As many avid readers would know, reading is something that is relaxing and visual. Reading, if the book is good enough, can bring you into the world that you have never seen or heard of before. The excitement that I have for books is amazing because I have been a very high reading level since I was in third grade. I have been so interested in books and comic books because it brings me into an unknown world and makes me feel like I am a serious part of the whole universe.
However, recently movies and television shows have been adapting books and making them into something different. For those who didn’t read the book, the movie or show may seem exciting, thrilling, and amazing. However, when you did read the book, it could make or break the entire franchise for you. Here are some books that you should have read the book(s) before seeing the movie(s) or show.
"The Twilight Saga" (Stephenie Meyer)
Yes, you had to know that this would be up here. The movie franchise made so much money, but now it is disused constantly for it is stupid. However, the books go more in depth about certain aspects and makes the books more worth reading than the movies make it seem. There is a reason why there are still people who own and avidly read that series over and over again, and it is because it is a generally well-written book. There have been some things said about the author’s inability to write books that she says that she will, but considering her information constantly being hacked into, I would say she is doing pretty well.
The "Mortal Instruments" Series (Cassandra Clare)
This series people would know better for their recent adaptation of a television show called Shadowhunters. However, it had also been made into a movie back in 2013. The movie (at least in my opinion) was amazing and captured the books way better than the television show is doing right now. They were more accurate in their choosing of characters with matching descriptions of the characters in the books. The book series itself is still continuing, with there being about six books, a prequel series called the Infernal Devices, a spin-off series called The Bane Chronicles, and a creation of the Shadowhunter's Codex, which is a book within the series itself. This books are so worth reading.
"The Secret Circle" (J. L. Smith)
These book series is smaller books, but there are six of them, and they were made into a one series television series on The CW (2010-2011). This book series is by the same author as The Vampire Diaries (view below) and has so much more detail, as well as an alternative ending to how they series ended. The book series keeps you more on your feet than that of the television show. This book has to deal with witchcraft (like them having powers and affinities), so if you are uncomfortable with that kind of subject, this is not the kind of book for you.
"The Vampire Diaries" (J. L. Smith)
The Vampire Diaries is a long running television show that had started in 2009. They are currently in their seventh season. However, the books didn’t last nearly this long. In fact, I watched the episode where they set up the exact scene where the main character was supposed to die in, and yet she didn’t die. The books went way more in depth (seems to be a pattern going on) about how their type of vampire survives and the background stories of the characters. The character to actor description percentage is very low, although with Ian Somerhalder plays as Damon and Paul Wesley playing as Stefan, I really don’t care. However, the series depicts female roles to be very whiny (Caroline), or very promiscuous (Catherine/Elena/Caroline).
The "Harry Potter" Series (J. K. Rowling)
The Harry Potter Series is something that everyone should know the name of. The Quidditch matches and the sorcerer's stone are practical things that scream witches and wizards. However, did you know that the original first book had the sorcerer's stone named the philosopher's stone. The movies wanted the name to be different, so the author continued to print out “Sorcerer’s Stone” instead. This movie franchise grossed over $24,851,000,000. However, the books are much better and go into more detail about who the characters are and how the reacted to each obstacle thrown at them. There is only seven books (SPOILER: 8th book coming out this Summer), but each book takes you on a journey that was just as individualized and different than the last one. The author really develops the world of Hogwarts into a school that everyone would want to attend. This franchise also has a make believe schooling simulator called Pottermore, as well as a website giving you the ability to take online Hogwarts classes called Hogwartsishere.com.
"Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children" (Ransom Riggs)
This movie is coming out this year, so you still have time to read this wondrous novel. You may have seen the trailer lingering around Facebook or showing up on the television screen. This movie is supposed to be a fantastic one directed by Tim Burton (a man after my own heart). His previous movies make him the perfect and ideal for the part of this creepy and surreal movie plot. This book is mystical and leaves the reader wanting so much more. The author’s writing style sheds light on many things that you wouldn’t even think about while reading a book about abnormally enhanced children. The way they are described makes you want to jump right in and have yourself be recruited into Miss Peregrine’s House.
***
There are many other books out there that have become movies or television shows after becoming books. There are an infinite amount of books, as well as ideas for books, which makes it easier for directors to find work. The movie industry is only at the beginning of the book to movie idea jackpot. Let us wait and see what books are turning next. However, always remember that a book is always worth reading, especially if it is before it turns into a movie.
