The Ultimate Adaptations Book Bundle Giveaway

THIS COMPETITION HAS NOW CLOSED.

I love a great adaptation. That's no secret. It's largely because I adore both book and films but in the right hands a beloved book can become a great film and appreciated by more fans, just in a different medium.

So it seems only fitting to do a competition which celebrates some fantastic adaptations, with books provided courtesy of Robert Hale Ltd, Scholastic, Hodder, Hesperus, Canongate and Bloomsbury. 

For your chance to win all of the following great books, just send an email over to filmvsbook@gmail.com with your favourite adaptation ever made and why, including 'The Ultimate Adaptations Book Bundle Giveaway' as the subject line and the town where you live in the UK. Don't worry, they don't have to be from the list below!

Head to the Bates Motel to see what happens when a woman on the run from the law meets Norman Bates. Psycho by Robert Bloch became one of Alfred Hitchcock’s most iconic films.

Sparking a resurgence in young adult fiction Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins is the second novel in her Hunger Games trilogy which follows Katniss Everdeen as she fights to protect those she loves but somehow manages to put them in even more danger. Dramatic, powerful and gripping from start to finish, the adaptation – which stars Jennifer Lawrence – is out in November.
 

Carrie by Stephen King is one of King’s most beloved books as he follows a high school girl battling with a religious fanatic mother and her own powers of telekinesis. It’s so good, they’ve adapted it more than once!

 

12 Years a Slave by Solomon Northup was the film to watch at this year’s London Film Festival and received rave 5* reviews across the board. But it all began with a true story by Solomon Northup back in the 1800s. Read the memoir that started it all.
 

A book that was deemed unadaptable was adapted by Ang Lee thanks to 3D technology and an incredible performance from newcomer Suraj Sharma. Booker prize winning Life of Pi by Yann Martel is one of the most thought-provoking and evocative tales ever written.

As an extra bonus to this great bunch of adaptations, the competition also includes the fantastic The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon. Though the adaptation does not currently exist, Andy Serkis' company have bought the film rights and are working on getting it made!

*A new book has been added to the giveaway, courtesy of the lovely people over at Random House. Enjoy all the glamour and opulence of 1920s New York with F. Scott Fitzgerald's classic tale, The Great Gatsby.*

This competition is available to UK readers only and will close on midnight GMT Friday 1st November.

Win Warm Bodies by Isaac Marion film tie-in edition

THIS COMPETITION HAS NOW CLOSED. THANKS TO ALL WHO ENTERED.

The film adaptation of Isaac Marion's Warm Bodies arrives in UK cinemas today. To celebrate, here's your chance to win your own copy of the book that started it all...

NOW A MAJOR MOTION PICTURE STARRING NICHOLAS HOULT, TERESA PALMER AND JOHN MALKOVICH. IN CINEMAS 8th FEBRUARY.

‘I never thought I could care so passionately for a zombie. Isaac Marion has created the most unexpected romantic lead I’ve ever encountered.’ STEPHENIE MEYER

‘R is the thinking woman’s zombie – though somewhat grey-skinned and monosyllabic, he could be the perfect boyfriend if he could manage to refrain from eating you. This is a wonderful book, elegantly written, touching and fun, as delightful as a mouthful of fresh brains.’ AUDREY NIFFENEGGER

‘A mesmerising evolution of a classic contemporary myth.’ SIMON PEGG

Warm Bodies Synopsis

R is a zombie, with a great record collection, no memories, no pulse and limited vocabulary. But he has dreams. He is different from his fellow Dead.
Julie is human, warm, fierce and very much alive.
When R makes the decision to rescue her from a zombie attack, a switch is flicked and he suddenly finds meaning to his lifeless existence. This has never happened before. This is against all the rules. R begins to have new thoughts and feelings, and together, he and Julie attempt to bring the whole decaying world back from the dead.

Isaac Marion lives in Seattle. He is not married, did not go to college and has not won any prizes. He has, however, written several short stories and novels which he has published online or in limited editions. Warm Bodies began life as a short story called ‘I Am A Zombie Filled With Love’ which was published on his website and promoted with a video trailer on YouTube. Visit his blog at http://burningbuilding.blogspot.com

To be in with a chance of winning a copy of Warm Bodies by Isaac Marion, all you have to do is email filmvsbook@gmail.com with the name of the actor who plays R in the film adaptation. (If you're not sure, check out my interview with Marion here). Don't forget to put "Warm Bodies competition" as the subject heading and please include the city in which you live in your email.

This competition is open to UK residents only and closes at midday GMT Sunday 3rd March.

Book Giveaway: The Host by Stephenie Meyer

THIS COMPETITION IS NOW CLOSED AND THE WINNERS HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED. THANKS TO ALL WHO ENTERED AND CONGRATULATIONS TO THE WINNERS!

