Lucy V. Hay's Blog

Into The Deep

During this cold October month, many of us would rather be relaxing on a hot beach. Well, for our Halloween Book Versus Film, let’s head to the sun-kissed sands of Amity, off the east coast of America. Hands up who’s brave enough to go into the water …? Let’s go!

The Story

Amity, a Long Island seaside resort, is looking forward to vast summer crowds when a less welcome visitor appears off its coastline. At first nobody wants to believe a great white shark is behind the death of a lone swimmer, but when more people are killed, the truth cannot be ignored. However, if their Police Chief thinks the predator in the water is his biggest enemy, he’s reckoned without the town’s Mayor, who will do anything to keep the beaches open…

The Characters

Police Chief Martin Brody is 41, and has always lived in Amity. He met and married his wife Ellen 15 years ago and they have three children. His community matters to him, so he’ll suppress bad news if it’ll adversely impact the town’s economy.

Of greater concern, though, are the lives of those living in and visiting Amity, so when the first shark victim is discovered, Brody wants the beaches closed. It’s an unpopular decision, but one he’s willing to resign over. Brody can lash out when feeling threatened, but he’s principled and brave. Whilst he can swim, poorly, he’s been afraid of the creatures that inhabit the sea since childhood. And the thing stalking the coastline is his fear magnified to over twenty feet.

Quint is the skipper of the Orca, a chartered fishing vessel. In his fifties, he tolerates other people only when he must. Quint delights in provocation, such as demonstrating how a shark can be made to eat itself, and the more extreme the reaction the happier he is. He’s hunted sharks before, and calls them “dumb garbage buckets”, but his latest quarry will turn out to be anything but stupid.

Matt Hooper is in his mid-twenties, an Ichthyologist (a zoologist specialising in fish life) from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. He’s grown up loving the water, and used to spend summers at nearby Southampton. Hooper comes from a wealthy family, and though outwardly he’s the opposite of Quint, they both show little regard for others. This will do more than rock the proverbial boat aboard the Orca, for Hooper has admitted to having a crush on one of his elder brother’s girlfriends from fifteen years back… a girlfriend who is now Brody’s wife.

Ellen Brody is 36, and a volunteer at nearby Southampton hospital. Growing up, Ellen was part of the New York set that visited Long Island each summer, but that ended when she married Brody. It didn’t bother her before, but since her youngest child started school, she feels lonely. Ellen yearns for her former social circle, so the sudden reappearance of a link to her past – the kid brother of an old boyfriend, now a handsome young man – may be just what she needs.

The Book

Freelance journalist Peter Benchley was struggling to make ends meet when, in 1971, he had a meeting with Thomas Congdon, Doubleday’s editor. Congdon liked his proposal for a novel about a beach resort terrorised by a shark. Benchley had been fascinated by them since childhood and met legendary shark hunter Frank Mundus in the 60s. Whilst Benchley denied Mundus was the inspiration behind Quint, many who knew the fisherman confirmed it was so – and Mundus did use Quint’s technique of employing barrels to help kill a shark.

The completed manuscript took over 18 months. Many changes were made at Congdon’s request, including inserting an affair between Ellen and Hooper. But even with the book finished, one thing was still missing. It didn’t have a title.

None of Benchley’s working titles (The Stillness in the Water, Leviathan Rising) seemed to fit. He and Congdon brainstormed numerous ideas, but with publication literally moments away, they could only agree on one word they both liked: Jaws.

Long Island Amity (And Other Differences)

Amity is situated on Long Island’s east coast, rather than being its own islet, as in the film. The book also features two shark protagonists, though only one – the fish in the water – appears on the page. Tino Russo is a New York loan shark with Mafia connections. He once ‘helped out’ Amity’s Mayor Larry Vaughan, and now exerts great influence over the town’s real estate. This is the reason Vaughan is reluctant to let the beaches close, and why Brody receives strange phone calls, and their family pet is killed.

Harry Meadows, the local paper’s editor, is the one who summons Matt Hooper to town, and uncovers the links between Vaughan and Russo. Meadows initially wants the beaches kept open too, but eventually sides with Brody and uses the paper to clear the Chief’s name after he’s blamed for more deaths.

Perhaps the biggest difference is Hooper

He and Brody are at odds from the start, and Hooper has no qualms about sleeping with Ellen (arguably, he’s the book’s third shark). Brody is soon suspicious, though it’s never brought to the surface – unlike poor Hooper’s body, clasped between the great white’s jaws after discovering his expensive shark cage wasn’t worth the money.

