Are you in the “read the book first” camp or “movie is the best” camp? One evening I wanted to watch a movie that wasn’t as intense as my procedural dramas, but not necessarily a rom com. I landed on Pride and Prejudice (2005). I just finished the Harry Potter series, and I read the last two books as I was waiting for each of the movies to arrive at the library (yes, I own the books; no, I do not own the movies).
I really loved comparing what was in the book versus what was not, and I decided that I would like to do that with some of the other books I own. I don’t include summaries of the stories, rather my own opinions of them. So here is the list I’ve covered (or started) over the past two months!
✨ Which is your favorite?
✨ Which should be next?
Emma
This is by far, in my opinion, the funniest of Jane Austen’s books. Throughout her writing, though, she treats everyday problems with sarcasm and humor. She finds ways to make daily issues into personal scenes that stick with you long after the last page. I chose the BBC version as my movie choice because the mini series really captures the growth of the characters, even better than my previous favorite (1996).
Hamilton: The Revolution
I’ve also read Ron Chernow’s book, which is amazing, but since Miranda’s specifically coincides with the musical, I’ve decided to highlight it. A serious and important story told through hip-hop? Absolutely!
The Help
Tears! Very heartfelt story told in a unique way. It is hard to read, but completely worth it. Stockett is able to convey with honesty and humor the reality of racism, politics, and family. The movie took that theme and condensed it, but in an impactful manner.
Little Women
This one is a long-time favorite, and until a few years ago, the 1998 version was my go-to movie. Then when I saw Greta Gerwig’s rendition, I fell in love with the story all over again! She tells the story of family and growing up in a new way with huge threads to the original.
Pride and Prejudice
I have read this many, many times and it never fails to make me smile! I imagine that scene in You’ve Got Mail (oldie but goodie!) when Kathleen carries around Pride and Prejudice in order to “meet” the man she’s only spoken to online. The 2005 movie is still my very favorite, highlighted by the amazing soundtrack!
Society of the Snow
I got this at a bookseller’s recommendation in the Lima airport over the summer. I asked for a non-fiction book and she told me she had seen the Netflix version. The copy of the book was the fiftieth anniversary, so it included some additional content, which I always love. The theme is difficult and it is hard to watch. Very eye-opening.
We Bought a Zoo
I read this mostly because it’s been sitting on my TBR shelf forever and I’ve been doing my best to make a dent in that shelf this year. This was a sweet story, but I saw the movie several years back and it remains my favorite of the two. It has several of my favorite actors and it just makes me smile.
Other favorites are already in progress, though they will have to wait for another month.
So which one would you recommend next?
Keep dreaming,
Hannah Marie.