Now that 2017 is in full swing it means we have some awesome book to movie adaptations hitting the theater! I personally try to read the book before the movie hits. Some people think this will ruin the surprise of the twists and turns and “ah-ha” moments of the movie but I think it gives us perspective. It helps us see the little details we may have missed in the book and gives us insight into the characters we may not have liked or understood without the background knowledge. So without further ado here are the 5 books I want to read before the movies hit!
1. Wonder by R.J. Palacio
Reasons to be Excited: Wonder is a middle grade story that I strongly believe both children and adults should read. This story is about a boy named Auggie who is different than the other kids in his school. Auggie has some facial deformities that up until the 5th grade have prevented him from being a part of the mainstream school system. But now Auggie wants nothing more than to be a normal kid. This story features themes of bullying, discovering differences and promoting unity even among the youngest of people.
Cast: This movie has already grabbed my attention with some notable cast members including Julia Roberts (who doesn’t love Julia Roberts), Owen Wilson and Jacob Tremblay. All of these actors have had a movie (or several in Julia Roberts case) that have brought them into the world of extraordinary actors/actresses and I am anticipating incredible thing from this movie!
Release Date: April 7th, 2017
2. The Zookeeper’s Wife by Diane Ackerman
Reasons to Be Excited: For all the WWII history buffs out there, or anyone who enjoys a story based on true events, this is a must read. After their zoo is bombed, two Polish zoo keepers managed to save hundreds of people from the Nazis by hiding them in the zoo. This story of bravery and compassion is a must read, one that gives more insight to the measures people took during this horrific time period to preserve the beauty of human life and to show that there is still compassion in the world.
Cast: This cast is lead up by Jessica Chastain followed by stars like Daniel Bruhl and Johan Heldenbergh.
Release Date: March 31st, 2017 (watch the trailer)
3. Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon
Reasons to be Excited: Finally a YA/Teen book! Everything, Everything features a young girl who is allergic to everything, so she is lead to believe. After living in what is essentially a plastic bubble she starts falling for her neighbor, the “boy next door” if you will. This story chronicles her fight for love, her independence and shows just how far a young woman is willing to go for the person she loves.
Cast: This cast features Amandla Stenberg, best known for her portrayal of Rue in the popular Hunger Games series, Nick Robinson and Anika Noni Rose, an award-winning Broadway actress coming to the big screen!
Release Date: May 19th, 2017 (watch the trailer)
What are some of the movies you are looking forward to the most this year? With Beauty and the Beast, Logan and many others also in the running it’s sure to be a banner year in the theater!
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