erinmerryn

Hey Jill,
I never read Marley and Me or Secret Life of Bees and recently just watched both of those and loved them. I did read The Notebook and saw the movie and loved the book more then the movie the same goes for Message in a Bottle. The book was better. I am debating right now if I should read My Sisters Keeper. My mother loved it and keeps telling me to read it. I hear it is coming out in theaters in June from of course the O show when they announced it on Friday.

9carol

Ji, Definitely, I think that the books are better, but now, I'll want to see Dr. Z. just to see it again(I remember liking it 30 years ago, but I barely remember it.) When I've seen movies after reading the book,I usually feel like there is a great deal missing from the movie version, nuances that don't come through. Sometimes, I wonder if I'd "get" the movie if I hadn't already read the book. I do love to use my own imagination with the characters, and strangely, I was just thinking about this issue--I just read two contradictory opinions about writing, one that writers must describe characters in detail so readers can "see" them clearly, and the other saying that readers should be allowed to imagine the characters--less is more. I did both, seesawing sometimes, when I wrote my book.

hawkxs3

Greetings Jill!
Back in October 1990, my husband and I gave birth to a premature baby girl whom we named "Brittany". Despite her small frame and speech impediment, our Auntie Emily said that she would grow up to become the next Oprah Winfrey. I didn't understand Auntie's comment, nor did I question her. Shortly after her comment Auntie passed away, we were shocked, she didn't appear sick.
Long story short 6 years later, I found myself reading Toni Morrison's novel "BELOVED". Brittany had auditioned for the role of "young Sethe" a slave girl. Brittany landed the role and then learned that she would be sharing the role w/Oprah, whom she's never met. How did Auntie know that?

In my mind I pictured what 124 Bluestone Road and the cast would look like. When we got to New York City for the screening of "BELOVED" I was blown away. 124 B/R looked just like Auntie's childhood home, she too had a sick dog,icehouse,treeestomp and dirt road. Auntie's mother, my grandma, had a group of ladies visit her from the porch, just like the 30 women in BELOVED. They sang and prayed and never entered the house, grandpa didn't approve, he had his own spirit.

I took the experience and turned it into something that would shape and mold our lives forever. A BELOVED START LEARNING CENTER was born.12 years later and more then 65 children have been enrolled and not one child hurt. Amen.We are Ms.Winfrey's 1st.school. Brittany like Denver is finding her way, she found her calling while helping out in the center. She's away @ college studying to become a child psychiarist.
The MOVIE documents our past and features our child, it changed our lives forever!

iamhappy21

I have a show idea: How about a show on poetry as the dying art form of literature. Maya Angelou and Nikki Giovanni can discuss how poetry book sales are down and how people are not "into" poetry like they were in the years of William Shakespeare. What happened to people's love of lyrical verse?

producerji

Apr 30, 2009 2:36 PM

  |   in response to: iamhappy21

I do love reading poetry! I like to read them to myself out loud (because that's what Mrs. Harding, my high school English teacher, said was how poems were meant to be read), and my favorite one to recite is by Gerard Manley Hopkins:
"Margaret, are you grieving
Over Goldengrove unleaving?"

I don't know what happened to our love of lyrical verses, perhaps our modern world got too fast and furious for them. But I'm encouraged that poetry can adapt and survive in the 21st century -- there's an author, Andrew Sean Greer, who sends haikus via Twitter. Isn't that genius?! Here's to the last day of National Poetry Month!

79goddess

"The Reader" and "Revolutionary Road" - After seeing both of these films, which had rich, engaging storylines and great dialogue, I wanted to read the books, so I reserved them at the library. Evidently lots of other people were moved by these films, as there was quite a waiting list. I got "The Reader" first and have to say, while I always enjoy the reading experience, they did a really good job on film. Of course, there are always things in the book that you won't see on screen, which makes reading the book more rewarding. I am still waiting for Revolutionary Road(!).

bethbrax

I think I've always preferred the book. I can't think of a movie that I thought was better...I love, love, love Dr. Zhivago but never read the book.

I have to say that I'm probably one of the few people in the world that didn't like the movie Forest Gump. The book was incredibly funny - laugh out load hilarious! But the movie took freedoms that weren't true to the characters in the book.Mama Gump NEVER slept with the principal - and wouldn't have. And Jenny didn't die of AIDS (and little Forest didn't go live with big Forest). I love Tom Hanks but the movie was a bit too contrived. Though the scene in the White House was priceless!

