Book to Movie Adaptations

While I enjoy a well done book to movie adaptation, there’s no denying that the books are always better. Furthermore, there have been SO MANY terrible book to movie adaptations that it makes me wonder why they decided to waste their time and money. Below are all the books turned into movies that I have both read and seen (theres many that I’ve either just read or just seen, but I choose not to include those because obviously I have no way to compare the two!) This is basically my opinions on the adaptations, and if they’re worth watching!

The Hunger Games– It’s pretty common knowledge that this was a great adaptation of the novels that remained truthful to the book. I was so excited that they only made minor changes and stayed true to the story line of the book, making it a true adaptation. Every adaptation should be this well done! Definitely worth watching for everyone, especially lovers of the books.

Harry Potter– Absolute classic. Probably the best done adaptation in my opinion (despite the annoying glitch that was Harry not actually having his mothers eyes which was really really annoying). If you haven’t already seen them, but honestly what rock do you live under if you haven’t, go read the books and enjoy seeing them come to life in these wonderful films.

The Chronicles of Narnia– This series was very weirdly done. First of all they skipped the first book and the third book opting instead to only adapt the second and fourth books, which I somewhat understand, but still find weird. Luckily this is another adaptation that stays truthful to the books for the most part, but I honestly just recommend reading these books and maybe just watching the first movie!

Percy Jackson– This movie is hands down THE WORST book to movie adaptation in the history of adaptations. The amount of hatred I have in my heart for this loathsome movie is unquenchable. If you know what’s good for you, read the books and avoid the movie like the plague.

The 5th Wave– This adaptation was a shit show, not as bad as Percy Jackson, but in the same realm. I was especially upset because it had so much potential in the beginning, but it quickly went down hill and I have no idea how people who didn’t read the book had any idea what was going on. Personally I really enjoyed the book and recommend it, but I wouldn’t waste your time on the movie.

Me Before You– While I didn’t absolutely love this book because of the subject matter, I really enjoyed how different it was and how it explored topics that most books don’t. I though this movie remained very faithful to the book, and the casting was perfect. Honestly, I may have enjoyed the movie slightly more than the book. If I could go back, I’d still read the book, but I wouldn’t say it should be #1 on your tbr list.

Shadow hunters (TV show)– I watched the first season, and then gave up because I couldn’t stand this awful adaptation. While it kept the essence of the  book, kinda, it was just too much of a hot mess with a terrible script, awful special effects and weird af “plot twists” that I’d say you’re safer just enjoying these books and not bothering with the series. Maybe I would have liked it if I haven’t read the books, but these do not blend well together.

City of Bones– This movie tried so so hard to be good and honestly failed epically. It just didn’t work for me and as with the other adaptation of this book, I’d say just stick to reading the books.

Twilight– Ah the infamous Twilight. Personally, as someone who read the books and enjoyed them in my middle school days (though probably wouldn’t enjoy them as much now) I really enjoyed these movies. They stayed faithful to the book and it was fun to watch everything I had read about come to life. I’d say unless you are young and naive, don’t bother with either of these, but if you’re interested go for it because I really enjoyed my time with this series.

Ella Enchanted– So I read this book/watched the movie a million years ago and I really enjoyed both. I grew up on Ella Enchanted and have a special place for it in my heart, but I really enjoyed how in the book we are able to really explore her world and get so many details about her life that aren’t included in the movie. While the movie’s pretty different from the book, I’m not mad at it (maybe because I watched it first). 10/10 recommend both!

Holes– Who doesn’t love this movie! The book is basically the same story just takes longer and goes more into the characters heads. If you enjoy this movie, you’ll like the book, I just remember it being kinda slow at times.

The Help– I really really love this movie and I really enjoyed the book as well. The book had some added details as per usual and I highly recommend reading it. Both worth your time to enjoy.

Ink heart– I honestly read/watching this way to long ago to really write much here. Honestly watch/read it for yourself and form your own opinion. I seem to remember really liking them.

Miss Peregrines Home for Peculiar Children– This is another one of those where they changed the story line a lot in the movie, especially the ending, but I actually understood why they did it. Now that’s not to say I liked it, but I honestly didn’t really enjoy the book that much either, so I wasn’t too invested. That being said, a lot of people love the book so I’d say give it a chance but honestly I wouldn’t waste your money on the movie.

Thanks for reading 🙂

Like, comment and follow,

Dani

My Dream Bookstore Trips

These are the top 15 bookstores I would love to visit (in order). The stores on this list made it because they’re gorgeous and/or unique and interesting!

