Which is better, the Book or the Film? Edge author Dave Cousins throws down a gauntlet for a discussion on book to film adaptations.

One of our aims when starting the Edge was to provide a focus for discussion about books for young people. When I visit schools, either on my own or as part of the Edge, I'm always keen to get students talking about the books they like—and the ones they don't. On occasions though, getting students to admit that they read at all can be a struggle. However, ask who likes films and most people in the room will raise a hand. I have found that this can be a useful starting point for a discussion about film adaptations of books. This invariably leads to arguments—sorry, exchanges of opinions—about the best and worst screen versions, and of course the big question: which is better, the book or the film? Suddenly, students who didn't raise their hand when I asked "who likes to read?" are vociferously arguing that Perks of Being a Wallflower the book, is miles better than, Perks of Being a Wallflower the movie.

So, in the hope of sparking such a discussion online, here is a list of ten film adaptations and a brief word on each from me. I’d be delighted to hear your thoughts on any of the films I have offered, whether you agree or disagree, and of course, please add your own titles to the list in the comments box at the end of this post.

1. Holes (Louis Sachar)—I quite liked the film, but as this book is as close to perfect as I think it's possible to get, it had a lot to live up to.

2. The Perks of Being a Wallflower (Stephen Chbosky)—Watching the film made me want to read the book, which can't be a bad thing. This was a very popular novel amongst some of our guest bloggers here on the Edge, so I'd be interested to know what people thought of the film, if they read the book first. It is worth noting that the author himself wrote the screenplay and directed the movie.

3. It's Kind of a Funny Story (Ned Vizzini)—I really like this film, and again bought the book as a result, but so far have struggled to get beyond the first few pages. For some reason I didn't connect with the voice on the page as well as I did with the character in the movie.

4. Billy Elliot (Lee Hall/Melvin Burgess)—This started life as a very good film and has gone on to be a very successful stage show, but I think the novel version by Melvin Burgess does a superb job of translating the story onto the page. As far as I remember, the book matches the film scene for scene, keeping the same grit and urgency, and Burgess' use of multiple first person narrators is really effective in keeping the emotional storyline centre stage.)

5. The Princess Bride (William Goldman)—This is one of my favourite films—a work of genius. However, I know I'm not alone in finding the book something of a disappointment by comparison. One of those times when the film is better than the book that inspired it.

6. Hugo (Brian Selznick)—This one is interesting because the original book (The Invention of Hugo Cabret) is highly illustrated. There are no words for the first forty pages, which makes the opening very reminiscent of a movie storyboard, a technique that is used throughout.

7. Harry Potter (JK Rowling)—You can't argue with the phenomenal success of these books, but I have to admit I prefer the films, especially the early ones. The world and characters that Rowling creates were begging for the big screen treatment. Watching one of the early Harry Potters has become a pre-Christmas ritual in our house.

8. Scott Pilgrim vs The World (Bryan Lee O'Malley)—I had to include this simply because it's one of my favourite films, inspired by one of my favourite series of comic books. I struggle to find fault with either, but maybe there are those of you out there who would disagree.

9. The Hunger Games (Suzanne Collins)—I thought the first two books especially, were superb. I was worried the films wouldn't be able to do the books justice. My jury is still out on that one, but what do you think?

10. Stand by Me (Stephen King)—Deciding which Stephen King story to include was tricky, as so many of his books have found their way onto the screen with varying degrees of success. I think this one worked well, and is a good adaptation of a fine novella called The Body. Which Stephen King would you have picked?

I hope my list has got you talking—if you are currently ranting in disbelief over the films I left out, or pointing a finger at the screen shouting "how could he say that!", please let me know by leaving a comment below. This is just a starter for ten (there's another one!)—it would be great to compile a longer list for the Edge archives.

Thanks for watching!

Waiting for Gonzo by Dave Cousins has yet to be optioned for a movie deal, however it does already have its own soundtrack and accompanying music videos …

Top 5 'Romantic' Books for Boys! by Edge Author Dave Cousins

Dave Cousins
a softie at heart!

Whisper it, but boys have feelings too! Sure, we love a good explosion, high-adrenaline car chases, a bit of blood and guts here and there, but hey, that doesn’t mean we don’t have a softer side.

But where’s the romance in books for boys? Sorry, I hate even using that term—books are books—why do we have to categorise everything? (But that’s a rant for another post.)

So, in honour of St Valentine’s Day, I thought I’d compile a list of my top five 'romantic' teen/young adult (there we go again!) books that I think would be enjoyed by anyone, including your average sports watching, game playing, teen boy …

Scott Pilgrim by Bryan Lee O’Malley (series of six graphic novels)

Scott’s love-life is a mess. His heart has been broken by the evil Envy Adams, and the books start with him dating Knives Chau, but his friends suspect this is no more than a rebound relationship. Sure enough, when the enigmatic Ramona Flowers skates through Scott’s dreams, he becomes infatuated with her. But in order to date Ramona, Scott has to first defeat her seven evil-exes in mortal combat. Understandably Knives isn’t too happy, and swears revenge against Ramona. Love triangle? This is a veritable love-decagon! Funny, romantic and surreal, Scott Pilgrim is packed with action fight scenes, game-play references, music and much more. The artwork is great too!

Daylight Saving by Edward Hogan

We’ve all fallen for the wrong person at some time in our lives, but falling in love with a ghost! I picked this up in the shop because of the premise: Can you save someone from something that has already happened? And the story delivers on this promise—and then some. An original, gripping, mystery thriller with great warmth.

Stolen by Lucy Christopher

It’s not often a book leaves me feeling uncomfortable, but this story haunted me for a long time after I’d finished reading it, because I was so shocked by what I was feeling at the end.

16-year-old Gemma is kidnapped from Bangkok airport, and taken to the Australian desert by her captor Ty. Having at first made attempts to escape, she eventually starts to develop feelings for him.

It’s not the first time Stockholm Syndrome has been explored in a story, but Lucy Christopher’s treatment is subtle and very cleverly done, showing the development of a complicated relationship between two very real characters. A story with plenty of action and lots to think about.

Please Ignore Vera Dietz by A.S. King

Vera Dietz has spent most of her life secretly in love with her best friend, Charlie Kahn. The story starts at Charlie’s funeral and what follows is a gradual unveiling of the events leading up to his untimely and mysterious death. While attempting to solve the mystery, Vera works as a pizza delivery girl, argues with her dad and talks to Charlie’s ghost. This is by no means a traditional romance, but then love isn’t always longing looks and heaving chests! Vera is a witty narrator, and it was the richness and vitality of the characters that made A.S. King one of my favourite authors by the time I’d finished it.

I immediately read Ask the Passengers—a story about a teenage girl coming to terms with her love for another girl—which could easily have been included on this list.

Geekhood: Close Encounters of the Girl Kind by Andy Robb

In the world of role-playing games, 14-year-old Archie is a Level 5 Mage, capable of summoning the Undead; in the real world, he has warring parents, a crass step-father, school bullies and rubbish hair to deal with. Then a Beautiful Girl appears and Archie embarks on a Daring Quest to win her heart.

This book is laugh out loud funny, but also warm and heartfelt in its treatment of some of the very real problems faced by young people today. Teen romance as it really is!

So, there it is, my top five, slightly unorthodox romantic novels, but what are yours? Leave a comment to let us know, and maybe we can compile a Romance on the Edge Reading List!

Waiting for Gonzo by Dave Cousins is out now in paperback, kindle and audiobook, and features a very romantic moonlit scene on page 147.