I read Sense and Sensibility again last week, one of the very few books that I love, but like a film version better. (The Emma Thompson / Hugh Grant / Kate Winslet / Alan Rickman version. I love it with a huge, huge piece of my heart, and the music in it makes me glad.) I prefer the film version because it streamlines things that make the plot bulky (combining characters, deleting a few, not bringing Willoughby back to make that horrible apology…) and also, Emma Thompson. Do you think she’d be willing to be my bonus aunt? I do love her so. And a girl can never have too many bonus aunts. And though I didn’t watch that lovely film lately, I did see half of the Gwyneth Paltro Emma, which (I almost hate to admit) I like better than the book, too. Only a little. But those two great books were made better by excellent screen adaptations, and that’s credit where it’s due. Years of crappy adaptations have made that clear. In fact, I can only think of one film adaptation of a kids’ book that is as good as the original book, and that’s Holes, and that’s because Sachar wrote the screenplay (and also he’s brilliant).
And I also read the introduction to the Scribner paperback version of Gatsby, because it’s an essay that I love. There’s something decadent about Gatsby, a guilty pleasure, and I CANNOT WAIT for the film this Christmas. DO NOT DISAPPOINT ME, FILMMAKERS AND EDITORS. Because if I’m disappointed, well, that would be too bad.
And this weekend, I take my little family to gather with our bigger family at a cabin in the mountains, with much hanging about and little or no cell service. And I’ll pack a book away, just in case. But something tells me that talking time will overshadow reading time. As it should. Natch. But Kid 1 has to have Frankenstein read by Monday, so I guess she won’t be talking much. It’s been a few years since I re-read Frankenstein, but I remember it being tender and sad. Perhaps I’ll read it with her. But probably not by Monday…
What are you (re)reading? Anything lovely I should put my hands on?
(10) Comments for this blog
I’m not reading, but I am coming to your neck of the woods. Just in time for you to go to another neck of the woods. Sigh.
I’m not reading, but I am coming to your neck of the woods. Just in time for you to go to another neck of the woods. Sigh.
I want to LOVE Sense and Sensibility and Emma, because I LOVE LOVE LOVE Pride and Prejudice, but I only just like them. I do love the movie versions though and own them both and will maybe make my 9 year old suffer through them next weekend when we are home alone.
I’m reading The Namesake by that Indian lady whose name I’m too lazy to stand up and walk to the book for. It is really excellent as is her collection of short stories I read recently. (Again laziness is keeping me from finding the title)
Maybe you should come here at Christmas so we can see Gatsby together because I am very much looking forward to that. I heart Gatsby so very much.
I want to LOVE Sense and Sensibility and Emma, because I LOVE LOVE LOVE Pride and Prejudice, but I only just like them. I do love the movie versions though and own them both and will maybe make my 9 year old suffer through them next weekend when we are home alone.
I’m reading The Namesake by that Indian lady whose name I’m too lazy to stand up and walk to the book for. It is really excellent as is her collection of short stories I read recently. (Again laziness is keeping me from finding the title)
Maybe you should come here at Christmas so we can see Gatsby together because I am very much looking forward to that. I heart Gatsby so very much.
I’m reading a so-so book at the moment, but I read THE FAULT IN OUR STARS by John Green last week and WOW, I loved it so much. Next up is PAPER TOWNS. Thanks for recommending Green to me!
I’m reading a so-so book at the moment, but I read THE FAULT IN OUR STARS by John Green last week and WOW, I loved it so much. Next up is PAPER TOWNS. Thanks for recommending Green to me!
Now I know we are soul sisters, because S&S is the only case where I love the movie more than the book!
Now I know we are soul sisters, because S&S is the only case where I love the movie more than the book!
You know how I feel about S&S (especially Elinor) and while I do love the book, I utterly adore the movie. I could watch it on repeat without any problems. And I have that sucker memorized. (For 10+ years now.)
I admit to being nervous about The Great Gatsby remake too. Cinematically it looks gorgeous but I hope the effects don’t spoil the movie. Here’s hoping!
You know how I feel about S&S (especially Elinor) and while I do love the book, I utterly adore the movie. I could watch it on repeat without any problems. And I have that sucker memorized. (For 10+ years now.)
I admit to being nervous about The Great Gatsby remake too. Cinematically it looks gorgeous but I hope the effects don’t spoil the movie. Here’s hoping!