Next month will mark the release of the film adaptation of The Host, which arrives in UK cinemas on 29th March. It was surely only a matter of time before bestselling author Stephenie Meyer's other book was adapted into a film and the adaptation certainly looks promising, with Saoirse Ronan cast as Melanie Stryder, support from Diane Kruger and William Hurt and writer/director Andrew Niccol at the helm.

To celebrate the film's release, the lovely folks over at Little, Brown UK have got three copies of the film tie-in edition of the book to give away. 

To be in with a chance of winning one of these three copies of The Host, all you have to do is email filmvsbook@gmail.com with the name of the other book series that was written by The Host author Stephenie Meyer. Don't forget to put "The Host competition" as the subject heading and please include the city in which you live in your email.

The Host Official Synopsis

Melanie Stryder refuses to fade away. The earth has been invaded by a species that takes over the minds of their human hosts while leaving their bodies intact, and most of humanity has succumbed.

Wanderer, the invading 'soul' who has been given Melanie's body, knew about the challenges of living inside a human: the overwhelming emotions, the too-vivid memories. But there was one difficulty Wanderer didn't expect: the former tenant of her body refusing to relinquish possession of her mind.

Melanie fills Wanderer's thoughts with visions of the man Melanie loves - Jared, a human who still lives in hiding. Unable to separate herself from her body's desires, Wanderer yearns for a man she's never met. As outside forces make Wanderer and Melanie unwilling allies, they set off to search for the man they both love.

This competition is open to UK residents only and closes at midday GMT Sunday 10th March.

Win - Beautiful Creatures: Official Movie Companion

THIS COMPETITION HAS NOW CLOSED - THANKS TO ALL WHO ENTERED.

Based on the book by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl, the adaptation of Beautiful Creatures is due out next month. The YA tale follows teenagers Ethan and Lena, as their budding romance brings together the mortal and caster world while an age-old curse seems to doom their relationship before it has even begun.

To coincide with the launch of #penguinchats - which begins at the end of the month with the authors of the Beautiful Creatures novels - the lovely folks over at Puffin and Penguin UK have a gorgeous movie companion book on offer for fans of the book series. Beautiful Creatures: The Official Illustrated Movie Companion by Mark Cotta Vaz has all the inside information from behind the scenes of the film. Click the images below to enlarge a sneak peek.

The film stars Alice Englert, Viola Davis, Jeremy Irons, Alden Ehrenreich, Emmy Rossum and Emma Thompson and is directed and adapted for the big screen by Richard LaGravenese (P.S. I Love You, Freedom Writers).

To be in with a chance of winning, simply email filmvsbook@gmail.com with the names of the authors who will be launching the first #penguinchats on Sunday 27th January. Don't forget to put "Beautiful Creatures competition" in the subject header and include the city you live in.

This competition is open to UK residents only and closes at midday GMT Sunday 27th January.

Beautiful Creatures arrives in cinemas on Wednesday 13th February.

Book Giveaway: Win Silver Linings Playbook by Matthew Quick

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It's been an exciting week for anyone involved in Silver Linings Playbook - with the film picking up an impressive seven Oscar nominations and something in all the major categories. The film - which follows Pat as he adjusts to everyday life after a stint in a psychiatric hospital - has also been nominated for three BAFTAs and numerous other awards. David O. Russell has received critical and popular acclaim for both his directorial efforts with the film and his adapted screenplay.

Nominations:

Bradley Cooper for BEST ACTOR

Jennifer Lawrence for BEST ACTRESS

Robert DeNiro for ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE

Jacki Weaver for ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE

David O. Russell for BEST DIRECTOR

Jay Cassidy and Crispin Struthers for FILM EDITING

David O. Russell for WRITING (ADAPTED SCREENPLAY)

Of course, none of this would have happened were it not for the captivating and heartbreaking, yet life-affirming, debut novel from author Matthew Quick. 

To celebrate the success of one of 2012's best adaptations, the lovely folks over at Picador have two copies of the film tie-in edition of the book available to give away.

To be in with a chance of winning your own copy of this brilliant book, just email filmvsbook@gmail.com, using "Silver Linings Competition" as the subject line, with the actor who played Pat in the film adaptation. 

Check out the Film vs Book review of Silver Linings Playbook here.

This competition closes at midnight GMT Sunday 27th January and is available to UK readers only.

COMPETITION: Win 'Life of Pi' by Yann Martel and 'Lawless' by Matt Bondurant

THIS COMPETION IS NOW CLOSED

There have been numerous adaptations out in 2012, from the jumps in Woman in Black to the mythical fairytale of Snow White via some Salmon in the Yemen. The year isn't over yet though as plenty more adaptations head our way... 

This Friday (7th September) the film adaptation of Lawless hits cinemas. The film, based on the book by Matt Bondurant, stars Tom Hardy, Gary Oldman, Shia LaBeouf, Guy Pearce & Jessica Chastain and is directed by John Hillcoat.

Then in December, another great story - Life of Pi by Yann Martel - hits cinemas. The adaptation, directed by Ang Lee is set to be a magical take of the award-winning novel.