Despite the friction between the main characters, the tension is somewhat lacking. Once Ellen decides to seduce Hooper there’s barely any will-they-won’t-they before they’re metaphorically lighting the post-coital cigarette. This undervalues Ellen’s character, reducing her to a plot device for creating animosity between the two men. Likewise, Vaughan’s Mafia connection, and the threats to Brody and his family, feel like a distraction. Whilst Ellen and Vaughan do see the error of their ways, there’s no feeling of redemption.

Brody’s fear of aquatic life barely features, surprising considering it’s his main ‘belly of the beast’ story arc. The one character whose salvation works is Meadows – the most likeable in the book, possibly because Benchley was a journalist too.

But if the land-based storylines seem flat, the book really comes alive out at sea. The scenes of the shark tracking six-year-old Alex Kintner on his rubber raft, or homing in on a youth who’s gone swimming for a dare (not in the film) are terrific. The final third, set mostly aboard the Orca, is so well written you can almost smell the sea-salt, and the research into sharks and hunting adds to the credibility. It reminded me of Michael Crichton’s Jurassic Park: light on characterisation, but incredibly deep on detail.

Release & Reception Of The Book

Whilst reviews were mixed, with many criticising the characters, even its detractors agreed the book was a fast-paced, tightly plotted read. It did have its supporters too, not least the general public.

Released in February 1974, the hardback spent 44 weeks on The New York Times bestseller list. It sold 125,000 copies – amazing for a debut novel – but even that was eclipsed by the paperback. When the film opened the following year, the book had already sold 5.5 million copies in America alone. Today, worldwide sales are estimated at over 20 million.

Film producers Richard Zanuck and David Brown quickly paid $175,000 for the rights, which included a screenplay by its author…

The Film

Steven Spielberg was attracted to Jaws by its parallels with his first feature, Duel, for both show a seemingly unstoppable force targeting the everyman (Spielberg even included a reference: the destruction of the truck is the shark’s death cry). Before signing on, he stated his desire to change the material preceding the shark hunt but stay faithful to the Orca scenes, although the days aboard shrunk from four to two.

After Benchley delivered his drafts, several other writers came aboard. These included Howard Sackler, John Milius, and Carl Gottlieb, an acquaintance of Spielberg, and the only one to share a writing credit with Benchley. Gottlieb wrote most of the final script during the shoot, often discussing with the director and cast each evening about what the next day’s scenes should include.

Casting & Changes

Spielberg met Roy Scheider at a party and told him how difficult he was finding it to cast Brody, at which point – to the director’s delight – Scheider volunteered his services. Brody became an island outsider, having recently moved there from New York, and only then discovering he was aquaphobic (credited to Howard Sackler, who made Brody terrified of water rather than the creatures inhabiting it).

For Hooper, Spielberg’s friend George Lucas recommended Richard Dreyfuss, following their collaboration on American Grafitti. Dreyfuss initially turned it down, but changed his mind after watching himself in another film (The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz) and thinking he was so bad he’d best get a new role quick! Although the character was already different to the book, it was further rewritten with Dreyfuss in mind.

The producers suggested Robert Shaw for Quint, having just worked with him on The Sting, though Shaw needed some persuading (by his wife, Where Eagles Dare actress Mary Ure, and his secretary). He based his performance on local fisherman Craig Kingsbury (who appears as ill-fated Ben Gardner).

Quint in the film is quite gregarious, though he still likes winding people up. His singing of the shanty Spanish Ladies is a reference to Moby Dick, where it’s sung by Captain Ahab’s doomed crew. One new aspect, and the cause of much debate, is Quint’s reason for hating sharks. He’s now a World War 2 veteran, having served on the USS Indianapolis – a real ship that sunk in shark-infested waters in 1945 – and the writing of this scene may hold the record for the highest number of people claiming credit. But according to Spielberg, Sackler had the idea and wrote a few paragraphs, Milius expanded it to around a dozen pages, then Shaw (also a gifted playwright) rewrote it into the final version.

As well as making the characters more likeable, Spielberg focused purely on the shark storyline. The affair subplot was axed, in part because it would affect the camaraderie on board the Orca. The downside is a reduced roll for Ellen (Lorraine Gary, who would get more screentime in Jaws 2, and earn Final Girl status in Jaws: The Revenge), but in her few scenes she brings a warmth and wit entirely lacking from the book. Mayor Vaughan (Murray Hamilton) loses his ‘Mafia partner’ and Larry Meadows (played by the film’s screenwriter, Carl Gottlieb) barely features.

On set, Spielberg encouraged plenty of improvisation

The film’s most famous line, “You’re gonna need a bigger boat“, was already a crew mantra, frustrated at the budget constraints (one of the equipment vessels was too small), and Scheider cleverly ad-libbed this into the shoot.

