We’re halfway through 2014, but there are still quite a few book-to-movie adaptations making their way to the big screen this year.
Before you buy your movie tickets, make sure you’re prepared and swing by your local bookstore or library to pick up one (or all) of the following books:
The Hundred-Foot Journey
Richard C. Morais
Foodie books-turned-movies have done well in the past, and this latest, produced by Steven Spielberg and Oprah, follows a teen prodigy whose family opens an Indian restaurant across from a renowned French establishment with a famous chef. Let the culinary games begin! Release date: August 8
The Giver
Lois Lowry
If you read this book in middle school, it’s time to reacquaint yourself with Jonas, whose world has no fear or pain until The Giver shares the truth. There has been a slew of futuristic young-adult movies in recent years, so it’s no surprise that this novel is getting the red-carpet treatment. Release date: August 15
Hector and the Search for Happiness
Francois Lelord
Is there a secret to being happy? Hector, a psychiatrist who is beginning to feel depressed, sets out on a trip around the world to find out. The film version stars Simon Pegg, Toni Collette, Rosamund Pike and Christopher Plummer. Release date: September 19
This Is Where I Leave You
Jonathan Tropper
Only one thing will bring the Foxman siblings together: the death of their father, who requested the family sit shiva. As this book (and movie starring Jason Bateman, Tina Fey and Jane Fonda) shows, a lot can happen when you’re stuck with your family for seven days. Release date: September 19
Gone Girl
Gillian Flynn
Seriously, you will not be able to put this “he said, she said” thriller down (starring Ben Affleck on the silver screen). Plus, this won’t be Gillian Flynn’s first venture into film. Her novel “Dark Places” is also set to hit theaters (starring Charlize Theron), so you should probably add that to your reading list, too. Release date: October 3
Wild
Cheryl Strayed
Chosen as a Best Book of 2013 by NPR, Entertainment Weekly and Vogue, plus an Oprah Book Club pick, is it any wonder why this tale of a solo hike along the Pacific Crest Trail is making it’s way to the big screen? A-lister Reese Witherspoon stars as Cheryl. Release date: December 5
Unbroken
Laura Hillenbrand
This story of delinquent-turned-Olympian-turned-World War II airman Louis Zamperini, who passed away last week, inspired Angelina Jolie so much that she decided to direct for just the second time. Release date: December 25
Serena
Ron Rash
Things worked out pretty well for Jennifer Lawrence the last time she teamed up with Bradley Cooper on screen, so we have high expectations for this Depression-Era tale of killer couple George and Serena Pemberton. Release date: TBA