I guess tv can usually do a better job in adapting books since they can have longer to do it -miniseries.I thought Lonesome Dove was a great tv adaptation of the book but later found out that the book came from a screenplay that was turned down. Larry McMurtry went on to write the novel - fantastic - and then it became possibly the very best mini-series ever. Another good adaptation on tv was East Of Eden. Jane Seymour was one of the most evil characters ever.

yasashiiku

One of the best adaptations of a book into a movie that I saw was Grisham's "A Time to Kill". It was the first and only time I have ever seen a movie get a standing ovation from everyone in the theatre.

kitkat902

Any time I see that a movie is being made from a book, I know I need to run out and get the book. I have yet to see a movie that is better than the book. It's impossible to capture the character's true thoughts and feelings on screen. There is so much more to a great book that you can't put down. Plus I can't believe how much is changed in the movie. I've left thinking "what the heck????"

abiba55

I love to read, mostly non-fiction or based on a true story or history. Lots of the time, I'll read a book before seeing the movie. I live in Israel, and we get movies later here so when a friend mentioned the movie Slumdog Millionaire, I ran to the nearest bookstore and bought the book. Just as I finished reading, other friends brought over the DVD. I was so disappointed, they changed the whole story. The story in the book had so much to everything, they took it all out in the movie. Were they trying to save money, or what???

g.nesbitt

Saw the movie Atonement, then read the book. I had previously read Comfort of strangers and watched the film for a course I was doing and was already a fan of Ian McKewan. But, nothing prepared me for the magnificence that was the film Atonement! And then I read the book, and it blew me away too. This has not happened often. Usually if I have read a book and enjoyed it, I am quite critical about watching the film, but this was magnificent, both the book and the film. And if you're thinking of watching an adaptation of Lolita, I would recommend Lyne's version with Jeremy Irons and not Kubrik's with James Mason.
Oh, and they didn't do a bad job of Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code, either!!

cmaletick

Absolutely you have to read the book first. They are always better. That said I am able to appreciate movies as long as they keep the essence of the book. There are things you can do in books that you can't do in movies and if movies always tried to stay true to the book the movie would be 5 hours long. But as long as the overall message/theme of the book comes through and the characters stay true to the book I'm usually happy.

The most recent movie that I have been dissappointed with is Twilight. No, I'm not a teenage girl. I'm a 30-something wife and mother and I loved the Twilight series. I read the books when the movie was coming out to see what all the hype was about. I read through all 4 books in one week. When I saw the movie I was so saddened. They changed the characters into angsty teenagers and lost all of the romance.

I'm actually surprised that Oprah has not done a show about the whole Twilight hoopla. It's not just for teenagers.

angewoods

May 1, 2009 11:38 AM

  |   in response to: erinmerryn

You absolutely have to read My Sister's Keeper! It is one of the best books I've ever read.

angewoods

May 1, 2009 11:41 AM

  |   in response to: yasashiiku

I agree that Grisham's A Time To Kill is one of the best adaptations. He also has my vote for the absolute worst--The Firm. The book was full of action, conflict and surprise twists that are missing in the movie AND they changed the entire ending. It was awful!

opaymomof4

Most of the time, I love the book & like the movie. i.e. Shopoholic, Message in a Bottle, A Walk to Remember, DaVinci Code, Deep End of the Ocean. The one exception for me is The Notebook. The movie is so different, I didn't even remember I had read it upon seeing the movie. I loved the movie of Secret Life of Bees & Twilight so much I am now going to read the books. I am reading My Sister's Keeper too, before seeing the movie. I would much rather read a book & not know the ending!

margiegood

May 1, 2009 12:00 PM

  |   in response to: erinmerryn

I totally disagree about The Notebook. I love the movie and just recently read the book, I didn't feel that the book developed their love well enough. And I loved the way the movie ended with them dying together, the book just sort of drifted to an un-romantic, un-dramatic, un-satiflying end.

cacorrigan

I read "To Kill a Mockingbird" first but the movie was fabulous. In my opinion, it is one of the best books to be made into a movie. What great performances by actors Gregory Peck, Brock Peters, Robert Duvall, the kids, etc.

yournotmac

I agree with those who liked the film of The Notebook more than the book. The book revealed things too quickly. However, there is a danger when a film kills off a character that survives in the book. What happens when you want to make the sequal and that character is a major player?

One movie that I like much better than the book was Jaws. The characters in the book were unlikable, and many of the plot turns added nothing to the story. Also, movies have the advantage when it comes to action. Seeing the shark explode out of the water was much scarier than reading about it.

mommajen2

May 1, 2009 12:45 PM

  |   in response to: opaymomof4

Twilight the book is soooooo much better than the movie!!!!! I actually didn't like the movie because it left so much out ( maybe this was because I read the book first?!?!). I actually read the entire Twilight series in 2 weeks! My poor kids!!!

jendf343

hawkxs3 - I love your story. There's such a mysterious connection in life that I can't even try to comprehend.

