the book club). I keep trying to write a brief description but it keeps feeling spoilery. Sigh. You can get I Am Number Four here at Amazon.ca (Canada) and Amazon.com (US).

I Am Number Four Book Reviews by Book to Film Clubbers:

• Shannon
• Girls in the Stacks: Book Review, Podcast
• Norlinda
• Paolo
  

I Am Number Four will be our February Film selection. The film stars Alex Pettyfer (Wild Child, Beastly), Timothy Olyphant (High Life, "Deadwood"), Dianna Agron (Quinn on "Glee"), Kevin Durand (Legion), Jake Abel (Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief) and Teresa Palmer (The Sorcerer's Apprentice), and is directed by D.J. Caruso (Eagle Eye, The Salton Sea).

The film comes out February 18, 2011 and you can see the trailer below, although I'd only recommend watching trailer after you've read the book if you are planning to read as it's certainly got spoilers:



What did you think of the book? Are you looking forward to the film? How do you feel about the casting? Looking forward to hearing everyone's reactions!

I Am Number Four (Book Review)

Reason to Read: January book selection for the Book to Film Club!

I Am Number Four is a young adult science fiction book following 15 year-old John Smith and his guardian Henri who move from place to place and do their best to live under the radar for very important reasons. The after one move John starts to settle into a sleepy town more strongly than the ones before and at the same time begins to come into his own in a unique way.

I really liked the characters of John and Henri, and their dog Bernie Kosar. I liked the family dynamic they created and new spin on the new-kid-in-town story. I also really enjoyed how visual the book was and I could really see what they were describing, which I don't always find an easy thing with science fiction. It was pretty light in the relationship department and I did often feel like I knew where it was going but that is easily in part from hearing general chatter on the book and seeing the trailer (which is hugely spoiler-y if you plan on reading the book) while I was in the middle of reading it. I was a little worried it might go in the 'we're different and different is better' kind of message, but it's wasn't overly definitive. I do hope they will keep the series going, and am very curious how they will handle the 'possible 6-book series' aspect as they translate it to a film.

In terms of a reading experience, it was really nice to start the year off with a book that completely absorbed my attention and didn't want to put down. I read it mostly in transit and during breaks, and really looked forward to each moment I could get back to the book. I found it quite a quick read, which isn't surprizing given that it's a young adult title. Overall I found it engaging, energetic and delightful.

The casting for the film looks great. I think both Timothy Olyphant (High Life, "Deadwood") as Henri and Dianna Agron (Quinn on "Glee") as Sarah are perfect. It's also easy to see Jake Abel (Luke from Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief, Adam on "Supernatural") as the bully-ish Mark, but judging from pictures along looks like they are going for a different vibe for the Sam with Callan McAuliffe. For me the big question lies in the hands of our protagonist John played by Alex Pettyfer, whom I've only see so far in Wild Child, where he was good but it wasn't a huge role. We will be seeing more of Alex Pettyfer in the very near future as he'll be starring in the lead role in Beastly (March 4, 2011) which is a modern re-visioning of Beauty and the Beast, another adaptation this time of the book Beastly by Alex Flinn.

I Am Number Four will be our February Film selection. The film will be released Friday February 18, 2011.

2010 Reading Wrap Up

With 2010 just a few days away from coming to a close I'm revisiting the year in many different ways, from favourite films to movie memories to what I've seen but also what I've read and a lot of what I read this year was influenced by my 2010 Book to Film Challenge List. I actually did very well with this challenge, finishing all 20 books (albeit the last Lord of the Rings I put on hiatus for several months) on the list and overall reading over 80 books this calendar year and hope to sneak in 2 more before 2011 chimes in. Although I haven't been writing about the books as much as I'd like to along the way, I'd like to rectify that now with the remaining books on the challenges list and also touch on some the great books and things I've noticed this year.

If you are a book to film fan, be sure to swing back here in early 2011 as I'll be announcing my play-along 2011 book-to-film adaptation challenge. It's gonna be fun and I hope you will play along!


Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling
Lots of things surprized me when reading this 5th book in the Harry Potter series, I obviously didn't retain tons from the first read (or more likely the film imprints stronger with me) and there were way more changes book to film or ... shifting I should say than I remembered - but a lot of it is done really well and some of the non-plot but important character things were shifted to Half-Blood Prince. I did really enjoy re-reading this one, but it is where it certainly where things gets harder and harder. But there is still a lot of great foreshadowing for later, I think that's the thing I like most about re-reading the books is that I get more and more out of them every time, seeing more about the characters, their motivations, and their histories can be clearer. And I know it's a small part of it but I love the character of Frieze. Wish they kept him in the film. Ah, well!


Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling
This is a bit of a weird on for me because I know I re-read it in 2009 in anticipation for the film so this is the 3rd read for me but I don't seem to retain that much from it. I actually love the film adaptation and it pulls out very different themes an focuses than I imagined, and so that highly influenced my re-reading of it this time. I do stand strong on the fact that it feels like one of the oddest titles of the series, because it doesn't feel that important of a focus although that could be intentional. Not my fave of the books by far, but still an enjoyable read.


Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling
I really left this one to the last minute, literally finishing the book at 4am when I was seeing the film Part 1 at 9:45am. But technically, I guess I didn't have to finish it considering the films are part I&II but I didn't know how they were splitting them. I actually am really glad that I re-read The Deathly Hallows, I read it so quickly the first time round I didn't retain that much and I was so worried / focused on what would happen that I wasn't enjoying the journey getting there. This time I enjoyed the journey and I actually really enjoyed the focus on the trio in this book, which although the omnipresent ominous world around them is giving no safe place to turn it feels great to see them stand on their own 2 feet (times 3). I enjoyed it much more than the first time round and would honestly, whole-heartedly re-read the series again and again, although (thankfully) won't feel the need to do for Deathly Hallows Part II!


The Tempest by William Shakespeare
I'd be totally lying if I said that I understood all, or even most, of The Tempest. I found it a challenge to get what was going on from simply reading the lines of the play. I did switch to reading a bunch of it aloud, but that felt kind of silly - although I did understand it a lot better when I did that. Ha! Proof that silly is efficient! That's awesome. Anyhow, I kind of got the gist of what was going on in grand strokes and am now very much looking forward to seeing the film adaptation from someone who understands it much better than I! I might re-read it afterwards to see what that's like too. If nothing else it was the shortest of my reading entries this year at 84 pages!


The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the Kings by J.R.R. Tolkien
The last 'to read' on my 2010 challenge and I was kind of dreading it, which feels awful to say for such a beloved book. I was downtrodden from not reading back when I projected in April, I had started it already so I was picked up mid-story, plus in terms of the book-to-film-ness, the film is one that I almost can't bear to watch because I just want to cry because so much is sad in it. So imagine my surprize when I started reading the book and was immediately drawn back in and felt strongly centred in the war of Middle Earth, feeling ridiculously familiar with the characters, their journeys and the tasks at hand. Could be the biggest surprize of the year that I really *enjoyed* reading this one. The fact that I've read a lot more througout the year might have something to do with it as well, being more comfortable in general.

Learnings & Leanings

• Non-Fiction: Where did the Non-fiction go? I want to read more Non-fiction. I don't 'track' my NF reading as much because I tend to not 'read' the whole thing therefore it might not go on my read list or in Good Reads, especially for education/reference stuff like knitting. But this year I didn't work though almost anything that was an a work book, or anything with exercise, and that makes me kind of sad because I like books like that and I love learning. I LOVE it. I might have to actually set aside time a week to work on/read non-fiction because unlike fiction you need time away from it, and I tend to read things straight through. Hopefully I'll be bringing more non-fiction into the mix in 2011.
  
• YA/Kids Books - Although I love YA and kids fiction, I want to add more adult fiction to the roster, especially after reading books like the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and Never Let Me Go where the writing is so strong, it made me realize a lot of the YA stuff out there is crap. Enjoyable crap, but still crap!
• Series - As of early December 2010 I noted that I was in the middle of 18 (!) different book series. This feels more than a little ridiculous, even in the light of reading over 80 books over the year and the fact that I love tracking things, it just feels kind of crazy. Some are on hiatus, some are not all yet even written and there is even one series I hope to finish by the end of the year (yes, I know it's Dec 28th, but there is still time!). Anyhow, I'm having the strong urge not to start any new series until I've completed a different series, unless I really feel drawn to them and/or if they are already written in completion. Not that I'm against series as a concept but some seem never to know when to call it a day, and really drag things out (House of Night felt like this for sure), or even seem to continue after their projected book numbers. I prefer to know what I'm getting into from the beginning, and knowing I'm a completist by nature I want to know how long I'll be on the journey. That feels like a huge disclaimer as the next thing I'm going to say was that there were several series that I absolutely adored and therefore wanted to share the love on them.

So, read a lot. Learned a lot. Didn't write about it as much as I thought I would have throughout the year, but I'm going to highlight a few of the best, most interesting, enjoyable and/or influential books I read in 2010.



