Tag: Cecily Von Ziegesar

Reading the Book before the Movie or Show: Pros, Cons, & Bragging Rights

by flickr user o5com
by flickr user o5com

Young adult and adult novels make it to the big (and little) screen fairly often these days.  So, just how smug should you feel when you have already read the book? There is no easy answer – so to tackle this issue I have broken down the movie/show tie-ins into categories.

The Book Series Made into a Show

You can feel superior, but do tread lightly as you enter this murky zone.   When translating a series of novels into a series of shows major plot elements are likely to be changed to allow for the continuity of the show.  Examples of the book series made into a show include Pretty Little Liars (based on the series by Sara Shepard), Gossip Girl (based on the series by Cecily Von Ziegesar; a 2003 Quick Pick & 2009 Popular Paperback for Young Adults), The Walking Dead (based on the graphic novel series by Robert Kirkman, Charlie Adlard, Cliff Rathburn and Tony Moore), and Game of Thrones (Based on the “Song of Fire and Ice” books by George R.R. Martin.)

walking dead
walking dead
  • Pros of pre-reading the book series made into a show:

1) You read the books, you loved them…you watch the show and get more!  You can translate your book reading experience into an on-going show and keep the story alive after the series is over and/or whilst you await (impatiently) for the next book.

2) Deviations from the book make for some fun and unexpected surprises.  You thought you knew all there was to know about white walkers in George RR Martin’s Song of Fire and Ice series… but after watching the HBO show– what?!

  • Cons of pre-reading the book series made into a show:

1) Deviations from the book make for some shocking unexpected surprises.  Yes, this is both a pro and a con.  These changes may call into question your precognitive skills.  For example AMC’s Walking Dead’s many plot changes as compared to the graphic novel series.

  • Bragging rights earned from pre-reading the book series made into a show:

Monday morning talk when there was a Sunday night cliffhanger: does <insert character name> die?  Then they look your way: do you know?  Oh, yeah.  Continue reading Reading the Book before the Movie or Show: Pros, Cons, & Bragging Rights

What Would They Read?: Buffy the Vampire Slayer continued

buffy_the_vampire_slayer_Last month, I had intention of selecting books for characters of fantastic TV show, Buffy the Vampire Slayer.  Surprisingly, I got lost in a Buffy tornado and did not get a chance to discuss the reading habits of anyone else from the show.  Let’s see how many characters I get through this month.

Xander Harris – Xander is not much of a reader, as we learn in the show.  However, there are a few references to his love of comics.  It would be easy to give Xander a few superhero comics and he would be satisfied.  That said, I would stay away from any books featuring Daredevil, seeing what happened to Xander in the final season.  I would like to expose Xander to a different kind of book- show him what else is out there.  Grasshopper Jungle by Andrew Smith

I thought one of the interesting ways to find a book for Xander would be to look at some of his past crushes, hobbies, etc.  The first book that comes to mind is probably one of the most bizarre books concepts that I’ve run across this year, but is still completely a Xander pick.  Grasshopper Jungle by Andrew Smith is the story of two boys who inadvertently bring about six-foot tall praying mantises that may eventually destroy the world.  This just seems like a book match made in heaven for Xander.  Remember when he developed a crush on his entomology  teacher who transformed into a giant praying mantis?  What does a guy living on the Hellmouth consider the ultimate horror story?  What fuels his nightmares?  Vampires and demons are nothing for someone like Xander, but give him giant insects and he’ll be squirming.

Xander longs to  be a hero.  He had his chance during the first season when he became his Halloween costume and became a soldier.  Throughout the show, we see Xander recall his military knowledge and assist in situations.  A second choice for Xander’s to-read pile would be Divided We Fall by Trent Reedy.  In this book, Danny joins the National Guard in order to help protect his state and country.  But when the State Government and the Federal Government decide to turn on each other and a second Civil War threatens America, Danny has to determine what side is the right side.  Continue reading What Would They Read?: Buffy the Vampire Slayer continued