I agree with the consensus, the movie is almost always better. One of the best adaptions I've seen recently was Blindness. Julianne Moore was absolutely brilliant and there were things that I understood better about her character from watching the movie than I was able to understand when reading the book.

joan626

Best books/movie adaptations:
E.M. Forster's "Howard's End" / A.S. Byatt's "Possession" and "Angels and Insects" / Jane Austen's "Sense and Sensibility" (Emma Thompson won an Oscar for the screenplay and her acceptance speech was almost as good as the film) Loved all the Austen films but only read "Sense and Sensibility" and I enjoyed the film more. All of the above films were outstanding in their direction, screenplays and casting. Brilliant is not a good enough description.
Joan Gillman Smith

jewel1923

I recently watched the movie "Twilight." I became so engrossed in this movie, or maybe possessed is a better word to use for my behavior, that I have watched it a dozen times.

When I found out that it was based on the book called "Twilight", and that there were four books total to the saga, I ran out and bought the three books after "Twilight," and had them read in three and half days. I downloaded the book "Twilight" from our public library, read it in a day, and loved it as much as the movie.

Now, my 19-year-old son is reading "New Moon,¿ the second series of the "Twilight" book saga, and loves it. He never picked up a book before this one to read for pleasure. My son, his girlfriend, and I watched "Twilight" last night together. Today, my son and I had a very nice conversation about the pleasures of reading a book, and then watching the movie based on a book. I never imagined that my jock of a son would ever read a book for pleasure. Stephenie Meyers is an excellent writer.

I am just glad that I watched the movie "Twilight" before reading the book. Reading the book helped me to understand the characters better in the movie. There is so much more depth to the characters in the book than in the movie.

The movie made me feel like I was the one the story was happening too. Twilight actors really pulled it off by allowing their emotions to come through the screen, and that is why I was so drawn to the movie, and enjoy it as much as I do.

njs2266

i usually prefer reading the book-you get details as the writer intended and that movies can't always show. i loved the movie adaptation of beloved and hated the movie adaptation of michael crichton's the lost world (jurassic park II).

nydancer1

Wow! What a great subject. I have compiled a great list from this blog to see and read. My votes go to The Interview with a Vampire, who can resist Brad Pitt and Tom Cruz together! As well as Great Expectations with Gwyneth Paltrow and Ethan Hawk, a movie I fell in love with!! And yes I am in my twenties, and I loved the both the books and movies of Harry Potter. What a great world she created. Thanks for starting this blog!

betty0408

Seldom have I read a book after seeing the movie so my vote goes for: read the book first!

One of my favorite Oprah books was House of Sand and Fog. The story was so different from anything I had ever read; I really enjoyed it. I could hardly wait to see the movie and it was very true to the book and I loved it.

I've read My Sister's Keeper. I don't know if I'm up to watching the movie; the story stirred my soul. My second granddaughter, whose sister was not a match, had the same leukemia at 9 months old as the daughter in the book but thank God, she's well today.

muttlady

May 1, 2009 5:02 PM

  |   in response to: erinmerryn

I read Marley and Me last summer. Such a great and funny book. I would read it on my lunch break at work everyday and I cry when I laugh, so when I went back to work I looked like someone had told me a family member had died. I was such a mess! I was so thrilled to see the movie was coming out in Dec 2008 but as soon as I saw the promos, I knew the movie was not going to be near as good as the book. I waited till it came out in video a few weeks ago and I was so glad I did not pay the movie ticket price to see it. I was really disappointed in the movie. Erinmerryn...do read the book, it is much better than the movie.

k_arch

One of my favorite books is "The Divine Secrets of the Ya Ya Sisters. I would say that the book was better than the movie. I enjoyed the movie, but it left out a lot of the details. I prefer to read the book first.

pkbemmes

May 1, 2009 7:16 PM

  |   in response to: bethbrax

I agree about East of Eden. For me, it is one of the best book adaptations I've seen. I loved both the book and the mini series and Jane Seymour was so good at being evil that it took a very long time for me to like her again.

ceebbe

One of my favorite movies is Where the Heart Is. I was so excited about the movie that I saw it the day it came out. I was so so disappointed. Some of the best parts and characters were kept out movie. Ashley Judd was a terrible choice - not that I have anything against her- but that character should have been a frumpy, overweight woman that lacked confidence.

rjmgold33

I think books are always better than the movies- my only exceptions I think are: Lord of the Rings movies and Runaway Jury by John Grisham. Usually when I read the book first I like it better and am very critical of the movie. With the movies I mentioned, I saw them before I read the books, and I still like them better. The Runaway Jury movie is way better than the book. They changed the topic and I think made it better. And yes PLEASE read My Sister's Keeper. I read it about a year ago and got hooked on Jodi Picoult novels. I think it is one of her best.