Due to technical problems limiting Bruce the mechanical shark’s appearances, Spielberg had to invent new ways to suggest its presence. Fortunately, the book came to his aid for the hunt, with those floating barrels being a terrific visual cue (the destroyed pier earlier in the film serves the same purpose), and plenty of shark’s-eye-view shots add to the tension.

But the real star is John Williams’ incredible score. In much the same way that Bernard Hermann’s music helped Hitchcock ‘show’ the Psycho shower murder, Williams’ simple alternating E- and F-note motif (possibly the most recognisable film music ever) is so terrifyingly effective that many people didn’t realise the shark isn’t properly seen until 62 minutes into the film.

One final major change is the ending. Benchley has the shark die of extensive wounds (it’s last seen spiralling into the dark, following Quint’s Ahab-like death), but Spielberg wanted something more satisfying, so suggested a scuba-tank exploding in its mouth for a more cathartic, audience-pleasing finale.

The cast are superb, with Scheider and Dreyfuss making us root for their characters, and Shaw stealing the film with his finest performance. Whilst Bruce isn’t the best practical effect, those few appearances are more effective.

There are some surprisingly funny moments (Brody surreptitiously checking his own appendectomy scar as Hooper and Quint boast about their shark-related wounds), and the scares – especially that floating head – still work. And the music is simply one of the greatest scores ever.

Reception & Release Of The Movie

Reviews were overwhelmingly positive, with many singling Spielberg out for praise. Any criticism was usually reserved for the shark, re-enforcing the director’s decision to keep its appearances to a minimum.

The scheduled 55-day shoot lasted 159 days, and with the budget ballooning to between $7- and $12-million, Spielberg felt his career was over. However, producers Zanuck and Brown stood by him, and it opened on 20thJune 1975 across 450-plus screens. At the time that was a huge release, but the studio’s head cut this down from 900 screens to ensure it lasted all summer.

Jaws did that and more, becoming the highest grossing film until Star Wars, two years later – the first of three times Spielberg has achieved this.

Legacy

Jaws is acknowledged with creating the summer blockbuster, the first high-concept feature to dominate the box office during the season when cinemas didn’t perform so well. Its advertising campaign, which relied heavily on television – rarely utilised until then – became the benchmark for movie marketing.

Its influence on future films is clear: not only was the idea of Alien sold to studios with the pitch “Jaws in space”, but also Jurassic Park (Spielberg again) and many other ‘creature features’ probably would not exist without it.

The downside was a misconception about sharks that continues to this day. Benchley became a conservationist as a result, and Spielberg expressed regret at the number of shark killings due to the public’s mistaken belief that they pose a threat to swimmers.

And The Winner Is …

If the old adage about there always being more in the book is correct here, then so too is the one that states less is more. Whilst the novel is a deserved bestseller, the film wisely jettisons its subplots to concentrate on the battle between human and shark, and makes the relationship between Brody, Hooper and Quint the real heart of Jaws.

As such, the prize for landing the biggest fish goes to Steven Spielberg’s film.

Which is YOUR choice?

BIO: Nick Jackson is a Leeds-based landlubber who has written numerous short stories for various anthologies, usually horror, though none have involved a shark. He would like to stake his claim as the writer of the USS Indianapolis scene, even though he was aged around two at the time, and if you’d given him a crayon, he’ll more likely have tried to eat it than write one of the greatest monologues ever. But he did do it, and he gave it to Captain Pugwash to deliver. Honest.

1) The Women by Kristin Hannah

In my opinion her best novel. This one is all about the women who served in the Vietnam war. War has always been all about men, and these feminist insights into it are rare. Hannah has a uniquely addictive prose style and the audio narration of her books is superb. I found this entertaining, gripping and educational in equal measure.

2) Earth Abides by George R Stewart

This one got me into dystopian fiction and I recommend it to everyone. The premise is society having to start again after the world has been wiped out. What is human nature when stripped down to survival mode? This one stuck with me because it makes me appreciate everything I have, everything society has built that I take for granted. Stunning writing. Page-turner. (And the Sci-fi Masterworks series looks great on a bookshelf).

3) Hard Work by Polly Toynbee

She puts her money where her mouth is. This is an account of Polly Toynbee’s decision to try to live and work on the minimum wage. For those of us who haven’t known real poverty, this is a shocking and sobering insight into what it’s really like when you can’t get a job without an address, and can’t get an address without a job. Eye-opening, unforgettable.

