New Line CinemaSometimes, objectivity with adaptations is achievable. In some cases, an adaptation can be even better than the source material, and you'll be able to discuss its merits without bringing the books into the matter at all. But that's not always how it works, and any non-reading friends of yours will undergo what must be one of the most irritating aspects of watching an adaptation with you. "It was okay," you'll find yourself saying, "but the book was better." Even you know that's annoying. Genuinely heartbreaking, however, is when you know that you're right and that the novel is so far superior that it's a shame to compare the two, yet no amount of indignant blathering about the differences will have any effect beyond convincing your friend not to go to the cinema with you anymore.
9. Nobody Understands Your References
Whether you're amusing yourself as you make your mug of soup or coming up with quips for others, there is often no better vehicle for lifting spirits than a jest or two. Sadly for bookworms, your jokes and references don't always go over as intended. First, there's the type of joke that can slip under non-readers' radars as just sounding strange but not requiring any context for why you have that goofy grin on your face. "It is a truth universally acknowledged that this was the best ice cream ever!" is weird, but not crazy. Then there's the sort that is completely nonsensical to anyone who is not fluent in the source material. "Man, this winter is so long that I keep expecting Almanzo Wilder to show up!" will really only fly with fans of American children's literature. Explaining would just make things worse. Finally, there are the times when you make a joke about a book under the assumption that the other person has already read it. What better way to be a snob while simultaneously making a situation super awkward and unfunny?
Fiction buff and writer. If it's on Netflix, it's probably in my queue. I've bought DVDs for the special features and usually claim that the book is better than the movie or show (and can provide examples). I've never met a TV show that I won't marathon. Follow on Twitter @lah9891 .
New Line CinemaSometimes, objectivity with adaptations is achievable. In some cases, an adaptation can be even better than the source material, and you'll be able to discuss its merits without bringing the books into the matter at all. But that's not always how it works, and any non-reading friends of yours will undergo what must be one of the most irritating aspects of watching an adaptation with you. "It was okay," you'll find yourself saying, "but the book was better." Even you know that's annoying. Genuinely heartbreaking, however, is when you know that you're right and that the novel is so far superior that it's a shame to compare the two, yet no amount of indignant blathering about the differences will have any effect beyond convincing your friend not to go to the cinema with you anymore. 