BUT HAVE YOU READ THE BOOK? (2023) - Review

But Have You Read the Book?: 52 Literary Gems That Inspired Our Favorite Films by Kristen Lopez
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
On sale: March 7, 2023

Author Kristen Lopez writes that she always reads the book before watching the movie. Movies sometimes are true to their book, but many times circumstances are ignored and/or changed. Presented by Turner Classic Movies, Lopez has chosen 52 screen adaptations and the books that inspired them. Beginning with a famous line from each entry, there are 3-4 page reviews, trivia facts, and suggestions about how to proceed.

The movies cover from 1931 through 2021 and include REBECCA (1940), TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD (1962), BLADE RUNNER (1982), JURASSIC PARK (1993), THE HUNGER GAMES (2012) and so much more. There is an extensive bibliography and interesting illustrations. I've seen 16 movies but I've only read 10 of the books which surprised me. Having recently watched two versions of THE TALENTED MR. RIPLEY (1999), the discussion of the differences between various directors/countries putting their own slants on the original 1955 work by Patricia Highsmith was interesting.

BOTTOM LINE: Seems like a perfect gift for both book readers and movie lovers. RECOMMENDED.

Thank you to NetGalley and Running Press for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

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