BIO: Lucy Martin is a feminist, optimist, non-conformist (that’s my strapline on X anyway).  Author of detective thrillers starring DS Ronnie Delmar, escapee from London, now running all-inclusive monthly writers’ retreats from my home in Devon. More details HERE. Follow her on Facebook, HERE and on IG as@lucy_martin_books

1) The Mercy Chair by M W Craven

The sixth in the Washington Poe series of thrillers, with his side-kick Tilly Bradshaw (best character ever written IMO); the darkest yet and with a stunning twist that had me completely fooled.

2)  I Let You Go by Clare Mackintosh

Beautifully written example of domestic noir with a twist so unexpected that it still takes my breath away long after I’ve read the book and other details have faded away.

3) The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie

Having been brought up on film and TV adaptations, I have only recently started reading Christie’s novels. This is thought by many to be her best, and the twist certainly makes it one of the greats.

 

BIO: Elizabeth Ducie gave up a life of international consultancy to ‘tell lies for a living’. She writes cosy crime set in an English village and thrillers set around the world; plus business books for authors.  Books available in paperback and as ebooks; free to download via KU.

1) Running Blind by Desmond Bagley

One of my favourite openings ever, setting up a mystery, an action adventure and a death all in one succinct sentence. Bagley was the best at what he did – exotic thrillers from the 60s, 70s and 80s – and this is one of his finest. If you don’t know his books, seek them out: you’ll thank me for it.

2) Call for the Dead by John le Carré

The book that introduces the ultimate anti-spy George Smiley was first published in 1961. Its opening chapter is seven pages long and entitled ‘A Brief History of George Smiley’. You expect it to be dry but it’s utterly mesmerising from the off, and the rest of the slim volume is a master class in erudite brevity. To borrow from another espionage franchise, nobody does it better.

3)  The West Wing Script Book by Aaron Sorkin

OK, so I’m cheating here by including what is still one of the greatest TV shows ever made, but there genuinely is a book of teleplays by the master of dialogue, and the pre-titles teaser from episode one is among the most sublime introductions to a cast of characters that you’ll ever read. What comes afterwards is pretty good too…

BIO: Michael Davies is a writer of stuff, including thrillers Outback and Thin Ice. Also, the playwright of award-winning plays The Seagull Has Landed and Rasputin’s Mother, and the book and lyrics for Tess – The Musical. Watch out for a new HarperCollins series, Murder They Read, in 2026. Follow him on Facebook as Michael Davies – Author and instagram as @michaeldaviesauthor

Not Keen On Reading? No Problem …

Although this is a blog on all things books, we understand that not everyone is a natural bookworm. For some, a night fuelled with TV is better than any book you can read, but for others, they’ve always dreamed of giving reading a try.

Many people around the world want to get into reading, but they haven’t found the right book that piques their interest. This may be down to the fact that they feel scarred by dull, repetitive school novels that were made into a chore – or perhaps they just can’t get through to the end and struggle with concentration.

Whatever the reasons are, you are never too late to transform yourself into a total book nerd. The best part about it all is that you don’t need to be a literary critic or own a deeply personal Kindle bookshelf to become a reader. You just need to pick a genre that draws you back for more.

We’ve rustled up five book genres that are perfect for people who don’t usually read but want to. From fast-paced fun to emotional rewards – keep reading for the ultimate list for beginners!

1) Thriller

It’s just like watching a Netflix series but in book form! If you’re someone who loves to get lost in a good old crime documentary or murder mystery, then crime fiction novels are calling your name. These types of books are created to draw you in from the very first page, so you have no worries about the first page flop. There are absolutely no slow literary intros here, just cliffhangers and action that make these reads impossible to put down.

My top three in this genre?

The Girl on the Train by Paula HawkinsGood Bad Girl by Alice FeeneyThe Family Across The Street by Nicole Trope

2) Casino Crime

Hands up if you’re a Bond fanatic or movie lover.

If this is you, then casino crime novels are created just for you! Now I’m not saying that you need to understand the poker lingo back to front, or be donning a three-piece suit just to start – but having an interest certainly may help.

The stories on the market are slick and usually involve cons, heists, or clever twists that keep you flicking the pages. It’s like Ocean’s Eleven in book form, only better.

The stakes in these novels are always sky-high. Why? Because you’re watching the cards, you’re watching people double-cross each other, and you’re spotting geniuses faking their way to fortunes. With internal monologues and an overview of the whole picture, you can read through an entire blackjack game with more intensity than the real deal.

But if you want to get a feel for the high-tension games these protagonists are living in and try your own luck at the table? Then why not mix your reading time with live entertainment and hop online for a blackjack game ? You can lap up the thrill of risking it all, the psychology of a bluff and the real-world feelings that these players live through.

