Book vs. Movie

When it comes to novels that Hollywood translates to the big screen, audiences typically fit into camps of preferring one over the other. In most instances, the nod commonly tips toward the written word, which makes sense. Consider that directors are given the task of telling a story that spans several hundred pages, whittling down details to fit a general two hour running time. There are occasions, however, where each medium is able to stand on its own merit. So what’s say we take a look at a handful of titles and see where passions reside. Weigh in with your choices (book, movie, both) in the comment section!

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. RowlingRescued from the outrageous neglect of his aunt and uncle, a young boy chases destiny while attending Hogwarts School for Wizards and Witches.

Everything, Everything by Nicola YoonThe story of a teenage girl who's literally allergic to the outside world. When a new family moves in next door, she begins a complicated romance that challenges everything she's ever known.

The Book Thief by Markus ZusakTrying to make sense of the horrors of World War II, Death relates the story of Liesel--a young German girl whose book-stealing and storytelling talents help sustain her family and the Jewish man they are hiding.

I Am Number Four by Pittacus LoreIn rural Ohio, friendships prove distracting to a fifteen-year-old who has hidden on Earth for ten years waiting to develop the Legacies. These powers will be needed to rejoin the other six surviving Garde members and fight the Mogadorians; groups who destroyed their planet, Lorien.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne CollinsIn a future North America, where rulers maintain control through an annual televised survival competition, sixteen-year-old Katniss is put to the test when she voluntarily takes her younger sister's place.

The Fault in Our Stars by John GreenSixteen-year-old Hazel, a stage IV thyroid cancer patient, has accepted her terminal diagnosis until a chance meeting with a boy at cancer support group forces her to reexamine her perspective on love, loss, and life.

Beautiful Creatures by Kami GarciaIn a small South Carolina town, where it seems little has changed since the Civil War, sixteen-year-old Ethan is powerfully drawn to Lena, a new classmate with whom he shares a psychic connection.

The Lovely Bones by Alice SeboldA tale of family, memory, love, and living told by 14-year-old Susie Salmon, who is already in heaven.

The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones by Cassandra ClareSuddenly able to see demons and the Darkhunters who are dedicated to returning them to their own dimension, fifteen-year-old Clary is drawn into this bizarre world when her mother disappears.

Vampire Academy by Richelle MeadTwo years after a horrible incident made them run away, vampire princess Lissa, and her guardian-in-training Rose, are found and returned to St. Vladimir's Academy.

This musing brought to you by YA Librarian, Chris.