10. Shakespeare and Co., Paris

9. Libreria Acqua Alta, Venice

8. Ler Devagar, Lisbon, Portugal

7. Cafebreria El Pendulo, Mexico City, Mexico

6. Selexyz Bookstore, Maastricht, Holland

5. Baldwin’s Book Barn, West Chester, Pennsylvania

4. Barter Books, England

3. The Last Bookstore, LA

2. Livraria Lello, Porto, Portugal

1. Librería El Ateneo Grand Splendid, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Thanks for reading 🙂 you can follow me on the bottom of the home page!

Love,

Dani

September Book Box

So my mother told me if I finished my gold award she would let me subscribe to a book box (of a reasonable price) for the year (this is also a substitution for college care packages). I did my research and subscribed to Nerdy Bookworm (Something like $30-40 a month) and after this first box I am EXTREMELY satisfied! The packages normally arrive around the end of the month and they will release a box’s theme 2 months in advance (November’s is Magical Creatures). Honestly, y’all I went back and looked at the past boxes and it broke my heart I signed up after they went out because they are amazing, go check them out (especially July- Book Boyfriends)!

http://www.nerdybookwormbox.com

Here’s  the website description of their boxes:

Nerdy Bookworm Box is dedicated to bringing you the very best of science fiction and fantasy, and we strive to select a diverse range of reads, including both YA and crossover novels. Some of our past book choices have included This Savage Song by V. E. Schwab and The Witch’s Kiss by Katharine and Elizabeth Corr. We work with many incredible small businesses in the United Kingdom to bring you unique and exclusive handcrafted bookish goodies, such as candles, tote bags, bookmarks, and more.

So ya, pretty cool and I wanted to share with y’all what I got in my September box:

I was very excited to pick up this beauty from the post office. The theme was Queens and so I knew I was going to love it.

The first thing item I want talk all about is the mini-magazine that comes with the box. It goes in depth about the enclosed book and the author, along with explaining some of the items, giving reading recommendations, and an exclusive sampler of a book! (This isn’t even everything so I’ll post a pic of the table of contents). In the magazine ‘Welcome’ it said “if you’re a fan of the Throne of Glass series, this is the box for you”, so needless to say I was so freaking excited to dig in!

So first I’ll start with the book and the items that go along with it!

Here’s the book wrapped up all pretty.

So this is the book “Three Dark Crowns”.

Plot: In every generation on the island of Fennbirn, a set of triplets is born: three queens, all equal heirs to the crown and each possessor of a coveted magic. Mirabella is a fierce elemental, able to spark hungry flames or vicious storms at the snap of her fingers. Katharine is a poisoner, one who can ingest the deadliest poisons without so much as a stomachache. Arsinoe, a naturalist, is said to have the ability to bloom the reddest rose and control the fiercest of lions. But becoming the Queen Crowned isn’t solely a matter of royal birth. Each sister has to fight for it. And it’s not just a game of win or lose…it’s life or death. The night the sisters turn sixteen, the battle begins. The last queen standing gets the crown.

*Thank Amazon*

So ya it seems really interesting, right up my alley, so I’m excited to check it out! Fun fact: The author said she was inspired by real life Queen Bee’s who similarly fight to the death to become queen!

Here’s the little charm that came on the book, you can see it in the “wrapped book” picture.

I thought this was just a pretty little card with a quote from the book but, plot twist, it’s actually a post card! So if you want me to write you a letter with it, hit me up!

In each book box they include a bookmark with art inspired by the book of the month, ready to expand my bookmark collection.

This guy has the same art as the bookmark and the cover of the mini-magazine. It’s actually a “Quest Card” (tbh see thumb it’s not as big as it looks) that allows you to access exclusive interactive content for Three Dark Crowns. So that’s all for the book of the month, the rest was just queen themed!

This beauty is a Khaleesi Mini-Poster that will definitely be going up on my wall. I’m currently finishing Season 3 right now and I LOVE Daenerys.

Here’s my TOG fix 🙂 This Candle is from Meraki Candles and it smells AMAZING! We can’t burn candles in our dorm so I’m storing this guy to take it home during Thanksgiving break.

I can’t wait to use this cute little tote bag on my next b&n run, it’s even my favorite color (of course the color of royalty).

Queen of heart notebook. Idk what I will end up using it for, but it’s really cute.

My first Funko Pop! It’s Anna from Frozen (duh) and I found a place for her to live on my desk, but she keeps falling over so I may have to move her. TBD!

ALSO WITH THE FUNKO POP DISNEY PRINCESS STICKERS! I’m not sure where I will put these, but I’m so pumped about these cuties.