micnkat

May 1, 2009 9:06 PM

  |   in response to: k_arch

I agree with your comments. I liked the movie "The Divine Secrets of the Ya Ya Sisterhood", but the book and it's sequel were far superior. Another book I loved was "Practical Magic" by Alice Hoffman. Although I really liked the movie, I felt that it was a completely different story to what was in the novel. A poor adaption of the novel, but a good story on its own, so to speak.

read4life8

I really enjoy reading the book before the movie comes out. Many movies leave so much information out that the book just makes more sense. I don't think I've seen a movie that goes completely in sync with the book I read 'White Oleander' by Janet Fitch and started watching the movie which is nothing like the book.

sakitofu1

Hi Jill - I almost exclusively read the book before seeing the movie. The Secret Life of Bees was very well adapted and cast. I loved the book and the movie equally as much.

I read my son's book, Inkheart, and then saw the movie. I hardly knew the two were one in the same. It was really disappointing. I probably would have enjoyed the movie if I hadn't read the book at all.

Then there are the books that are so moving and sad that I won't go see the movie because I won't be able to handle it. I read Nights in Rodanthe, and as much as I like Richard Gere and Diane Lane, I could not go see the movie - knowing how devastating the end was.

sriyanga

For me the best 2 movies have been Thorn Birds and Rebecca (by Daphne De Maurier). I've read the books & seen the movies over & over again. Also most of John Grisham's books have been turned to good movies. But the above two have been so great!

lawgrrl07

Always, always, always read the book first...I never waiver from that rule with one exception -- "Notes on a Scandal", the film adaptation of Zoe Heller's book. That film is a guilty pleasure that should absolutely be seen whether the book is read or not.

christen68

As an English teacher and a devoted reader, I would almost always say the book is better than the movie. In fact, I don't make it a habit to see movies of books I have already read and loved. For example, I haven't seen The Reader or Atonement. I never watch the Harry Potter movies, which my students can't believe. However, I do have exceptions to my rule: The Lord of the Rings movies were BETTER than the books - sorry J.R.R. I think Peter Jackson is a genius and have a whole list of books/stories I wish he would make into movies. I also liked the movie Notes on a Scandal better than the book. The book was just too dark. At least there was a little light in the film. I liked the adaptation of The Secret Life of Bees. I thought the acting was fantastic, although Queen Latifah looked too dowdy to be August. WORST MOVIE ADAPTATION: Little Children by Tom Perrotta. That movie sucked all of the humor out of the book and made it dark and ugly. And, the ending was perfectly dreadful. The end of the novel was witty and ironic. The ending of the movie was like Friday the 13th. In general: Read the book.

lizthestam

As an avid reader I almost always have read the book before it is made into a movie. I love the way a book draws me into the story and into the lives of the characters. Rarely have I seen a film that does justice to the book and I am so often disappointed that I rarely go to see a movie after I have read the book. But one film that stands out is the excellent adaptation of The Remains of the Day. Brilliant performances by Anthony Hopkins as the butler and Emma Thompson as the housekeeper, an excellent screenplay and direction do justice to the book of the same name by Kazuo Ishiguro. I highly recommend reading the novel and then seeing the film.

terry539

I am an avid reader therefore I enjoy when the book is produced into a movie. To me, a movie has been translated well when I am totally engaged and moved while watching it. This happened when I watched Marley and Me and many of the Harry Potter movies. But no other movie keeps me totally engaged over and over again like To Kill a Mockingbird. As an English teacher, I can't count how many times I have read the book. The movie is such a great adaptation of the story that while showing it to my class, I can't help but feel Attius' plight and relate to Scout's pending maturity. Watching the movie through my students' eyes and appreciating their love for both pieces makes this one of my favorite books and movies!

ub12c1

Hi Jill,
I'm like you in that I have books everywhere! If I see the movie I don't feel the need to read it. The one book that I could not put down and was absolutely addicted to and fascinated by was Dan Brown's DaVinci Code. I was sadly disappointed at the theater. The movie was ok but the abbreviated version didn't do it justice and as much as I love Tom Hanks he just didn't cut it. I've already pre-ordered Lost Symbol!

finlizy

I remember reading the book The House of Sand and Fog and was so taken by it, I couldn't put it down. When the movie came out I was very excited to go and see it, What a disapointment! What Dreams May Come, I loved that book, The movie was well done infact I have watched it 3 times, but still not as good as the book they changed a lot of the content. So I guess the book wins always.

kjaussie

Hi,
I completed a research study on the question of whether a movie or book was better and the answer I got was it depends. Most people will prefer one over the other, but usually are more likely to dislike the movie if they have already read the book. If someone sees the movie and then reads the book the movie will act as a backdrop to the reading but not spoil it as the details in the book are usually far more involved than is explored in movies as they have time constraints. Only occasionally did I find that people felt the movie completely ruined the book.

