MOVIE NEWS … 15 BOOKS TO READ

MOVIE NEWS …

15 BOOKS TO READ

BEFORE THEY HIT THE BIG SCREEN

 

1. One Day by David Nicholls

* What it's about: A couple of friends who have a one-night stand and then meet on the same day for the next 20 years; the movie was recently cast.
* Who's starring: Anne Hathaway and Jim Sturgess.

2. The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson

* What it's about: The first book in the Millennium trilogy, the story follows a journalist named Mikael Blomkvist who teams up with a computer hacker named Lisbeth Salander to uncover a family secret surrounding a woman's disappearance. The movie version is on its way.
* Who's starring: Carey Mulligan has been rumored for the lead, and Brad Pitt will reportedly read for the role of Mikael this month.

3. 20 Times a Lady by Karyn Bosnak

* What it's about: A woman obsessed with the number of men she's slept with — and finding a soulmate among her past lovers. It's had its title reworked for the big screen, as What's Your Number.
* Who's starring: Anna Faris, Dave Annable, Andy Samberg, Zachary Quinto, Joel McHale, and Chris Evans.

4. Water For Elephants by Sara Gruen

* What it's about: A Depression-era story of a young man who joins a circus and witnesses the cruelty, while falling for one of the trainers. The movie is currently filming.
* Who's starring: Robert Pattinson, Reese Witherspoon, and Christoph Waltz.

5. I'm With the Band by Pamela Des Barres

* What it's about: The memoirs (read: sexual escapades) of rock and roll groupie Des Barres, which will be worked into a series for HBO.
* Who's starring: Zooey Deschanel.

6. On the Road by Jack Kerouac

* What it's about: A classic beat novel, the 1960s legend is one you should have already read — or should re-read to prep for the upcoming film version.
* Who's starring: Kristen Stewart and Kirsten Dunst.

7. The Emperor's Children by Claire Messud

* What it's about: The dramedy follows three Brown University graduates examining their lives post-9/11. The adaptation will be directed by Noah Baumbach.
* Who's starring: Keira Knightley, Michelle Williams, and Eric Bana.

8. The Perks of Being a Wallflower

by Stephen Chbosky

* What it's about: A coming-of-age tale about a shy teen guy in Pittsburgh, as he discusses his struggles with adolescence in the form of letters to an anonymous reader. The book is in the works as an indie film.
* Who's starring: Logan Lerman is in talks for the lead, while Emma Watson is in negotiations for a role as well (most likely as Sam, the central character's friend and crush).

9. Important Artifacts by Leanne Shapton

* What it's about: Well, the full title is actually Important Artifacts and Personal Property From the Collection of Lenore Doolan and Harold Morris, Including Books, Street Fashion, and Jewelry. In this fictional auction catalog of one ex-couple's belongings (325 total to be exact), we witness the beginnings and ultimate unraveling of their relationship via various mementos they left behind. I already read the book last year for Buzz Book Club, but in case you missed it then, give it a spin now before the movie comes out.
* Who's starring: Brad Pitt and Natalie Portman will play the central duo.

10. An Ex to Grind by Jane Heller

* What it's about: An unhappy wife who tries to find her ex-athlete husband a new wife so she can divorce him and not pay alimony. Look for it to be turned into a rom-com.
* Who's starring: Cameron Diaz and Benicio Del Toro.

 

11. Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert

* What it's about: The memoir follows the author's journey around the world from Italy to Bali, as she tries to reclaim her life following a painful divorce. The movie comes out this Summer.
* Who's starring: An all-star cast includes Julia Roberts in the main role, with supporting parts from Richard Jenkins, Javier Bardem, and James Franco.

12. Accidental Billionaires by Ben Mezrich

* What it's about: The beginnings of Facebook and a young Mark Zuckerberg, retitled The Social Network for the film adaptation.
* Who's starring: Jesse Eisenberg and Justin Timberlake.

13. Something Borrowed and Something Blue

by Emily Giffin

* What it's about: Something Borrowed introduces you to Rachel, a woman who sleeps with her best friend's fiance, and Something Blue is the sequel, which centers around the cuckolded best friend, Darcy. The first installment is filming now.
* Who's starring: Ginnifer Goodwin, Kate Hudson, John Krasinski, and Colin Egglesfield.

14. Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro

* What it's about: The story with a sci-fi slant centers on three friends who are raised in an isolated British school as they come to realize as adults that they've been born to serve as organ donors. It'll be getting the sci-fi movie treatment.
* Who's starring: Keira Knightley, Andrew Garfield, and Carey Mulligan will portray the main trio, with Mulligan taking on the role of the film's central figure and narrator, Kathy.

15. Pride and Prejudice and Zombies

by Seth Grahame-Smith

* What it's about: It's a twisted spin on Austen's classic novel that puts heroine Elizabeth Bennett in the middle of protecting her family and town from the undead. An adaptation is only logical.
* Who's starring: Natalie Portman will take on Bennett; plus, she's producing.