Debate: Books reign supreme and offer a path to appreciate their film versions
Movies can introduce us to the books they’re based on, but reading the original text first is a must
Reading allows you to visualize a world for yourself and enjoy a story at your own pace. (Sukhmani Sandhu)
We’re witnessing movie adaptations at an alarming rate in recent years, and most people are loving it.
Movie adaptations as a summary. They are most liked by people who procrastinate on starting a book.
I discovered the Culpables film trilogy, featuring My Fault (Culpa Mía), Your Fault (Culpa Tuya), and Our Fault (Culpa Nuestra). The movies are based on a young adult book trilogy. I started the film series first — and that got me hooked.
The desire to read the books grew in me. However, reading and watching are two entirely separate things that bring different elements to the table.
Today, it feels like most people watch the adaptation rather than read the book — and with that comes a war of words over whether or not books have a better emotional approach to stories.
I believe reading books is much better than watching movies. Books let you create your own world. You do not just read a book — you live it. As you walk down a beautiful path or treacherous road, the words on the page act as a map and every character feels alive.
This is the feeling that movies can’t match.
Watching a scene in a movie is totally different from reading text describing the same thing. Your mind co-creates the story as you read, helping you see scenes however you like, instead of just watching them play out on the screen. Everything — from each character, emotion, twist, and turn — is what you visualize on your own. Reading activates your mind and feels personal.
Although reading is a longer process, it doesn’t demand more of your schedule and attention like watching a movie does. When you read, you control your speed and can re-read parts again to make sure you understand what’s happening.
You are in control of the pace, unlike movies, where some scenes can speed by. Movies don’t have time for background, depth of a character, or subplots — things you can easily get while reading a book with a cup of tea or coffee in hand.
Personally, that is the best feeling because you are not only reading, you are having me time.
I’m not saying movies are terrible. They are indeed awesome. But if you want to truly dive into a story, books are a much better option than a two-hour movie.
If you ever want to watch a movie that’s been adapted, I recommend you read the book first. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself for it.
