As you're pondering what movies to see this holiday week, consider Sam Mendes' adaptation of Richard Yates' novel Revolutionary Road, which opened today. Revolutionary Road has long been on my bedside table TBR pile, and its themes are ripe for any book club. Maybe get together with your group this week for a matinee? Below is the trailer, with the gorgeous Kate and Leo reunited at last. Both of them have already been nominated for Golden Globe awards for their roles. Here's the reading group guide, and you can read an excerpt of the book here.
I've always meant to read Yates. I think I'll start with this one.I prefer books to films. Thanks for the reminder
Posted by: Sandra | December 26, 2008 at 10:56 PM
Our neighborhood book group read this a few months ago (we live on a Revolutionary Road, but the personalities don't seem to be anything like Yates portrays in his fictional CT town).
Our books didn't have reading guides, so I'll be forwarding your link to the group to re-visit it.
We've talked about going to the film as a group; sounds like a fun outing!
Posted by: Dawn - She Is Too Fond Of Books | December 27, 2008 at 08:32 AM
I FINALLY got around to reading, For the Rest of Her Life, and it was great! I am so glad I won a copy, thanks!!!
Posted by: Kelly | December 29, 2008 at 06:50 PM
This was a book, that prior to it becoming a film, was difficult to find (at least for me). I had wanted to read it for years but when I went to Barnes and Noble there was never a copy on the shelf and our local library did not have it nor could I get it through inter library loan. I found it interesting that as soon as the book was made into a film with such well known actors, the book was then released with Winslet/DiCaprio on the front and then I found it at the library under new releases. Is it really a new release if it was originally written in 1961?
So, I am half way through reading it and I would say it is a great depiction of suburban life in the early 1960's. Yates is/was a great writer and the book is very good, although depressing, and I know it's not going to end happily. Reading this has made me evaluate my own life choices. Not so sure I want to see it on the big screen.
Posted by: karen | December 30, 2008 at 10:45 PM