The Art of Non-Conformity by Chris Guillebeau
So, I didn't read tons on non-fiction, but I did read The Art of Non-Conformity by Chris Guillebeau, which I adored. Adored! So many times while reading this book I just wanted to find Chris Guillebeau and say "Thank you!" or "You understand" or "Yes!!!". If you have any interest in leading an unconventional life, changing the world, thinking big and doing all of that while being yourself and positively impacting the world around you - this book is for you! Out of the 80+ books I've read this year it has been the most influential and most inspiring. For fans and keeners, there is a unconventional book tour going for the book and has a bunch of Canadian stops in January 2011.



Darkest Powers Trilogy: The Summoning/The Awakening/The Reckoning by Kelley Armstrong I honestly think one of the reason I love this series is that it's only three books, and it uses those three books to tell it's story very, very well. It's a young adult paranormal fiction with romantic elements but the focus is very much on survival and not knowing or understanding what is going on at all. I loved the journey of discovery and the mystery vibe along with anti-establishment energy, and really loved the characters. I really cherished reading these books, they are high up there in terms of the fact that I'd put them as own & re-readers which is rare for library-centric me. I am looking forward to getting into Kelley Armstong's Women of the Underworld series, but I think I might leave that until I have lots of time on deck as I hear it's really absorbing.



Maximum Ride Series by James Patterson
I love the sheer audacity of the short chapters and everyday kid language in these books. I also love that it's a flock (literally, mostly) of make-shift siblings that are avian/human hybrids lead by out fearless leader and female protagonist, Max. There is lots off stuff in the books that are totally off the wall but I love the quick-witted, real-emotion, rag-tag family of the flock. Loved it. Although this kind of breaks the rule of series because it's 5 books then keeps going. I'll forgive it, because I continue to enjoy them.



Percy Jackson Series by Rick Riordan
Modern re-visioning of Greek Mythology in current day New York. These books are brilliant, great use of mythology and respinning it to the contemporary, and I also really liked the characters and their journeys. It's when I read books like this that are so smart and engaging, I know I won't just cut-off reading YA - because there is still a lot of awesome to explore out there!



The Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins
I have mixed feelings about these books as a trilogy. I adored The Hunger Games, I've rarely been as engaged in a book as I was during reading Hunger Games (top 5 pageturners, ever). I was surprized there was a sequel, but riproared through Catching Fire with almost the same intensity as Hunger Games. But Mockingjay wasn't quite for me, it was harder to get into and I was upset during a lot of the time reading it and the fact that felt intentional made me upset *and* mad. In a lot of ways I wish it was just a stand alone book with The Hunger Games - I would have been satisfied with just reading that sole book. It's a very dark post apocalyptic world and very brutal scenarios and young protagonists, so although it's certainly for a YA audience, I'd be hesitant to recommend it to non-adults. There is an upcoming film adaptation, so this one is worth checking out if you are a book-to-filmer as I'm sure we are in for lots of talk about it in the future.



The Saga of Darren Shan
This is the one that I'm trying to finish by the end of the year, and I started the 12-book series in 2009 and I've really enjoyed almost sauntering through this vampire kids series. I really like the character of Darren, who continues to be open, inquisitive, suprized and surprizing throughout the epic mixed with everyday saga.



Vampire Academy series by Richelle Mead
O.M.G. Loved this series, and that's before even reading the last book which I got for Christmas. This is the perfect blend of YA intensity with actual good writing. I love, love, love the series. Strong female protagonist, vampires, romance, friendships and of course the weight of the world on her shoulders. Love it. Can't wait to see how it all gets summed up.

Overalls-list:
Worst Book: The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner by Stephenie Meyer
Most challenging read: Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë - I really wasn't sure I was going to get through it. But I did!
The one that really got me: Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
Most varied results: House of Night - started off loving it, especially the matriarch structure and alignment to pagan beliefs, but my goodness it went on way too long and didn't like some of the places it went. And it didn't stop as there is and 8th book coming for the 7-book series.
Favourite book of the year: Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro
Favourite series of the year: Darkest Powers and Vampire Academy
Favourite non-fiction book: The Art of Non-Conformity by Chris Guillebeau

Wow, that was an epic long post! Thanks for making it to the end. For fellow book lovers, feel free to friend me over at GoodReads and keep an eye out here at Movie Moxie in early 2011 for my new play-along book-to-film challenge! If you know of upcoming book-to-film adaptations that you are interested in, let me know!