Conventional wisdom among book lovers is that the book is always better than the movie... but that doesn't stop us from wishing that our favorite stories could translate from the page to the screen.
This year, staff around Washington County Library have gotten excited about recent book to movie adaptations like Ready Player One, A Wrinkle in Time, Annihilation, and in August, Crazy Rich Asians, which inspired us to think about what other books we think should make the leap to the big screen. Here are our suggestions – Hollywood, take your pick!
Dog Man by Dav Pilkey
Kids are obsessed with it and we can’t keep the books on the shelves! His Captain Underpants series proved to be a success on screen, Dog Man is sure to be a hit as well! – Dawn LaBrosse, Library Administration
The Call by Peadar Ó Guilín
While I would generally like to see most of the books I've liked as movies, I think The Call would probably fare the best. It’s dystopia blended with Sidhe mythology. Unlike other books that also play with Fae/Sidhe/Elves/etc., The Call sticks close to their original myths rather horrifically. It would have all of the hallmarks of a blockbuster movie – an underdog heroine, plenty of source material for insane visuals, chase scenes, friendships that outpace the required teen romance, and a character kill rate in the same league as The Hunger Games, while still being completely unique in story. – Sarah Butt, Park Grove Library
Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders
The audiobook for Lincoln in the Bardo was amazing. I would love seeing the various players, who tell the story, visually come to life in a movie adaptation. The book is so well written that I am sure there would be some Oscar nominations. – Angie Noyes, Library Administration
Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys
Salt to the Sea is a great story with enough action to keep the plot moving. In addition, it has a wonderful cast of characters. The characters reflect how we chose to interact with each other to be more compassionate and how we react to adversity. It is based on a true story from WWII. – Martha Riel, Valley Library/Lake Elmo Library
The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah
The setting of The Great Alone would showcase the amazing beauty, but also the danger and isolation of the Alaskan wilderness. It is a story of love and loss and the resiliency of the human spirit. All would combine for an amazing big screen experience. – Teresa Allessi, Valley Library
Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly
As I was reading Lilac Girls, the scenes, setting and characters came alive in my head! I think this is the sign of a great writer and I was impressed that this is Kelly's first published novel. The story (based on true events) revolves around the lives of three women during WWII. Each has a different life, unique perspective and role in this story as the events of the war unfold. An American, who works at the French Embassy in New York City. A Polish Jew who, with her mother and sister, is sent to the women's concentration camp, Ravensbruck. A young German surgeon who takes her first job at this same camp only to find the horrors of death and medical experimentation. – Tess Kane, R.H. Stafford Library
Anansi Boys by Neil Gaiman
Like other works of Gaiman's that have been turned into either TV shows (Good Omens, American Gods) or movies (Coraline, Stardust, Beowulf), I think it would be interesting to see how someone else interprets Anansi Boys and brings it to life, especially the scenes in which one of the characters manipulates reality, or when gods possess humans. It's safe to say, (looking at the previous movies/tv shows mentioned) that it'll be likely that Gaiman would involved with it too! – Nancy Collett, R.H. Stafford Library
Cinder by Marissa Meyer
In Cinder the familiar story of Cinderella is transformed into a fast-paced science fiction adventure complete with evil queens, plagues, and lots of action. There are four books in the series, so it has great potential for sequels. The saga is full of brave heroines and swoon-worthy love interests. The costumes would be amazing to see too! – Alaina Johnson, R.H. Stafford Library
Hawkeye: My Life as a Weapon by Matt Fraction
The world probably doesn't need another super hero movie but Hawkeye, especially during Matt Fraction's four volume run, is the exception. Every panel and page is filled with well developed characters, from Russian mobsters whose vocabulary consists mostly of variations on the word, "Bro," to Hawkeye's Brooklyn neighbors and their nightly rooftop barbecues. More than most independent films Hawkeye feels lived in and real and more than anything is a story about what happens when heroes aren't being Avengers. – Nate Deprey, Lake Elmo Library