If you play a round of blackjack before you start reading, you may just go into the whole experience feeling even more immersed than before.

My top three in this genre?

As obvious as it may sound – because it is! – Casino Royale by Ian FlemingThe House Always Wins by Brian RouffSin City by Frank Miller

Alternatively, check out these 3 true life gambling stories.

3) Romantic Comedy

For anyone after feel-good reads.

If you’ve ever sat in on a Friday night and watched Bridget Jones, Love Actually, or The Holiday (we know, undisputed classics), then you already get this genre. Romantic comedies are the perfect entry point for people who want something light and emotionally satisfying – so they are great for people who are new to reading.

My top three in this genre?

The Hating Game by Sally ThorneThe Spanish Love Deception by Elena ArmasBeach Read by Emily Henry4) Horror-Lite

A little spooky, but not full-on gore!

If you’re not quite ready for Stephen King and his pretty traumatic reads, don’t worry; there’s a lighter genre available. These books offer ghost stories, haunted houses, and eerie vibes without the gorey, graphic stuff that can put you off.

If you like Stranger Things but hate The Exorcist, then this is for you.

My top three in this genre?

The Family Upstairs by Lisa JewellHome Before Dark by Riley SagerThe Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson

5) Short Story Collections

Sometimes long books are intimidating, especially for those that balance work and real-life dramas. Short stories are the perfect solution for busy individuals as you get the complete satisfaction of finishing a read, minus the commitment of 400 pages.

Plus, you can dip in and out between commutes, coffee breaks, or even fit in half an hour before catching some Zzzs.

My top three in this genre?

Interpreter of Maladies by Jhumpa LahiriHer Body and Other Parties by Carmen Maria MachadoThe Secret Pilgrim by John le Carré

These books are quick and can be completed in record time, making them perfect for those who feel intimidated by the longer reads. With these, you can really have your cake and eat it too!

Remember That Reading Doesn’t Have to Feel Like Homework!

The ticket to becoming a great reader is to not force yourself. There’s no such thing as a bad reader, only the wrong book.

And don’t forget … If you want to recommend YOUR top 3 book picks on this blog, check out BEST OF 3.

Enjoy!

1) The Accursed Kings by Maurice Druon

You think Game of Thrones was based on the Hollow Crown? Think again. A century before the English War of the Roses, the last French Capetian dynasty revelled in adultery, treachery, revenge and blood.

In 1314, as fire consumed him at the stake, Jacques de Molay, last Grand Master of the Knights Templar, condemned by the will of King Philippe IV, screamed his final curse: that within the year, the king would face the Tribunal of Heaven – and that his dynasty would wither and die.

The story spans across 7 gripping books, written in 20 years, by a member of the Académie française. Only Shakespeare did better with his 8 plays from Richard II to Richard III.

2) Centennial by James A. Michener

This book was written on commission for the bicentenary of the United States of America, and the 1st centenary of the state of Colorado. The funny part is that it starts … with the creation of Earth!

Then it casts dinosaurs as “inhabitants” around 130 million years ago, before going to the local native Americans. After that waves after waves of newcomers – some settlers, most invaders.

This is about lives of people being in history, making history until the 1970s. An epic story? Yes. But it also conveys its subtext about the dark sides of the human journey.

3)  Six Tudor Queens by Alison Weir

When you study Henry VIII’s reign, you learn a fateful acronym: DBDDBS (Divorced, Beheaded, Died, Divorced, Beheaded, Survived). It certainly should not be the only thing remembered about the six wives of that psychopathic king who inspired Perrault’s tale Bluebeard.

This series goes through the detailed lives of each of Henry’s wives, from their young ages to the very last seconds of their lives. (Literally – not for the faint-hearted!). But it means you can never forget their names: Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn,  Jane Seymour, Anne of Cleves, Catherine Howard, Catherine Parr. RIP.

Enjoy!

BIO: EJ Langlois is a French-born author and screenwriter who weaves together contemporary women’s fiction, urban fantasy, dystopias, and a love of pop culture. Over the years, she has somewhat stubbornly cultivated her Anglophilia, well beyond practising Shakespeare’s language. The combined effects of Brexit, the writing of her movie saga “Three.1” and the 2020 pandemic made her decideto leave Paris, France and move to London, UK. Connect with her on Linkedin, HERE or follow her on instagram, HERE.

Conflicts And Context

As a Jewish Israeli expat, something I found very frustrating is the black-and-white media coverage of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, both inside and outside of Israel/Palestine. At some point during the last violent cycle, even the word context would send people into a spiral of social media rage.