One great book that was adapted to be a great movie was Silence of the Lambs. Both are equally compelling in their discourses and are enjoyable for those who like those types of stories.

The overall outcome seems to be that it is better to watch the movie first, as reading a book is created in ones own mind and could rarely be expected to be better on screen in someone else's vision. Whereas one could adapt a prefabricated version of the story and translate it to the book a lot easier while filling in the extra details that are likely to be gained through reading the story.

joan912

I agree about "A Time to Kill", great movie, and Matthew didn't hurt. My all time favorite book is, "The Prince of Tides", the fact I was born and raised in the same area the book is set made it a personal journey for me. I am a huge Streisand fan but couldn't help but wonder how someone so removed from the south could give it the justice it deserved in the movie. The movie was like an outline of the book, and you don't really know and understand this story without reading the book. But the movie did one thing, it brought Tom Wingo to life thanks to a wonderful performance by Nick Nolte.
In my opinion you ALWAYS read the book before you see the movie.

necern

May 3, 2009 7:06 PM

  |   in response to: margiegood

I am one who would never go back to read a book after seeing the movie, but I usually look forward to the movie after a book to determine if the movie truly captures the essence of the book. I believe most movies fall short. Two exceptions that come to mind are The Notebook, and John Grishams "A Time Too Kill". I felt in both cases the movies captured the essence of the book. Contrarily, the movie "The DaVinci Code" was just ok, and did not capture the essence of the book in my opinion.

wallysue

Can you have too many books? NO and again I say no! I love books. I can't remember a time I didn't read but I guess there must have been. My kids have complained about moving all my books and I did give some to the school library where I taught, but in no time the vacant spots were filled. I have some books from long ago like "Les Miserables by Victor Hugo and I still have the "Little House" books and some by Harold Bell Wright--you know he wrote some of his books about Missouri. I enjoy reading Louis L'Amour. History has always been a favorite of mine. I have been reading about the Orphan Trains to Missouri which led me to a new author Robert Noonan who also writes about the Orphan trains. I just finished the 3rd book in his "Orphan Train Trilogy." This is written in story form and I found them to be a great read in a historical novel. Since it is planting time now I am getting ready to read "Growing Roses Organically." To answer the question no one can ever have too many books. I hope I will always have a book to read and be able to read it.

elizrout

May 4, 2009 1:00 AM

  |   in response to: producerji

How about putting a poetry book in front of Oprah for Bookclub? "Penelope's Shroud" by Australasian poet Elizabeth Routledge will appeal to Oprahs predominantly female audience, and like you say her poems come alive when read aloud! ... and remember Michelle and Barak love poetry!! How about an offshoot of Bookclub, Musings ... the poets corner?poetry is spiritual, therapeutic, prescient, visionary, uplifting and combined with journaling a wonderful tool for busy women to get to know themselves and clarify their beliefs and values. An excerpt:
Down among the women.

Down among the women I've reconciled to be
after all ¿ it's not such a bad place to see
a tremulous community, endless cups of tea.

Down among the women we share
our broken hearts, lost youth and recipes.
We watch our children grow through sleepless nights
and hazy days; play dates, sticky hands
and picture books, this is what we know.

Down among the women mothers lean
the small of their backs into strong palms
one hip risen, permanently hitched
to support their family.
Breasts lean towards the earth
knotted veins and silvery threads
the scars and reward, of our creation.

Down among the women we pause for a moment
watch the just-walking toddler examine
with unrivalled focus and fascination
the sticky dust coating stamen and velvet petal
velvet cheek.

Or eavesdrop on nine year old games
free from restraint, just before the tipping point
of puberty gatecrashes their fragile, imaginative selves.
And sigh.

Down among the women we talk and talk and talk
as our babies grow into young girls
arrogant and vulnerable, stepping out into a new world.
And silently pray, that they, will follow their dreams.

Our boys too become men. Men. A mystery.
Leaving for war, leaving for work
leaving to drink, leaving.
They come and go out of our cosy orbit
leaving behind their smell, their instant lusts
and jobs not done.

Down among the women we've known poverty
bounced cheques, dangling bills, lawyers
and bitter pills.
Hormones no longer set us on fire
but surge and retreat like a dark moon tide.
Passions lie waiting under a soporific blanket
of domesticity and a grief so deep
it can never be undone.

