Top Ten Books You'd Hand To Someone Who Says They Don't Like To Read

 

1. The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery Because I loved this book and I think most people could like this. It is straightforward fiction though, which some people dislike, and some of the ideas in the book are weird and a tad confusing. This is a bit like Jumping into the deep end, even though the water's warm.
2. The Help by Kathryn Stockett Since I could draw them in using the great movie adaptation and then try to get them to read the book too! I actually did this with one of my friends who has never before read an entire book by choice. YAY!
3. The Night Circus by Erin Morenstern I think the person would have tobe someone who liked fantasy films/games but I do think this could be enjoyed by a lot of people. However, I admit that a handful of people might find it boring to read.
4. The Harry Potter Series by JK Rowling Do I need to explain? Huge, well-loved films but everyone thinks the books are better.
5. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins Again, I could convince them to read using the trailer for the movie and even possibly use the movie after it is out. Then they will just get the craving to read the books and then happiness ensues.
6. Divergent by Veronica Roth Another book that is really well-loved in the blogosphere so I think it reaches out to and connects with a lot of people. This is definitely something most to all would like.
7. I am Number Four by Pittacus Lore Despite the infamous controversy over this book, it is a good book. It's action packed and extremely film like with its imagery and how one imagines the entire book. If I know someone who like Urban Fantasy films, I try to point them in this book's direction.
8. The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams Seriously, they are some of the wittiest, most amazing books I have read. Everything said in the books makes perfect sense when you think logically, but it's all so unreal and bizarre. The person would have to be someone who liked the whimsical and can take things with a pinch of salt, but they are great. 
9. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson Very much an thriller/mystery/adventure/crime and it can appeal to anyone with even a little curiosity. There are some bits that are unpleasant to read, but the author is being honest- if brutally so. And, as a blogger reminded me the other day, Lisbeth really is one of the most amazing and unique heroines out there.
10. The Time Traveller's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger I don't think I say how good this book is sometimes, and how much I love it. It's slightly barmy and sometimes slow-paced but it makes for a great read. It reminds me of Romantic Comedy films in the way it is written and I think I'd be safe to recommend it to a few people who would take me seriously. (They can't lend my copy though since my Grandmother has it!!!)

Friday Hop Neuf

Q: Keeping with the Spirit of Giving this season, what book do you think EVERYONE should read and if you could, you would buy it for all of your family and friends?

I think because it's Christmas, I'd have to say The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern, purely because I think it would appeal to more people and because, in a way, it makes you feel festive and involved magical because it is so well loved. I think people would adore this book. But they shan't have my copy!

I'd also try to get them to read a few books from the Belgariad series (my favourite) because I think they are easy to get lost in a to just enjoy reading. Again, I'd rather not share my copies but give them their own to share about. Also, my familly isn't really reader-some; I'd very much like to correct this.

Book to Movie: Which book turn movie do you feel did the best adaptation? What about the worst?

I think the first Harry Potter (The Philosopher's Stone) was quite good, but I'm only saying that because it got me into reading. I have to be honest though: I really dislike adaptations in general. They never do the book justice. I know the kind of things other people like, but I've never read the books and so I can't compare the movie. Take 'The Hunger Games' film coming out in the next year or so. I will not go to that expecting it to be good. I will go expecting disappointment, but a good film otherwise. I'm someone who if they hear someone say they've seen, but not read, Harry Potter, I tell them to do so straighaway. I always liked that JK Rowling had a say in the films, since that meant that I trusted her to do the right thing.

I'll say The Help was the best though. It was quite a true adaptation of the book, but the director knew he couldn't just mimic the book. So instead we got this intelligent film that had the same levels, but was easy to understand whether you'd read the book or not. There would obviously be little things that readers liked that weren't there, but in general it was an impressive adaptation and good film in its own right.

Now I could say Harry Potter here (I came to realise I didn't like Daniel Radcliffe) but the worst adaptation I've ever seen was Eragon. I looked forward to that so much, and it was one of the most disjointed, clichéed, plot-obsessed, plot-disregarding wastes of time I've ever had the displeasure of watching. It is nothing like my beloved book and story- merely a money making shadow of it. You couldn't make me watch that film. I'd rather claw out my own eyes or pour scalding water on myself whilst disrobed than see it. It wasn't even good as a film. I know I said The Help was good in it's own right, but it still made nods towards the book that meant it was the same story. Eragon was as though they took the plot, tore away the meat, and re-fleshed out the story for their own purposes. I have burning dislike of that film that I hope I am not too alone in. 

Rant over.

Happy hopping anyway!