5 Books You Should Read Before the Movie in 2014

Books that are turned into movies usually draw in a variety of different crowds. For example, some people really enjoy reading the book first so that they can let their imagination determine how they think certain elements will play out. Other people prefer to watch the movie first, and then go back and read the books. In 2014 there will be some highly anticipated movies based on books. Here is a list of five books made into movies in 2014.

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Divergent

If the Twilight or The Hunger Games crazes took you by storm, get ready for Veronica Roth’s Divergent books. Divergent is the first of three books, followed by Insurgent and Allegiant, and will be released in March 2014. The story follows Tris Prior in her adventures in a dystopian world that is set in the future in Chicago. In the book you will learn about Tris and her past, as well as the varying factions that are represented in the book. You’ll also be introduced to Four, another main character who takes on a larger role throughout the remainder of the series. There is plenty of action, romance and heartache. And readers will certainly be waiting for the movie release, starring Shailene Woodley, Theo James and Kate Winslet, in March.

Maze Runner

Another dystopian trilogy that has inspired a movie is the Maze Runner series by James Dashner. The Maze Runner was released in 2009 and immediately became a bestseller. Somewhat like Divergent and The Hunger Games, The Maze Runner is a young adult novel that will attract the same type of audience. However, the difference is that the characters in this book find themselves with blanks where their memories once were, and are placed in an unsolvable maze that presents new concerns at each turn. Thomas Brodie-Sangster, Will Poulter, Dylan O’Brien and Kaya Scodelario star in the The Maze Runner, which will be released on Valentine’s Day.

Mockingjay: Part 1

The Hunger Games and Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins were such big hits that the final book in the series, Mockingjay, has been split into two separate parts. Mockingjay: Part 1 will be released just before Thanksgiving in November 2014. If you haven’t yet, it’s not too late to get started on The Hunger Games trilogy. And even if the movies did it for you on the first two, but you can’t wait till November, you can read all of Mockingjay before the movie comes out later this year. Jennifer Lawrence will reprise her role as Katniss, and many other main characters will return.

Serena

Not all book-turned-movie adaptations releasing this year are for young adult audiences. Instead, Serena, based on the novel by Ron Rash, is set in a Depression-era North Carolina city. George Pemberton, played by Bradley Cooper, is the owner of a timber empire. However, his life gets complicated when he learns that his wife Serena, played by Jennifer Lawrence, cannot have children. Serena was a New York Times bestseller and the movie stars two award-winning actors.

Fifty Shades Of Grey

Another huge blockbuster film that will hit big screens this year is Fifty Shades of Grey. The erotic romance novel was written by E.L. James in 2011 and has developed a cult-like following. The book follows the intense relationship between Anastasia Steele and a billionaire named Christian Grey. Fifty Shades of Grey is also another trilogy to make this list, and the first movie will likely be released in August 2014.

There are a ton of great movies that will be released in 2014. And the five on this list come from books that have already garnered huge followings. But before they come to theaters, be sure to read the book versions first to get a better foundation for all of them.

About the Author

Penny Lee is a self-professed book lover and contributes articles, book reviews, and readers’ tips to a leading online bookstore in Singapore.