Walk into a library after a book-made-into-movie hits the theaters and you will hear readers critiquing how well the motion picture portrayed the story. Reactions vary from letdown to indignation and from contentment to delight. Why all the fuss?<\/p>\n
Readers adore the delicious details of books with their fully developed characters and rich plots. We sometimes get miffed when the movie version isn\u2019t what we expected or hoped it would be. How can we fairly compare the two formats? Author Stephen King gives wise advice for our outlook on this genre: \u201cBooks and movies are like apples and oranges. They both are fruit, but taste completely different.\u201d<\/p>\n
The GCLD Virtual Adult Book Club recently delved into this category and explored book\/movie combos across a wide variety of age levels and genres.<\/p>\n
It was a moment of self-discovery for member Julie Guhl. \u201cI always wondered what my favorite genre was, and I found out that this is my genre! I never realized how many of these I had read,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Multiple individuals enjoyed the following book\/movie combos:<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Zookeeper\u2019s Wife: A War Story\u201d by Diane Ackerman: Set in Poland during World War II, \u201cThe Zookeeper\u2019s Wife\u201d relates the true story of a family who transformed their zoo into a safe habitation for over 300 Jewish and political refugees. Under the nose of the Nazis, the family hid their secret guests in animal cages and called them by animal names. Readers agree the book\/movie combo was emotional, yet powerful.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Time Traveler\u2019s Wife\u201d by Audrey Niffenegger: A romantic fantasy, \u201cThe Time Traveler\u2019s Wife\u201d explores an unusual relationship between Claire and Henry, a librarian whom time imprisons, randomly throwing him across time apart from his control. Despite this mind-bending existence, they fall in love. Although the movie differs slightly from the book, readers loved the clever story.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Book Thief\u201d by Markus Zusak: This award-winning young adult book is a literary delight. A kind Angel of Death narrates the story of Liesel, a German girl taken in by foster parents during the rise of Adolph Hitler and the ensuing World War II. Although tormented by past tragedy and current challenges, Liesel finds solace and nourishment in the books she steals. The film stays true to the story and boasts an excellent cast.<\/p>\n
Why should kids have all the fun this summer? All adults are welcome to participate and explore \u201cA Universe of Stories\u201d in GCLD\u2019s Summer Reading Program. You might even win an Apple Watch Series 3! To complete the program, choose from a wide variety of book and movie topics, including science fiction, NASA\u2019s Space Program, international settings\/authors, and mythology\/folklore. Try out one of GCLD\u2019s many online resources, as well: Libby by Overdrive\u2019s digital books, Kanopy\u2019s streaming films, or Rosetta Stone\u2019s foreign languages. And note, we have Mad Science workshops this week on Living in Space and Marvels of Motion. Please visit your local library for details. We look forward to reading and learning with you this summer!<\/p>\n
Shelly Mathis is library services specialist with the Grand County Library District.<\/p>\n