Midnight's Children by Salman Rushdie: July 2012 Book to Film Club Reading

Happy July! With the turning of the month it's time to look at our July 2012 reading selection:

Midnight's Children by Salman Rushdie

I know very little about this one other than it's got both historical elements and magical realism, and spans the time from when India gained independence from England. I'm quite curious about it and also really excited as it will be our first film adaptation that's directed by a woman. I'm a little surprized that took over a year but we keep covering more ground each month with the Book to Film Club.

The film version of Midnight's Children is going to be adapted by Salman Rushdie himself and will be directed by Deepa Mehta (Earth, Water, Fire, Bollywood/Hollywood), and will star Satya Bhabha, Shahana Goswami, Rajat Kapoor and Shabana Azmi.

The film Midnight's Children is scheduled to be released October 26, 2012.

Join the Movie Moxie Book to Film Club at any time. For title announcements, Book to Film Club news and monthly selections you can sign up for email updates here.

Perks of Being a Wallflower: June Reading Wrap Up

June Reading Wrap Up: The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

I was really impressed with this book, I loved the stream of consciousness rhythm to the writing and the fact that it's in the format of letters. It's certainly one of the more contemporary choices of the Book to Film Club being set int the 90's and set in high school. I hope everyone enjoyed it as much as I did! What did you think of the book? I would love to hear your take on it.

Here are some things to ponder on the reading experience:

• Did you enjoy reading it?
• Was it what you were expecting?
• What did you know about the book before reading it?
• What did you think of the style and tone?
• Did you enjoy the recent time period?
  
• What did you take away from reading the book?
• Is there anything you would change about the book?
• Who would you recommend the book to?
• Did you feel about the characters & their challenges?

About the upcoming film adaptation:

• How do you feel about the casting of the film?
• What tone do you think they'll take?
  
• What do you hope to be the focus of the film?
• What do you think is essential to keep from the book in the film?
• What do you think they can trim away from the book to the film?
• What do you think the challenges of the adaptation may be?
• Do you have any hesitations on the adaptation?
• What are you most looking forward to about the film adaptation?

If this was a re-read:

• How did reading it this time compare with your previous time reading it?
• Did you notice anything different this time round?
• Did your interest and focus stay on the same characters and moments, or shift?

Film Adaptation
The film version is scripted and adapted by the author Stephen Chobosky and stars Logan Lerman (Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief), Emma Watson (Harry Potter series), Ezra Miller (City Island), Nina Dobrev ('The Vampire Diaries') and Paul Rudd (I Love You, Man).

The film The Perks of Being a Wallflower is scheduled to be released Sept 21, 2012.

Join the Movie Moxie Book to Film Club at any time. For ook to Film Club news and monthly selections you can sign up for email updates here. Our final three books and entire year schedule have been announced: see the details here.

Our July Selection is: Midnight's Children by Salman Rushdie

Shannon's Take on The Perks of Being a Wallflower:

May Reading Wrap Up: Cosmopolis, Book to Film Selection

May 2012 Reading: Cosmopolis by Don DeLillo

Time to check in on out May reading selection of Cosmopolis by Don DeLillo. I have to admit it was quite different than I expected, and all the snippets of details and tones that get referred to are not quite what resonated during my reading experience. I was happy with the length of it though, short overall but felt *just* right. I do wish I had not see the trailer before reading as it did tailor my experience (when will I ever learn??), but I still am very curious for what overall tone the film will go for.

What did you think of the book? Here are some things to ponder on the reading experience:

• Did you enjoy reading it?
• Was it what you were expecting?
• What did you know about the book before reading it?
• What did you think of the style and tone?
• Did you sense the time period?
  
• What did you take away from reading the book?
• Is there anything you would change about the book?
• Who would you recommend the book to?
• Did you feel about the characters & their challenges?

About the upcoming film adaptation:

• How do you feel about the casting of the film?
• What tone do you think they'll take?
  
• What do you hope to be the focus of the film?
• What do you think is essential to keep from the book in the film?
• What do you think they can trim away from the book to the film?
• What do you think the challenges of the adaptation may be?
• Do you have any hesitations on the adaptation?
• What are you most looking forward to about the film adaptation?

If this was a re-read:

• How did reading it this time compare with your previous time reading it?
• Did you notice anything different this time round?
• Did your interest and focus stay on the same characters and moments, or shift?

Film Adaptation
The exciting adaptation news is we do not have long to wait to see Cosmopolis on the big screen, after it's foray at Cannes it's headed to theatres next week Friday June 8, 2012. The film version is adapted and directed by Canadian director David Cronenberg, know for bring both the visceral and bizarre alive on screen with films such as A History of Violence to cult classics like The Fly and The Brood. The film stars Robert Pattinson of Twilight fame, as well as Kevin Durand, Samantha Morton, Juliette Binoche, Sarah Gadon, Paul Giamatti and Jay Baruchel.

