Books that made it to the big screen
By NewsPress Now
This month’s selection of books from the St. Joseph Public Library are all novels that have been turned into movies. Whether you are looking for a good book or a good movie, these are sure to please. The books and movies are available at the St. Joseph Public Library, at other Missouri Evergreen libraries or from one of the SJPL eContent vendors. Visit the library’s catalog at sjpl.modiscovery.org to find these or other great books and movies to enjoy.
“Where the Heart Is” by Billie Letts. Novalee Nation is pregnant and deserted by her boyfriend at a Walmart in Oklahoma. Alone and broke, she lives in the Walmart after the employees leave. She is discovered when her baby is born in the store. The characters she meets and the family she forms are the heart of the book. Natalie Portman and Ashley Judd head the cast of this feel-good movie exploring a found family.
“Where the Crawdads Sing” by Delia Owens. In a quiet fishing village, rumors of a “Marsh Girl” have circulated for years. The local people suspect her when the popular Chase Andrews is found dead. Kya Clark is a self-taught naturalist who has lived in near solitude since childhood. Part “Silent Spring,” part mystery and part watching a person grow into her own, the book is a rich story that flows like the bayou water with the tide. It’s available in large print, audiobook and DVD.
“Crazy Rich Asians” by Kevin Kwan. The movie and the book are lighthearted romps, full of mixed-up expectations versus reality. A son takes his American-born girlfriend of Chinese descent home with him to Singapore. Somehow, he fails to mention his home would qualify as a palace and she will become the target of those wishing to displace her as he intended. The movie is fun and worth watching for its opulent sets and cinematography alone. The book has two sequels.
“The Color Purple” by Alice Walker. Two sisters living very different lives remain close and loyal to each other regardless of distance or time. First published in 1970 and a winner of the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award, “The Color Purple” was made into an acclaimed movie in 1985 directed by Steven Spielberg. There now is a second movie based on the novel, a musical. The book and both screen versions are available at the library.
“The Black Phone: Stories” by Joe Hill. The book consists of 13 short stories and the movie is made from one of them. The book cover might lead you to believe that this is a typical blood, guts and gore collection. It is not! The stories rely on plot and character development to draw you in, not drown you in bloody body parts. The movie “Black Phone” is based on one story from the collection. The film is loaded with suspense and twists that will keep you guessing.
