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That is the question. Nowadays, literature has become pop culture, not because of its content, but because of its ability to be adapted into a movie. Recently, this has become the trend among movie mongols. However, when adapting a book into a movie, a lot of the true essence of the writing is lost. So, it's hard to say if this "abridged version" is really worth the viewing.

• White Oleander by Janet Fitch
This beautiful novel chronicles the life of Astrid and Ingrid Magnussen and their intriguing mother-daughter relationship. After Ingrid is sent to jail, Astrid has quite an unusual life ahead of her. Although one of the longer novels, it can be read very quickly because it's almost impossible to put down. The movie on the other hand doesn't even nearly capture the true essence of Astrid and Ingrid's relationship. Much of the novel is left out in the movie, obviously, but the movie can stand on its own, unlike many others.

• Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood by Rebecca Wells
Once released, this novel became a cult-classic among housewives and women alike. The Ya-Yas are a crazy circle of girls who grow up together. Their story is told from one of the Ya-Yas daughters, Siddalee, who must repair her relationship with her mother by reading a half-century's worth of letters and clippings contained in the Ya-Ya Sisterhood's packet of "Divine Secrets." It's impossible not to get involved with the characters of this book, and in fact, become quite attached. However, the movie is drastically different from the book, and seems to focus more on Siddalee than the Ya-Yas. Although cute as a movie, the novel is much more worthwhile.

• Bridget Jones's Diary by Helen Fielding
When I first read this novel, I couldn't stop laughing. Fielding's wit was so much like my own that I fell in love with the story of Bridget Jones and her unfortunate luck in love. So, when I found out that the book would be made into a movie, I was even more excited! All in all, I think the movie does a great job depicting the book, which reads exactly like a diary. And really, how can a girl resist Hugh Grant and Colin Firth and their sexy British accents?

• The Hours by Michael Cunningham
This novel seems to be an adaptation of the Virginia Woolf novel, Mrs. Dalloway. Many of the key parts of this novel are included in The Hours, as well as a modern twist on the characters and a storyline about Virginia Woolf. Cunningham's writing nearly mimics that of Woolf's and this novel surely is a great piece of literature. I do recommend not watching the movie directly after reading the book, or visa versa because they are extremely similar. It's almost incredible to see how much of the novel came through in the movie.

• Where the Heart Is by Billie Letts
This is another beautiful novel that you certainly won't be able to put down. Although the plot is quite unusual — the main character gives birth to her baby in Wal-Mart — the story is still every bit as heartwarming as any conventional plot. This is another movie that was adapted very well from the book. Much had to be left out, of course, because the book was fairly lengthy. But, all in all, the true essence of this novel came across in the movie. And certain themes of the novel were easier to see and relate to when watched on the big screen.

• Under the Tuscan Sun by Frances Mayes It's surprising that this movie is even based on this novel. Although the novel tells the same basic story as the movie — Frances' journey to Italy, not only to get away, but to find herself — the movie adds a lot more romance and humor to the story. However, I think this is truly necessary for the movie to be the success that it is now. Although slightly predictable, the movie and novel are truly heartwarming and can teach you a lot about life. The beautiful scenery in the movie helps too, for it's hard to truly imagine how serene the landscape is without seeing it.

• Sophie's Choice by William Styron
Ever since I first read this novel, it has been my favorite book. Styron's writing is truly remarkable. I hadn't even realized that this novel was made into a movie until recently when I stumbled across it. I surely had my doubts about the movie, however, because of the complexity of the story presented in this book. However, I was pleasantly surprised with the outcome. Meryl Streep's portrayal of Sophie not only won several awards, including an Oscar, but also won the hearts of millions. This movie certainly makes it possible for many to enjoy a truly beautiful, yet tragic, story in much less time than it would take to read the complex book.

Written by Laurie Mascia

What other adaptations do you enjoy? E-mail us!