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Comparing the book vs. movie for Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver is an easy task. The book is a powerful story that delves deep into how our actions affect the lives of others. The movie, Before I Fall is a brilliantly adapted film that is diverse and contains wonderful acting. If you have been following along with this feature for a while, you may have noticed a theme: most movie adaptations of books are usually not as good as the original text. I am thrilled to announce that the movie adaptation of Before I Fall does not fall into this trap.
Title: Before I FallAuthor: Lauren Oliver
Also by this author: Vanishing Girls
Narrator: Sarah Drew
Cast: Zoey Deutch, Liv Hewson, Jennifer Beals
Director: Ry Russo-Young
Screenplay: Maria Maggenti
Genres: Contemporary, Young Adult Fiction
Publication Date: March 2, 2010
Rating:
What if you had only one day to live? What would you do? Who would you kiss? And how far would you go to save your own life?
Samantha Kingston has it all: the world's most crush-worthy boyfriend, three amazing best friends, and first pick of everything at Thomas Jefferson High—from the best table in the cafeteria to the choicest parking spot. Friday, February 12, should be just another day in her charmed life.Instead, it turns out to be her last.Then she gets a second chance.Seven chances, in fact. Reliving her last day during one miraculous week, she will untangle the mystery surrounding her death-and discover the true value of everything she is in danger of losing.
❀ Don’t Judge a Book by its Movie is a feature on The Candid Cover spotlighting and reviewing book vs. movie adaptations. ❀
Book vs. Movie: Before I Fall
❀ Gripping and Haunting Book
Before I Fall is a book that is quite a commitment to listen to, as it is a 12 1/2 hour story. The first thing that draws me into an audiobook is the narration and Sarah Drew narrates the book beautifully. The main character, Sam, is one that listeners will most likely not relate to at first due to her essentially “mean girl” attitude. However, as the book progresses and Sam relives the day over and over again, the real Sam begins to emerge and it is in her desperation to set things right that she redeems herself. This is a story that is gripping and haunting, while exposing the truth behind Sam’s death.
❀ Well-Done Movie Adaptation
It is so exciting when you see a movie adaptation that is so well done. Honestly, I would sit through a 10 hour movie if it meant the screenplay would follow the book to a tee! However, there is not much of a chance for that to happen. Maria Maggenti has chosen many aspects of the original story to include in the film and has kept the “bones” of the novel that Lauren Oliver wove into Before I Fall. Interestingly, the film seems to be more diverse than I perceived the book to be and it makes the story that much more compelling. Also, the acting is fantastic and Zoey Deutch portrays Sam perfectly.
❀ DIFFERENCES VS. Before I Fall BOOK AND MOVIE ARE Few
This is absolutely one movie that I can say is a fantastic adaptation. It is not necessary to read the book before seeing the film, but I highly suggest it. There are many details that have been omitted from the screenplay that add to the understanding of the story, but are not needed to enjoy this film. I am looking forward to seeing this one a second time. It is that good!
About Lauren Oliver
Lauren Oliver is the cofounder of media and content development company Glasstown Entertainment, where she serves as the president of production. She is also the New York Times bestselling author of the YA novels Replica, Vanishing Girls, Panic, and the Delirium trilogy: Delirium, Pandemonium, and Requiem, which have been translated into more than thirty languages. The film rights to both Replica and Lauren's bestselling first novel, Before I Fall, were acquired by AwesomenessTV; Before I Fall is now a major motion picture and opened in theaters March of 2017. The sequel to Replica, titled Ringer, is her most recent novel and was released October 3rd, 2017.
About Lori
Avid reader. Contributor to The Candid Cover. Educator.
I’m sooooo excited to see the movie! It just came out today, and I was dying to see it with my friends but everyone’s skiing ughhh lol.
I hope that you enjoy it when you get a chance to see it! <3
I read Before I Fall years ago and absolutely loved the book…it was such a powerful book and it’s stuck with me all this time. I really have to read it again before I go see the movie – I’m definitely dragging my mom along to see this one with me! Thanks for sharing the trailer and your thoughts on the book!
The mom part actually really got to me a lot in both the book and the movie. I think it is a great film to see with your mom. I hope that you both love it as much as I did. <3
Of course, the one adaptation that is fantastic is one I haven’t read the book for. I think I need to remedy that asap, so I can see this movie already. The movie looks fantastic, and I am happy to know that it is thanks to you!
This is so good to hear! I love the book Before I fall, and I was nervous about the movie. I’m glad to hear that it follows the book!
I had never heard of either the movie or the book. In general, I don’t really care what happens to the “mean girl”, but based on your review, perhaps this one is worth a look.
I glad you think the movie lives up to the book, I haven’t read this yet but have it added to read, I refuse to watch a movie until I read the book.
I loved Before I Fall when I read it years ago and the trailer is very good. Looking forward to the movie.
I really need to listen to this one!!!
I actually enjoyed the movie more than the book, it was a great movie
Pretty sure I have a copy of this book somewhere on my shelf — so I will probably read it before watching the movie! So glad to know it’s worth the time.
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This one has my attention! I havent seen this movie or read the book either! Thanks for the recommendation!