See my book review of the Cosmopolis the book at my new You Tube Channel here: http://youtu.be/K6ZwHeQzD68

Join the Movie Moxie Book to Film Club at any time. For ook to Film Club news and monthly selections you can sign up for email updates here. Our final three books and entire year schedule have been announced: see the details here.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky: June Reading Selection

As we are closely approaching the end of the month (how on earth did that happen?) and that means it's time to share our next Book to Film Club Reading selection. For June 2012 we will be reading:

The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

Like our March 2012 selection Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter by Seth Grahame-Smith, The Perks of Being a Wallflower is in epistolary-style (collection of documents which can include diaries entries, clippings, letters, etc), but is set in the early 1990's high school following the letters of "Charlie".

I'm really curious about this one, and I'm a fan on non-traditional narratives so the letter format totally caught my eye. The high school setting lends itself to coming of age themes, something we've not often tacked for the Book to Film Club so we are spreading our wings here! I hope you enjoy the book, I can't wait to dive in.

The film version is scripted and adapted by the author Stephen Chobosky and stars Logan Lerman (Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief), Emma Watson (Harry Potter series), Nina Dobre ('The Vampire Diaries') and Paul Rudd (I Love You, Man).

The film The Perks of Being a Wallflower is scheduled to be released Sept 21, 2012.

Join the Movie Moxie Book to Film Club at any time. For title announcements, Book to Film Club news and monthly selections you can sign up for email updates here.

2012 Book to Film Club: The Final 3 Books Revealed Vlog

It's time! Time for the big release of our final 3 books in this years Movie Moxie Book to Film Club; watch the video to see and hear the which lucky 3 books are coming into our fold.

Other mentionings in the Vlog:

• I mention the initial announcement with our first 8 books of the year
• Our honourary selection of 2011 was The Hunger Games
• I mention Deepa Metha's films including Water, Earth, Fire and Bollywood/Hollywood
• Our current book selection Cosmopolis will be at Festival de Cannes 2012
• One of our 2012 books Safe Haven will be available in paperback on Amazon.ca as of June 26, 2012 for those that prefer this format.
  

Join the Movie Moxie Book to Film Club at any time. For Book to Film Club news and monthly selections you can sign up for email updates here.

The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath - Book to Film Club April Reading Wrap Up

Book to Film Club April Reading Selection: The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath

Time to wrap up our April 2012 reading selection as we've just headed into May. What was your take on this must-book of the literary world? How do you think it will be as a film adaptation? Will it be a challenge to get across the time period and culture? Should they shift it to now? What do you think about the characters, an the casting? Here are more questions to ponder about the book, the reading process and the upcoming adaptation:

Things to ponder on the book:

• Did you enjoy reading it?
• Was it what you were expecting?
• What did you know about the book before reading it?
• What did you think of the style and tone?
• Did you enjoy the time period?
  
• What did you take away from reading the book?
• Is there anything you would change about the book?
• Who would you recommend the book to?
• Did you feel about the characters & their challenges?

About the upcoming film adaptation:

• How do you feel about the casting of the film?
• What tone do you think they'll take?
  
• What do you hope to be the focus of the film?
• What do you think is essential to keep from the book in the film?
• What do you think they can trim away from the book to the film?
• What do you think the challenges of the adaptation may be?
• Do you have any hesitations on the adaptation?
• What are you most looking forward to about the film adaptation?

If this was a re-read:

• How did reading it this time compare with your previous time reading it?
• Did you notice anything different this time round?
• Did your interest and focus stay on the same characters and moments, or shift?

Film Adaptation
The film version will star Julia Stiles, Rose McGowan and Virginia Madsen and is being adapted by Tristine Skyler. No director is confirmed at this time, but my brain is working overtime thinking of good picks, and I'm also very curious to what the tone of the film will be. I'll be sure to keep everyone apprised of news regarding the adaptation and even though it's in the early stages (although is noted as 2012), I have a feeling we are more likely to see this one in 2013.

I'm a little tardy on this and it comes with an admission that I've behind & I haven't finished the book! I can't believe it. I really can't. But I am really enjoying The Bell Jar and it reminds me in tone and in time period of many books I read in my teen years, very strong female perspective and experiences and I didn't even realize that all of those things went together. Learning and enjoying every step of the way!

Join the Movie Moxie Book to Film Club at any time. For title announcements, Book to Film Club news and monthly selections you can sign up for email updates here. Our final three books and entire year schedule will be announced this month.