Unless¿
Unless I could find a new dream and dream it real.
Real as life with head held high
and the only time I sigh
is when joy
surprises me.

bipolar57

I always tend to think the book is always better than the movie.. But I just read a book called ¿ I just want my daughter back¿ by B C Levinson that I got on Amazon. It¿s really a great story about a mother¿s experiences with her daughter¿s bipolar disorder. I do think it would make a great TV movie..especially since it ends so great. It¿s really inspiring me to keep my chin up and stay strong for my own daughter who has this illness. I was up all night reading it. You guys have to get this book.

cannava

Hi Jill,
The Hours by Michael Cunningham was a phenomenal book and the movie is the best adapation I have seen. Read it first, then enjoy the film.

larkinpl

Jill, Jill, you haveta, haveta read BLIND SIDE by Marvin Lewis. I could not put it down. It's unbelievable, it's compelling and it's just downright freakin' amazing. It's a mind-blowing story about Michael Oher, a poor boy from Memphis, who has almost no education and no family life to speak of, by chance taken in by a rich Memphis family who helps him save himself. He's an incredibly compassionate and kind but painfully, painfully shy boy who's generally invisible in the world. He's also 6'5" and 340 lbs. (!!) and is a gifted athelete. Michael was just taken in the first round of the NFL draft by the Baltimore Ravens. This book is just fabulous and the the movie will be out in Nov 2009.

rbmiklic

I tried all night but i couldn't download the KFC coupon.Is there anyother way to get it

dlfox1929

I have to insist that everyone should have read Michener's THE SOURCE. It has everything & should be on everyone "must read" list ... D. L. Fox

geniefere

Jill - you MUST read "The World according to Garp" by John Irving. It is so hilarious, your sides will hurt. The movie with Robin Williams is as funny if not funnier than the book - which is rare!

ENJOY in joy!

Lise

geniefere

May 22, 2009 6:35 PM

  |   in response to: dlfox1929

Jill - you must read "The World According to Garp" by John Irving - it is so hilarious, your sides will hurt. Same with the movie, Robin Williams is the main character - can it get funnier?

Enjoy!

Lise

alias95

May 24, 2009 5:37 PM

  |   in response to: erinmerryn

OMG, you must read My Sisters Keeper, it is amazing. You will laugh and cry. While I am definitely going to see the movie, based on the trailer, they are leaving a few things out. Jodi Picoult's other books are very good as well, but My Sister's Keeper is the best.

ace128

I read a book by the name of The Coldest Winter Ever By Sista Soldier. This book was intense yet real. It about a family who lives in the projects in New York city. The story tell how they were able to move out of the projects into a better niegborhood. So much happen to this family. They find out what the term Money is the root of all evil really means. This is a different read yet a good read, and I think you should read it.

terric411

I always try to read the book first (if I have time). One movie that I thought did a good job on the book was "The Outsiders". Maybe it was because I was young and was infatuated with the whole cast! But I still think it's a great film. I think the Twilight movie completely missed the mark for me, but I also need to remember it was made for teenage girls and not a working mom. Very excited to see Time Travelers Wife, and hope they hit the mark, because I loved the book!

sjlockett

My all time favorite book/movie combination is The Grapes of Wrath. The book was written by John Steinbeck; the film was directed by John Ford and starred Henry Fonda. I read the book in high school (back when dinosaurs roamed the Earth)and saw the movie on TV. The book telling the story of the Joads was very moving, but seeing those same images in stark black and white was powerful. Several of those images have stayed with me to this day. I also like the fact that some of Steinbeck's dialog was transferred verbatim to the movie.

revjeri

A friend brought me a really great book lately.
EDDIE'S BASTARD by William Kowalski ranks right up there with Secret Life of Bees, etc. I loved it.............jeri

rrami9216

I read all of the suggestions made and did not notice the following mentioned, if they were, plese forgive me. To all the others I add: The Pearl by Steinbeck, Th House on Mango Street, Andersonville, A Tale of Two Cities, THe Diary of Anne Frank, Animal Farm, The Secret Sharer, The Yearling and many of the short stories by Edgar Allen Poe.

danahice

I read "a prayer for owen meany" by john irving prior to seeing the movie. The moview had a completely different title and had Jim Carey in it. It was titled "simon birch". The ending was completely changed from the book, but both were enjoyable, with some spiritual themes and sometimes outrageous.

colmcneely

Producer here are two suggestions for your summer read. Pride and Prejudice by jane austen or Jane Eyre by charlotte Bronte. I read these as a teenager and I must say if you truly want a classic take you pick. You will be transformed and taken to another world. Your mailbox is full.

ewhittin

I always recommend reading the book then watching the movie! The Dan Brown books are significantly better in book form. If you read the books first, then you will likely be disappointed in the movie.

