Welcome to Feature & Follow Friday!!
This weekly hop is hosted by
Rachel @ Parajunkee's View, and
Alison @ Alison Can Read!!
You can find the rules at the links above.
Join in the fun and make new blogging friends!
Every week, 1 or 2 new blogs
are featured!
are featured!
This week's featured blog is:
Here is this week's question:
Contributed by
Girl of 1000 Wonders
How would you pitch to the biz
to make your favorite book
into a movie?
to make your favorite book
into a movie?
Contributed by
Girl of 1000 Wonders
This question, for me, really is: which of all of my numerous "favorite" books would I like to see made into a movie?
The first one that comes to mind is My Name Is Asher Lev, by the great American Jewish writer, Chaim Potok. This novel is an absolutely moving, beautiful story of a young Hasidic Jew who is an artistic genius. It depicts the conflict he feels between following his inner calling to paint, and betraying his own Jewish beliefs.
One of my selling points would be that another Potok novel, The Chosen, has already been filmed. As for My Name Is Asher Lev, it has been adapted into a play by Aaron Posner, and has garnered rave reviews. I would argue that a film version would make Asher's inner (and outer) conflicts more intimately and powerfully available to the audience, thanks to modern film technology.
Another favorite book is Tryst, by Elswyth Thane. She was a British historical fiction writer; I believe Tryst is her only paranormal romance novel. To me, this book is 'a hidden classic'. I think it should be better-known, because of the very beautiful, tender romance in the story.
Hilary Shenstone, a spy for the British government, dies in India, and feels an inexplicable pull to return to "Nuns Farthing" (the name of this house reminds me of the Bronte sisters), his country home in England. His spirit travels there, and meets 17-year-old Sabrina Archer, whose family (her father and aunt) have rented the house for the summer, bringing Sabrina with them. Sabrina and Hilary fall madly in love with each other....
While this story might seem dated, it's one not to be missed. Thane skillfully develops the plot, and her characterizations -- but especially those of Sabrina and Hilary -- are just spot on. Her descriptions of the English countryside are exquisite, too. They would lend themselves well to being put on film. In fact, I can already see breathtaking landscapes in my mind....
Another positive angle is that Tryst is also Young Adult Fiction, written well before this literary genre even existed. I would really emphasize that; I'm sure this story would easily attract the YA crowd. Besides, there's no "insta-love" involved, nor is there a love triangle.
Yet another aspect of this novel I would mention is that it contains elements of mystery and suspense. The movie version could come across like a modern Alfred Hitchcock film, one with very 'film noir' visual effects, but without the crime drama.
Unfortunately, there are already two movies with the title "Tryst"; one released in 1994, and the other in 2005. Neither one has any connection to the Thane novel. I would then suggest to the powers-that-be in Hollywood that the film version of Thane's book should either get a completely new title, or one that incorporates the word "Tryst", but with other words added to it.
I need to re-read both of these novels, so I can review them for this blog.
There are two other novels I'd love to see made into movies, and they're both by one of my favorite writers, the YA author Claudia Gray.
The first one is Spellcaster, and is the first of a series. It's about a young girl who is a white witch, fighting a terrible evil in a small town. I would emphasize the great characters, the moody, oppressive atmosphere of the town, which would be great in a movie, and the unique spells, which are composed of memories. The love story develops gradually, too. You can read my review of this novel HERE.
The other Claudia Gray novel I love is the much-praised A Thousand Pieces of You, which is also the beginning of a series. The characters in this one are also amazing, and the intricacies of the fantasy/science fiction plot are totally fascinating! Gray is a very imaginative writer, and both of these books are page-turners. Besides, the special effects for each of these novels would turn them into blockbuster hits.
You can access my review of A Thousand Pieces of You HERE.
So these are the novels I wish would be made into movies. You can check them out on Goodreads by clicking on the Goodreads buttons below.
