One of life's greatest and most important debates is this: Is the book always better than the movie?

Speaking as a book addict and movie connoisseur, my answer is this: Usually, but definitely not always. I've read many popular books and seen many popular adaptations. If that doesn't make me an expert, then what does?!

So, this is here to make life easier for those of you out there who are overwhelmingly busy and can't decide whether to read the book or watch the movie. These are my official recommendations, should you find yourself in a position where you must choose between all of these excellent options.

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1. "Divergent" Series

Official Recommendation: If you have to choose between the book series and movie series, choose the books. While the movies are well done and entertaining, Veronica Roth's writing is excellent and a lot is lost between the books and the adaptations. These books are addicting, fascinating and easy to get through.

2. "The Notebook"

Official Recommendation: Watch the movie! While the book is short and sweet, the movie is stunning and somehow packs a lot more emotional value in. I truly believe this story gains a lot by being in a visual medium. Plus, there's Ryan Gosling; I mean, we're only human.

3. "Water for Elephants"

Official Recommendation: Read the book! While the movie is pretty good (and I admit, Reese and Robert are cute together) the book is so much more moving. This story has infinitely more depth and emotion as a novel, even if the film is certainly a good way to spend a couple of hours.

4. "Fight Club"

Official Recommendation: Pick the movie. Edward Norton and Brad Pitt are amazing, and the somewhat confusing concept is much clearer and more shock-inducing in the film. The book is definitely excellent, don't get me wrong. However, it is a complex and often confusing book, particularly on a first read. So unless you have the time to get really invested in it, I'd suggest the movie instead.

5. "The Hunger Games" series

Official Recommendation: Preferably, both. But if you don't have the time in your life for three books and four movies, pick the books. The movies are great and very entertaining, especially if you're the visual type of person who needs to be looking at a setting to picture it. However, Suzanne Collins is a wonderful writer and these books are worth not only reading, but rereading.

6. "Pride and Prejudice"

Official Recommendation: This depends on the person. This is one of those circumstances where you need to take a good, hard look in the mirror and figure out who you are on a deep, literary level. It's tough for me to choose on this one, because this is one of my favorite films and one of my favorite books. So, if you already know you dislike reading Victorian literature featuring amusing and independent female leads, just watch the two-hour movie, marvel at the beautiful scenery and be done. But if you love Austen or anything similar, read the book! It's remarkable. (And then watch the movie promptly after.)

7. "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest"

Official Recommendation: Watch the movie. The book is great, but Jack Nicholson is a marvel and completely embodies this role. Some of the characters are changed or lost in the adaptation to film, but it's worth it. Honestly, it's an excellent movie and definitely worth your time.

8. "The Book Thief"

Official Recommendation: I won't lie -- both are wonderful. However, if you must choose, read the book. I don't know if I've ever cried more while reading. (Though don't let that deter you -- embrace your emotions!) This book may change your life, or at the very least, you will not forget it anytime soon.

9. "The Great Gatsby"

Official Recommendation: Once again, this will have to be a personal decision. "The Great Gatsby" is one of my favorite classic novels; I've even read it more than once by choice! However, it's not for everyone. On the flip side, the film adaptation has a very unique style that blends 1920s with present day and makes everything even larger than life. You might love both, you might hate both, but in my opinion, both are worth a try.

10. "The Help"

Official Recommendation: If at all possible, both. If not, read the book. Both the book and movie are funny, poignant, heartbreaking and moving. However, the book is able to have so much more of all of this, simply because of the time constraints of a film. Kathryn Stockett is an amazing writer; this is one of those books that you expect to be good, but somehow manages to be even better than you could have imagined.

11. "Jurassic Park"

Official Recommendation: I do realize that most people might not even realize that "Jurassic Park" is also a book. Never fear! I'll alert you right here and now that the movie is probably more worth your time. The book is definitely good, but you get the same ideas in a lot more entertaining visual format when you watch the classic 1993 film instead.

12. "Harry Potter" Series

Official Recommendation: Wait, is this even a debate? The correct answer is, obviously, all of them! Read every book, watch every movie, dedicate your life to this series, so on and so forth. Honestly, though, if you haven't read or watched these yet, isn't it time you opened your eyes to the magic?