Books2Movies Club discussion

Previously called Stories of Your Life and Others, Ted Chiang's collection of stories was renamed Arrival, to honor Denis Villeneuve's movie that came out last year. It won really a lot of awards and was even Oscar nominated for the best film of the year.

You are not required to read the whole collection of stories, although it won't do you any harm :) For this thread we need to read only Story Of Your Life and watch the movie afterwards. I've seen the movie first, but only because I do not have the book and do not know when I'll be able to get it, and the movie was so tempting. I liked it, but will make a final opinion only after reading the original story.

Let's hear your verdicts now :)

I read the story, at last. Have to say though, the reading was heavily influenced by its adaptation. I saw the movie two years ago but still remember some bits. The narrative of the story was beautiful, very lyrical and enjoyable to read through in one sitting. However, I am not sure if I understood (maybe I missed something?) how she reached that state of mind - through learning of the aliens' written language or something else? The movie did it a bit better... The movie was more disturbing too in some issues, such as with the life story of her child.

It was worth reading though. I liked it and will read the other stories in the book.

I read the short story some time ago. I passed on the movie because the trailer made it look like they'd turned it into a technothriller.

(view spoiler)[And, knowing the twist at the end makes re-living the story as a movie pointless. (hide spoiler)]

Tom wrote: "I read the short story some time ago. I passed on the movie because the trailer made it look like they'd turned it into a technothriller.

[spoilers removed]"

You are right, when you know the story, it's hard to invest into movie. Although I think movie is worth watching on its own, you might give it a try eventually :)