martian-560x224By Julie Ellis

Are you planning your next Kindle download? Are you looking for new books to add to your wish list on Good Reads? If you prefer to read a book before it is made into a movie, now is a good time to adjust your reading list. There are several books that are going to be turned into motion pictures in 2015. Take the time to read these now, before you are inundated with spoilers. Here are 8 of these must read books to movies:

1. True Story: Murder, Memoir, Mea Culpa

This memoir, written by Michael Finkel, recounts his downfall as a journalist when he was caught fabricating information about a story that he was covering. To make matters worse, while Finkel was running away from the consequences of his actions and avoiding the public eye, a mass murderer assumed his identity. This year, a film adaptation of this story starring Jonah Hill and James Franco is due to be released. While it will be interesting to see what Jonah Hill does in a dramatic role, this is definitely a book that you should read ASAP.

2. Serena

The movie adaptation of this book will star Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper. This star studded duo is sure to draw audiences into movie theaters, but you might want to enjoy savoring the book instead. After all, the story of an intensely dedicated yet amoral couple building a timber empire together surely deserves more attention than 90 minutes in the movie theater doesn’t it?

3. The Martian

Yes, the movie is going to star Matt Damon. Yes, you should go see the movie. Here’s the good news, however. The movie isn’t set for release until late November. This gives you several months to read this book focusing on space travel, and the sacrifices one man is willing to make for others.

4. Paper Towns

Are you a fan of quirky, romantic stories like “Scott Pilgrim vs. the World?” If you are, we hope you read the Scott Pilgrim graphical novels before watching the movies. Likewise, you should read “Paper Towns” before watching the movie adaptation of this John Green publication.

5. In the Heart of the Sea

Did you know the fictional story “Moby Dick” was inspired by the death and destruction caused by a sperm whale? You might want to read this non-fiction account of these events before the film is released. Be warned, though, the tragedy that the crew of the Essex endured was heart wrenching, especially for those of the survivors.

6. Still Alice

Although the movie version of this novel that is set to star the amazing Julianne Moore, is sure to be amazing, you should add this to your list of novels to read this spring. The story is about a relatively young professional in the prime of her life, who learns that she has been stricken with early onset Alzheimer’s disease, and her struggle to maintain independence during the most vulnerable moments of her life. This is clearly an amazingly well written novel, and it is likely that Ms. Moore will receive an Oscar nomination for her work.

7. Frankenstein

Have you already read this novel by Mary Shelley? It doesn’t matter, you should read it again. Then, make plans to watch the newest movie adaptation starring Harry Potter alumni Daniel Radcliffe.

8. Far From the Maddening Crowd

Please read this story of a woman and her potential life mates. You will be intrigued by the difficult choices she faces on many different levels. It is hard to know how the film adaptation will treat her story, so read it first.

About the author: Julie Ellis – regular blogger for http://www.premieressay.net/. Having a Master’s degree in Journalism and love for traveling, Julie is financed by her freelance writing to investigate and explore new, exotic places of the world.

7 COMMENTS

  1. I’ve already read four out of the eight. Two others were on the maybe list. None of the eight look like movies I’d ever want to watch. I know I’m out of step, but I never feel compelled to see movies based on books I’ve read.

  2. It’s hard to remember all the Franenstein films I saw as a kid, but counting the Karloff and Hammer, then the other quesentionable versions like Franenstein Conquers the World. – I’m guessing it is more than a dozen. Who needs another? I’ll just rewatch Andy Worhol’s Flesh for Frankenstein. Or maybe not.

The TeleRead community values your civil and thoughtful comments. We use a cache, so expect a delay. Problems? E-mail newteleread@gmail.com.