Watched This? Read That!: Oscars Season
At Books Are Magic, we love our movies, and this year’s Oscar nominees have left us with much to talk about! But do you ever finish a good movie and feel the urge to read something similar? Something even more immersive or expansive, a book you can get lost in? If this year's Academy Award nominees have left you with that feeling, we have some book recommendations for you!
Dune (dir. by Denis Villeneuve)
Best Sound, Best Visual Effects, Best Production Design, Best Original Score, Best Editing, Best Motion Picture of the Year, Best Makeup and Hairstyling, Best Costume Design, Best Cinematography, Best Adapted Screenplay
This was my favorite movie of the year. Dune, which is based on a series of books by Frank Herbert kicks off when the planet Arrakis falls into the possession of the House Atreides, and Paul Atreides, the Duke’s son, is poised to take over. Their enemies, House Harkonnen won’t give up that desert planet without a fight. Nominated for 10 Academy Awards this year, including Best Picture, movie was epic, visually stunning and the politics of this world were fascinating. - Aatia
Wheel of Time Series by Robert Jordan
Classic high fantasy for classic science fiction! Wheel of Time is a 14 book series by Robert Jordan with Brandon Sanderson. The first book, The Eye of the World follows a group of young village dwellers who embark on a journey to defeat The Dark One, an evil sorcerer who is bent on destroying the world. The magic system is fabulous, with roots in European and Asian mythology. The Amazon Original series based on the book is a bit different from the source material, but still fun, so give it a watch, if you’re curious. - Aatia
Nightmare Alley (dir. by Guillermo del Toro)
Best Picture, Best Production Design, Best Costume Design, Best Cinematography
Tricky tricky! This adaptation of the 1946 novel follows one of the most slippery characters I’ve ever encountered in fiction (second only to the title character in my second book recommendation). Stanton Carlisle (Bradley Cooper) is a charismatic carney, looking to make a name for himself. When he is brought under the mentorship of a mentalist with a brilliant act, Stanton finally sees his opportunity for greatness. Like the name implies, this story is dark, twisting and turning. - Aatia
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
A very different circus here. If you loved the mysterious setting in Nightmare Alley, you will love The Night Circus. A love story and a battle are at the heart of this book, as two talented magicians, Marco and Celia use the stage to enchant circus goers with their skills and defeat the one another. - Aatia
Talented Mr. Ripley by Patricia Highsmith
Have you read this one yet? Patricia Highsmith’s 1955 novel follows a young man, a scam artist who befriends a wealthy playboy at the behest of the young man’s father who wants to see his son get his act together so he can take over the company. Mr. Ripley is an extremely talented scammer, spinning incredible lies, slipping between identities and getting his own way. - Aatia
Worst Person in the World (dir. Joachim Trier)
Best Original Screenplay, Best International Feature Film
Once described as a “portrait of an entire generation’s existential crisis,” The Worst Person in the World follows Julie, a Norwegian woman in her early 30s navigating the woes and thrills of growing older. She wanders often—from jobs, men, parties—never really knowing if she’s doing the right or wrong or good or bad thing. Written with humor and warmth, it’s a film (that kind of reads like a play) with a lot of humanity for how we turn to romantic relationships with the great hope of finding belonging. Memorable, smart, and ultimately hopeful, this one’s for my fellow watchers/readers who love witnessing people coming of age at any age. - Denise
A Very Nice Girl by Imogen Crimp
I’ve heard a lot of comparisons to Sally Rooney’s work being thrown around with this film, so I’m going to forgo the obvious and instead offer you A Very Nice Girl by Imogen Crimp. Crimp’s debut novel follows 24-year-old struggling opera singer Annie as she becomes involved with Max, an older, mysterious, controlling finance bro. Like Julie, Annie tries on identities for size, often remaining in painful situations that pull her farther from herself. Rich in wit and brutal honesty, the book explores a young woman’s complicated desire for validation, connection, and agency, aptly capturing how vulnerable and difficult it is to admit you’re lost. - Denise
Love Trilogy by bell hooks (All About Love, Communion, Salvation)
If Julie walked into Books Are Magic and asked me for book recommendations, I would pull these off the shelf without hesitation. bell hooks’ wisdom is generally timeless, but feels especially appropriate for Julie’s quest for selfhood. For the many beautiful and heartbreaking lessons Julie learns, I have to admit I had a hard time with the ending of this movie and how love is sometimes framed as an impossible or sacrificial thing. bell hooks’ musings on how we envision and practice love in all its forms fills the gap that The Worst Person in the World left me with. Also, I know it’s a rom com, but Julie, where are your friends?? - Denise