While nothing justifies the violence that has been raging in my homeland since October 7th (and really for almost a century now), black-and-white, good vs evil thinking is counterproductive to most conflicts. This particular conflict over a piece of land that has been contested for millennia encompasses complex layers of religious, political, and international interests. That said, it is very difficult for our human brains to hold two things that are true at the same time.

So, when Lucy kindly offered me a chance to write a Best of 3 post, I knew immediately what books I wanted to recommend. The three books below do not treat the conflict as black and white but explore the nuances of identity that layer the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

1) The Lemon Tree by Sandy Tolan

A true story told like a novel. Tolan brings the true story of Bashir, a Palestinian man, and Dalia, an Israeli woman, and their long, unlikely friendship. Bashir came to visit his abandoned home in Lydda after finding himself under Israeli occupation in 1967, and found Dalia living there.

In addition to providing historical context for the conflict, the book brings compelling storytelling. On a personal note, the core premise of my book already existed when I found this book, but The Lemon Tree propelled me forward in confirming that my story could have happened.

2) Salt Houses by Hala Aylan

The beautifully written story of a Palestinian family driven first from their home in Jaffa to Nablus, and then from Nablus to the diaspora: Kuwait, Lebanon, Europe and America.

Aylan weaves a story of searching for identity without concrete roots: when your family is scattered across the globe, where do you really belong? As a third-generation descendant of Holocaust survivors, her words resonated with me deeply.

3) All the Rivers by Dorit Rabinian

The English translation from the Hebrew “Gader Haya”, a living fence. The story is about Liat, an Israeli translator and Hilmi, a Palestinian painter. They meet in New York and embark on an affair they both know to be temporary and complicated.

I read this book in Hebrew several times, and it’s possible that Ali, my Palestinian artist character in my novel When The Walls Come Down, was somewhat inspired by Hilmi.

Have you read any of these books? Share in the comments!

BIO: Gal Podjarny was born and raised in Israel/Palestine and has made homes in Canada and the UK. She draws from these diverse cultural landscapes to examine how social forces shape personal narratives and relationships. Her writing, including the short story collection Human Fragments and contributions to various anthologies, captures these intersections of identity and community. From her home in London, she continues this exploration through her blog at galpod.com and her work with the Disrupt Foundation. Until the Walls Come Down is her first novel.

Best of 3 Book Picks

Many thanks to author Miss Wolfe for her picks today! Make sure you check out her own books via her bio at the bottom of this post. If you are a book blogger, reader or author and want to share your own ‘Best of 3’ picks, CLICK HERE.

Young Adult Choice Jack, An Ordinary Dog In The Doghouse by Susan Tarr

This unique and charming story is narrated by Jack, a lovable little rascal spending time at Aunty and Uncle’s countryside kennels while his owners are away. From the moment he arrives, Jack makes his presence known, leaving paw prints not just on the furniture, but on the hearts of the humans and fellow four-legged residents alike.

Jack documents his daily adventures in a diary, capturing the comings and goings of the busy kennel and cattery with wit, attitude, and a keen nose for drama. Whether he’s stirring up trouble with the camel hair carpet, forging unlikely friendships with Lady Cat and Zawadi, or getting into mischief involving burned possums and chewed-up rats, Jack ensures he’s always at the centre of attention — and never short to pass the blame around, usually to the cat.

But this story isn’t just about laughs (though there are plenty of those) there’s tenderness too, especially when Jack and his friends face the heartbreaking loss of one of their own. I found myself laughing out loud in one moment and close to shedding tears the next. Jack isn’t a well dog and begins to lose his sight due to diabetes but his spirited outlook on life never falters. His voice is full of personality, mischief, and warmth, making this a truly special read.

Crime Thriller Choice The Rosary Girls by Richard Montanari

The Rosary Girls begins with a chilling discovery: a young girl found murdered, her hands bolted together, gruesomely mutilated, and rosary beads threaded between her fingers. Veteran homicide detective Kevin Byrne and his new partner, Jessica Balzano, are assigned to the case.

As Easter approaches, more victims (Catholic schoolgirls) begin turning up in the same horrifying condition. With no solid leads and a ruthless killer striking daily, Byrne and Balzano are thrust into a frantic race to stop one of Philadelphia’s most twisted serial murderers.

From the opening chapter, I was completely gripped. Richard Montanari is a master of the genre. The story twists and turns with precision, keeping the suspense high and the tension taut throughout. The setting is dark, atmospheric, and gritty. Another refreshing touch is that the detectives work within a competent team, no bumbling superiors trying to claim credit, no one-dimensional bureaucracy. The focus stays on the killer’s terrifying acts and the detective’s tireless pursuit.

Horror Choice Carrie by Stephen King.

