Lists, lists, lists... here's another group of books I want to read, since I'm winding down on my "Classics" list. These books will hopefully be easier, since most of them are from movies I've already seen...
Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe by Fannie Flagg
Grey-haired Cleo Threadgoode tells about her life, and a true story of friendship, to Evelyn, a middle-aged woman seeking meaning in her own life. This novel was written and filmed during the anxious, chick-flick era of the 1980's, so hopefully it avoids the high estrogen levels of films like
Steel Magnolias.
Around the World in 80 Days by Jules Verne
At the turn of the 20th century, an eccentric Englishman, Phileas Fogg, wagers twenty thousand pounds that he can circumnavigate the world in just 80 days. He is accompanied by his new valet, Passepartout, who helps and hinders him in the course of the journey. Along the way, of course, he is hit with obstacles, including a detective that is determined to prove that Phileas is a thief.
There have been so many retellings of this novel that I feel I already know this story in my sleep. However, often movies add a lot of action to an otherwise pedestrian story (Jackie Chan as the valet!) so I'm excited to compare this one.
Mrs. Palfrey at the Claremont by Elizabeth Taylor
Recently widowed Mrs. Palfrey decides to spend her remaining years at the Claremont Hotel. There she meets up with the other residents, who are also trying to enjoy their life and ignore their age & limitations. Mrs. Palfrey meets a young writer, Ludo, and finds life can be unexpectedly lovely.
The movie is sad, funny, poignant, witty, etc., so I think the book will be even better.
The Orchid Thief: A True Story of Beauty and Obsession by Susan Orlean
This story follows an eccentric and obsessive pursuit of an endangered flower. John Laroche is determined to clone the rare ghost orchid with the help of the Seminole Indians and the threat of the justice system.
The movie
Adaptation is based on this story, and I know almost nothing about either the book or the movie. I'm just shooting in the dark on this one, so fingers crossed that it's good.
The Searchers by Alan Le May
Mart Pauley saw his family destroyed by the Comanches when he was a child. The Comanches later slaughtered his adopted family and took a young girl hostage. But this time Mart was old enough and mad enough to seek revenge.
John Wayne starred in the movie version of this novel, whose author also wrote
Unforgiven. I might have to track down that book as well, since it's one of the few westerns I love.
Casino Royale by Ian Fleming
The story that began the whole James Bond saga. I've never read anything by Fleming except
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, and only seen one James Bond movie in my life. I need to broaden my horizons obviously.
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving
Ichabod Crane, a superstitious school teacher, is convinced by his romantic rival that a headless horseman roams the countryside looking for victims. Since this is a short story, movies are pretty loose with their storylines. I want to read the original story and just imagine Johnny Depp playing Ichabod's role. :)
The Talented Mr. Ripley by Patricia Highsmith
Tom Ripley is a sociopath. After a troubled young life, Tom is befriended, and later obsessed with, Dickie Greenleaf. Tom is sent to Italy to bring back rich, amoral Dickie. Instead Tom becomes enraged by Dickie's treatment of Marge, a charming American.
The movie with Matt Damon was very popular, but I had no idea that this book was the first in a series of 5 stories involving Tom Ripley. I might have to read all of them.
Goodbye Mr Chips by James Hilton
Full of enthusiasm, young English school master Mr. Chipping becomes a legend at Brookfield as he tries to inspire generations of young boys. All I remember about this movie is that it's one of the first that had me crying by the end... and it's not the last film I've bawled while watching.
Chaplin: His Life and Art by David Robinson
Charlie Chaplin not only revolutionized early cinema, he also created one of the most enduring characters, The Little Tramp. But his personal life was even more astonishing, filled with a horribly sad childhood, child brides, and persecution during the McCarthy Era. I loved Robert Downey Jr. in the movie... he played Chaplin as a vulnerable genius.
The Lodger by Marie Belloc Lowndes
A serial killer loose in London... an unlikely relationship between a mysterious lodger and his landlady... the basis for the first successful thriller by Alfred Hitchcock. Sounds good to me.
True Grit by Charles Portis
Mattie Ross is determined to punish the coward that killed her father, even though she's only 14 and she's trailed him into Indian Country. One-eyed US Marshal Rooster Cogburn is along for the ride. John Wayne was in the original movie, but it didn't follow the book too closely. A more recent remake with Matt Damon was supposedly closer to the book, and was a much better movie (sorry John Wayne fans).
