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Sometimes, a visit to the bookstore can turn into one anxiety-filled fest (yes, I'm speaking from personal experience). So many books to choose from—so little time to read! And how do you even know if you'll like the story? Well, here's a quick hack: Pick out a book that served as the basis for one of your favorite movies. Why: You'll already be familiar with the characters and the plot, but you'll have a new chance to see if fleshed out in its poetic literary form. Of course, we all know Harry Potter and Twilight fall into this camp, but here are 12 movies you might not know were based on amazing books.
While Cher Horowitz was probz too popular to find time to read Jane Austen, the author's 1815 classic novel, Emma, sets the framework for the cult favorite movie. Cher is basically an updated Emma in an Alaïa dress. Get it here.
2009's rom-com He's Just Not That Into You packed an all-star cast: Jennifer Aniston, Bradley Cooper, Ginnifer Goodwin. And while the movie told a fictional story about a bunch of couples, it's actually based on a self-help book. It's full of timeless, tough-love advice, and it's perfect for anyone playing the field. Get it here.
Amanda Bynes' 2006 comedy might be amazing (it's brilliant, shhh!), but William Shakespeare penned the plot in 1623 with his play Twelfth Night. The movie, obviously, is a modern update, but it gives lots of nods to Shakespeare's original. Sebastian, Duke, Olivia, and Viola are all character names in both the movie and play. Get it here.
The Cate Blanchett-Rooney Mara romantic drama Carol was an Oscar favorite in 2015. It's based on a revolutionary 1952 novel, which author Patricia Highsmith originally published under a pseudonym. Get it here.
If you haven't seen Slumdog Millionaire, please remedy that ASAP. The Oscar-winning movie tells the life story of a teen from Mumbai, and it's riveting stuff. The novel it's based off of, Q & A, is equally a can't miss, as it delves further into the main character's rise from the slums to game show TV star. Get it here.
A biography about the "founder of computer science" might not sound *exciting* off the bat, but Alan Turing was truly fascinating: In his short life, he helped fight the Nazis, laid the groundwork for modern computers and artificial intelligence, and struggled as a gay man in a homophobic world. His story inspired the powerful movie The Imitation Game, and the book delves even deeper into the fascinating life of Turing. Get it here.
If only Cady Heron had a copy of this book while navigating high school. The 2002 non-fiction book Queen Bees And Wannabes explores the clique-filled world of high school and gives tips on how girls can survive "the jungle" and their own personal Regina George. Get it here.
Robin Williams' classic cross-dressing comedy is actually based on an English novel from 1987. The movie will help you imagine the perfect Mrs. Doubtfire while reading. Get it here.
The timeless shark story Jaws started as a thrilling book of the same name by Peter Benchley. Published in 1974, Benchley spent lots of time researching real-life shark data while writing the story. Feel free to play the movie's soundtrack while your read to *enhance* the experience. Get it here.
The winning Kate Hudson romcom How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days actually began as a how-to dating book. Similar to the movie's plot, authors Michele Alexander and Jeannie Long dispel their advice on what not to do within the first 10 days of dating a guy. I'd like to pick up a copy just to see if "don't buy a love fern" is included. Get it here.
The idea for the aca-awesome movie came from journalist Mickey Rapkin's non-fiction book exploring the world of college a capella. The book provides more of the history behind a capella groups (Gregorian chants, anyone?) and focuses on three real college groups competing for glory. Get it here.
The plot for the iconic '90s movie—starring Julia Stiles and a hunky Heath Ledger—was penned in the late 1500's by one Williams Shakespeare. Stiles, naturally, serves as the "shrew" in the modern update. Read Willy's play to see the original inspiration in all it's iambic pentameter glory. Get it here.
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