The year 2015 is a big one for movies. Some of the most anticipated films and movie adaptations will be hitting theaters sometime this year, including new releases from Marvel and a sequel to “Pitch Perfect.”
Also coming to theaters this year are movie adaptations based on books. Here are nine books to read before they become movies in 2015.
Mae Whitman in “The DUFF”
Photo Credit: thewrap.com
1. “Still Alice.” This award-winning New York Times bestseller by Lisa Genova follows professor and mother Alice Howland who is diagnosed with early onset Alzehimer’s. As she loses her memory, she struggles to keep her identity. The novel gives readers a real glimpse of Alzheimer’s and will leave you totally emotional.
“Still Alice” hits theaters on January 16, with Julianne Moore starring as Alice, and her performance in the film is already garnering Oscar buzz. Also starring Alec Baldwin, Jate Bosworth and Kristen Stewart.
2. “The DUFF.” Kody Keplinger’s debut novel follows disenchanted and faithful 17-year-old Bianca Piper. When she’s called the “duff” — the Designated Ugly Fat Friend of her pal circle — by the school hottie Wesley Rush, she names him her worst enemy.
But as her home life gets rocky, she ends up embarking on a secret friends-with-benefits relationship with Wesley and starts falling for him.
The movie adaptation will hit theaters on February 20 and stars Mae Whitman, Bella Thorne, Allison Janney and Robbie Amell.
3. “In the Heart of the Sea.” This nonfiction novel by Nathaniel Philbrick tells the true tragic story of the whaleship Essex which was attacked by a whale and left a handful of crew members at sea for over 90 days, leaving them fighting for survival.
The tale of the ship is what inspired the renowned story “Moby Dick” and Philbrick’s novel is a riveting read.
The movie adaptation of “In the Heart of the Sea” will be released into theaters on March 13 and stars Chris Hemsworth, Cillian Murphy and Charlotte Riley.
“Paper Towns” novel cover
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4. “Insurgent.” Veronica Roth’s second book in the “Divergent” trilogy (and the second movie of four based on the series) continues to follow Tris as she struggles to overcome her personal demons and fight against powerful figures who threaten to tear society apart.
The film stars Shailene Woodley, Theo James, Miles Teller, Kate Winslet and Ansel Elgort and will open in theaters on March 20.
5. “The Longest Ride.” This Nicholas Sparks novel follows two couples and their stories as their lives cross paths. Per Sparks’ usual formula, the book includes romance, relationship problems, and is a tear-jerker and the movie looks to be the same.
The movie adaptation of the novel is slated for release on April 10 and stars Scott Eastwood, Britt Robertson and Melissa Benoist.
6. “Paper Towns.” The novel by best-selling author John Green follows Quentin and his friends who go on the road trip of their lives to search for Margo, the missing girl next door. Both Green’s book “The Fault in Our Stars” as well as the movie version did exceedingly well and pulled many fans and “Paper Towns” is sure to do the same.
The movie adaptation of the novel stars Cara Delevingne, Nat Wolff, and Halston Sage and will open in theaters on June 19.
Concept art for “The Scorch Trials”
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7. “Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials.” The second book by James Dashner in the best-selling “Maze Runner” series sees protagonist Thomas and the Gladers escape the Maze and face new challenges and “trials.” If you’re not already reading the thrilling series, it’s highly suggested.
The movie stars Dylan O’Brien, Kaya Scodelario, and Thomas Brodie-Sangster and hits theaters on September 18.
8. “Mockingjay (Part Two).” Suzanne Collin’s last book in the “Hunger Games” trilogy follows Katniss Everdeen as she and District 13 continue to rebel against the Capitol and launch a revolution. The last book of the series was split into two movies, with the final installment being released this year so if you haven’t already read the novels, now’s the perfect time to do so.
The second part of “Mockingjay’s” movie adaptation will open in theaters on November 20 and stars Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks and Julianne Moore.
9. “The Martian.” Andy Weir’s fictional novel is about an astronaut who’s among the first people to land on Mars and is mistakenly left behind by his crew when they think he died in a dust storm. Stranded on Mars with no way to communicate with Earth, the astronaut struggles to survive.
The movie will be released in theaters on November 27 and stars Matt Damon, Jessica Chastain, Kate Mara, Kristen Wiig and Jeff Daniels.
So if you haven’t already read these great books, put them on your reading list for the year and read them before you go see the movie adaptations!