Books and Movies

It's summertime, and the living is easy—or so the saying goes. With summer movie releases taking over the screens, I found myself thinking about the classic debate: 

Which is better—books or their movie adaptations?

I love to imagine who would play the characters in a book while reading, but that’s where my biblio-imagination ends. I need the film pros to bring it all to life visually.  

(And yes, I just made up that word, “biblio-imagination.” Isn’t language great?!)

And because I know you care, the illustrious Judi 411 Award for Best Movie Adaptation of a Book goes to... A Time to Kill by John Grisham! That stunning closing argument at the end of the movie? Pure magic! It’s a rewrite of the book that’ll have you convinced Matthew McConaughey deserved an Oscar... or at least a standing ovation from the couch! Tissues galore every time I watch it.

The Bridges of Madison County is the runner-up in this illustrious (and completely made-up) award category. Lord, OH Lord, thank you for the movie adaptation because the book was a snooze-fest!

What are your thoughts? Do you lean towards the pages or the popcorn? I’d love to hear your take on this timeless debate by emailing me at judi@judi411.com!