Books Into Film
- Girl with a Pearl Earring
, by Tracy Chevalier
Chevalier writes the story of 16-year-old Griet, whose encounter with the painter Vermeer changes her life. She inspired one of Vermeer's most famous paintings.
Available on DVDstarring Colin Firth and Scarlett Johansson.
- The Jane Austen Book Club: A Novel
, by Karen Jo Fowler
In California's Central Valley, five women and one man join together to discuss Jane Austen's novels. Over the six months they meet, marriages are tested, affairs begin, unsuitable arrangements become suitable, and love happens. Available on DVDstarring Maria Bello, Emily Blunt, Kathy Baker, Amy Brenneman, Maggie Grace.
- Water for Elephants
, by Sara Gruen
Told in flashbacks, nursing home resident, Jacob, remembers times spent living with the Benzini Brothers Most Spectacular Show on Earth and the people and animals he encountered. One of the most popular books for book groups this year! Film opens on April 22nd. - Seabiscuit: An American Legend
, by Laura Hillenbrand
This inspiring story tells of an unlikely hero, Seabiscuit, who was an undersized horse with a suppressed racing talent until discovered by three unlikely men, Pollard, Smith, and Howard. These men transformed Seabiscuit into an "American cultural icon" and conquered the odds in the Great Depression. Available on DVDstarring Sam Bottoms and Jeff Bridges.
- The Namesake: A Novel
, by Jhumpa Lahiri
The Namesake follows the Ganguli family from their transition from their life in Calcutta to their new home into America. Ashoke and Ashima Ganguli begin their new life after an arranged marriage in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Following the birth of their first son, the couple faces a conflict when naming the child, the meaning behind their own names, and the struggle the meanings bring into their lives. Available on DVDstarring Irfan Khan, Kal Penn, and Tabu.
- No Country for Old Men (Vintage International)
, by Cormac McCarthy
This story, set along the frontier between Texas and Mexico, follows Llewelyn Moss as he sets out to hunt antelope near the Rio Grande but finds men shot dead and a generous amount of money. Sheriff Bell then realizes how much Moss and his wife need protection. This story is one of war amongst a society and the ties of love, blood, and duty.
Available on DVD. Starring Javier Bardem, Josh Brolin, and Tommy Lee Jones. Directed by Ethan Coen and Joel Coen.
- Angela's Ashes
, by Frank McCourt
Told with both humor and compassion, this is McCourt’s story of growing up poor in Ireland with a father who doesn’t provide for the family but is a great storyteller.
Available on DVDstarring Emily Watson and Robert Carlyle.
- The Nanny Diaries: A Novel
, by Emma McLaughlin
This runaway New York Times bestseller is a satire on the glamour of Manhattan's upper class and their children’s activities. Co-written by two former nannies, the novel follows their adventures as they work for a Park Avenue mommy.
Available on DVDstarring Scarlett Johansson.
- Love in the Time of Cholera (Oprah's Book Club)
, by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
Florentino Ariza is finally able to marry Fermina Daza when her husband, Dr. Urbino, dies. This love triangle goes continues after 50 years of longing. Available on DVD. Starring Benjamin Bratt, Javier Bardem and Giovanna Mezzogiorno.
- The Help
, by Kathryn Stockett
This first novel by Stockett follows the lives of black maids in 60's Jackson, Mississippi and the white women they work for. Film opens in August 2011.
- Felicia's Journey
, by William Trevor
Unmarried and pregnant Felicia runs away from her small Irish town to England where she searches for her boyfriend. She finds help from Mr. Hilditch, who is not what he seems, and her life turns into a nightmare. Available on DVDstarring Bob Hoskins.
- In Her Shoes: A Novel
, by Jennifer Weiner
The Feller sisters, Maggie and Rose, are equal but totally opposite in looks as well as occupations. They‘ve had not contact with their grandmother, Ella, since their mother's death years ago, but all need to find each other to find happiness.
Available on DVDstarring Cameron Diaz, Toni Collette and Shirley MacLaine.
