Steven Donahue's Blog: Books and Stuff - Posts Tagged "adaptations"

Hollywood doesn’t shy away from turning popular books into movies, but recently it seems as though movie executives have been relying too heavily on sequels and movie remakes rather than new book adaptations. This mentality robs moviegoers of enjoying some great stories on the big screen.

So Hollywood, listen up! Below is my list of books that I think would make terrific movies. (No, I did not include any of my books, even though I think all of them would be great choices).

Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger. This has been talked about for decades, but Salinger’s reluctance to allow his classic teen angst novel to be made into a movie has been the major obstacle. Now that he has passed, maybe this long-awaited film can finally be made.

The Deepest Blue by Kim Williams Justesen. A 2013 release means this novel hasn’t had much time to build up steam for the big screen. However, Justesen’s story about a teenager fighting for his right to remain a North Carolina resident after his father’s sudden death is filled with emotion, and, with the right director, could be made into an Oscar-worthy film.

Prison Nation by Jenni Merritt. This is one of the most original Sci-Fi novels published in the last few decades. A dystopian story of a girl born in a prison to inmate parents and her challenges both inside the institution and outside in the harsh, real world is reminiscent of George Orwell’s 1984. Merritt infuses the story with action and drama that would translate well to the big screen.

The Counterfeit Tackle by Matt Christopher. It amazes me that none of Christopher’s stories have been made into movies yet. He certainly has enough great books to choose from. This one is my favorite. Twin brothers switch places so one can go to a professional football game without getting in trouble for missing his own Pee Wee football game. The swap allows the lesser athletic brother to experience the world his more popular sibling inhabits.

Childhood's End by Arthur C. Clarke. When giant alien ships arrive on Earth, people tend to get a bit nervous. In Clarke’s Sci-Fi classic, that anxiety seems warranted. The Overlords are mysterious and powerful, and not very forthright about their plans. However, this is not War of the Worlds and these are not blood-thirsty Martians. They are here for a much different reason, one that shapes the future of Mankind.

Brave New World by Aldous Huxley. This is another surprising case. Huxley’s book is so popular that the title has found its way into the American lexicon, but somehow the story has not yet been put on film. This bleak tale of government dominance and genetic engineering is a timeless reminder of what could happen if any society allows itself to be robbed of basic human rights.

The Last Dog on Earth by Daniel Ehrenhaft. This examination of paranoia in the face of a viral outbreak is a sobering look at human behavior. Ehrenhaft’s book focuses on an estranged boy who pairs up with a lonely canine that is hunted for the mere possibility of carrying a deadly disease. Its strong environmental message is a good wake-up call for 21st Century human beings.

So there you have it, Hollywood. Let’s get these films made!