The first one that comes to mind is My Name Is Asher Lev, by the great American Jewish writer, Chaim Potok. This novel is an absolutely moving, beautiful story of a young Hasidic Jew who is an artistic genius. It depicts the conflict he feels between following his inner calling to paint, and betraying his own Jewish beliefs.
One of my selling points would be that another Potok novel, The Chosen, has already been filmed. As for My Name Is Asher Lev, it has been adapted into a play by Aaron Posner, and has garnered rave reviews. I would argue that a film version would make Asher's inner (and outer) conflicts more intimately and powerfully available to the audience, thanks to modern film technology.
Another favorite book is Tryst, by Elswyth Thane. She was a British historical fiction writer; I believe Tryst is her only paranormal romance novel. To me, this book is 'a hidden classic'. I think it should be better-known, because of the very beautiful, tender romance in the story.
Hilary Shenstone, a spy for the British government, dies in India, and feels an inexplicable pull to return to "Nuns Farthing" (the name of this house reminds me of the Bronte sisters), his country home in England. His spirit travels there, and meets 17-year-old Sabrina Archer, whose family (her father and aunt) have rented the house for the summer, bringing Sabrina with them. Sabrina and Hilary fall madly in love with each other....
While this story might seem dated, it's one not to be missed. Thane skillfully develops the plot, and her characterizations -- but especially those of Sabrina and Hilary -- are just spot on. Her descriptions of the English countryside are exquisite, too. They would lend themselves well to being put on film. In fact, I can already see breathtaking landscapes in my mind....
Another positive angle is that Tryst is also Young Adult Fiction, written well before this literary genre even existed. I would really emphasize that; I'm sure this story would easily attract the YA crowd. Besides, there's no "insta-love" involved, nor is there a love triangle.
Yet another aspect of this novel I would mention is that it contains elements of mystery and suspense. The movie version could come across like a modern Alfred Hitchcock film, one with very 'film noir' visual effects, but without the crime drama.
Unfortunately, there are already two movies with the title "Tryst"; one released in 1994, and the other in 2005. Neither one has any connection to the Thane novel. I would then suggest to the powers-that-be in Hollywood that the film version of Thane's book should either get a completely new title, or one that incorporates the word "Tryst", but with other words added to it.
I need to re-read both of these novels, so I can review them for this blog.
There are two other novels I'd love to see made into movies, and they're both by one of my favorite writers, the YA author Claudia Gray.
The first one is Spellcaster, and is the first of a series. It's about a young girl who is a white witch, fighting a terrible evil in a small town. I would emphasize the great characters, the moody, oppressive atmosphere of the town, which would be great in a movie, and the unique spells, which are composed of memories. The love story develops gradually, too. You can read my review of this novel HERE.
The other Claudia Gray novel I love is the much-praised A Thousand Pieces of You, which is also the beginning of a series. The characters in this one are also amazing, and the intricacies of the fantasy/science fiction plot are totally fascinating! Gray is a very imaginative writer, and both of these books are page-turners. Besides, the special effects for each of these novels would turn them into blockbuster hits.
You can access my review of A Thousand Pieces of You HERE.
So these are the novels I wish would be made into movies. You can check them out on Goodreads by clicking on the Goodreads buttons below.
Next Week's Question
If you could step into one
character's shoes (in a book),
and be that person for
a day, who would it be, and why?
Also, if you want to be
creative, what scene would
you pick?
Suggested by:
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the participating blogs!!
the participating blogs!!
These are some great picks and adaptations would be fun to watch but only if they are made closer to the story. I often am disappointed by the changes made to the story to make it more appealing which just somewhat ruins the fun for me.
ReplyDeleteNew Bloglovin follower
-Njkinny @ http://www.njkinnysblog.com/
Hi, Nikita!
DeleteI agree -- the movie versions should follow the books as closely as possible. Sometimes, though, they do have to make changes because of the time factor. However, when they depart TOO much from the book, it's very disappointing to the fans.
