10 Books That Should Also Be Movies

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These days it seems every flick that hits the big screen was inspired by, or based on a bestselling novel. That’s not exactly a new trend in Hollywood, but the promotional tactics we’re seeing employed from Tinsel Town marketing gurus are relatively new. Authors are carving their way through wallets, memories and hearts with these books, sometimes selling millions of copies, and the world’s cinematic big wigs have recognized the fact that promoting that source material – and the original creator – is good business for their films. Everyone wins with these big buck transfer scenarios (assuming both novel and film impress), and authors like J.K. Rowling, Suzanne Collins and Stephenie Meyer are just a few who can attest to the career push a big movie adaptation can lead to.

But who is next to see their story turned into an explosive viewing experience? We’ve got answers for you. And while a handful of these genre contributors are no stranger to the business, a good number are authors on the rise, who’ve yet to see an assortment of their stories turned into films.

Horror Books

Red Sand by Ronan Cray: This brief novel echoes the terrors of William Golding’s kids out of control masterpiece, “Lord of the Flies”. While not about a bunch of rogue kids, “Red Sand” is dark, fast-paced and sports an extremely bleak finale that will have hardcore genre followers in tears of joy. It’s an under the radar offering, but it deserves a cinematic transfer like no man’s business.

The Montauk Monster by Hunter Shea: Hunter Shea is today’s master of monster stories. The guy just has a knack for bringing insane creatures to life on page, and he does so with “The Montauk Monster” despite the fact that the monsters themselves would be a nightmare and a half to transfer to a live action format. I didn’t think this one could work in any other medium upon initial reading, but I’ve quickly changed my tune.

A Life Transparent by Todd Keisling: Todd’s another guy who hasn’t climbed to the top of the genre mountain just yet, but he’s an extremely talented author just the same. “A Life Transparent” has something of an “Odd Thomas” vibe (they’re definitely not the same story, at all, but there’s something about this piece that feels oddly reminiscent of Koontz’s famed series starter), but the story stands as far superior. It’s engaging, and it’s also likely to tap a nerve with anyone who may suffer from any social anxiety or depression issues.

Joyland by Stephen King: If you didn’t read Stephen King’s “Joyland” when it landed on shelves last year, do yourself a solid and read it now. It’s the greatest novel King has released in decades, summoning nostalgic waves, memories of King in his glory days, during the 70s up through the mid-80s. “Joyland” is a jaw dropping murder mystery with a superb setting and if it doesn’t join the ranks of the other three billion King stories to befriend celluloid, I may pull my hair out.

Hot in December by Joe Lansdale: I once described this as “Travis McGee dropped into the chaotic world manufactured by the legendary Joe R. Lansdale.” That opinion still stands. “Hot in December” is a hardnosed crime tale with extremely grim undertones coursing throughout. It’s definitely shocking enough to qualify as horror, though thriller is likely a more fitting classification. Whatever the case, it’s genius and belongs on the big screen as well as the page.

Boy’s Life by Robert McCammon: Love, heartbreak, terror and action, all thrown into one package deal; McCammon’s “Boy’s Life” is one of the greatest pieces of fiction ever written. This story will drag you through a brutal gamut of emotions, and it is indeed a spiraling epic, but sitting through a three hour adaptation of it could be an amazing experience… and I can’t typically stand the thought of any movie stretching beyond the 90-minute mark.

Abarat by Clive Barker: There are rumblings that this tale is headed for Hollywood soon. I can neither debunk nor verify those rumblings. But it should get the movie treatment, it’s exactly what kids are flocking to these days, grand tales of epic adventures with children placed at the forefront of travels, challenges and outright dangers. Think Harry Potter, or The Hunger Games… but arguably superior from a technical stance!
The Pumpkin Man by John Everson: “The Pumpkin Man” isn’t Everson’s finest work, but it is that one book that is screaming out for a move to movies. Horror hounds adore Halloween themed flicks, and this is not only a seasonal piece, it’s also deeply disturbing and features a kick ass setting.

The Hanging Tree by Michael Phillip Cash: Cash is one of those authors who has a way about manufacturing atypical but highly refined narratives. There’s an understanding of the intricacies of fiction that the man possesses that can’t really be taught. He’s a born storyteller, and “The Hanging Tree”, a haunting piece of slick sorts, has a perfectly vintage feel while remaining impactful to the youth of today.

Mouth Sewn Shut by Greg Slap: This story is unfuckingbelievable. If you have not read this book, you are missing one of the most infectious slices of horror you’ll ever come across. It’s a psychological piece about an artist whose life spirals out of control in a hurry. What leads to this spiral is a mind bending series of events that I’m not going to spoil. You have to read this book, and after you read this book, you’ll have to admit that it would make for an amazing movie!

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