Atonement

Atonement was one of the first books I had to read during my English undergrad and I think that may be partly why I am so attached to it. This was one of the first books I actually enjoyed to read while simltaneously analyzing every detail.

My copy of this book is absolutely covered in highligher and pen, each showcasing different ideas I had about what a certain character's actions meant, or how it was influencing the plot. This book also finally showed me how a talented author can "trick" the reader and manipulate their thoughts so that the ending ends up being a terrific suprise.

Atonement also showed me how movies can never quite suffice in their attempt to capture the essence of a novel. Although I did like the movie, I feel like there is no possible way to ever completely translate the magic of a book onto the big screen. There are so many little tricks your mind plays with you while you read a book and so many ways one can interpret each word and the descriptions given by the author. Whereas, on screen you are only able to see what the director wants you to see, which makes it hard to come up with one's own ideas as to how the movie should look or feel.

Whenever I read a book I create my own mental picture of what the character and settings look like and I get so attached to these images that nothing else can compare. I've also found that everytime I re-read a book I see the same mental images as I did the first time. It may sound crazy, but its true.

On that note, what book has been the biggest book-to-movie dissapointment for you?