I'd still like to see these books I've picked made into movies, though. But I would hope that not too many changes would be made.....
Thanks for following and commenting!! Will return the favor! : )
Great answer. I haven’t heard of some of those books, so I’ll have to look them up. I’m a new Bloglovin’ follower.
ReplyDeleteAj @ Read All The Things!
Hi, A.J.!
DeleteThanks for the compliment!
Oh, these are just WONDERFUL!! If you're into literary fiction, and especially art, you'll enjoy "My Name Is Asher Lev". It's a GREAT novel! It's available on Amazon and other online stores. As for "Tryst", it's a bit hard to get a hold of, so your best bet would be a library. The Claudia Gray books are still available at B&N, and, of course, Amazon and other online stores.
I HIGHLY recommend these four books!!
Thanks for following and commenting!! Will return the favor!! : )
It's amazing how set you can actually pick specific books you wanted.. while mine is too many to mention.. :)
ReplyDeleteNew GFC and Bloglovin Follower :)
My FF
Hi, Donita!
DeleteWell, I just picked 4 of my very favorites. But I have many more, believe me! Also, a lot of my favorites have already been made into movies.
Thanks for the follow and the comment! I'll be returning the favor!! :)
I love how you added specifically what you wanted for these books. I've never heard of them but I'll be checking them out.
ReplyDeleteOld Follower. Tina, The Bookworm
Hi, Tina!
DeleteYeah, I know just what I think would make these books big movie hits! I wonder, though, whether Hollywood execs would listen to me.....but I would SURE to convince them! Lol.
Thanks so much for the comment!! : )
Wow, what a great answer to this question! I don't think I've ever heard of the first book you mentioned, but from what you've said about it, I agree that it'd make a really great film. Sounds very different from the movies we tend to see getting made, that's for sure.
ReplyDeleteHi, there!
DeleteI'm very glad you enjoyed reading it! The first book I mentioned was originally published in 1972. I read it a few years ago, when I came across it in a used bookstore, and bought it on impulse. The story attracted me immediately because I was an Art Major in college. This book is in the genre of literary fiction, and, believe me, is absolutely beautiful to read! I'm surprised it hasn't been made into a movie yet. True, it's been made into a play, but I think it would be even MORE effective as a movie. And you're right -- it IS absolutely different from the type of movie being made these days. This book, if done right, would be a film masterpiece!!
Thanks so much for the compliment and the lovely comment!! : )
Great post! New follower on Bloglovin'
ReplyDeleteHeather @: Random Redheaded Ramblings
Hi, Heather! Thanks for the nice comment and the follow! Will return the favor!! : )
DeleteI haven't read any of these books, but I think I need to remedy that! You're explanation of why these four books would make good movies was really well written. I agree with you on all counts, even though I haven't read them. I'm definitely going to add them to my TBR piles.
ReplyDeleteMy FF!
Hi, Cayt!
DeleteYes, these are really GREAT books!! In the case of "Tryst", you can find it on Amazon, Abebooks, Alibris, and eBay, but it's VERY expensive, since it's out of print. The lowest price is on Amazon -- $28.95. This is a reprint edition. Your best bet would to check with your public library. It's well worth hunting it down, though!
Thank you so much for the compliment on my post! I'm also glad you agree with my reasons as to why these books would make great movies! Hope you can start reading them soon!!
Thanks again for the lovely comment!! : )
Great post Maria.
ReplyDeleteThis is theme that I remember talking about way back when I began to read books.
One things that sometimes stops me from advocating for films based upon books is fact that some movies based on great books have been terribly disappointing. I keep thinking of the 1984 film version of Dune.
Of course some films have lived up to expectations and the results have been glorious.
Personally I still have hopes that someday Isaac Asimov’s Foundation Series will be filmed. I have been advocating for that since the 1980s.
I have not read My Name Is Asher Lev but I would like to. That as well as the other books you mention do sound like they would make really good films.
Hey, Brian!