May Book to Film Club Reading Selection: Comsmopolis by Don DeLillo

May 2012 Book to Film Club Reading Selection: Cosmopolis by Don DeLillo

This selection is hitting us with some amazing timing as the trailer for the film has recently popped up (heads up: it's rather explicit, so be aware of that for if/when/where you watch it). Even more exciting is that it has been announced that it is part of the line up and for the Cannes Film Festival 2012. Wow. And here I was freaking out that the trailer said May; I guess that means Cannes-May, not the rest-of-the-world May - which is a-okay as it will give us some time to read it.

I will admit I've become a bit leery of the inclusion of this choice and it feels like it has the old-school David Cronenberg stamp of the bizarre, in addition to the original eccentric vibe of the story of a guy living in/being chauffeured around in his car; but I'm sticking to the guns of the fact that it's one of our picks and that's that. No changes!

But there will be additions - I am hoping to announce the final 3 books for 2012 and the full schedule this month. Keep tuned for more news there!

That's it for now! I'll be checking in this weekend to see how we did with April's selection of The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath.

Happy Reading!

Join the Movie Moxie Book to Film Club at any time. For title announcements, Book to Film Club news and monthly selections you can sign up for email updates here. Our final three books and entire year schedule will be announced very soon.

Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter by Seth Grahame Smith (Book Review)

Book: Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter by Seth Grahame-Smith

Reason to Read: March Book Selection for the 2012 Movie Moxie Book to Film Club

It's funny how out of all of this years selections this is the one that has caused the most excitement and I admit even the title makes me laugh; plus out of all the mash-ups recently from Pride and Prejudice and Zombies and Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters its the first with a film adaptations so I knew I had to include it in the 2012 Movie Moxie Book to Film Club.

I'm a huge fan of vampire books and films, although I do stray more to the paranormal romance angle over hunters and history but I decided to go in with an open mind. One of the things about the book that intrigued me the most was the fact that it is epistolary-style (defined as collection of documents which can include diaries entries, clippings, letters, etc); but I didn't end up finding that as intriguing as it felt. I loved the idea and the actual diary entries that were included but I found the combination of styles confusing, even though it wasn't often used. I often felt disoriented not knowing whose perspective we were reading from or if it was a memory, story, or current action. I don't think I've ever experienced that before while reading, which made it a challenge to get into the groove of it.

It was also a big reminder for me that I although I love watching horror film, I rarely enjoy reading horror - it feels way more deep seated to read something gross than see it and this book had some extremely visceral descriptions that creeped me out. I was surprized that it had a 'message' feel to it, which shouldn't have been a surprized given that it follow Abraham Lincoln but I'll put that to the fact that very intrigued by history.

That being said, I am really looking forward to the adaptation, a lot due to the fact that I love the director Timur Bekmambetov who brought us the visually stunning films Night Watch / Nochnoi Dozor, Day Watch / Dnevnoy Dozor and Wanted. I think the highly styled action will be fantastic and I'm very much looking forward to someone else's take on the book, because it didn't do much for me. I'm completely unfamiliar with star Benjamin Walker who plays Abraham Lincoln so that will be interesting to see what he does with the role. I did see the trailer on the big screen recently in front of The Hunger Games and it looked freaking awesome. It was clear from the crowd though that they were mostly unfamiliar with the film as it got quite a vocal (and somewhat confused) reaction. They should join the Book to Film Club, and then they'd all be in the know!

Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter will be released on June 22, 2012.

Book to Film Club April Reading: The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath

Book to Film Club April Reading Selection: The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath

I'm really excited about this month's selection: The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath. I've never read it before and it definitely falls in the category of must-books and I think all the literary ladies in my life love it. I wanted to write lurve it, but correct spelling felt more appropriate than enthusiasm in this particular instance. I know almost nothing about it, and it's a bit of a gamble as the film is still very much in the early stages (although is noted as 2012), and as of yet doesn't have a director attached. I'm not worried though, as if it takes it's time to come to us it will put us ahead of the curve when it arrives.

Happy Reading!

Join the Movie Moxie Book to Film Club at any time. For title announcements, Book to Film Club news and monthly selections you can sign up for email updates here. Our final three books and entire year schedule will be announced very soon.

Book to Film Club March Wrap Up: Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter by Seth Grahame-Smith

Book to Film Club March Reading Wrap Up: Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter by Seth Grahame-Smith

Wow, I have to admit this one was a challenge for me. I found the epistolary-style (collection of documents which can include diaries entries, clippings, letters, etc) confusing and I didn't quite connect to the characters including protagonist Abraham Lincoln (yes, the 16th US president), who plays the vampire hunter. But, I could easily sense the love of history in it and I imagine if they get visceral in tone just right it could be quite brilliant. I'll look forward to seeing the film adaptation and interpretation, and I have a feeling with this one I'll like the film better than the book!

Things to ponder on the book:

• Did you enjoy reading it?
• Was it what you were expecting?
• What did you know about the book before reading it?
• What did you think of the epistolary-style?
• Did you enjoy the historical mash-up perspective?
  