The Power of the Dog (dir. by Jane Campion)
Best Performance Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Director, Best Picture, Best Production Design, Best Sound, Best Cinematography, Best Film Editing, Best Original Score
Came for Kirsten Dunst, stayed for the cowboy hats. Based on Thomas Savage’s 1967 novel of the same name, the film follows two vastly different brothers—Phil and George Burbank—and explores themes of femininity, toxic masculinity, love and longing and loneliness, all against the backdrop of the barren West. With beautiful cinematography and incredible performances, this film is sure to leave you walking around like Benedict Cumberbatch wearing leather chaps. - Amali
Close Range: Wyoming Stories by Annie Proulx
I can’t talk about gay cowboys without recommending the gay cowboy story of the century, “Brokeback Mountain,” found in Annie Proulx’s 1999 collection of short stories, Close Range. Thomas Savage was a closeted gay man, and his novels often drew upon his experience working on a Montana ranch. Both Savage and Proulx see something lonely and yearning in the West, and while Savage explores these feelings through the estrangement of two brothers, Proulx creates through an unspeakable bond between two ranch hands, Jack and Ennis. - Amali
In the Distance by Hernan Diaz
If you’ve finished watching The Power of the Dog and are looking for more lonely brothers wandering through the enigmatic West, In the Distance is the book for you! The hero of this novel isn’t a cowboy, but a Swedish immigrant, wandering through California in search of his brother. During his eastward journey, he comes across cowboys, Native Americans, miners, swindlers, caravans and the rest, all under the watchful eye of Diaz’s original, modernist writing. - Amali
Encanto (dir. Jared Bush and Bryan Howard)
Best Animated Feature Film, Best Original Score, Best Original Song
If you’ve interacted at all with a young person in the past few months, you surely know at least a little something about Encanto. But it’s more than just catchy music! Encanto follows the family Madrigal, each of whom possesses a unique magical power. When Mirabel, who has no gift of her own, discovers her family’s magic may be fading, she sets out on a quest to discover why. Encanto works so well because it perfectly blends whimsy, magical realism, and deeper themes such as family and intergenerational trauma. These books hit some of those same notes and are perfect for anyone who can’t get “We Don’t Talk About Bruno'' out of their heads! - Julia
Wild Beauty by Anna-Marie McLemore
Anna-Marie McLemore is easily one of my favorite authors. They have some of the most lyrical prose, with beautiful descriptions of color and nature. Like Encanto, Wild Beauty follows a large family that comes from a magical tradition—each of the Nomeolvides women has power over the flowers in the lush garden they tend to. But their family is cursed as well, and anyone the Nomeolvides fall too deeply in love with vanish. The protagonist Estrella reminds me a lot of Mirabel from Encanto, and McLemore manages to blend magic with deeper themes in ways that I think will easily win over fans of the movie! - Julia
The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina by Zoraida Córdova
This is another intergenerational family story of magic and mystery, and like Encanto, it deals with themes of legacy and inheritance amidst the magic. The story follows the Montoya family as they sift through the history surrounding their matriarch, the eponymous Oriquídea Divina. It’s the perfect intergenerational story for fans of literary fantasy. I’m particularly excited about the paperback edition, which comes out this summer, and has an absolutely GORGEOUS cover! But never fear, if you don’t want to wait that long to fill the Encanto-sized hole in your heart, the hardcover is available now. - Julia
Disney Encanto: The Graphic Novel
This one is low-hanging fruit, but if you have a young person in your life obsessed with Encanto, you don’t want to miss this brand new graphic novelization. Get ready for this to be as big as Dogman! - Julia
The Lost Daughter (dir. by Maggie Gyllenhal)
Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Performance Actress, Best Supporting Actress
Based on the book of the same name by Elena Ferrante, Maggie Gyllenhal’s directorial debut is up for Best Actress, Best Supporting Actress and Best Adapted Screenplay. The main character Leda takes a holiday (in Italy in the book and in Greece in the movie) and comes across other guests who force her to confront her past and her complicated relationships with her daughters. Motherhood is always a fascinating subject to me, with endless complexities and nuance. Below are a few more books that explore that theme. - Colleen
Motherhood by Sheila Heti
Much like The Lost Daughter, Heti’s novel asks provocative and probing questions about motherhood – the nature of it, the responsibilities it implies, the moral and physical quandaries of shepherding new life into the world. In Heti’s signature style, it is philosophical and courageous, not fitting neatly into one genre, but blends essay, memoir, and fiction that moves seamlessly and deftly between meditations. - Colleen
A Life’s Work by Rachel Cusk
