My Reading Challenge: Books Adapted to Film
Last year I set what felt like an ambitious goal of reading 52 books for the year 2023. And for me it was! I don’t think I would’ve accomplished it without making use of audiobooks during my commute or just going about daily life. However, even with the added convenience, reading still at times felt like a chore and that’s not how I want to feel about something that I love.
So this year I’ve greatly reduced my goal to only 15 books, but with conditions: They must be books that have been adapted to film. Add to that, ones that I’ve never read, nor seen the film. I plan to read the book, then the original screenplay (if I can find it), and finally watch the film. I’m interested to see what changes, if any, were made as it progressed from a sole person’s idea into a more collaborative, visual experience. Possibly even exploring why those decisions were made as well.
While these books and their accompanying film adaptations are considered classics, I for whatever reason, have not been exposed to them outside of pop culture references. So while I am very late to the game, I am excited to see what all the hype was about ;)
As you can probably tell, I prefer to thrift my books. All of these, with the exception of The Shining, which was lent to me by a friend, have been thrifted. That’s also the book that will kick off this journey.
Please share any recommendations you have as well!
#readersoflemon8 #classics #films #screenplay #books #goodreads #tbr #reading #movies
Books and their film adaptations offer a unique lens through which we can explore storytelling. Literary classics like 'The Godfather' by Mario Puzo and 'The Shining' by Stephen King have made significant impacts on both literature and cinema. When a book is adapted for film, it often goes through changes to fit the visual medium, which can profoundly alter characters, plot lines, and themes. Analyzing these adaptations encourages a deeper understanding of both mediums. Many readers enjoy the original text before watching its film portrayal to appreciate the creative liberties taken by filmmakers. Exploring screenplays can enhance this experience, offering insight into the director’s vision that may differ from the source material. Classics like 'The Bridge on the River Kwai' provide rich narratives that often reflect the cultural and historical context of their times. For those undertaking a similar reading challenge, consider creating a list of novels and their adaptations to track your progress. Discussing your findings with fellow readers can also be enlightening. Engaging with the community through platforms like Goodreads or specific reading groups can amplify your journey, allowing for diverse perspectives on these classic works.
Hi there! Welcome to Lemon8! 🍋Looking forward to your future posts 💛