• What did you take away from reading the book?
• Is there anything you would change about the book?
• Who would you recommend the book to?
• Did you feel about the characters & their challenges?
• What do think about how it combined genres?
• Did you enjoy the horror elements? The historical elements?
  

About the upcoming film adaptation:

• How do you feel about the casting of the film?
• What tone do you think they'll take?
  
• What do you hope to be the focus of the film?
• What do you think is essential to keep from the book in the film?
• What do you think they can trim away from the book to the film?
• What do you think the challenges of the adaptation may be?
• Do you have any hesitations on the adaptation?
• What are you most looking forward to about the film adaptation?

If this was a re-read:

• How did reading it this time compare with your previous time reading it?
• Did you notice anything different this time round?
• Did your interest and focus stay on the same characters and moments, or shift?

Film Adaptation
The film version will be directed by the amazing Timur Bekmambetov (Night Watch / Nochnoi Dozor, Day Watch / Dnevnoy Dozor, Wanted). Casting includes stars Benjamin Walker as Abraham Lincoln, Dominic Cooper as Henry Sturgess, as well as Alan Tyduk, Rufus Sewell, Mary Elizabeth Winstead & Anthony Mackie. You can check out the trailer here and there are also tons of videos, tours, Q&A's and interviews with cast, crew and even author Seth Grahame-Smith.

Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter will be released on June 22, 2012.

Book to Film Club March Reading: Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter by Seth Grahame-Smith

March 2012 Reading: Abraham Lincoln, Vampire Hunter by Seth Grahame-Smith

This is the book I know the least about, but we've had several genre mash ups recently so why not try one out? It's written in epistolary-style (collection of documents which can include diaries entries, clippings, letters, etc; I had to look that word up!) including the perspective of Abraham Lincoln (yes, the 16th US president), as a vampire hunter. The trailer for the film recently came out and there are tons of videos, tours, Q&A's and interviews with cast, crew and even author Seth Grahame-Smith! I find it so exciting that there is so much to explore, but I'm going to hold off until I've gotten my teeth firmly in the book before exploring as one of the things I'm most looking forward to is the art direction & styling of the world created. I'm a huge fan of director Timur Bekmambetov (Night Watch / Nochnoi Dozor, Day Watch / Dnevnoy Dozor, Wanted) for his amazingly creative translated works and unique interpretive visual style.

The film is set to release June 22, 2012 and if you want a sneak peak at it you can watch the trailer below.



Join the Movie Moxie Book to Film Club at any time. For title announcements, Book to Film Club news and monthly selections you can sign up for email updates here.

The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien February Book to Film Club Reading Selection

February 2012 Reading: The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

Our February Book to Film Club Selection is the well loved fantasy novel from J.R.R. Tolkien set in the world of The Lord of the Rings. This was a first time read for me, although I have visited Middle Earth mostly through the love of the films but also from reading the books which I actually found to be quite a challenge (ah, selective memory...) I also found The Hobbit a bit of a challenge but I am very glad I read it as it's a rich story and a layered world, one that I very much looking forward to seeing it interpreted into film, especially for the numerous characters that quite frankly I had a bit of trouble differentiating! How did your reading go? Was it a first time read? A revisit? Have you seen the awesome trailer? It got me all teary-eyed because it's so beautiful & perfect. I'm totally looking forward to the film, although we have so long to wait as it doesn't come out until December. If you can't wait there are lots of video blogs, on location vids and interviews to check out. I'm going to hold out for the film myself.

Things to ponder on the book:

• Did you enjoy reading it?
• Was it what you were expecting?
• What did you know about the book before reading it?
• Did you enjoy the setting?
• What did you think about the writing style?
• What did you take away from reading the book?
• Is there anything you would change about the book?
• Who would you recommend the book to?
• Did you enjoy reading it?
• Was it what you were expecting?
• What did you know about the book before reading it?
• How did you feel about the characters & their challenges?
• Who did you connect to with the book?
• If you've read The Lord of the Rings, what was the experience of reading a prequel like?

About the upcoming film adaptation:

• How do you feel about the casting of the film?
• Are you looking forward to seeing not only one but two films with the adaptation?
• What do you hope to be the focus of the film?
• What do you think is essential to keep from the book in the film?
• What do you think they can trim away from the book to the film?
• How do you think they will format the story into 2 films?
• What do you think the challenges of the adaptation may be?
• Do you have any hesitations on the adaptation?
• What are you most looking forward to about the film adaptation?
• If you've seen the casting, do you 'see' the actors when you read it?
  

If this was a re-read:

• How did reading it this time compare with your previous time reading it?
• Did you notice anything different this time round?
• Did your interest and focus stay on the same characters and moments, or shift?
  

