by William Kenney
After reading Leopold’s blog Are Books Always Better Than The Movies? I thought it would be a good idea to see what books I have to binge before the end of the year so I can see the movie in theaters.
If you’re anything like me, you want to read the book before you see the movie. That way you can create the characters and scenery in your own mind before exploring them on the big screen. If you’re exactly like me, you need to see that movie on the big screen with an extra large popcorn and soda as your companion. This means I must be well prepared in my reading schedule so that I don’t miss any page to screen adaptation.
With that being said, here is a list of books to binge so that you can see them in theaters before the end of 2017.
Gerald’s Game, Stephen King – September 29, 2017
This isn’t one for the kids.
I am excited to kick off this list with the second Stephen King adaptation to be released this month.
However, you won’t have to pay $10.99+ to watch this one on release, just your monthly Netflix bill. I haven’t yet come across a Netflix property that I think is at least worth watching, so I am excited for this Stephen King adaptation. The plot revolves around the classic kinky-game-gone wrong scenario, which leaves a wife stranded handcuffed to her bed knowing help is not on the way.
The Snowman, Jo Nesbø – October 20, 2017
This crime thriller based on the book by the same name, follows a detective (Michael Fassbender), as he hunts a serial killer known as, drumroll please, the Snowman. As a Fassbender fan this is probably the book I am most excited for on the list, and I don’t have to wait because I have luckily already read it.
If you like this book/movie, I would highly suggest the novel/film Headhunters, also based on a Jo Nesbø book.
The Mountain Between Us, Charles Martin – October 20, 2017
If survival stories are your cup of tea, look no further. He’s on his way home to perform surgery, she’s trying to make it to her wedding, but when weather prevents travel the two team up to get to their destinations. The movie features Idris Alba and Kate Winslet’s fight for survival after their plane crashes in a mountain while trying to get home.
Last Flag Flying, Daryl Ponicsan – November 3, 2017
A sequel to The Last Detail (another Darryl Ponicsan book that hit the big screen in 1973 starring Jack Nicholson), this story revolves around three marines who reunite when one of the trio asks the other two to attend his sons funeral. The film will star Bryan Cranston, Steve Carell and Laurence Fishburne.
Murder on the Orient Express, by Agatha Christie – November 10, 2017
Although this novel has already had multiple adaptations, I am particular excited for this one because of its star-fueled cast. If Kenneth Branagh starring and directing wasn’t enough, the film also features Penélope Cruz, Willem Defoe, Judi Dench, Johnny Depp, Josh Gad, Derek Jacobi Leslie Odom Junior, Michelle Pfeiffer, Daisy Ridley, Lucy Boynton and Sergei Polunin (whew what a mouthful).
It is a classic Agatha Christie locked-room mystery that is sure to leave us gasping at the classic Mrs.-Peacock-with-a-gun-in-the-caboose end.
Wonder, R.J. Palacio – November 17, 2017
Bring out the tissues, because this one looks like a tearjerker. After going through multiple surgeries, Auggie (played by Jacob Tremblay who you may remember from his award winning performance in Room) has to face all the challenges of growing up with an added crutch. His parents Isabel (Julia Roberts) and Nate (Owen Wilson) try to help his transition into school.
Molly’s Game, Molly Bloom – November 22, 2017
This memoir follows the 26 year old who became the target of an FBI investigation after starting a poker empire that attracted movie celebrities, athletes, business tycoons and even the Russian mob. If you’re a fan of movies like 21, or just a fan of true crime, this might interest you.
Call Me by Your Name, André Aciman – November 24, 2017
This coming-of-age film set in the 1980s follows the 17-year old Italian Elio (Timothée Chalamet), who meets Oliver (Armie Hammer), an academic, who has come to stay at his parent’s villa for the summer. A bond develops between the boys as they explore sexuality, their Jewish heritage and the beautiful Italian landscape.
The Disaster Artist, Greg Sestero – December 8th
This one not only requires reading a book, but also seeing a movie. The book is about the ridiculous production of the 2003 cult film The Room. James Franco and Seth Rogan once again grace the screen to inform the world of what has been dubbed “The greatest bad movie ever made.”
Literati Pulp 