Both of these fantastic books are published by Canongate Books - with Lawless having its first UK publication last month. Courtesy of the lovely people at Canongate, these two books could be yours. To win both incredible books, simply email filmvsbook@gmail.com, put "Competition" in the subject line and let us know what your favourite adaptation of 2012 has been so far...

THE COMPETITION IS AVAILABLE WORLDWIDE AND CLOSES AT MIDNIGHT ON 30TH SEPTEMBER 2012 SO GET ADAPTING...

'Lawless' Blurb

The Bondurant Boys were notorious gangster brothers who ran liquor though Franklin County during Prohibition. LAWLESS is their story.

Based on the true account of Matt Bondurant's grandfather and two granduncles, this is a gripping tale of bootlegging, brotherhood and revenge.

'Life of Pi' Blurb

Now a major motion picture from Academy Award-winning director Ang Lee and Winner of the Booker Prize.

One boy, one boat, one tiger . . .

After the tragic sinking of a cargo ship, a solitary lifeboat remains bobbing on the wild, blue Pacific. The only survivors from the wreck are a sixteen year-old boy named Pi, a hyena, a zebra (with a broken leg), a female orang-utan and a 450-pound Royal Bengal tiger. The scene is set for one of the most extraordinary and best-loved works of fiction in recent years.

COMPETITION: The Solitary House by Lynn Shepherd Gets a US Release

THIS COMPETITION IS NOW CLOSED.

British Author Lynn Shepherd began her career as an author by turning the Jane Austen classic Mansfield Park into a murder mystery with her novel Murder at Mansfield Park. Now she's returning with The Solitary House (Tom-All-Alone's in the UK), a Dickensian crime thriller inspired by Charles Dickens's Bleak House.

Tom-All-Alone's is a dark and gripping Victorian murder mystery, immersing the reader in a grim London underworld. 

 

London, 1850. Fog in the air and filth in the streets, from the rat-infested graveyard of Tom-All-Alone's to the elegant chambers in Lincoln's Inn Fields, where the formidable lawyer Edward Tulkinghorn has powerful clients to protect, and a deadly secret to hide. Only that secret is now under threat from a shadowy and unseen adversary - an adversary who must be tracked down at all costs, before it's too late.

Who better for such a task than young Charles Maddox? Unfairly dismissed from the police force, Charles is struggling to establish himself as a private detective. Only business is slow and his one case a dead end, so when Tulkinghorn offers a handsome price for an apparently simple job Charles is unable to resist. But as he soon discovers, nothing here is what it seems. An assignment that starts with anonymous letters leads soon to a brutal murder, as the investigation lures Charles ever deeper into the terrible darkness Tulkinghorn will stop at nothing to conceal.

To celebrate today's American launch of this book, the lovely folk at Random House US have five copies to give away to American residents. And for those Brits who want to get their hands on a copy too, Constable & Robinson have one of the UK editions to give away.

To be in with a chance of winning, email filmvsbook@gmail.com with "Lynn Shepherd Competition" in the subject matter and answer the following question:

The Solitary House is inspired by a Charles Dickens classic. But which one?

A. Oliver Twist
B. A Christmas Carol
C. Bleak House

Check out the review for the book at Novelicious now

For more information on Lynn Shepherd, check out her website or follow her on Twitter @lynn_shepherd.

The competition will close at midnight (GMT) on Tuesday 8th May 2012 and is available to entrants from the USA or UK only. 

Please state in your entry email which of these you are from.

Book Giveaway: The Lucky One by Nicholas Sparks

THIS COMPETITION IS NOW CLOSED.
THANKS TO ALL WHO ENTERED.

Next month, Nicholas Sparks's novel The Lucky One hits cinemas. This powerful love story follows Marine Logan Thibault as he goes in search of the woman whose photo he believes kept him alive at war. But, true to Sparks form, things are never quite that simple.

Thanks to the lovely folks at Little, Brown, you can now win a copy of the book for yourselves in this month's Film vs. Book competition! 

All you have to do is email me at filmvsbook@gmail.com with your name and address and tell me why you think you should be the lucky one to win. Good luck! Look out for a RT to win competition on Twitter this week too (@filmvsbook!)

The competition closes 22 April 2012 and is open to UK residents only.

The Lucky One hits cinemas on 2 May and stars Zac Efron, Taylor Schilling and Blythe Danner. Check out the new TV spot below to find out more.

THE LUCKY ONE OFFICIAL SYNOPSIS

U.S. Marine Sergeant Logan Thibault (Zac Efron) returns from his third tour of duty in Iraq, with the one thing he credits with keeping him alive—a photograph he found of a woman he doesn’t even know. Learning her name is Beth (Taylor Schilling) and where she lives, he shows up at her door, and ends up taking a job at her family-run local kennel. Despite her initial mistrust and the complications in her life, a romance develops between them, giving Logan hope that Beth could be much more than his good luck charm.

Check out the official facebook page for more information on the film.

Keep your eyes peeled for The Lucky One: Book vs Film, coming soon....