The book is being adapted in to 2 films:
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (Part 1) will be released December 14, 2012
The Hobbit: There And Back Again (Part 2) will be released next year on December 14, 2013

Here is the Trailer for Part 1:



Join the Movie Moxie Book to Film Club at any time. For title announcements, Book to Film Club news and monthly selections you can sign up for email updates here.

Our next reading selection for March 2012 is Abraham Lincoln, Vampire Hunter by Seth Grahame-Smith.

2012 Book to Film Club February Book: The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

February 2012 Reading: The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

Our February Book to Film Club Selection is the well loved fantasy novel from J.R.R. Tolkien set in the world of The Lord of the Rings. I actually know very little about it as I haven't read it before, but the casting looks fantastic and there was quite a wave of enthusiasm when the trailer debuted in late 2011. To be honest, it was the one lock in terms of choice for this years book club. I'm very much looking forward to travelling to Middle Earth and follow the adventures of Bilbo Baggins.

The book is being adapted in to 2 films:
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (Part 1) will be released December 14, 2012
The Hobbit: There And Back Again (Part 2) will be released next year on December 14, 2013

Join the Movie Moxie Book to Film Club at any time. For title announcements, Book to Film Club news and monthly selections you can sign up for email updates here.

The Borrowers by Mary Norton - January Book to Film Club Selection

January 2012 Reading: The Borrowers by Mary Norton

Starting the year off nice & light we begin with a children's fantasy novel about tiny people that live in the floorboards of the houses of humans and borrow little things like sugar and such but need to remain unseen by human eyes. I really enjoyed the book, and it was a soft way to glide into 2012 with a sense of wonder and nesting. I'm really excited to see the film when it comes out in February. But, before we get too wrapped up with the adaptation, let's think about the book itself.

Things to ponder on the book:

• Did you enjoy reading it?
• Was it what you were expecting?
• What did you know about the book before reading it?
• Did you enjoy the pace of a kid's book?
• What did you think about the combination of pictures & text?
• What did you think about the writing style?
• What did you take away from reading the book?
• Is there anything you would change about the book?
• Who would you recommend the book to?
• Do you want to continue reading the series?
  

About the upcoming film adaptation:

• How do you feel about the casting of the film?
• Are you looking forward to seeing an animated adaptation?
  
• What do you hope to be the focus of the film?
• What do you think is essential to keep from the book in the film?
• What do you think they can trim away from the book to the film?
• What do you think the challenges of the adaptation may be?
• Do you have any hesitations on the adaptation?
• What are you most looking forward to about the film adaptation?

If this was a re-read:

• How did reading it this time compare with your previous time reading it?
• Did you notice anything different this time round?
• Did your interest and focus stay on the same characters and moments, or shift?

Film Adaptation
The Borrowers is the first in the series but the film is an adaptation of the first novel so we just have to read the one. The film adaptation is already completed and has been released in Japan and has won the Japan Academy Prize for Animation of the Year for 2010 given out by the Nippon Academy-sho association.

The title of the film adaptation is The Secret World of Arrietty, an animated film from Japan from Studio Ghibli, directed by Hiromasa Yonebayashi & Gary Rydstrom which will be released on February 17, 2012.

The film has been known by other names including Kari-gurashi no Arietti in Japan, Arriety the Borrower in the UK and Arriety in Australia, and has had different voice casts in different areas. The voice cast for North American version includes Bridgit Mendler, David Henrie, Will Arnett, Amy Poehler and Carol Burnett.
See the Disney film site for the trailer and more info on the film and the IMDb Page.

Next Up: Our February 2012 Book Selection is The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

Join the Movie Moxie Book to Film Club at any time. For title announcements, Book to Film Club news and monthly selections you can sign up for email updates here.

January Book Club Selection: The Borrowers by Mary Norton

It's so exciting to start the year off with a new book to enjoy. Although I've already announced 8 of the 11 titles for the 2012 edition of the Movie Moxie Book to Film Club including our Winter Reading Selections, I still though January reading should have it's own page. The book section is The Borrowers by Mary Norton and the film is The Secret World of Arrietty, out on February 17, 2012.

January 2012 Reading: The Borrowers by Mary Norton

Starting the year off nice & light we begin with a children's fantasy novel about tiny people that live in the floorboards of the houses of humans and borrow little things like sugar and such but need to remain unseen by human eyes. I can't tell you how excited I was to see that this was coming out in February, which is perfect timing for us to read right now. Thank goodness I went to see The Muppets which is where I saw the trailer!

This one actually is the first in the series but the film is an adaptation of the first novel so we just have to read the one. The film adaptation is already completed and has been released in Japan and has won the Japan Academy Prize for Animation of the Year for 2010 given out by the Nippon Academy-sho association.

