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Books & Media / People

Book/Movie Club

Recent reads to hit the screens

I’m very fortunate to have met some really amazing women here, many of which are in a Book Club together. One of us volunteers our house for the meet up (ahem, I have yet to host one!) and we all chip in with food and of course, multiple bottles of wine. This weekend we are going to see a book club selection from last summer, Sarah’s Key, so I thought I might talk up some of our recent reads-turned-movies.

Book/Movie Club: Sarah's Key

Sarah’s Key
Really enjoyed this book, even if the heroine bugged me at times with her seemingly selfish prying. Kristen Scott Thomas and Aiden Quinn star in this story about a young girl that gets separated from her family during the Paris roundup of Jewish families in Nazi France. Tear-jerker alert!
Book: Couldn’t put it down
Movie: Promising!

Book/Movie Club: Water for ElephantsWater for Elephants
Kudos to the author of this book, as she did a creepily excellent job of painting a detailed picture of the Depression-era circus circuit, and from the perspective of a grouchy old man. I was bummed that I missed seeing the movie with my gals, and still haven’t seen it. Have you? Reese looks amazing and I still think Cedric Diggory is kinda cute, but I have a feeling Rosie the elephant stole the show.
Book: Interesting, vivid
Movie: I hear it was “meh”

Book/Movie Club: One Day

One Day
Really enjoyed the book and the concept — one day each year in the lives of two people over 20 years — and was so impressed at the writer’s innate understanding of the two characters’ complex and opposite personalities. Not thrilled with the casting in the flick however, as Anne Hathaway’s British accent in the trailers is tragic (as much as I do like her), and the male lead is just not attractive enough in my opinion to be properly afflicted by his hotness. Jury’s out on this one.
Book: Must-Read
Movie: Hmmmm….

Book/Movie Club: Something BorrowedSomething Borrowed
I was late to the game on this one, having just recently read the follow-up, Something Blue. From what everyone tells me, the movie was well-done and true to the book. I don’t think it really matters anyway because I’m completely blinded by actor Colin Egglesfield’s beauty. I would watch this again and again just to get to spend another 2 hours with him. ;o)
Book: Entertaining
Movie: Delicious…

Book/Movie Club: Little Bee

Little Bee
Another good read, but I warn you, it’s upsetting. Beyond the story itself, the heroine’s actions frustrated the heck out of me. I don’t know if it’s because she was written by a man, or if it was intentional to convey Western society’s jaded attitude and naivety about the horrors that can exist outside of our bubble? Nicole Kidman as star and producer is promising. Haven’t yet heard when this one will open, does anyone know?
Book: Riveting, but hard to read
Movie: Will probably be hard to watch

Some other fave books turned into movies:
Harry Potter — so so well done.
Lovely Bones — can’t bring myself to see the movie, especially now that I’m a mom.
Devil Wears Prada — Meryl Streep. And Emily Blunt. (Couldn’t finish the book though; the whining drove me nuts.)
Lord of the Rings — taken to a whole new level. Excited about The Hobbit.
Midnight in the Garden of Good & Evil — love this writer, wish they’d make a movie out of his book about Venice, Italy, The City of Fallen Angels.

What are some of your fave books-turned-movies? Any other book club selections you’d recommend?

...xoxo

Erika Brechtel

Erika's passion for guiding women to "Style Your Biz, Your Home, Your Self, Your Life" led her create 'The E List' (formerly the Small Shop blog) in 2010. Since, she's expanded globally into speaking, mentoring, course offerings, angel investing, and social entrepreneurship through the Élanoura Collective for women founders.

Reader Interactions

The Comments

  1. Emily says

    July 29, 2011 at 5:24 am

    You had me at “book club.” I so love a good book, unfortunately I haven’t been able to do much reading lately. Water For Elephants was my last read and I also loved it. I might have a little crush on Mr. Diggory (also know to me as Edward but don’t judge) so I think that had something to do with it. :) I haven’t seen the movie either, but heard it was just so so. Have you read The Time Traveler’s Wife? Add it to your list if you haven’t. The book is so amazing, the movie didn’t even come close to doing it justice, but the book is worth it! PS- The Hobbit!! Oh I would love to read that one again!!!!

    • that girl says

      July 29, 2011 at 2:59 pm

      Ha, totally forgot about the Twilight series! I actually really enjoyed those books.

      I didn’t read The Time Traveler’s Wife, just saw the movie because I like both the actors in it. I will add it to my list!

  2. Erica says

    July 29, 2011 at 6:07 am

    Lisa See has written some amazing books for book clubs! I recommend Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, Shanghai Girls and its sequel Dreams of Joy. I’m dying to see the new film Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, but it’s playing nowhere near me. boo hoo!

    • that girl says

      July 29, 2011 at 2:59 pm

      Thank you for the reco’s!!

  3. Naomi says

    July 29, 2011 at 6:46 am

    Oh I’d like to be in a book club! Ever since I’ve found myself single, I’ve been reading up a storm. Trying to avoid chic-lit so I don’t feel like too much of cliche. Little Bee has been on my list, but I’ll have to add One Day and Sarah’s Key. Already read the others.

    Have a great weekend, Erika!