Less philosophical than Heti, Cusk’s A Life’s Work focuses more on the day-to-day lived experiences of raising her firstborn daughter. An uncompromising, but wholly compelling account that she is said to have written as a letter to women, in hopes they find companionship in the pages. Readers are launched headfirst into the contradictions of motherhood, the tedium, the confinement, and even the melancholy that can surround the position. - Colleen
The Need by Helen Phillips
The “mother-as-monster” theme applies to both this novel and movie, and is one that can often make projects divisive among audiences. True to form, many have expressed polarizing views from these stories. A speculative and psychological thriller, The Need picks up on the suspense and the subtler sinister notes in The Lost Daughter, while confronting the dualities and complexities of motherhood. - Colleen
Licorice Pizza (dir. by Paul Thomas Anderson)
Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay, Best Director
Charming, humorous, and unpredictable! I’d recommend this movie to anyone who seeks a lighthearted, atmospheric, easygoing experience. It’s the early ‘70s & Alana Kane, a 25-ish year old girl tries to get her grownup act together while oddly pursuing 15 year old Gary Valentine, a child actor who acts like he has his “shit together”. Don’t judge the description! This is truly a cinematic experience full of nostalgic groovy grace! Unpopular or popular opinion?: I loved it mostly for the visual vibes, rather than the plot. - Jacque
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood by Quentin Tarantino
Kinda cheating with this recommendation because it was a movie first - but that is why Licorice Pizza fans will love it (for its cinematic feel)! I’m no movie expert but Quentin Tarantino and Paul Thomas Anderson have this nostalgic, experimental, youthful yet almost always rated “R” thing going on, am I right? Very much to the likes of Licorice Pizza, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood takes place in a groovy time following characters trying to make it big in the film industry - it’s full of action, careless freedom, light but mostly dark humor. - Jacque
Pizza Girl by Jean Kyoung Frazier
Well, first things first, both have *pizza* in their titles! Funny enough, this is just a coincidence because I really chose this book for its overall vibe - a little absurd and atmospheric! Pizza Girl is a gritty coming-of-age story about a pregnant, eighteen year old pizza delivery driver called Jane who becomes obsessed by a customer called Jenny, a mom desperate to help her son settle in a new town by getting him his favorite pizza. Licorice Pizza fans will totally enjoy the quirky ride. - Jacque
Drive My Car (dir. Ryusuke Hamaguchi)
Best Picture, International Feature Film, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Director
Drive My Car touches on many themes—theater, friendship, loyalty, driving—but overall, I would say it is largely a film about love. It’s about the love a husband feels for his wife, even though it may be tested countless times; the love that can blossom between two strangers as they face the truth about their past; the love an audience bears witness to between actors on a stage; even the love a man feels for his car that he has cared for for over 15 years. With love inevitably comes loss, and the film beautifully shows us how the characters learn to live without their loved ones—wives and cars alike. - Amali
Men Without Women by Haruki Murakami
I can’t recommend a book to accompany this film without starting with the short story that inspired it. The stories in this collection are all connected by the titular concept—men losing the women in their lives—whether by death, another lover, etc. I would suggest reading the short story not only because of the tweaks and alterations of the plot, but because of the way the atmosphere of the film matches the tone of the story. If you want to take it to the next level, I recommend reading the story while listening to the film score. - Amali
What We Talk About When We Talk About Love by Raymond Carver
This collection of short stories is so perfect to go along with Murakami’s collection. They share similar themes of love and reconciliation, and the writing styles go hand-in-hand as well. Raymond Carver is a master storyteller, building suspense in the most seemingly benign situations. Like Men Without Women, these stories revolve around family dramas, and often deal with loss—a child in one story, an elderly couple in another, and in my personal favorite, “Why Don’t You Dance?”, a sense of innocence that disappears in a single evening. - Amali
House of Gucci (dir. by Ridley Scott)
Best Achievement in Makeup and Hairstyling
The story and characters in House of Gucci can be described in many ways: a love match that turns sour due to immense wealth and greed; a young woman manipulating the people and situations around her in order to rise to the top; a man taking advantage of a woman and her brain to gain wealth and power, only to toss her aside once he has achieved his goals. Whichever theme from this movie–and there are many!–you feel most intrigued by, there are an abundance of books that can satisfy these same cravings. - Lindsay
Empire of Pain by Patrick Radden Keefe
