School is back in session, and not a moment too soon—because you, little movie mavens, have a whole lot of homework to do! No, no, we're not talking about chemistry or calculus (whatever that is); we're talking about the big-deal literary works that are making their way to the big screen over the next few months. From Russian epics to Beatnik road trips to (yes, always) sparkly vampires, this fall's biggest movies are largely based on books. And to more fully enjoy your experience at the theater—and, in some cases, to have even a ghost of a shadow of an idea about what the heck is going on—you should definitely spend the weeks pre-premiere immersed in the source material. With what should you stock your shelves? Here's the reading list!
"On the Road," by Jack Kerouac
Two wayward young gentleman in search of la vie boheme embark on a series of life-changing road trips in this classic portrait of the Beat Generation underbelly. This love letter to drinking, driving, self-discovery and sweaty dancing in roadside honky-tonks with girls in cheap blouses is a must-read before you see its big-screen adaptation; being able to quote passages at length is a must-do if you want to get in the pants of the college literati. (In theaters December 21)
"The Hobbit," by J.R.R. Tolkien
Orcs and goblins and Gollum, oh my! The multitudinous cast of characters—of all sizes and several species—in this prequel to "The Lord of the Rings" will be easier to keep straight if you read the book first (don't worry, it's about one-fifth the size of an average Tolkein book). In the adventure that precedes the epic, Bilbo reluctantly embarks on an adventure that takes him far from the Shire, through terrible danger, and right into the path of the eeevil One Ring. (In theaters December 14)
"The Perks of Being a Wallflower," by Stephen Chbosky
Despite being wildly excited for the movie version of this epistolary novel, nothing can compare to reading about Charlie's adventures in their original format — and in his peculiarly sweet, naive voice. And, more importantly, once you've read the book? You'll understand why we've been flailing so hard in anticipation of the film since, like, 2011. You may even flail a little yourself. (In theaters September 21)
"Breaking Dawn," by Stephenie Meyer
The final film in "The Twilight Saga" is coming in November, and if you're one of the few people left in the fandom who haven't read the novels that inspired it...well, there's probably nothing we can say to convince you. Heck, you probably can't even read. YEAH. So go ahead, prove us wrong, hotshot. Crack that book! (In theaters November 16)
"Anna Karenina," by Leo Tolstoy
The sweeping cinematic adaptation (starring Keira Knightley as the titular heroine) is a visual feast of swank gowns, furry hats, elegant parties and extravagant mustaches. The book is...really, really long. But you'll be better able to follow Anna's long, traumatic decline from scorching temptress to fallen woman—and to enjoy all the eye candy—if you sack up and get cozy with the source material. (In theaters November 16)
Will you be reading any of these books before you go check out the movie?
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