  4. Madelyn says

    July 29, 2011 at 8:41 am

    Did you read Hunger Games? Questionable casting, although the recent EW cover makes the Peeta choice slightly less mystifying.

    And then there’s the best book to movie ever: Gone with the Wind. Oh, and Gatsby! So curious if the new one will be any good.

    Speaking of remakes — saw the trailer for the new Footloose. I. Am. Old.

    • that girl says

      July 29, 2011 at 3:00 pm

      I had not heard that there was a new Gatsby coming out (or did I?). Who’s in it?

      Adding Hunger Games…

  5. designstiles says

    July 29, 2011 at 8:49 am

    My sister’s friend started a bookless book club. We just try to get together and to different types of activities. Our last event was watching Clueless on the big screen. Exciting stuff!

    I’m guilty of not reading enough books. I’ve started like five. Haven’t finished either.

    Happy Weekend!

  6. elizabeth says

    July 29, 2011 at 8:55 am

    I would love to belong to a book club except it would have to be one or two books a week, instead of a month, and they would have to throw some trashy romance in for fun. I love your picks – Water for Elephants was gorgeous and I was so glad they were true to the book. Loved “Prada” but preferred the ending in the book to the movie. Something Blue is so much better than Something Borrowed, so I hope that they do that sequel with Kate Hudson – I want to stab Ginnifer Goodwin. Good movies from books: Disclosure and Memoirs of a Geisha. And they did do Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil – John Cusack – filmed here in New Orleans…
    -e (modern24seven.blogspot.com)

    • that girl says

      July 29, 2011 at 3:02 pm

      Really hoping they make Something Blue — after the credits in Something Borrowed they did show a small clip of it, so looks promising!

  7. elizabeth says

    July 29, 2011 at 8:56 am

    Oh, I guess you were saying you loved MGGE and wish they would do the other movie…sorry. Yep, love John Cusack!
    E

  8. Lonely Wife Project says

    July 29, 2011 at 10:06 am

    I devoured this post and will definitely be adding a couple to my list! I don’t belong to a book club, but you know I’m a book fiend. Best book to movie EVER is The Notebook! Also recommend: Notes on a Scandal and The Reader! Also, I have to admit I read every one of Emily Griffin’s books. They’re addicting. Can’t wait to see the movie! Have a great weekend!

    • that girl says

      July 29, 2011 at 3:03 pm

      I don’t think I’ve ever cried as much as when I saw The Notebook. OMG my husband actually thought there was a death in the family. After that, I didn’t think I could handle the book. Adding the other two, I heard both were excellent!

      • Lonely Wife Project says

        July 29, 2011 at 3:15 pm

        If you think the movie was sad…I dry heaved after reading The Notebook. It was almost an emergency situation ;)

  9. Lily says

    July 29, 2011 at 10:56 am

    I am intrigued by all of these ! It has been a while since I have actually read a book for fun (and not for school-because I had to)…probably Eat, Pray, Love-have you read the book or seen the movie?

    xxLily

    • that girl says

      July 29, 2011 at 3:06 pm

      I sooo tried to read the book. I’m one of two of my friends that didn’t care for her pity party/year of travel (poor her). Perhaps I missed the whole point though since I didn’t finish it!

  10. Tamara, Bella Boho says

    July 29, 2011 at 1:47 pm

    You all make me feel horrible…I haven’t read a book in, crap, I can’t remember when!

    • that girl says

      July 29, 2011 at 3:19 pm

      Tamara, I can only read a few pages before I zonk out. But it helps to get my brain to calm down at the end of every (crazy, long) day!

  11. Tamra {walkswithBella} says

    July 29, 2011 at 3:07 pm

    My friends started a club, but “started” is the key word. I’m still waiting for a meeting. Perhaps I just need to take this club over. haha.. Thanks for the reviews. I plan on reading Little Bee and Something Borrowed. Just finished up the Girl w/the Dragon Tattoo series which was fantastic!

    • Lonely Wife Project says

      July 29, 2011 at 3:17 pm

      Tamra, I read the Dragon Tattoo series too and surprisingly loved it. Also saw the Swedish films which are really good!

    • that girl says

      July 29, 2011 at 3:20 pm

      Do it! It’s fun!

      My mom has been recommending that series to me for a while. I have been wanting to read them! Thanks for reminding me!

  12. Eclectic A says

    July 29, 2011 at 8:38 pm

    I couldn’t agree with you more about One Day. The actors are not how I pictured the characters but I’ll still watch. Plus the movie poster is pretty great! I just read Something Borrowed and still need to see the movie. I hope Something Blue will also be a movie!

  13. Ciera @ Rose & Thistle says

    July 31, 2011 at 4:34 pm

    Oooh am excited about the Sarah’s Key movie, I enjoyed that book. Also am looking forwards to watching The Help, think that comes out soon too :) Your book club sounds fab.

  14. Christina says

    August 28, 2011 at 6:22 pm

    Just catching up on your blog Erika! Loved this post. I loved the movie adaptations for High Fidelity and About a Boy. I also loved The Namesake book AND movie, it was SO great. I read Emperors Children and I heard it’s becoming a movie soon. Haven’t seen One Day yet, I am too scared to!

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