When a book is turned into a film, I refuse to go see it unless I have read the novel beforehand. There is something magical to me about having the story play out in my mind first and then seeing it on the big screen. Even with books I’ve already read, I’ll re-read it before going to see the film. Case in point, I reread the entire Harry Potter serious this past summer, (true dedication, I know.)
The following five titles are books that will be films in the near future and are definitely worth the read!
Â
1) The Hunger Games – Suzanne Collins
In a post-apocalyptic world, two teens are chosen from each of the twelve districts to battle in a televised event. The fight is over only when one teen survives. Main character, Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence,) offers herself as a sacrifice to fight in the Hunger Games after her younger sister is chosen.
 2) The Girl With the Dragon  Tattoo – Steig Larsson
 Mikael Blomkvist (Daniel Craig,) is  hired by Henrik Vanger (Stellan  Skarsgard,) to unearth the truth  behind the disappearance and  apparent murder of his niece,  Harriet. Helping him in is search is  a young computer hacker, Lisbeth  Salander (Rooney Mara.)
3) The Great Gatsby- F. Scott  Fitzgerald
 A classic book that many of us read  in high school, The Great Gatsby, narrated by Nick Carraway (Toby McGuire,) is the story of millionaire Jay Gatsby (Leonardo DiCaprio,) during the roaring 20’s. Carraway transports the reader to the extravagant parties and lifestyle of Long Islanders on the North Shore.  He also sheds light on the mysterious past and present of Gatsby and his cousin, Daisy Buchanan (Carey Mulligan.)
 4) Tinker Tailor Solider Spy –  John le Carre
 A page turning British spy novel set  during the Cold War about George  Smiley (Gary Oldman,) who is forced out of retirement to hunt down a  Soviet mole in the highest echelon of the Secret Intelligence Service.
 5) Back Roads- By Tawni  O’Dell
 A funny and heartbreaking story;  Harley (Andrew Garfield,) is  burdened with taking care of his  younger sisters while his mother is  incarcerated for killing his abusive  father. Harley’s life becomes more  complicated when he falls for the  mother of one of his sister’s friends,  Callie Mercer (Jennifer Garner.)
Though you’ll be able to see all of these novels come to life on the big screen in 2012, read, or re-read, the books before hitting the theatre… you won’t regret it, I promise. Happy reading, collegiettes!