So that’s everything, as you can see I got some really quality items and they were all PERFECT for me. I 10/10 recommend signing up for this book box subscription, it will not disappoint.

And now I will leave you with the works of J.K. Rowling:

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If you liked this…

If you liked this…then you’ll like this!

So this is basically me recommending books that if you liked a certain book (Typically more well known) then I think you may like another one that has a similar feel.

If you liked The Hunger Games

then you’ll like Red Queen!

 

If you liked Throne of Glass

then you’ll like And I Darken!

 

If you liked The Mortal Instruments

then you’ll like Falling Kingdoms!

 

If you liked The Selection

then you’ll like The Winners Curse!

 

If you liked Harry Potter

then you’ll like Truthwitch!

 

If you liked Divergent

then you’ll like The 5th Wave!

 

If you liked Me Before You

then you’ll like Thirteen Reasons Why!

 

If you liked A Court of Thorns and Roses

Then you’ll like The Kiss of Deception

Feminist books

There is nothing that gives me more joy that girl power books! The more badass the female heroine is, the more likely I am to love the book. That being said, here is my list of books/series that I think have the best resilient and empowering women. These books are great for high key, low key, or anywhere in between feminists (so literally that should be everyone!)

1. A Court of Thorns and Roses/A Court of Mist and Fury (Feyre + ACOMAF squad)

While most stories tell the tale of the damsel in distress waiting to be rescued by the prince, Feyre’s story couldn’t be farther from that. From the very beginning of the novel Feyre was self-reliant and it becomes clear as the story progresses that she can handle herself. The second book expands upon this character trait of hers, having it be a central theme of the book and introduces more strong females. (ACOMAF specifically has very strong feminist vibes, it’s a major theme of the novel)

2. Throne of Glass series (Celaena)

This one is pretty obvious. The main character is the most notorious assassin in the land, she’s only 18, and she starts off the novel in a work camp. She is probably the strongest female I have ever read about and I am absolutely in love with her confident, cheeky and stubborn personality.

3. The Hunger Games (Katinss)

Katniss was not only impressive with a bow and arrow but she also possessed a commendable mental strength that allowed her to keep her humanity intact after participating in the horrific games. Her determination to take down the powerful and corrupt government while staying true to her values will forever be inspirational to me.

4. The Lunar Chronicles (Cinder)

I really enjoyed how the main heroine, Cinder, is an incredible mechanic. Machines tend to be something that is  associated with men so it was nice to see an empowered girl who is good with her hands (it does kinda helps that she’s a cyborg). Other than that Cinder is just a strong female overall and exemplifies a passionate leader who leads by example who will do anything for her friends.

5. Truthwitch (Safiya and Iseult)

This book was nice because, while it did have a little bit of romance, the main character relationship focus in this book was on the friendship between two women. Both of these women rely on each other and complement each other perfectly. Also, of course, both women happen to be higly trained in combat and posses magic (duh!)

6. The Infernal Devices (Tessa)

While Tessa isn’t like most of the women on this list who are physically strong, Tessa personifies more of a mental strength, especially for her time period. (Also she reads which is pretty badass) She doesn’t allow anyone to look down upon her because she is a woman and instead of becoming a victim of her circumstances, she is resiliant and rises above her troubled past.

7. The legend series (June)

Junes superiority is pretty obvious from the beginning of the novel. She got a perfect score on her Trial, which never happens, establishing her as extremely mental and physical apt and giving her a somewhat celebrity status among peers. She is extremely analytical and sharp minded which allows her to adapt to the many dangerous situations she finds herself in. She also has a maturity and strong sense of honor that allow her to make hard decisions and sacrifces.

8. Jane Eyre (Jane)

I was so suprised by how powerful Jane Eyre’s character was when I read this book. She is very consistant in her beliefs and stays true to her morals even if it’s to the detriment of herself. She is a great role model to young girls because of how relatable, honest and flawed she is.

9. Graceling (Katsa)

Not only is she personally a tough character, but what makes Katsa special is how she is such an advocate for all women. She believes that they should be just as armed and skilled as men (and that they should have the reseources to do so). Furthermore, though she does fall in love she is adamant that she will only ever belong to herself and she is able to maintain her identity seperate from her significant other.

10. Red Queen (Mare)

Though it’s more apparent in the second book, Mare is a very powerful and unbreakable heroine. Though she can be someone rash and irresponsible at times that is part of her charm. She is fearless and able to navigate the treacherous world she lives in even when everything seems to constantly be on the way to hell.