For my horror pick, it has to be Carrie. It’s been a very, very long time but I still remember the feeling this book gave me. I was just eleven when I first read this novel, and it felt like I’d discovered my love of books and horror in that single moment.

The story of a girl tormented by her classmates, and emotionally and physically abused by her fanatically religious mother. Carrie discovers she has a rare gift, one where she can move objects with her mind. She leans to control her telekinesis.

Carrie may seem like a simple story: a lonely girl with no friends, who doesn’t understand her own body, suddenly gets her first period and is mocked mercilessly by her peers in one of the most infamous scenes in horror scenes slowly draws the reader into the full horror of what Carrie White is and what she endures. When Carrie finally unleashes her wrath, it feels justified. And that’s what King does best, he makes you connect with his characters.

BIO: Miss Wolfe is a dark fiction writer who crafts chilling tales. Her stories blur the line between fear and fascination, captivating readers who love the macabre. Follow her on Facebook, HERE, TwiX HERE and instagram, HERE.

Have you read any of these novels? Share in the comments!

The World Is A Binfire

So, the world right now is a binfire … climate change, culture wars, nightmare politicians. What more could we NOT want??

Well, I’ve always been drawn to stories that grab hold of true-life dystopian nightmares and shake it up EVEN MORE! I love thrillers and real-life social commentary, too. That’s why I wrote my own dystopian novel, The Coven (as Lizzie Fry).

It’s also why I made 5 similar dystopian picks for Shepherd.com!

Starting with the awesome and apocalyptic The End of The World Running Club by Adrian Walker, I picked another 4 that shook me, challenged me and lingered long after reading the last page.

Each of these books reflects a twisted mirror of our own world. None of them are mere science fiction! Instead they are plausible futures rooted in the choices we make today.

From ecological collapse and surveillance states to fractured societies and psychological control, these stories don’t just predict doom; they invite us to reckon with it.

Whether you’re a long-time lover of dystopian fiction or just waking up to its relevance, my hope is that this list offers you compelling, provocative reads that stick with you.

These aren’t comfortable books and they’re not meant to be. But in their bleakness, they offer a strange kind of hope: that we STILL have time to change course. (Fingers crossed, ack!).

You can explore the full list here: Dystopian Worlds That Rival Our Own – L.V. Hay’s Picks on Shepherd.

Enjoy!

Sunglasses In Books & Movies

Clothing is often one of the first clues we use to gauge a person’s personality. Research supports this, with psychological studies highlighting how dress influences our perceptions through a socioperceptual “lens.”

This lens, shaped by cultural knowledge, stereotypes, and beliefs, allows us to gauge social categories such as age, gender, and profession; status, including wealth and social rank; cognitive states, like emotions and mental focus; and aesthetics, reflecting personal style.

Given this, it’s no surprise that many writers incorporate fashion into their storytelling, using it as a vital tool for world-building and character development — even down to the smallest accessories.

Among these, sunglasses stand out as a particularly powerful symbol, often hinting subtly at a character’s social standing or emotional state. Below, we’ll dive into how they’ve been used to shape audience perceptions in 10 notable books and their film adaptations.

Fashion As A Narrative Device (Yes, really!)

Fashion is a tool in literature that often helps readers visualise scenes through descriptive words. Miranda in The Devil Wears Prada can push her sunglasses further up her nose, “as if she could avoid seeing [Andy] if she tried hard enough,” emphasising her power and emotional distance. Meanwhile, Patrick Bateman in American Psycho can adjust his Rolex and admire his “suit tailored in London and [a] pair of Ray-Ban sunglasses,” illustrating the superficiality that defines his character.

Even the specific styles of shades can symbolise different meanings! Various models of sunglasses have been spotted on book and movie characters. Aviator models, such as the Ray-Ban RB 3457 and Armani Exchange AX 4104S, can convey a sense of control, such as when worn by Jack Reacher in the Jack Reacher series by Lee Child or James Bond in Casino Royale by Ian Fleming.

Meanwhile, characters such as Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany’s by Truman Capote and Jasmine in Sex and Vanity by Kevin Kwan can use cat-eyed shades, like the Gucci GG 0631S or Burberry BE 4423, to emulate femininity.

So the next time you spot a character wearing sunglasses, take a moment to pause and ask, “What kind of frames are those?” or “Why would the writer choose that specific model or action?” as these may be a crucial hint to the character’s identity and role in the plot.

Below, we take a closer look at the use of sunglasses in books and their film adaptations, and what these accessories can tell us about the characters and the worlds they live in.

