Books – Page 4 – Zakiya N. Jamal

As Hollywood gets less creative and innovative we see the increase of books being turned into movies. Of course, this isn’t a new practice its just become more frequent. Here’s the books that I’m most interested to see on the big screen this year (so far anyway).

1. The Vampire Academy: Blood Sisters (February 14)

I love this book series by Richelle Mead (I own almost all of the books), which is why I’m a little disappointed in what I’ve seen of the movie so far. This film looks more like a comedy then the drama and love filled series of books I remember. Even though I’m going to try to resist, I’m sure I’ll still end up going to see this movie in theaters. Maybe since my expectations are so low the movie will actually surpass them.

2. Divergent (March 21)

I’m still on the waiting list to get this book from the library so I can’t really say how the trailer compares to the novel. What I can say is the trailer looked so good I felt inspired to actually read the first book in this trilogy created by Veronica Roth. I’d heard a lot about these books and it was all over Tumblr but I resisted reading it because it sounded like just another dystopian novel with a heroine and her love interest. Even though I tend to love books like that I was getting sick of reading the same thing. Even so, this trailer does look really good so I’m willing to give a book a try to prep for the film.

3. The Fault in Our Stars (June 6)

I loved this book by John Green. It’s probably my favorite book by him and he’s written some great ones. There’s no trailer yet so I can’t say how close I think it’ll resemble the book but the movie poster looks great and Green was heavily involved in the making of the film so I have high hopes for it. All we can do now is wait and see. If you haven’t read the book yet I would definitely recommend it.

4. The Maze Runner (September 19)

(Source: imdb.com)

This is based on another book I didn’t read. I did try to read it however, I just couldn’t get into. I think I got three chapters in before I gave up. However, because Dylan O’Brien will be playing the main character and I’m obsessed with him I might still give this one a try. It depends on how the trailer looks when it comes out, which I’m guessing will be released when Divergent drops. We shall see.

5. Mocking Jay Part 1 (November 21, 2014)

In my personal opinion (and I’ve found many others agree with me) this was the worst book in the trilogy. Though I applaud Suzanne Collins for keeping it real with all the deaths that occur in this last book (because lets face it, this is a war; there will be casualties) it was still not the best book. Therefore I’m kind of hoping the writers, directors, and makers of this film take creative license over this one. As long as they didn’t stray to far from the novel I’d be okay with it. We’ve got a long way to go before this comes out but I’m hoping for the best. The first two films were great and I’m expecting these last two will be just as good.

6. The Giver (August 15)

I don’t even remember how long ago I read this book but similar to a lot of these novels that are being adapted into films, this is based on a dystopian world where the Giver is the only person who is allowed access to the true memories of the past. Every child is dictated what their job will be for the rest of their lives and the main character, Jonas, is chosen to learn from the Giver so he can become the next one. Its too early to tell how this will turn out. The fact that Taylor Swift has been casted in it doesn’t bode well for me since she didn’t do well in Valentine’s Day. However, Meryl Streep will also be in the film and I love her so I’ll give it points for that. Fingers crossed.

Sadly, I haven’t been able to keep up with my reading as much as I would like to since being in college. However, I still make time to read and these are the five books that I can’t wait to come out in 2014.

1. The Guard by Kiera Cass (February 4, 2014)

Yes I know this one isn’t really a book but a novella but I’m still excited (even though I’m totally Team Maxon). If you haven’t read the first two books in The Selection trilogy you should definitely look into them because its awesome. The focus is a girl named America, who is entered into this Bachelor style contest to win the prince’s heart and the throne. Filled with drama, love triangles, and threats from rebels this trilogy has it all. This new novella will show more into the life of Aspen, America’s ex-boyfriend, and give us more insight into his story. What I’m most excited about is the preview of the next and last book in the trilogy that’s supposed to be included at the end of the novella. Which brings me to number two.

2. The One by Kiera Cass (May 6, 2014)

I’m both equally excited and saddened by the oncoming release of this book. I quickly fell in love with this trilogy reading the first two books in two days and then proceeding to re-read them over and over again to this day. I will be sad to see this trilogy come to an end (fingers crossed for a spin off series) but I’m also very excited to see how it’s all going to end (Team Maxon!!!). This is definitely a book I’ll be pre-ordering.

3. Panic by Lauren Oliver (March 4, 2014)

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I became obsessed with Lauren Oliver when I read her first book, Before I Fall, and her Delirium trilogy (even though I hated how it ended). This new book (already being optioned for a movie) focuses on not only a young girl but a guy as well which is new for Oliver. Based in a small town where almost nothing ever happens (I can relate) graduating seniors play a game called Panic that has high stakes and even higher payoff if you win. It’s a mystery what the game actually entails but based on Oliver’s past writings you can expect a lot of love, drama, and intrigue, as well as the unexpected. I’m definitely in!

4. Silver Shadows by Richelle Mead (July 29, 2014)

Out of all the new books coming out in 2014 this one is probably one of the most highly anticipated among young adults. Richelle Mead created this crazy, fictional world of vampires, dhampirs, and Alchemists in her Vampire Academy series (which is now being made into a movie franchise that I totally disapprove of but we’ll save that for another day). This spin off series focuses on Sydney, an Alchemist who at first hated vampires and everything to do with them, but now has become very accustomed and acquainted with them in more ways than one if you catch my drift. The last book left us with a major cliffhanger, leaving me to wonder what in the world is going to happen next. Sadly, it’ll be a while before we get the answer to that question.

5. Endless by Kate Brian (July 22, 2014)

Honestly, I haven’t even finished reading the last book and I’m already excited about this novel. Kate Brian (also known as Kieran Scott) is a master at producing series and trilogies that are made to get you hooked. From Private to Privilege to the Not-A-Blonde Cheerleader series, Brian knows exactly how to push our buttons, leaving us wanting more. Her newest trilogy, Shadowlands, is no exception. This trilogy had me hooked from book one when the ending left me with my jaw on the floor. Endless is the last book in this trilogy and I’m sure its going to be a spectacular conclusion that will probably make us wish it wasn’t all coming to end. Until Brian comes out with her next series that is.