Here we have another family dynasty that rose to incredible wealth and power, but it is rife with questionable morals and legal evasion. The Sackler family made groundbreaking discoveries in the pharmaceutical field, discoveries which then went on to feed a national opioid crisis. Instead of addressing this responsibility, the family rejected accountability and hid behind the power of the “elite” to avoid punishment. - Lindsay
Vulgar Favors: The Assassination of Gianni Versace by Maureen Orth
At the core of the House of Gucci film is the murder of Maurizio Gucci. But this is not the only prominent murder in the high fashion industry–in 1997 Gianni Versace was murdered on the steps of his South Beach mansion. At first police could find no connection between Versace and his killer, but Orth dives deep into the whole story in her journalistic true crime book. - Lindsay
The Silent Wife by A.S.A. Harrison
If the marital murder plot is what you found most fascinating in House of Gucci, The Silent Wife could be a fitting next read for you. While the character’s lives in this novel different greatly from those of Patrizia Reggiani and Maurizio Gucci, this story does a similar job of exploring what could possibly happen within a marriage to prompt a wife to murder her husband. - Lindsay
Summer of Soul (. . .or When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised) (dir. by Questlove)
Best Documentary Feature
Summer of Soul is a must-watch documentary for everyone! Directed by Ahmir Thompson, professionally known as Questlove, this film highlights the Harlem Cultural Festival of 1969, a six-week concert series with headliners like Gladys Knight and the Pips, B.B. King, Nina Simone, and so many more. With found footage of the performances and interviews with attendees and performers alike, Thompson displays the incredible ways in which the festival brought Harlem together in celebration of music and community. - Amali
What Happened, Miss Simone? by Alan Light
This biography, which was inspired the Netflix documentary, explores Nina’s rise to fame as one of the greatest jazz and soul singers, and highlights her civil rights activism as well. - Amali
Music is History by Questlove
I can’t talk about Questlove’s directorial debut without recommending his latest book! Music is History is such a perfect companion to this documentary. Even though the book starts off in the 1970s, Questlove puts together an incredible timeline of iconic musical names and moments in U.S. history, examining all genres from pop to funk to disco, and the ways music reshaped Black identity.- Amali
Simple as Water (dir. by Megan Mylan)
Best Documentary Feature
This film is so quietly powerful. There is no narration, no intrusion from the film crew or producers. Just incredibly intimate portraits of several families impacted by the Syrian civil conflict. Now entering its 11th year, the Syrian conflict has resulted in over 12 million people being displaced from their homes. Some are in refugee camps, waiting and waiting and waiting. Others have made it to the US or another country, but are awaiting refugee status and/or reunification with their families. Others still are awaiting news from a family member who was last seen still in Syria. The uncertainty, the vulnerability, is piercing. We need to hear and see these stories. Displacement is not something that happens “over there”, but is happening all around us. So many in the West have accepted tragedy for countries like Syria, and this is an incredibly humanizing look at what we are turning our backs on. - Colleen
Sisters of the War by Rania Abouzeid
Award-winning journalist Rania Abouzeid illuminates the complex conditions leading up to the Syrian war through the true stories of two pairs of sisters from opposite sides of the conflict, and the impact it has had on them. This book is recommended for readers age 12 and up, so it’s a good one to share with younger readers too. - Colleen
The Book Collectors by Delphine Minoui
Tiny but powerful, this book is about a group of rebels in Syria who found troves of books among the rubble in the town near the epicenter of the violence and decided to save as many books as possible in an underground library. In addition to the terror and violence destroying homes, families, and infrastructure, one of the devastating effects of war is the loss of cultural artifacts, information, and communication. Award-winning journalist Delphine Minoui explains how this seemingly-small act of collecting books in wartime is actually an extraordinary act of courage, hope, resistance to build a sanctuary for people to commune, to connect, and strategize about the future. - Colleen
Somewhere in the Unknown World by Kao Kalia Yang
In a similar vein to Simple as Water, this is a collection of stories of refugees, but from people all over the world that have settled in or near Minnesota’s Twin Cities. Kao Kalia Yang—herself a Hmong refugee – reveals their strength and courage to start over in a completely foreign place, and the wonderful contributions they’ve made to their new communities. Generosity and care is a huge theme here, as we learn to witness our neighbors with a little more sensitivity and kindness. - Colleen
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