Books and movies featuring sunglasses1) The Great Gatsby (1925)

In the 2013 film adaptation of this classic novel, mysterious millionaire Jay Gatsby dons warm round sunglasses as he navigates 1920s high society. This prevents other characters from seeing his eyes, smartly conveying his emotional distance while emphasising his larger-than-life image. This stylistic choice plays into the themes of illusion, mystery, and the contrast between appearance and reality.

2) Scarface (1930)

Scarface by Armitage Trail tells the story of Cuban immigrant Tony Montana who rises to power in Miami’s drug trade. Montana’s signature aviator sunglasses in the 1983 film are a bold statement of his newfound wealth and authority.

Equally memorable are love interest Elvira Hancock’s cat eye sunnies, which recently gained attention for their humble origins — a $3 (£2.39) drugstore purchase!

These accessories reflect her glamorous yet detached demeanour, which allows her to fearlessly stand up to par with the main character.

3) To Catch a Thief (1952)

To Catch a Thief by David Dodge follows retired jewel thief John Robie and wealthy American heiress Frances Stevens. In the 1955 film adaptation, Grace Kelly, as Frances, famously donned a pair of cat-eye sunglasses that continue to stay iconic today.

In fact, luxury brand Grace de Monaco released the “Drama” sunglasses collection in 2024. These shades were inspired by Kelly’s roles, including To Catch a Thief, proving the lasting influence of her sunglasses on fashion.

4) Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1958)

Truman Capote’s novella introduces readers to New York socialite Holly Golightly. Its film adaptation elevated the character’s sunglasses to iconic status, with Audrey Hepburn’s wardrobe consistently incorporating oversized Oliver Goldsmith sunglasses, whether paired with a trenchcoat or a little black dress. The shades not only enhanced Holly’s enigmatic allure but also symbolised her attempt to shield herself from the world.

5) Less Than Zero (1985)

Less Than Zero follows a group of wealthy, disaffected Los Angeles teenagers who are consumed by excess, materialism, and emotional detachment. Sunglasses are used to reflect the characters’ desires to hide their true emotions and numb their inner turmoil — whether it’s Julian’s drug addiction or Blanchard’s emptiness of wealth. The sunglasses are also part of the 1980s glam culture that the characters embrace, serving as a visual marker of their social status and superficiality.

6) Lost Moon (1994)

Lost Moon chronicles the true story of Apollo 13, NASA’s ill-fated lunar mission. The nonfiction book took a deeper look at the technical challenges and emotional resilience of the astronauts, with its film adaptation dramatising events for wider distribution. In the latter, Tom Hanks portrays Jim Lovell, often seen wearing aviator sunglasses to ground the character in the era’s aesthetic and reinforce his status as a competent, unflappable leader.

7) Fight Club (1996)

Fight Club follows an unnamed narrator who becomes entangled in an underground fight club led by the enigmatic Tyler Durden. Exploring themes of identity, consumerism, and rebellion, the book inspired film-Tyler’s red-drenched attire, from his key jacket to his tinted Oliver Peoples 523 sunglasses. These were specifically chosen by costume designer Michael Kaplan to symbolise blood and violence and hint at Tyler’s anarchistic philosophy.

8) Crazy Rich Asians (2013)

Romantic comedy-drama Crazy Rich Asians, based on the book of the same title, follows Rachel Chu as she discovers her boyfriend’s ultra-wealthy background. While obviously symbols of wealth, sunglasses helped hint subtly at characters’ differing personalities and cognitive states.

Astrid Leong’s sunglasses, for instance, epitomise her grace and beauty but mask her internal struggles, particularly the strain in her marriage. In comparison, Eddie’s tinted glasses are part of his overall flashy, attention-grabbing style.

9) The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo (2017)

This bestselling novel details the life of enigmatic Hollywood icon Evelyn Hugo in her seven marriages and affairs. Sunglasses are a symbol of her carefully constructed public image, offering her both protection from the invasive media and a means of maintaining mystery even during the most mundane activities, ​​such as having a picnic with actress Celia and quarterback John. It also signifies the dichotomy between Evelyn’s public persona and her private, often troubled, life.

10) Daisy Jones & The Six (2019)

This novel chronicles the rise and fall of a fictional 1970s rock band. Main characters Daisy and Billy are consistently portrayed sporting oversized, vintage-inspired sunglasses, symbolising their free-spirited, bohemian lifestyle.

The shades capture the essence of the era and enhance both characters’ images as rebellious, charismatic artists.

Last Points

Whether symbolising power, mystery, or detachment, these shades help shape our perceptions of characters and their worlds. From the pages of a book to the silver screen, it’s clear that sunglasses continue to captivate audiences, adding layers of depth and style to storytelling.