A Movie Lover’s Book Club: Introduction & February’s Book Pick

Welcome to A Movie Lover’s Book Club!

A few semesters ago, I was introduced to the topic of literature to film – a university course in which we discussed books turned movies. In the class, we discussed various forms of cinematic adaptations and styles and compared elements we found important in the novel as opposed to what the director found essential to include in the cinema adaptation. It was such a fun class. It inspired me to look at films and books in new ways. That leads me to say, it would be fun to host a book club at Chickpeameatball that focuses on said topic: novels to cinema (or television).

Book Club Introduction | How it Works

  1. Every month a new book will be introduced with a film or series counterpart.
  2.  Since this is our first book club post, I am sharing February’s book pick now.
  3.  Next month (February), look out for my “A Movie Lover’s Book Club” post. I will share March’s book club pick with February’s novel discussion, and so on and so forth.
  4.  Expect novel discussion posts to occur by the 17th of each month.
  5.  Of course, you don’t have to watch the movie or show to participate; this is just about having fun 🙂
  6.  Please feel free to share any book interests in the comment section below.
  7.  I always want to know what you’re reading, so even if you didn’t choose to read the book I picked for the month, share what you are reading.

Goals & Expectations

  1. I will provide questions for you to ponder, borrow and discuss amongst non-virtual book club groups and/or in the blogs comments section.
  2.  In working to fulfill my hopes of creating a true community on my website, I will be actively checking and participating in thoughts and discussion on the book each month.
  3.  Don’t feel pressured to answer each (or any) of the questions. I provide them as a resource to get our thoughts brewin’ and movin’.
  4.  You’ll have the opportunity to review the plot, analyze themes, and get nerdy with it.
  5.  As I said, I will provide questions, but feel free to ask your own.
  6. Since I am a movie nerd, every once in a while, I will research and share interesting facts related to the film or novel of the month.
  7.  Occasionally I will share unique recipes inspired by each featured novel and/or movie that you can try at home.
  8.  Have fun!

February Book Club Pick

February’s book club pick is A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman.

A Man Called Ove is a novel by Swedish author Fredrik Backman. The story revolves around the titular character, Ove, an old grumpy man who has recently been forced into retirement. Ove’s life begins to take a new turn when he meets his kind and generous neighbors, who show him that life can still be full of unexpected joys. Through a series of humorous and heartwarming events, Ove learns to become more open-minded while also rediscovering what it means to be alive. A Man Called Ove is a wonderful story about friendship and understanding what it means to be alive. Although this book can be a rollercoaster of emotions, it also left me feeling inspired and hopeful.

I can’t wait to discuss this novel with you guys. I will post discussion questions February 17th. So pick up your copy today.

I recently partnered with Bookshop. A website alternative to Amazon, connecting readers with independent booksellers. When you make a purchase through my affiliation link I may earn a portion of the sales at no additional cost to you.

Film Adaptations

You have two film choices with this novel. The original film was released in Sweden (2016), and the second adaptation was recently released (2023) with Tom Hanks as Ove (renamed Otto).

A Man Called Ove, director Hannes Holm


A Man Called Otto, director Marc Forster


Leave a Reply

Create a website or blog at WordPress.com

%d