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While comparing the differences between a book and its cinematic adaptation can often lead to rage and tears, it doesn't stop us from still wanting to read the novel before it makes its way to the big screen. It also provides us with an overwhelming feeling of smugness, something that can't be underestimated.
To share this feeling with you all, we've whittled down a list of the five essential books to read before the movies come out. But don't blame us if that character/location/twist has been changed...
IN THE HEART OF THE SEA BY NATHANIEL PHILBRICK
Based on the true story which served as one of the events which inspired Moby Dick, this award-winning nonfiction book told the tragic tale of the Whaleship Essex, which sank after being attacked by a sperm whale in 1820 and then what became of the survivors. It's being brought to the screen by Ron Howard and boasts an impressive cast, with Chris Hemsworth, Cillian Murphy, Ben Whishaw and Brendan Gleeson. The first trailer landed recently and hinted at a very epic adventure.
Release date: March 13
THE MARTIAN BY ANDY WEIR
Originally self-published in 2012 before being snapped up for a re-publishing this year, Andy Weir's thrilling story of an astronaut stranded on Mars had 'movie' written all over it. Not literally though as that would make it hard to read. A natural companion to Gravity, it's a survival story that grips and has deservedly attracted arguably the most impressive cast of next year. Matt Damon takes on the lead role with support from, deep breath, Jessica Chastain, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Kristen Wiig, Jeff Daniels, Donald Glover, Kate Mara and Sean Bean. The cherry on the cake? It's being directed by Ridley Scott. Expect big, Oscar-y things.
Release date: November 27
DARK PLACES BY GILLIAN FLYNN
In our guide to 2014's adaptations, we recommended you take a look at Gone Girl, arguably the year's most talked about film, and author Gillian Flynn has another adaptation on the way. It's another twisty thriller and this time it's about a woman struggling to get over the brutal murder of her family and the secret society that wants her to revisit the crime to find out what really happened. It's not quite as attention-grabbing as Gone Girl but it's still a dark and gripping read. The big screen version has a fantastic cast assembled with Charlize Theron, Chloe Grace Moretz, Christina Hendricks, Nicholas Hoult and Corey Stoll.
Release date: TBC
SILENCE BY SHÛSAKU ENDÔ
News of a new Martin Scorsese project is always something to pay attention to, especially after his last film The Wolf Of Wall Street became his most successful film ever at the worldwide box office. He's heading back to the literary pool for his next film, the historical drama Silence. It's based on an acclaimed book about a Jesuit missionary who suffers violence and persecution when he attempts to spread the word of Christianity to 17th century Japan. It sounds like a challenge but the combination of Scorsese and his cast, including Liam Neeson, Andrew Garfield and Adam Driver, suggests great things.
Release date: TBC
THE PRICE OF SALT, AKA CAROL BY PATRICIA HIGHSMITH
Patricia Highsmith has provided a mountain of adaptable greatness in the past, peaking with Alfred Hitchcock's 1951 classic Strangers on a Train and then Anthony Minghella's 1999 take on The Talented Mr Ripley. This year saw the somewhat mediocre The Two Faces Of January and before we see Jessica Biel and Patrick Wilson in The Blunderer, we've got Carol to enjoy. It's based on The Price of Salt, a 1952 novel which apparently inspired Vladimir Nabokov to write Lolita. Itt follows a love affair between a young woman trapped in a department store job that she hates and the suburban housewife who sets her free. Todd Haynes, of Far From Heaven and Safe brilliance, directs while Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara take on the leads. We smell Oscars.
Release date: TBC
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