5 Books That Would Make Perfect Movies
We've all finished a book and immediately thought, "Wow, I'd love to see this on the big screen." Sometimes the results are awesome (especially when the book's author is a big part of the production team). Other times, that's unfortunately not the case. But for all those great books that have yet to make it to a theater near you, there's still a glimmer of hope that the movie will live up to readers' sometimes lofty expectations.
Here are five books that would make awesome movies — if only production companies would get the memo!
1. "Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret" by Judy Blume
It's almost a shock that this quintessential growing-up story hasn't been made into a movie. Margaret Simon struggles with pretty much everything a 12-year-old girl can handle: moving from New York City to the New Jersey suburbs, her first crush on a boy, her parents' conflicting religious beliefs, and of course, her first period. But perhaps it's the fact that this book became the tell-all guide to growing up for girls everywhere that lends to its lack of a film adaptation: it's just not necessary to expand the franchise. Not that I'd complain should it be turned into a film!
2. "The Burn Journals" by Brent Runyon
Runyon's first book is the story of his failed suicide attempt when he was 14-years-old, after which he spent almost a year in various hospitals recovering from burns to 85% of his body. This book not only masterfully depicts the struggle of physical recovery, but the bravery required to confront your own rational mind when it abandons you. With the right casting, this book that deals with very grown-up themes could give even children dealing with depression a reason to talk to someone.
3. "The Fault in Our Stars" by John Green
Despite the fact that a movie version of this 2012 book is already in pre-production, it's on this list because my expectations for it are quite high. I only read this book for the first time a few months ago, but Green's details were so vivid and the characters so well-developed that I felt even I could make a successful movie adaptation. By the way, Shailene Woodley is playing Hazel and Ansel Elgort is playing Augustus.
4. "A Wrinkle in Time" by Madeleine L'Engle
Here's a book that technically has been made into a film already...that is, a TV movie that omitted large sections of the book and prompted L'Engle herself to say, "I expected it to be bad, and it is." While L'Engle passed away in 2007, Disney still owns the film rights to the book and even tapped a director to start production ... 3 years ago. Personally, I think it would be amazing to see a science fiction-fantasy film with a female protagonist (and several supporting females!), especially considering the recent push for more women to enter STEM fields.
5. "The Astonishing Adventures of Fanboy and Goth Girl"/"Goth Girl Rising" by Barry Lyga
This engaging duology is told from the points of view of both main characters, each making an appearance in the books narrated by the opposite character. Barry Lyga deals with several important themes, from mental illness to the woes of high school, and each film could be catered to people of a similar likeness to the respective protagonist. The first book especially could become the next Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, as "Fanboy" is a big fan of graphic novels and comic books. In short, these books have everything to appeal to fans of all ages.