Robert Redford's version of The Great Gatsby is actually pretty close to Fitzgerald's novel, but everyone really should read the novel.

rileyroo25

If I read the book first I rarely enjoy the movie. If I watch the movie and then read the book there is a chance I will still like the movie even if I prefer the book. I don't think there is any way that movies can really live up to the book, there is way too much that gets left out of the movies. I also really hate when important scenes get left out of movies, and I hate when the screenwriter or director makes actual changes to things that were in the book. Although it is understandable considering the limitations of working with the material for a successful movie. I recently saw Angels and Demons and it in no way compared to the book, although I preferred it to the Da Vinci Code movie. One movie I did prefer to the book though was Breakfast at Tiffany's. Could just be the fact that I love Audrey Hepburn, but I found the movie less boring than the book.

vickybolen

I've just read "The Shack" by Wm. P. Young. It's not a classic yet, but it should be. I loved the way Young potrays the Trinity in such a simple, personal way. It was a very easy read and a page-turner.

4chriscros

two great books to read are:

The Red Tent by Anita Diamant - by favorite book of all time!

The Joys of Motherhood by Buchi Emecheta

I tried to leave it for Jil but her mailbox was full

athena83

watch the movie before you see the book, hehe. i think that leaves less room for disappointment.

as someone who has studied scriptwriting, i find adaptations interesting. how do you relate something literary to a audiovisual medium without losing it's essence, whist keeping it suited to the new medium?

i think if you remember that it's too completely different mediums you can appreciate both.

bankerwife

It is always better to read the book first. Two books that were also great movies are "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee and "Of Mice and Men" by John Steinbeck John Malkovich and Gary Sinese are great in their roles

cwaterhous

I have the priviledge of introducing second graders to great young literature. As a rule, children today, regardless of intelligence and ability. do not like to read. Turning them on is a challenge. Great classics and other well known stories would not be read if we didn't do so in class because children have "already seen the movie." It usually turns out to be a horrrible representation of the book. For example, Stuart Little, Charlotte's Web, The Giant Peach, Indian in the Cupboard, and on... It is so enjoyable to have reluctant readers love a book we have read and discussed and realize the discredit that Hollywood has done to it.

knhale

I had read the Notebook 2 years prior to the movie coming out and didn't see the movie until it came to television. After watching the movie I felt something was missing. I didn't feel I got the entire back stories on the main characters like I did in the book. When they died in the end I was confused and immediately found my book to look it up. The problem was I had just read The Wedding, which the father was in and hadn't died although they had said the mother had. So it was hard for me to wrap my brain around that and realized they would not be able to do a film on the Wedding. Which was amazing. The twists and turns in it were amazing everytime I thought I had it figured out it took a different turn on me and I ended up crying my eyes out at the end. I felt the same thing with Nights in Rodanthe. The screen writer really took a lot of liberties and did not stay true to the book. I liked the movie, but had wished I had seen it first and then read the book. I love John's books, I just wish he had more say in the screen writing. Alot seems to be lost in the translation. I am very excited to see Angels and Demons. I read the book last summer, so hopefully enough time has past so I am able to enjoy the movie. Everyone I spoke to said after the Di Vinci Code came out, if they had just read the book they didn't like the movie, but if more than 8 months had past since they read the book, they loved the movie. So we'll see what happens with Angels and Demons. I'm excited about the new Book Dan Brown has coming out. Hopefully his new book will be up to the standards of his other works. Jill good luck with your book for the summer, I'm going to the library tomorrow and hopefully we will have it!

w2izcbs

Jun 5, 2009 10:45 PM

  |   in response to: wallysue

May 5 You can never have to many books. They are like friends--some like family. I love the characters, travel to the places I can never go,lose myself in a book with people I feel I know.I love the smell of a new book and feel good when I know I have three or four ready to read when I am finished with the one I am reading. I love Shirley Valentine!!!I have seen the movie and the play so many times I know the lines. I also love Under the Tuscan Sun.I read all types of books and make it a habit that I finish a book when I am not to fond of it and in the end I am always glad I did because there may be just one line that gives so much meaning and stays with you. Sue

andie1040

If you think it's a great story, always read the book first! You will have your own interpretations and opinions that become part of your experience. The book will provide layers and layers of ideas that are personal for every reader. When you see the movie it's a package of interpretations by the screenwriter, actors, and director that you must take for that experience when you watch it. Sometimes it can open your eyes to things you never thought of, but usually it is a spot in time and static. If you go back and read your book again, you may have a richer experience, but mostly because of what you bring to it. That's why so many say the book is "better." In five decades of reading and moviegoing, I've found very few books that were improved on screen. A great director can do it. One was the Godfather. The book was a quick read, somewhat trashy, characters not so well drawn. The movie? Well, you've seen it. Robert Redford "fixed" the boring ending to The Horse Whisperer, and in the Bridges of Madison County, Clint Eastwood fixed the whole darn thing! But mostly I cling to the experience I have when I read the book, and the movie is usually an interesting, but somewhat inaccurate snapshot of that. Books are the relationship, movies are the one-night stand!
Andrea (waiting for the movie version of Eddies Bastard)

lmwright01

In general I prefer reading the book before seeing the movie, and I agree that the book is usually better, but I have 2 exceptions: one of my favorite movies of all time is "The French Lieutenant's Woman", and it outdid the book. The book has 3 endings, which is confusing-the movie chose only 2, and was clearer. The second is "Room With A View". The movie is just charming and lovely, while the book is more deeply into socialism. Our book club tries to go see any movie that is then made into a book we've read, and sometimes it clears up the book for us! That happened with Cold Mountain, and most certainly with Everything Is Illuminated, which is definitely better than the book!

