Pick up these popular books before you see their upcoming big-screen counterparts
Release date: Nov. 22
In the final installment of the “Hunger Games” trilogy by Suzanne Collins, Katniss Everdeen must face brand new challenges from some of the same old enemies. This time, instead of suffering through another round of the Hunger Games, she must fight the Capitol for her people and her beliefs. “Mockingjay” will be released in two parts: the first half in November of this year and the second half in November of 2015. Both movies will retain the same stars as their predecessors. Jennifer Lawrence will play Katniss, Josh Hutcherson will play Peeta and Liam Hemsworth will play Gale. “Mockingjay” will, however, introduce several new characters to the equation, most notably Julianne Moore as Alma Coin.
“The Fault in Our Stars”
Release date: June 6
Hazel Lancaster suffers from stage IV thyroid cancer but has managed to survive a few extra years thanks to an experimental drug. However, she is well aware that her premature death is inevitable in spite of her attempts to prolong her time. Her parents persuade her to attend a support group for teens suffering from cancer, and as a result she meets Augustus Waters. The two eventually fall in love, despite their unfortunate and heartbreaking circumstances. This novel by John Green was just recently published in 2012. The film adaptation will star Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort. A trailer for the movie was recently leaked on the web, and it can be found on YouTube.
“The Monuments Men”
Release date: Feb. 7
Near the end of World War II, a platoon consisting of curators and historians is tasked with rescuing monumental artwork before it is destroyed by the Nazis. The book by Robert M. Edsel is a nonfiction account of their journey, which chronicles 11 months between D-Day and V-E Day. The movie, which was written and directed by George Clooney, embellishes the factual information with a colorful storyline. Clooney stars as Lt. Frank Stokes alongside Matt Damon, Bill Murray and John Goodman as members of the task force. It is rated PG-13. The book provides fascinating historical background information that makes the film all the more significant and enjoyable.
“Divergent”
Release date: March 21
This novel by Veronica Roth centers around a dystopian society divided into five different factions that identify themselves by specific character qualities: bravery, honesty, selflessness, intelligence and peacefulness. At the age of 16, students choose their preferred faction based on a placement test that identifies the strongest characteristic in their personality. After Tris Prior takes the personality test, she is informed that she is divergent; her personality is split between multiple categories, and she must choose one while keeping this information a secret. The story is primarily based on her adventures but also features a budding romance. The movie stars Shailene Woodley as Tris and Theo James as Tris’ love interest Four. Trailers and more information about the movie can be found at divergentthemovie.com.
“The Giver”
Release date: Aug. 15
In a society with a rigid social structure, a teenage boy named Jonas begins training for his occupation as a “Receiver of Memories.” It will be his responsibility to hold all of the collective memories of life prior to dystopia, after “The Giver” is finished transferring them into his mind. Eventually, Jonas begins to view his seemingly perfect and complete society in a new light, after he has experienced life through the memories of the past. The book was written by Lois Lowry, and it won a Newberry Medal in 1994. The movie will star Australian actor Brenton Thwaites as Jonas and Jeff Bridges as The Giver. Taylor Swift will also appear in a supporting role as The Giver’s deceased daughter Rosemary.
“The Maze Runner”
Release date: Sept. 19
“The Maze Runner” follows a boy named Thomas as he wakes up in the midst of a community of teenagers with none of his memories intact. He learns that they are surrounded by an enormous maze filled with deadly creatures, and the only way they can return to their forgotten lives is to solve the maze and escape. The book is yet another addition to the recently popular dystopian genre and was written by James Dashner. The movie will star Dylan O’Brien, Kaya Scodelario, Will Poulter and Thomas Brodie-Sangster.
