Grimsby Public Library Online Book Chat discussion

It’s that age-old debate, which is better the book or the movie (or TV series)?

Did you read the book first? Did you see the movie and then decide to read the book? Which did you enjoy more? Are there any upcoming book adaptations that you are looking forward to in 2020?

I started reading Diana Gabaldon’s The Outlander series years before the TV adaptation. I think I left off at An Echo in the Bone and just haven’t gone back to finish reading the series yet. I have been watching the TV series and think they have done such a great job portraying the characters along with staying true to the books. I know the series is catching up to where I left off reading so now, I’m left with deciding whether to jump back into the book series or wait to see the story play out in the TV series. It’s a tough choice because I’m loving the TV series so if I read on then I'll create spoilers for myself with the TV series. Perhaps I’ll watch and read after, I mean...I have the time right now!

The adaptations I’m looking forward to in 2020 are: Dune by Frank Herbert, The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett, and Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer.

GPL is sorry for accidentally deleting a comment by Peggy! Luckily we had a copy of it from an email and can re-post it here. We'll try not to hit the wrong button next time....technology fun!

"I almost always read the book first, then watch the movie. When my children were younger we always enjoyed reading the book first and then waited with bated breath to see how the directors transformed it into the movie. I think the one we discussed the most was"Inkheart" by Cornelia Funke and probably the most disappointed with "The Golden Compass" by Philip Pullman.

It was reported back in 2018 that the Flavia de Luce by Alan Bradley books were to be made into a series. No sign of them yet that I can locate, but if true I would love to watch." (Posted by Peggy 04/24/20)

That would be fantastic if they adapted Alan Bradley's Flavia de Luce books into a series...fingers crossed!

Michelle wrote: "I started reading Diana Gabaldon’s The Outlander series years before the TV adaptation. I think I left off at An Echo in the Bone and just haven’t gone back to finish reading the series yet. I have..."

I also read the first few books when they first came out. I'm enjoying the series but I'm glad that I read the books first. I lost interest in the books once they ended up in the United States. I most enjoyed the storylines when they were in Scotland and France.

I always feel that it is better to read the book first. There are so many layers to a story that can't be adequately replicated in a 2 hour movie or event a TV series.
The closest I've ever seen a movie come to a book is 'A Room with a View' by E.M. Forster. Dialogue is almost word for word from the book. Wonderful book and a beautiful movie - the scenery is amazing. Highly recommended.