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I feel like as a book lover, I should be able to say, without reservation, that the book is always better than the movie.

But I have a confession to make. 

(Please lean forward close to the screen and read this next line in a whispery, confessional voice.)

I liked a movie better than I liked the book. 

Actually, I’ve done it twice.

In general this is not the case because of this:

But there have been two cases in which I liked the movie better than the book.

Case #1: The Princess Bride

Loved it when I was young, love it just as much today. I can not wait until my kids are old enough to really get it.

Case #2: Stardust

Love the witches, the snarky dead princes, the pirates, all of it.

I adore both of these movies. They tell just the sort of stories I love: quirky characters, fun adventure, magic, someone who seems like he’s a bad guy, but is really a good guy…In fact, they’re the exact sort of stories I want to write.

Yet I’ve tried to read both of these books, and failed to get through either of them. 

Which is weird, I know.

I don’t know why, but in these two instances I adored the movies, and wasn’t interested in the books.

It can’t just be because I saw the movie first. Because when that happens, I usually still like the book more.

For instance,

  • I saw the movie The Book Thief and loved it. Read the book and loved it even more.
  • I saw the movie Gone With the Wind and loved it. Read the book and loved it so much more.

So I don’t know what’s different here.

All I know is that if I’m honest, I can’t always say that the book is better than the movie.

How about you? Have you ever liked a movie more than its book? 

Have you read and watched The Princess Bride or Stardust? Do you agree with me that the movies are better, or am I crazy?