The title of the film adaptation is The Secret World of Arrietty, an animated film from Japan from Studio Ghibli, directed by Hiromasa Yonebayashi & Gary Rydstrom which will be released on February 17, 2012.

The film has been known by other names including Kari-gurashi no Arietti in Japan, Arriety the Borrower in the UK and Arriety in Australia, and has had different voice casts in different areas. The voice cast for North American version includes Bridgit Mendler, David Henrie, Will Arnett, Amy Poehler and Carol Burnett.
See the Disney film site for the trailer and more info on the film and the IMDb Page.

Join the Movie Moxie Book to Film Club at any time. For title announcements, Book to Film Club news and monthly selections you can sign up for email updates here.

Movie Moxie Book to Film Club: 2012 Edition

Hi Everyone!

I am so glad that you've stopped by to see all about the 2012 Movie Moxie Book to Film Club. I had so much fun reading, watching and sharing in the experience with everyone last year that I've decided to go it all again. We are in for another year of 11 books to read (Jan-Nov) and for as many of the films that are released.

I'm going to make just a few changes for 2012 to have the best alignment in terms to matching up the books to the film, and allow for some ease in case there are shifts in release dates and hopefully not bombard us with a month that has tons of films (although that might be in vain as December is very film heavy!). I hope to have a selection of well written books from variety of genres and include both new books and well loved classics. Like last year I'm also going to do my best to avoid series because they can be quite a big commitment, and I want people to be able to join (or take a break!) at any time.

Now, lets take a look at the titles for the 2012 Movie Moxie Book to Film Club!

• Abraham Lincoln, Vampire Hunter by Seth Grahame-Smith (March 2012 Reading)
• Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy (August 2012 Reading)
• The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath (April 2012 Reading)
  
• The Borrowers by Mary Norton (January 2012 Reading)
• Cosmopolis by Don DeLillo (May 2012 Reading)
• The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald (September 2012 Reading)
• The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien (February 2012 Reading)
• Safe Haven by Nicolas Sparks (November 2012 Reading)

That's 8 of our 11 titles that have confirmed or very likely film release dates for 2012. If you have any suggestions for the remaining 3, please let me know!

**UPDATE: The Final 3 Choices Have Been Revealed:

• Midnight's Children by Salman Rushdie (July 2012 Reading)
• The Perks of Being A Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky (June 2012 Reading)
• The Sisters Brothers by Patrick deWitt (October 2012 Reading)

I'll be releasing the reading schedule as the year going on. Right now lets have a look at the first three titles.



January 2012 Reading: The Borrowers by Mary Norton

Starting the year off nice & light we begin with a children's fantasy novel about tiny people that live in the floorboards of the houses of humans and borrow little things like sugar and such but need to remain unseen by human eyes. I can't tell you how excited I was to see that this was coming out in February, which is perfect timing for us to read right now. Thank goodness I went to see The Muppets which is where I saw the trailer!

This one actually is the first in the series but the film is an adaptation of the first novel so we just have to read the one. The film adaptation is already completed and has been released in Japan and has won the Japan Academy Prize for Animation of the Year for 2010 given out by the Nippon Academy-sho association.

The title of the film adaptation is The Secret World of Arrietty, an animated film from Japan from Studio Ghibli, directed by Hiromasa Yonebayashi & Gary Rydstrom which will be released on February 17, 2012.

The film has been known by other names including Kari-gurashi no Arietti in Japan, Arriety the Borrower in the UK and Arriety in Australia, and has had different voice casts in different areas. The voice cast for North American version includes Bridgit Mendler, David Henrie, Will Arnett, Amy Poehler and Carol Burnett.
See the Disney film site for the film and the IMDb Page.

February 2012 Reading: The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

I don't think there was any chance I wouldn't include this well loved fantasy novel from J.R.R. Tolkien set in the world of The Lord of the Rings. I actually know very little about it as I haven't read it before, but the casting looks fantastic and there was quite a wave of enthusiasm when the trailer debuted in late 2011. I'm very much looking forward to travelling to Middle Earth and follow the adventures of Bilbo Baggins.

The book is being adapted in to 2 films: Part 1 is The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey and will be released December 14, 2012 and Part 2 is The Hobbit: There And Back Again and will be released next year December 14, 2013

March 2012 Reading: Abraham Lincoln, Vampire Hunter by Seth Grahame-Smith

This is the book I know the least about, but we've had several genre mash ups recently so why not try one out? It's written in epistolary-style (collection of documents which can include diaries entries, clippings, letters, etc; I had to look that word up!) including the perspective of Abraham Lincoln (yes, the 16th US president), as a vampire hunter.

The film is set to release June 22, 2012 and is directed by Timur Bekmambetov (Night Watch, Day Watch, Wanted).

