Books Behind Summer 2012 Movies

Summer has officially begun, and it's already too hot to spend much time outdoors here in Richmond. The dog days of summer are perfect for hitting the movie theater or reading a good book--or both! A bunch of upcoming summer movies are based on books, and everyone knows the book is always better than the film. So here are a few books to read before you see the movies coming out in the next couple months. Not included here are movies based on comic books, like The Dark Night Rises and The Amazing Spider-Man, which are also sure to be exciting. So stay cool this summer, whether with a book or in a movie theater! 

Wettest County in the World by Matt Bondurant

This historical novel is based on the exciting true story of the Bondurant brothers of Franklin County, Virginia. The story surrounds the history of the Franklin County Moonshine Conspiracy, in which depression-era county officials were accepting protection fees from the local bootlegging gang. Until all their schemes fell apart. The film adaptation of this book, titled Lawless, will star Shia LaBeouf and Gary Oldman and will be out in theaters in August.

Abraham Lincoln, Vampire Hunter by Seth Grahame-Smith

This popular novel is based on the "secret" diaries of Abraham Lincoln, who has been stealthily hunting vampires since childhood. This fantastic re-imagining of our 16th president is a one-of-a-kind vampire tale. The movie, featuring the same title as the book, comes out in theaters tomorrow.

Savages by Don Winslow

Winslow's 2010 crime novel Savages features two hippies, Ben and Chon, who are happy working as pot dealers when they receive a warning from the Mexican Baja Cartel. They must stop working independently and join the Cartel--or else. When the Cartel kidnaps Ben and Chon's shared girlfriend, they make plans to get her back. This book is not for squeamish readers, and the movie based on the novel, due out in July, probably won't be either. The movie is directed by Oliver Stone and stars a lineup of popular actors, including John Travolta, Blake Lively, Salma Hayek, and Benicio Del Toro.

The Bourne Legacy by Eric Van Lustbader

This spy thriller is based on the Jason Bourne series by Robert Ludlum. It is not exactly a continuation of Jason Bourne's story, since the character Bourne is not really the star of the book, but it does take place in Ludlum's dangerous and fast-paced universe. Jason Bourne has retired, and a young new agent takes on "the Bourne legacy." The book is written in the style of Robert Ludlum and will give action lovers plenty of explosions, betrayals, and consequences that could destroy the world. The film based on this book will be in theaters in August.