DeleteMany of the participants of today's blog hop think it's not worth the trouble to try to get books made into movies, as some movies have been very disappointing versions of the book they were based on. However, as you state, that hasn't always been the case. When I saw "Gone With the Wind", I thought it was magnificent, and pretty faithful to the book. Of course, the movie was much longer than today's movies are. Maybe that helped.
Another movie I even preferred to the book, incredibly enough, was "Dr. Zhivago". I liked the way they condensed things, actually, and the main character -- Zhivago -- was much more sympathetic in the movie. (Maybe because he was played by then-gorgeous Omar Sharif, lol!)
There's an even MORE dramatic case of a movie being MUCH BETTER than the book: "Shining Through", with Melanie Griffith and Michael Douglas. The novel was written by Susan Isaacs. I saw the movie THREE times, that's how much I LOVED it! I eagerly sought out the book, and began to read it, only to give up in disgust. The characters were nowhere close to being as vivid and larger-than-life as they were in the movie. The plot dragged, and I got bored out of my mind..... Needless to say, I was terribly disappointed. So there's one case in which the movie version won out, no doubt about it!
I've never seen "Dune", nor have I read the book, but I have heard that the movie was pretty bad. And then there's the case of "Blade Runner", which we've talked about before. I'm sure the book, "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?", by Philip K. Dick, can't be possibly be as dark and depressing as this movie was! I really need to read that book, by the way.
I would LOVE to see Asimov's Foundation series made into movies, too! That would be totally AMAZING!!
As for "My Name Is Asher Lev". you definitely MUST read it. I was not at all familiar with Hasidic culture when I read it myself, so I was really fascinated by their religious concepts. However, Asher himself is a very compelling character, and I'd LOVE to revisit his struggles and artistic genius again. BTW, Potok's insights into the deep meaning of art are just SO beautiful, SO moving.....I know you'll enjoy it if you read it!
Thanks for the lovely compliment, and AWESOME comment!! : )
This is a great post, Maria. I just looked up Tryst as it sounds really good, but it's out of print unfortunately. I might see if I can get it from the library :)
ReplyDeleteClaire @ Book Blog Bird
Hi, Claire!
DeleteYes, it's indeed out of print.....You could still get the reprint edition (the one with the cover above) on Amazon for $28.95, plus S/H, but that's a little expensive. It's also available at Alibris, eBay, and Abebooks, but it's even more expensive at those sites. So, going to the library might indeed be the best way for you to get this book. Do try to get it somehow, and read it! You'll enjoy it, I know!!
Thanks so much for the nice compliment, and great comment!! : )
I like how you added all your favourite books and explained them too. here's my FF
ReplyDeleteNew bloglovin' and GFC follower.
Hi, Priyanka!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for the lovely comment! Yes, I always like to add some sort of visual appeal to my posts!
Thanks following my blog two different ways, as well!! Will return the favor!! : )
We enjoyed reading your thoughts on this -- wonderful post, Maria! You've added some new books to our must-read list, too. *Huge hugs*
ReplyDelete~Michele and Mckenzie
Oh, Michele & McKenzie!!
ReplyDeleteHow are you both doing?
I'm so glad you guys enjoyed this post!! These are all GREAT books to read, and it's wonderful to hear that you're adding them to your must-read list! They're most definitely worth it!!
Thank you so much for such a super NICE, lovely comment!! *SMOOOOOSHY HUGS*!!!!!
: )
I haven't heard of any of these, except for the last one. You have great reasoning and ideas on how to pitch each of your choices!
ReplyDeleteNew Follower via Bloglovin :)
Meredith @ A Book Lover's Corner
Hi, Meredith!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the compliment!
Yes, these are all GREAT books, and I know they would all make GREAT movies!! The second one,"Tryst" is available on Amazon US, at $28.95. It's the reprint edition, as the book is really out of print. If you don't want to pay so much for it, you can probably find it at your local public library.
Thanks for the follow, as well as the super nice comment!! : )