To close out the film awards season, this month’s reading recommendations include books that also made the leap to the big screen.
These works show how the same story can unfold differently in literature and in film, while also offering readers the chance to discover the original material behind some of the most memorable movies.
Schindler’s Ark, Thomas Keneally
Novel
Published: 1982
Pages: 416
Author’s nationality: Australian
The book Schindler’s Ark, written by Thomas Keneally, is based on research that included interviews with Holocaust survivors. The story centers on Oskar Schindler, a German businessman who during World War II used his factory to employ Jewish workers and protect them from Nazi persecution.
The project took shape after the author met Leopold Pfefferberg, one of the Jews saved by Schindler, who spent years trying to bring this story to wider public attention.
Years later, the story was adapted for the screen in the film Schindler’s List, directed by Steven Spielberg. The role of Oskar Schindler was played by Liam Neeson, and the film received twelve nominations at the Academy Awards.
Who’d like this?
The book often appeals to readers interested in understanding real events connected to World War II and the Holocaust.
Readers interested in contemporary history often find in this work a clear starting point for understanding how an individual decision was able to influence the lives of hundreds of people during that period.
Quotes
- “The more orthodox of the ghetto had a slogan – ‘An hour of life is still life’.”
- “Whoever saves one life, saves the world entire.”
Readers say
- “Excellent book. Critical and deeply moving at the same time. Trustworthy tone”, says an Amazon user.
- “You’ll cry a lot as you read, but occasionally you’ll laugh, and with real pleasure. And you’ll ask the question ‘what would I do?’”, says an Amazon user.
The Godfather, Mario Puzo
Crime Fiction
Published: 1969
Pages: 448
Author’s nationality: US
The novel The Godfather, written by Mario Puzo, tells the story of the Corleone family, an Italian American mafia organization operating in New York after World War II. The narrative focuses on the patriarch Vito Corleone and the internal and external tensions surrounding the family business.
Puzo drew inspiration from accounts of organized crime in the United States when writing the book, which quickly became a publishing success.
The popularity of the novel led to its film adaptation in The Godfather (1972), directed by Francis Ford Coppola. The movie preserved the core narrative of the book while further developing the character of Michael Corleone, portrayed by Al Pacino.
The production received 11 nominations at the Academy Awards and won three Oscars. Over time, the film has become recognized as one of the most influential works in American cinema.
Who’d like this?
The book often attracts readers interested in stories about power, organized crime, and complex family relationships.
It also appeals to those who enjoy long novels with multiple characters and interwoven storylines that unfold across different generations.
Quotes
- “I’ll make him an offer he can’t refuse.”
- “Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgment.”
Readers say
- “Gritty, real, and simply written with searing beauty”, says an Amazon user.
- “Although far from being high quality literature, the Godfather should be read even after seeing the movie. Genius often lies in simplicity”, says an Amazon user.
Forrest Gump, Winston Groom
Novel
Published: 1986
Pages: 228
Author’s nationality: US
The story follows Forrest, a man with cognitive difficulties who, without intending to, becomes involved in several key moments in recent United States history. The novel Forrest Gump, written by Winston Groom, is told in first person and uses a simple and deliberately irregular style to portray a character who observes the world with a perspective that contrasts with the events happening around him.
The book was well received and eventually became the basis for one of the best known film adaptations of the 1990s. Director Robert Zemeckis changed several elements from the novel in order to create a more emotional story focused on the protagonist’s personal growth.
The film was a major success and received 13 nominations at the Academy Awards.
Who’d like this?
The book may be especially interesting for readers who are curious about the differences between a literary work and its film adaptation.
Fans of 1990s cinema may also find it particularly appealing because it reveals what the original tone of the story was like before it reached the screen.
Quotes
- “I may not be a smart man, but I know what love is.”
- “Bubba was my best good friend. And even I know that ain’t something you can find just around the corner.”
Readers say
- “It is full of action and the creativity of Winston Groom is just astounding. This is one of my new favorite books for sure”, says an Amazon user.
- “It is unfortunate that this book is overshadowed by the movie. The movie was obviously ‘inspired’ by the book-each is it’s own work of art. They really cannot and should not be compared”, says an Amazon user.