They say the book is always better than the movie. With the exception of The Godfather, Blade Runner and, OK you got me, Fight Club, this tends to be true. But that’s not going to stop you from seeing the movie. So this year, you be the judge. Crack open these good reads before their film adaptations hit theaters. Better yet, grab them all on a new NOOK!
1. Mockingjay (Suzanne Collins)
With the sequel to The Hunger Games (Catching Fire) hitting theaters this week, the final installment to the trilogy (Mockingjay) is even more anticipated. Everyone’s favorite heroine, Katniss Everdeen, has survived the harrowing Hunger Games (twice), but her ordeal isn’t over yet…
2. The Art of Racing in the Rain (Garth Stein)
Have tissues on hand when you read this New York Times Bestseller. The story of racecar driver Denny Swift—his loves and losses—is told through the eyes of his dog, Enzo. It’s heart-warming and heart-wrenching at the same time. Actor Patrick Dempsey, who will play Swift, has his work cut out for him.
3. The Hobbit (J.R.R. Tolkien)
It only took Hollywood 75 years to turn The Hobbit into a blockbuster. And when they did, they split the classic novel into three parts to keep Lord of the Rings fans waiting even longer. If December is too far away to find out how it ends, finish the book. Better yet, read it to your kids!
4. Gone Girl (Gillian Flynn)
This bestselling book is a thrilling mystery told from two perspectives—a husband whose wife goes missing and the missing wife herself—twisting and turning until you don’t know who to believe. It will be impossible to put down…until the movie comes out starring Ben Affleck and Rosamund Pike.
5. Fifty Shades of Grey (E.L. James)
We couldn’t forget this book…even if we wanted to. It might be the most buzzed about film adaptation of the year. Sparing you the sexy details, this romance novel makes Danielle Steel’s collection look like children’s books. So it’s a safe bet that when the first installment is released, it will be rated R.