Join the Movie Moxie Book to Film Club at any time. For title announcements, Book to Film Club news and monthly selections you can sign up for email updates here.

Movie Moxie Book to Film Club Honourary Selection: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Honourary December 2011 Book Selection: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

When I put together the 2011 Movie Moxie Book to Film Club I always envisioned it being 11 books adapted to 11 films from January - November with December off. Because, we are all busy in December with the holiday season being upon us and shopping and cooking and cleaning and preparing for fun times ahead. But last week I found myself in a bit of a predicament. I didn't have anything to read! I was so confused, and surprized. Realizing this may have happened to fellow book to film clubbers I decided to select an honourary book for the last month of the year in case you need some reading too. So, here it is:

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

The book follows young and resourceful Katniss, a hunter who provides for her family during trying times in the post-apocalyptic world of Panem, where areas are sectioned off into districts and Tributes are chosen from each area for a yearly fight to the death. It's a total page turner and really exciting to see a unique, strong, young female character in the lead.

Why isn't it included in the actual book club? Two main reasons: It's part of a trilogy and I'm trying not to include series in the book club as much as possible. I also loved both the first and second books, but absolutely hated the third so much that it makes me resist recommending the series. But, there is no denying that the film is going to be HUGE next year, and I would hate for any book to film clubbers to miss out of reading it first. Plus, they've already announced the second book in the trilogy (Catching Fire) release date of November 22, 2013. So looks like we are in for the long haul. And the second is, ...I've already read it :)

The Hunger Games will be released on March 16, 2012
The film starts Jennifer Lawrence, Liam Hemsworth, Josh Hutcherson, Lenny Kravitz, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Stanley Tucci and is directed by Gary Ross (Pleasantville, Seabiscuit).

You can buy Hunger Games at Amazon.ca or the Trilogy at Amazon.ca and Hunger Games at Amazon.com or the Trilogy Box Set here.

Brighton Rock (Book Review)

Book: Brighton Rock by Graham Greene

Reason to read: November Selection for the Movie Moxie Book to Film Club

Stepping into Brighton Rock was a bit of a strange experience, my expectations were only knowing that it was a crime book and set in the 30's and that the reaction when sharing the title for the Book to Film Club was resistance, and maybe even recoiling. I'm not one for crime books myself, and even less so about power struggles and gangs which really is what the plot of the book hooks on, but for me this one was all about the characters. Wow. The characters. I had no idea what they would do, what their motivations were or what their histories were but I always believed what they did. Sometimes it was horrifying, sometimes it was heroic. Often it was a con, actually it might have always been a con, but there was always something intriguing going on. I felt that it had a very unique perspective on age and the associations and assumptions that come with it, and really explored this in relationship to power dynamics over individuals and groups of people. There was a lot of fear in the novel though, and the use of fear to bend and twist people's choices which honestly could be a deal breaker for me and others, but there was something about it that worked so well that I couldn't help but wonder and guess where it would go next (and I was never right). The writing is excellent, likely one of the best of the club this year although we've had many fine (and fun!) choices. Never to little nor too much it was always just enough of a reveal to keep you going and curious for more. I'd never want to be anyone in the book, or go through anything they went though, but I was completely wrapped in their world.

As a title for the Book to Film Club it had a rocky ride as I was confident from the get-go that it would happen as it had a Feb 2011 UK release date but all year I had hoped we'd see it theatrically here in Toronto. The closest it got was a New York & Los Angeles release in August and I had the possible opportunity to do some interviews but... I hadn't see the film! One day I will fly to New York just for a screening I tell you, I will do it! I am very much looking forward to the film version which shifts the film period from the 30's to the 60's and has a fantastic cast, thinking of Sam Riley as Pinkie is just extraordinary choice - he's a phenomenal actor (Control, Franklyn) and I can't wait to see what he does with it. I also love Helen Mirren as (Ida), although she's not what I envisioned from the book I can still totally see her in this role.

Although we won't be seeing Brighton Rock as a film theatrically here in Toronto, it will be released on January 10, 2012 on DVD.. And it's the last of our books for the Movie Moxie Book to Film Club for 2011! I'm actually a little sad and a bit off kilter as I don't know what to read now! I've had a great time reading all and watching most of the films together, and I'll be sharing my overall thoughst of the year later in December.

If you had fun too, I hope you'll join me in the 2012 edition because I know I'll be doing it again. You can sign up for updates here and never miss a selection.

Brighton Rock: November Book to Film Club Book

November 2011 Book to Film Club Book Selection: Brighton Rock - by Graham Greene

The book is a crime thriller set in the 1930's, and the film adaptation shifts the setting to the 60's. Film stars Sam Riley (Control, Franklyn), Andrea Riseborough, Andy Serkis, John Hurt and Helen Mirren and is directed by Rowan Joffe. Although it was one of the books I was more hesitant about, I ended up really appreciated it not only for the great writing but also for the fascinating characters. Crime thrillers aren't a genre I usually go for, but this one really worked for me. I hope you enjoyed it!

