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It’s no secret that Hollywood loves taking best-selling novels and making them into movies. But, sometimes the books lose some of their magic during the transformation. Here is your chance to catch these gripping reads before they hit the cinema, so you can be the judge.

Book: The Hunger Games

Author: Suzanne Collins

Plot: Set in a post apocalyptic future ruled by the Capitol. Every year a boy and girl from the twelve districts are chosen to fight to the death on live television.

Movie release date: March 23, 2012

Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth

Why you should read before you see: There is no way that the movie is going to do this book justice. The powerful scenes of death and destruction among America’s youth will most likely be toned down for the masses.

Book: The Great Gatsby

Author: F. Scott Fitzgerald.

Plot: Nick Carraway moves to Long Island in the 1920’s and he finds himself fascinated by the mysterious past and lavish lifestyle of his neighbor, Jay Gatsby. He is drawn into Gatsby’s inner social circle, and becomes a witness to obsession and tragedy.

Movie release date: December 25, 2012

Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Carey Mulligan and Joel Edgerton

Why you should read before you see: The cast is promising, but this is just one of those books that you have to experience for yourself. The Gatsby you create in your mind can not be replicated, even by the likes of Leo.

Book: The Lucky One

Author: Nicholas Sparks

Plot: An Iraq War veteran searches for the woman from a mysterious photo that he credits with saving his life during three tours of duty 

Movie release date: April 20, 2012

Starring: Zac Efron and Taylor Schilling 

Why you should read before you see: While movies like the Notebook and Dear John are incredibly romantic, they can’t hold a candle to the books. If you’ve never read one of Sparks books before this is your chance.

Book: The Hobbit

Author:  J. R. R. Tolkien.

Plot: Set in Middle Earth. It follows the Hobbit, Bilbo Baggins, as he journeys to the Lonely Mountain accompanied by a group of dwarves to reclaim a treasure taken from them by a dragon.

Movie release date: December 14, 2012

Starring:  Martin Freeman, Ian McKellen and Richard Armitage

Why you should read before you see: I admit that the Lord of the Rings, while epic, was a difficult read to get through. But, think of the Hobbit as a more condensed version. It has a faster pace and lots of loveable characters that probably won’t get much screen time.

Book: The Host

Author: Stephenie Meyer

Plot:  Earth has been invaded by a peaceful species that take over the minds of their hosts while leaving their bodies intact. Most of humanity has succumbed, but pockets of resistance exist and it is the Calling of the Seekers to stamp out any insubordination.

Movie release date: March 29, 2013

Starring: Saoirse Ronan, William Hurt and Max Irons

Why you should read before you see: Unlike Meyer’s twilight series, this book resonates with a deeper message about love and humanity, and no one sparkles.

Contact Justine Stump at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .