Date: June 20, 2025

Format: Discussion of the book and screening of two adaptations (1990 and 2017).

What to expect:

Topic: “Why does King know how to scare so well?”

Discussion about character development and deep symbols of fear in the novel.

Master class: “How to create your own scary story.

These meetings will help participants dive into different genres, analyze deep themes, and simply enjoy their favorite stories in the company of like-minded people.

The post The Mysticism of Stephen King: “It” and the Power of Fear appeared first on Books & Movies OMG.

Date: February 20, 2025

Format: Book discussion and movie screening (2013 version).

What to expect:

• Analysis of the symbolism and theme of the American Dream;
• Comparison of the book with the film adaptation by Baz Luhrmann.

Discussion: “Are the ideas of the novel still relevant today?”

The post Secrets of the Classics: “The Great Gatsby” appeared first on Books & Movies OMG.

Watching Blade Runner will help us to dive deeper into this world, and to feel how topics such as artificial intelligence, corporations, virtual reality and human nature raise questions about our future. This meeting will be an opportunity to consider the impact of cyberpunk on culture and try to imagine what our world would look like in a future scenario where technology is already out of control.

Date: October 3, 2024

Format: A discussion of the book Neuromancer by William Gibson and a screening of the movie Blade Runner.

What awaits you:

Topic: “How does literature shape our perception of the future?”

A panel discussion on the impact of technology on contemporary culture.

Interactive: creating your own concept of the cyberpunk world.

The post Cyberpunk: the Future That Has Already Arrived appeared first on Books & Movies OMG.

What is this book about?

“Dr. DOA” is the first novel in the series about a character named Dr. DOA (Dead on Arrival). He is not an ordinary doctor or researcher. He is a killer who chooses his victims with great calculation and cold blood. However, don’t rush to judge him by his first impression. The mask of a ruthless killer hides a complex and multifaceted character whose motives are clear only at a certain stage of the novel.

The story is centered on an investigation that leads the hero into a world of deadly conspiracies, dark secrets, and magical powers. By combining the real and supernatural worlds, Green creates an atmosphere of tension, where every step can be the last.

The main character and his internal conflict

Dr. DoA is not just a hero, but a character torn between his deadly mission and the desire to find meaning in his existence. His name itself hints at his fate – he is a man for whom death has become an inevitable companion, and this shapes his worldview. In the book, he is revealed as a complex character whose journey forces the reader to ask questions about morality, justice, and the nature of good and evil.

Writing style and atmosphere

Green is a master of the art of creating atmosphere. He uses details that may seem insignificant at first glance, but eventually turn out to be key to the development of the plot. The whole novel is imbued with a sense of danger and uncertainty, which keeps the reader on edge.

The language of the book is simple, but not without depth. The author is able to find a balance between dialogues, descriptions, and internal monologues of the characters, which adds dynamics and emotionality. The reader feels that every moment brings him or her closer to the denouement, which, as it should be in a good detective story, is unexpected and shocking.

The theme and message of the book

The main theme of Dr. DOA is the exploration of the nature of life and death, as well as the essence of moral choices in situations where there are no easy answers. Greene raises important questions about the nature of the human soul, what it means to be a hero or a villain, and whether we always have the ability to change our future.

Conclusion

“Dr. DoA is a book for those who are looking for not just another detective story or fantasy, but a story that makes you think about life and its meaning. Simon R. Green has created an interesting, rich and deep novel that will appeal to both fans of dark detectives and those who want to get acquainted with new approaches to genres where the line between the real and the magical is blurred.

This novel is an excellent first installment in a series that has everything to become a genre classic.

The post Dr. DOA: A Review of the Book by Simon R. Green appeared first on Books & Movies OMG.

What is this book about?

“Kitty and Her Greatest Hits” is not just a collection of short stories, but a whole collection of stories that reveal the most interesting stages of the main character’s life. Kitty, who has become a celebrity among vampires and other magical creatures, finds herself in situations where her strength and intuition are put to the test. Wong effectively combines action, humor, and drama, giving readers a variety of emotional experiences.

Main characters

Kitty is not just an ordinary vampire. She is a radio host who chooses to make her identity known by telling her listeners stories about the life of vampires. Her show, which often covers topics related to supernatural creatures, becomes an informal arena for conversations about living in the shadows, the cruelty of the magical world, and the struggle for justice. Although Kitty is a symbol of strength, her vulnerability and internal conflicts make her very human.

Other characters accompanying her on her journey are no less interesting. They help to complete the picture of the world in which vampires, werewolves, magicians, and other creatures live. Each of these characters has its own depth, which allows the reader to truly immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the work.

The theme of the book

Wong skillfully reveals the theme of identity, how it changes under the pressure of external circumstances and internal experiences. Kitty is constantly faced with questions that seem to concern only her as a vampire: how not to lose herself in the world around her, whether to fight to change the perception of vampires, or to accept her place in this cruel world?

However, the book also addresses important social issues, such as restrictions on freedom of speech, the struggle for rights and a place in society, even when it comes to magical creatures. All these issues become central during the most exciting scenes, where Kitty and her friends have to decide what is more important: power or dignity.

Writing style

Kerry Wong’s writing style in Kitty and Her Greatest Hits is captivating from the very first line. She skillfully combines deep emotion with dynamic action, which keeps the reader on their toes throughout the book. The plots of each story are not overloaded with unnecessary details, but each element is important for the development of the main theme and characters.

Wong also has a great sense of humor, which adds lightness to difficult moments without diminishing the seriousness of the main themes.

“Kitty and Her Greatest Hits is a book that will be a great choice for all fantasy fans, in particular for those who are looking for not just stories about vampires and magical creatures, but also a deep exploration of the inner world of characters struggling with the challenges of not only the outside world, but also their own fears and doubts. Kerry Wong has created a real literary treasure that will leave an indelible impression.

For fans of the series and newcomers to Kitty’s world, this book is an indispensable part of the collection.

The post Kitty and Her Greatest Hits: A Book Review by Carrie Wong appeared first on Books & Movies OMG.

Date: April 10, 2024

Format: A discussion of the novel Murder on the Orient Express and a screening of the latest film adaptation.

What awaits you:

• The story of the creation of Christie’s most famous detective;
• Quest: “Solve your own mystery with Hercule Poirot”.
• A competition for the best alternative ending to the story.

The post A Detective Evening: Agatha Christie and the Orient Express appeared first on Books & Movies OMG.

“The Lord of the Rings” by J.R.R. Tolkien

Although Peter Jackson’s films have become iconic, many fans believe that Tolkien’s book remains unrivaled. The books’ descriptions of the world, characters, and stories are deeper, and they offer more philosophical context that is difficult to convey in the movies.

“Harry Potter” by J.K. Rowling

The Harry Potter film adaptations have inspired a generation, but many details important to the book have been omitted. The story, character development, and details of the magical world described in the books are much deeper than in the movies.

“Iron Man” Stan Lee

Although the Iron Man movies starring Robert Downey Jr. are known the world over, the comic books they are based on are full of more depth and philosophy than the movies could convey.

“Charlotte and Her Spidey” by E.B. White

The movie is certainly touching, but the book remains more emotionally intense. White manages to convey the tenderness and connections between the characters on a deeper level.

“Bridge Over Eternity” by Richard Bach

The book’s plot is filled with philosophical musings and spiritual quest, while the film adaptation simplifies the main message, losing the author’s fine-tuning.

“Dark Beginnings” by Philip Pullman

While the film adaptation of this work is interesting, Pullman’s book creates a more complex picture of the universe, philosophical and moral issues that are lost in the movies due to the simplification of the plot.

“Maze Runner” James Dashner

Movies about teenagers trapped in a maze failed to fully convey the atmosphere of the book, its tension and philosophical reflections on the nature of society.

“The Shining” Stephen King

Stephen King is a master of psychological horror, and his book is full of disturbing and heartfelt moments that Stanley Kubrick’s movie only partially conveys. The psychology of the characters and the darkness that surrounds them is much stronger in the text.

“Dracula” Bram Stoker

In screen adaptations, the image of Count Dracula is often turned into another vampire-lover, which contradicts the dark and intimidating appearance created by Stoker in his novel.

“The Invisible” by HG Wells

Although many films about The Invisible Man have moved away from Wells’ original idea, his book presents a deeper exploration of loneliness, power, and morality that screen adaptations fail to achieve.

These examples show how books can touch on deeper themes and develop characters with the same attention that is difficult to convey through the screen. Literature has the ability to create worlds and images that stay with us far longer than any movie.

The post When a Book Is Better Than a Movie: 10 Examples Our Club Discusses appeared first on Books & Movies OMG.

A book: limitless imagination

One of the main advantages of books is their ability to immerse us deeply into the thoughts and feelings of the characters. The text reveals complex emotions, inner monologues that can rarely be conveyed through a screen. The reader sees the world through the lens of their own imagination, creating a unique experience.

In addition, books provide time for reflection. Each page is an opportunity to stop, think, reflect, and not just follow the plot. This is why many people feel that literary works leave a deeper mark.

The movie: the power of visual art

Movies, on the other hand, have an incredible ability to convey emotion through visual and sound images. The camerawork, acting, and music all create a unique atmosphere that cannot be experienced in the pages of a book.

Movies also simplify complex plots, making them accessible to a wide audience. In two hours, the screen can show large-scale battles, incredible scenery, and realistic special effects that are hard to imagine when reading.

Advantages and limitations

Each format has its own strengths. Books are more in-depth, revealing details that are difficult to grasp in movies. Movies, on the other hand, emphasize spectacle and emotion, giving the story in a concentrated form.

However, in the effort to adapt a book for a movie, important plot points are often lost. Simplifying or changing the ending, cutting out characters, can all disappoint fans of the original.

So which is better?

There is no unambiguous answer to this question. It all depends on personal preference. If you appreciate the details, want to deeply understand the motivation of the characters, the book will be the best choice. If dynamics, visuals and atmosphere are important to you, a movie will reveal the story from a new angle.

Ideally, both formats can complement each other. When you read a book, you discover a wealth of detail. Watching a movie, you experience the same story, but through the lens of the director’s vision.

Conclusion

The debate about whether a book or a movie is better will go on forever, because every story is unique, and so is its perception. So what will you choose? Share your thoughts and find like-minded people in our club, where pages and frames come to life!

The post Pages vs. Frames: Which tells the Story Better? appeared first on Books & Movies OMG.

Star Wars

George Lucas’ sci-fi saga is not just an iconic movie, but an entire universe that has inspired hundreds of writers. After the release of the first installments of Star Wars, there have been books expanding the world of galactic adventure. They not only deepen the history of well-known characters such as Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader, but also introduce new characters, planets, and events not available in the movies.

These books have become an integral part of the franchise and form what is known as the “Legendary” and “Canonical” lines of the universe.

Blade Runner

Although the movie is based on Philip K. Dick’s novel “Do Androids Dream of Electro-Ovans?”, the reverse process also took place. After the release of Ridley Scott’s cult movie in 1982, books inspired specifically by its atmosphere appeared. Authors including K. У. Jeter, have created a series of novels that continue the plot of the movie, exploring the world of replicants and the philosophical questions raised by the film.

Jurassic Park

Michael Creighton’s novel originally inspired a popular series of movies. However, the success of Steven Spielberg’s first film led to Creighton writing a sequel, The Lost World. Although this book is considered a sequel, its plot was largely inspired by the movie rather than the author’s original idea.

The Matrix

The Wachowski brothers’ philosophical and visual masterpiece has inspired many writers to create books that explore the movie’s concepts. Some flesh out the universe by revealing details of life in the simulation, while others analyze the philosophy behind The Matrix. These works have become favorites among science fiction fans.

Why do movies inspire books?

When filmmakers create an intense world or a strong plot, it can remain unfinished. A book has the opportunity to reveal what is left out: the motivation of the characters, their inner feelings, the backstory or continuation of events. In addition, film, with its visual and emotional power, often becomes a catalyst for writers, awakening their imagination.

Books inspired by movies give viewers the opportunity to delve deeper into beloved worlds, explore them from a new perspective, and find answers to the questions left in the movie.

Conclusion

Stories can travel both ways: from book to screen and from screen to book. Such adaptations show that inspiration knows no boundaries or form. Movies and books combine to create entire universes that continue to live on in the hearts of viewers and readers.

What movies do you think deserve to be turned into books? Share your ideas and your favorite examples in our club discussions!

The post Movies That Inspired Books appeared first on Books & Movies OMG.

On the beginning of his career and first steps in literature

“I’ve always loved writing, but the real impetus for my literary career was the realization that my stories could inspire others,” says Daren. He admits that his first works were purely experiments, but over time he began to realize how important it is to remain authentic when expressing his thoughts through words.

Sources of inspiration

Daren emphasizes that the inspiration for his books can come from any moment. It can be meeting interesting people, watching a movie, or even a walk in nature. “Sometimes an idea just appears when you least expect it. It’s important to have an open mind and be ready to accept new experiences,” he says.

On his writing style

“My style is a combination of deep drama with elements of humor and lightness. I like to create characters that you can love, even if their actions are not always perfect,” adds Daren. This desire for multifaceted characters has become the basis of his work.

The message of his works

Daren has repeatedly emphasized that the main purpose of his books is to show that everyone has the right to make mistakes, to find themselves and to change. “I want readers to feel that they are not alone in their experiences, that every story is important, and that even in the darkest moments, light can be found.”

Plans for the future

“I’m working on a new project that will be even more ambitious,” says the author. Daren promises that the upcoming book will be deeper, more emotional and contain elements that were not present in his previous works.

Daren Doucet’s work inspires new achievements, showing how important it is to believe in yourself and your ability to create something real.

The post Interview with Darren Doucet: A Look at Creativity and Inspiration appeared first on Books & Movies OMG.