Read 'Em Before You See 'Em! Some books into film

 

The Dog Stars by Peter Heller is set in a world where a pandemic has all but wiped out humanity.  The story revolves around Hig, an outdoorsman and pilot, his dog, and an armed ex-Marine neighbor. Directed by Ridley Scott, the movie stars Jacob Elrodi and Josh Brolin.

The Odyssey by Homer is a classic tale of Odysseus, trying to return to his home and kingdom after the Trojan War.  There are obstacles aplenty along the way, not to mention turmoil in the kingdom.  Christopher Nolan’s star-filled cast includes Matt Damon, Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Tom Holland, and Anne Hathaway.

Verity by Colleen Hoover has a young woman being hired to work as a ghostwriter for a famous author who has been injured in an accident, but she soon discovers some notes the author has made that may reveal a very disturbing past. Anne Hathaway, Dakota Johnson, and Josh Hartnett star in the movie, due out in October.

Three Bags Full by Leonie Swann (movie The Sheep Detectives) is one that sounds just a bit too oddball for some.  The main characters are a herd of sheep—yes, you read that correctly—who adore their shepherd, George, who reads mysteries to them.  When the sheep find George dead, they decide they are going to find his murderer.  Since they are, well, sheep, they are at a distinct disadvantage, but will see it through.  The movie features a number of big name actors, including Hugh Jackman as George and Emma Thompson, with sheep voices provided by Sir Patrick Stewart and Bryan Cranston.

The Book of Magic by Alice Hoffman is the sequel to the much beloved book and film Practical Magic. The Owens family has been cursed in love for centuries: falling in love is a death sentence for the one they love. Sally Owens’ two children have been shielded from learning about the family curse—until now. The Owens women come together in a last ditch effort to break the curse once and for all. Practical Magic 2 reunite, Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman and is scheduled for release in September.

In Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell, a young woman named Agnes falls in love with a poor tutor.  Agnes senses that the tutor has greatness within him and encourages him to follow his dreams, even if this means he has to leave for London. This rendition of Shakespeare’s family and life won great acclaim as a book and now is picking up awards as a film.