Is the book always better than the film? You decide at Books to Film!

Whether you are a film buff or just looking for a great read before the summer is over (or both!), feel free to join us as we debut an exciting new Books to Film series here at Des Plaines Public Library on August 15th. Books to Film will start with a showing of a film, followed by a discussion about the movie and the book it is based on.

We will begin the discussion series with Dennis Lehane's psychological thriller Shutter Island. U.S. Marshal Teddy Daniels attempts to solve the mystery of a patient who escapes a fortress-like mental institution built on an isolated island. Daniels soon discovers the institution itself may be harboring dark secrets. Martin Scorsese adapted the book to the 2010 film Shutter Island, starring Leonardo DiCaprio as Teddy Daniels. 

What critics have said about Lehane's Shutter Island:

"[Lehane] returns with another blistering page-turner"

                                                                                          - Joanne Wilkinson, Booklist

"My high concept definition of this fast-paced, brilliantly written and extremely disturbing book: Indiana Jones meets Dr. Who"

                                                                              - Beth Anderson, Rendezvous Review

"...carries an ending so shocking yet so faithful to what has come before, that it will go down as one of the most aesthetically right resolutions ever written"

                                                                                                            - Publishers Weekly
 
Light refreshments will be served during the discussion.Copies of the book are available at the Reader Services desk on the 3rd floor, but feel free to come enjoy the movie with or without the book.

Register at the Reader Services desk on the 3rd floor or online.

From Box Office to Library Shelf

Whenever a remake or book adaptation is released in theaters, we tend to see a heavy demand placed on the source material at the Readers' Services desk. But the great thing about boasting a collection of over 275,000 materials is there are many similar titles to check out while you wait for something else!

 The Host resonates with faithful fans

Although Stephanie Meyer's The Host isn't doing as well as anticipated, fans seem convinced it is a solid depiction of the science fiction romance book of the same name. Check out the book before seeing the movie. Also look for director Andrew Niccol's (superior?) science fiction film Gattaca.

Other movies about alien possessions include the sinister 1970's reboot of the Invasion of the Body Snatchers and The Faculty (which also features Jon Stewart as a hip science teacher!). For another attack on the human race from an opposing force, check out the unintentionally humorous The Happening.

Evil Dead Possesses the Box Office

Although it is rated an extremely well-deserved R, Fred Alvarez's Evil Dead took the weekend box office by storm, grossing $26 million versus an estimated $17 million cost to make.The movie is brutal and unrelenting in its desire to show off its excessive use of practical effects versus CGI and pay proper homage to The Evil Dead.

Be sure to check out Scott Smith's The Ruins if you need a gruesome read about twentysomethings on a vacation gone very wrong. As for similar movies, Sam Raimi's Drag Me to Hell strikes similar notes with a more comedic angle, and be sure to rewatch Cabin in the Woods to spot numerous references to The Evil Dead.

A classic gets a highly acclaimed makeover: Dinosaurs in 3D!

Jurassic Park 3D is getting a lot of well-deserved love from fans new and old. Of course we have Jurassic Park and its sequels sans 3D, but maybe now is the time to read Micheal Crichton's Jurassic Park. I think you will be interested to see how many things were changed to make it a family movie!

Although it is truly hard to compare any movies to Jurassic Park, try the classic Steven Spielberg film E.T. or  another classic family adventure film from the 1990's: Jumanji.

To place holds or check the availability of any items I mentioned, click on the items below!

Books on the Big Screen

March, only a short leap away, is going to be a prime month for movies based on books. And it isn't just the big screen adaptation of Suzanne Collins' smash hit Hunger Games (premiering on the 23rd) that we can anticipate. There's a little something for everybody.

 For all of you children-at-heart out there, The Lorax will be released on March 2nd - Dr. Seuss' birthday!

 On that same day, Bel Ami, based on the nineteenth century novel by Guy De Maupassant, will star Robert Pattinson, Christina Ricci, Uma Thurman, and Kristin Scott Thomas. 



Drawn from Nick Flynn's gritty urban memoir and featuring Robert De Niro and Paul Dano, Being Flynn also opens on the 2nd. 

On the 9th, John Carter will charge onto the screen. It is a gladiator-style space adventure adapted from Edgar Rice Burroughs' classic pulp fiction series, which was originally published in 1917 and later became the inspiration behind several graphic novels. 

If political intrigue is more to your liking, Game Change is based on John Heilemann and Mark Halperin's book about John McCain’s 2008 presidential campaign. With Julianne Moore portaying Sarah Palin, Ed Haris as John McCain, and Woody Harrelson as Steve Schmidt, McCain’s campaign strategist, it is sure to attract audiences to it's March 10th premiere. 

Remember, if you can't wait for the movie, whichever one tickles your fancy, you can always read the book first!