Books to Screen: Build Your Own Books to Screen Library

Posted on May 11, 2011 by Michelle Langston

So how was your Mother’s Day? I have to admit, mine was the best one in years. Yes, my boys did nice things for me and bought me some nice presents, but really, that isn’t what made it so special. With a son living at home while he finishes up college, who is also in the middle of finals and upcoming board licensing tests, and a 13 year-old in the throes of puberty, sometimes it feels like they aren’t really paying attention to who their parents are as real people. You ever get that feeling too? So when I opened a very carefully wrapped package from my sons, I was a little shocked to discover that they actually have been paying attention….they actually knowtheir mom!
On a recent shopping trip, I was coveting a series of absolutelygorgeous books, but moms, you know how it is, there is always something else that takes financial precedence. Yet the books were just stunning, and while I’ve hesitantly joined the e-reader community, I still love a printed book. I love the smell, the feel, the weight, the look of the font on the page….I still love holding a book!

So imagine my surprise when I opened this:

Heaven! A leather bound edition of one of favorite books, and movies of all time, Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird.” Along with the book? A “mom coupon” to have my own book club with my boys, good for reading the book and then discussing together. So see, they really do know their old mom pretty well after all!

Now, if they’ll also pick-up a few of the other titles in this gorgeous set. Just take a look, because like me, you may find yourself drooling over these books! Perfect for building your own personal “Book to Screen” library! And I’ve added some trailers below. Film trailers have changed a lot over the years, so I’m betting you’ll get a kick out of watching these! Enjoy!

Visit a classic, again…both the book and the movie!

Posted on February 9, 2011 by Michelle Langston

How many times have you read Charlotte Brontë’s beloved classic novel Jane Eyre? I do not remember how many times I have read the book (they say memory is the first thing to go…), but I would estimate that I have curled up with this favorite at least a dozen times. Multiple times I have sat and watched different film adaptations of the book. Actresses from Joan Fontaine to Samantha Morton to Anna Paquin have played Brontë’s independent heroine.

Now Jane Eyre returns to the big screen in select cities beginning March 11. Director Cary Fukunaga’s version is said to be a unique take on the film, but also influenced by Robert Stevenson’s version from 1943 starring Orson Welles and Joan Fontaine. Mia Wasikowska, last seen in “Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland,” plays Jane Eyre. The film also stars Michael Fassbender (“Jonah Hex”), Jamie Bell, Judi Dench and Sally Hawkins.

Even if you’ve read Jane Eyre before, maybe it is time to re-visit this classic. Vintage Books has released a movie tie-in edition of Jane Eyre that features a reader’s guide, as well as production notes from the film. And because we love our Bookend Babe readers, we have a little something extra for you. Vintage Books is sharing a Reader’s Group Reading Guide, so Bookend Babes, get your girls together! How about planning to read the book, then a little movie night, followed by a group discussion! The discussion guide can be found here.

Get your group together and see “Jane Eyre.” For advanced tickets or group sales you can call: 855-4JANEEYRE. For more information on the upcoming film, including opening dates for your city, visit: www.janeeyrethemovie.com

Here is a look at the upcoming movie. Watch the trailer now, then leave me a comment and let me know what you think! Enjoy!

Books to Screen

Posted on June 9, 2010 by Michelle Langston

The summer movie season is in full swing, yet regardless of what time of year it is, you can always find films on the big screen that got their start on the pages of a book. Book lovers can certainly agree that the success of adaptation from book to television or film varies wildly, ranging from brilliant (“To Kill a Mockingbird” or “Lord of the Rings” trilogy) to unbelievably bad (“The Leagues of Extraordinary Gentlemen” or the 1995 version of “The Scarlet Letter”).

I am a lover of both books and film, but given a choice, I always prefer to read the book first and then see the film. So if you also enjoy reading the book first, then seeing the project evolve to the small screen or the big screen, here are a few books you might want to catch-up on:

EAT PRAY LOVE
Cast: Julia Roberts, James Franco, Richard Jenkins, Viola Davis, Billy Crudup
Director: Ryan Murphy (“Nip/Tuck,” “Glee”)
Category: Theatrical Film
Release Date: In movie theaters nationwide on August 13th
Based on: EAT, PRAY, LOVE by Elizabeth Gilbert

This film has all the right elements to be a phenomenal success at the box office — Julia Roberts in the type of role audiences love to see her in, combined with Elizabeth Gilbert’s wildly successful memoir. The story chronicles’ one woman’s quest to find what she really wants out of life. In her travels, she discovers the true pleasure of nourishment by eating in Italy; the power of prayer in India; and, finally and unexpectedly, the inner peace and balance of true love in Bali.

THE DARK FIELDS
Cast: Bradley Cooper, Robert De Niro, Abbie Cornish
Director: Neil Burger (“The Illusionist”)
Category: Theatrical film
Release Date: In movie theaters 2011
Based on: THE DARK FIELDS by Alan Glynn

This thriller imagines a not-so-distant world where designer drugs are all the rage. Our lead character, Eddie Spinola is hooked on MDT-48, a designer drug that adds intelligence and personality. Think of it as Viagra for the brain. While MDT helps Eddie achieve the kind of success he’s only dreamed about, the side effects are nasty . Sanity-splitting headaches, spontaneous blackouts and violent outbursts are just a few. Hooked and with his supply is running low, Eddie must venture into the drug’s dark past to feed his habit.

A GAME OF THRONES
Cast Regulars: Sean Bean, Peter Dinklage, Harry Lloyd, Mark Addy, Jamie Campbell Bower
Director: Tom McCarthy (“The Station Agent,” “The Visitor”)
Category: Television Series
Release Date: Anticipated start date of Spring 2011 on HBO
Based On: A SONG OF ICE AND FIRE (series) by George R.R. Martin

Seven noble families engage in an epic struggle for power set in a vast and violent fantasy kingdom. Amidst war, political confusion and sexual intrigue, a brotherhood of misfits are all that stand between the realms of men and the horrors beyond. HBO has greenlit ten episodes to see how the series will fare with audiences.

JANE EYRE
Cast: Mia Wasikowska, Michael Fassbender, Jamie Bell, Judi Dench, Sally Hawkins
Director: Cary Fukunaa (“Sin Nombre”)
Category: Theatrical film
Release Date: In select theaters Friday, March 11, 2011
Based On: JANE EYRE by Charlotte Brontë

Yes, another version of the classic Brontë work. But really, with a story this good, do you ever tire of seeing it done well on the big screen? Never read the classic? What are you waiting for? Now is the perfect time!

And finally, for great summer reading fare, make sure and catch “Dead in the Family,” book ten in Charlaine Harris’ Sookie Stackhouse series. Whenever I finish one of Harris’ novels, I find myself disappointed that I have to wait for the next book to come out! Lucky for me, “True Blood” is back this Saturday, June 13, for their third season on HBO! While “Dead in the Family” may not be my favorite book in the series, it is a great summer read. I stayed-up throughout the night (on a work-night no less), so I could catch-up on my favorite supes (“supernaturals” for the uninitiated).

Okay, confession, I was really just rushing through to the end hoping that Bill and Sookie finally reconcile. Yes ladies, I am a member of Team Bill. Are you a “True Blood” fan too? Leave me a message here and tell me: Team Eric, Team Bill or Team Sam!