Things to ponder on the book:

• Did you enjoy reading it?
• Was it what you were expecting?
• What did you know about the book before reading it?
• Did you enjoy the settings & time period?
• How did you feel about the characters & their challenges?
  
• What did you connect to with the book?
• How did you feel about the length of the book?
  
• What did you take away from reading the book?
• Who would you recommend the book to?

About the upcoming film adaptations:

• How do you feel about the casting of the film?
• What do you hope to be the focus of the film?
• What do you think is essential to keep from the book in the film?
• What do you think they will add anything new to the film?
• What do you think the challenges of the adaptation may be?
• Do you have any hesitations on the adaptation?
• If you've seen other adaptations, how do you think this one will be different with the period shift?
  
• What are you most looking forward to about the film adaptation?

If this was a re-read:

• How did reading it this time compare with your previous time reading it?
• Did you notice anything different this time round?
• Did your interest and focus stay on the same characters and moments, or shift?

If you choose to shelf this out one:

• Was there a barrier (genre, focus, time period, density)?
• Have you already read it?
• Will you join us again in 2012? I certainly hope so!
  

Book reviews from Book to Film Clubbers:
Shannon

Film Release Date
The film has already released in a few locations like the UK in February 2011 and New York & LA in August 2011, and I was really hoping for a wider theatrical release here in North American but it looks like that isn't in the cards. The silver lining of that news is that *is* coming out on DVD in January 2012 so we will all be able to see it relatively soon. I'm quite looking forward to it.

Last Book for the 2011 Movie Moxie Book to Film Club!
Brighton Rock was the final book for the book club! Can you believe it? 11 months and 11 books since we started this awesome journey back in January 2011 with I Am Number Four. How many books did you make it though? I hope you enjoyed them!

If you are feeling reading withdrawal for December with no book to film club book I do have some suggestions for you. I would highly recommend reading The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins which I have a feeling is going to be one of the really big films in 2012. It's a young adult novel following a teenaged girl who lives in a down & out district of a post-apocalyptic world. I strongly considered it for the book club but I tried very hard not to include series, and this is a trilogy. I also had a strong negative reaction to the third book, which makes the series a hard recommend, but the first two books are phenomenal as well a being swift page-turners. The Hunger Games film comes out March 23, 2012 and stars Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth. The second book Catching Fire is also set for a film adaptation to be released the following year: November 22, 2013.

Keep in touch!
Although Brighton Rock was the final book in the Book to Film Club, it won't be the last *of* the Movie Moxie Book to Film Club. I'm definitely going to be doing it again in 2012 and am madly researching titles and refining the format. Be sure to stay in touch by signing up for updates and I'll be sure to keep you up to date on more book to film delights.

Woman in Black (Book Review)

The Woman in Black by Susan Hill

Reason to Read: October 2011 Book Selection

The Woman in Black is one of the books for the Book to Film Club that I was most excited about, in part because I rarely read supernatural books (although I watch a lot of supernatural & paranormal film & TV), and also because it was a risk including it with the book as back in January it only had a UK release date and now it's confirmed that it will be released in North America in early 2012. I wish all the selections ended up with a release date, but that's the thing with risks - you never know how they will work out!

Anyhow, the book itself follows a young lawyer who goes to small town to settle up the legal affairs of a woman who has passed, and when arrives all the townsfolk are leery of him being out where she lived and no one seems to have cared very much about her. The book really gets the creepy vibe across very well, an unsettling, unnerving atmosphere which I wasn't quite sure I would take to on the printed page but I really did. I also really enjoyed the character of Arthur, the young lawyer whose young but it's historically-set so he feels very much a man even though young - I think this makes casting Daniel Radcliffe in the role a perfect choice because it fits very closely to where he is as an actor, and I appreciate that he'll be playing a character that fits his age.

After some of the lengthy books in the past few months, it was also a treat to breeze through a less than 200-page novel that was full of atmosphere and an intriguing story. There isn't a heck of a lot of dialogue, but it's quite haunting and chilling but it's a great choice for an adaptation (and not the first - it's been adapted for the stage and TV) because of the tone, interesting story and they may even be able to get everything in the film which would be such a treat. I know that it's one where there are a few scenes I consider to be must be included in the film, although I've not seen anything alluded to them in the trailer (which could be a good thing). As it's a supernatural tale and a mystery, I'll leave those details to be their own mystery for now and will move on to anxiously awaiting the films release on February 3, 2012.

Although we only have one more month for this year, you can still join the Movie Moxie Book to Film Club at any time. Sign up for updates here.