dvdlagr

Undoubtedly, see the movie first! ...which often means putting off reading the book for several months. As some filmmakers have pointed out, it is not practical or, in many cases, even desirable to have the movie follow the book REAL CLOSELY. Some of the reasons are: 1) the audiences are different, and 2) the author has more time to developed characters and plot than the filmmaker does. So, due to the various constraints on the filmmaker, the movie will have to be an "abridged" version of the book. Reading the book first, I find myself trying to reconcile what...and why, is going on on the screen with where "that" was in the book. Seeing the movie first, there is the same situation; however, the development is (usually) moving more slowly and deliberately. This makes it easier to reconcile the two media. Also, if the book is fantasy, then my mind has the opportunity to create the details of the setting. In this case, the movie takes away my opportunity for creativity and a bonding with the story. The movie becomes a picture I watch whereas the book is a story with which I can be involved.

skyeyks

Jun 6, 2009 9:15 PM

  |   in response to: sakitofu1

I disagree on the book/movie Inkheart. The book was a chore to get through, too much detail/minutiae. I almost gave up, but wanted to finish so I could forget about it. The movie was soooooo much better. Told the story, it was entertaining; and had a satisfactory ending.

rileyroo25

Since I always (at least 99% of the time) prefer the book to the movie, I usually like watching the movie first so that I might still like the movie, because if I watch after reading the movie doesn't live up to the book, but if I haven't read the book until after then the movie stands a chance. There are, however, 2 movies that I saw recently based on books that I hadn't read in at least 10 years. Since I hadn't read the book in so long I didn't have an immediate memory of the story, so the movies seemed new, and I actually enjoyed them. They are "The Feast of All Saints", written by Anne Rice, and "The Stone Angel" by Margaret Laurence.

gwenkh

Jun 11, 2009 10:16 PM

  |   in response to: cacorrigan

I have to agree with cacorrigan. "To Kill a Mockingbird" is my favorite book and one of my very favorite movies. I can't think of a better Atticus Finch than Gregory Peck. Even though many things were left out of the movie, they really captured the essence of the book. Filming it in black and white was a brilliant decision. It really gave it an authentic feel.

wmcjmc

Jun 12, 2009 10:57 AM

  |   in response to: kitkat902

I tend to agree with you. I've found slowing down to read a book helps me get in touch with the characters better. The Reader has always been a favorite of mine, as well as Midwives by Chris Bojhalian... Movies give you someone elses's take on the book. I prefer my own.

nique1074

I always try to read the book, then see the movie - it makes for a richer experience. I try to make a conscious effort not to compare the two, however, that always leave me disappointed. The movie is never as good as the book, but I can appreciate each for what they are.

rileyroo25

I am going to try an experiment. Most people read the book before watching the movie, often so that they can capture their own thoughts and insights before watching someone else's version in the movie. I usually do the opposite, I watch the movie first, not to get pre-insight into the story, but just because I never find the movie as enjoyable as the book, and want to give the movie a chance. My experiment will be to read a few books before watching the movie and see what happens. I am going to be reading "The Secret Life of Bees" and "Wuthering Heights" this summer (along with "Middlemarch" and will watch the movies after reading the books. I want to see how that experience goes for me. To contrast, I just watched the movie "Atonement" and I want to read the book soon too, if I can manage to add that to my list of summer reads (probably, because I read quickly), and then I can compare my experiences with the rest, and decide if I actually do prefer watching first or reading first. I will probably decide to watch or read a given title on its own, without having a rule of watch then read or read then watch, but it will be interesting to see what my experience will be.

green182

we are all growing older each day, eventually we all retire. Are you ready for retirement? are you ready for old age? how will you survive? I read " Aging, A Lifelong Trek to Nirvana". It contains vital information i think everyone should know. check it out for your self.

wandalouz

Jill, this book is seeming to remind me of my life, in some ways. I like it and I hope it ends well.

RoseRed

wandalouz

Jill
I feel (related), if that's the word, to this book. So far very good.

RoseRed

romelgt

I love to read JOHN GRISHAM novels...Love it