This year seems to be the year of movie sequels and prequels, but a few gems do stand out among movies coming out in 2011. These four books that are being turned into movies this year are must reads before you watch them on the big screen:

Water for Elephants
Water for Elephants features a young man studying to become a veterinarian who joins a circus after his parents die. This isn't the modern circus you might imagine; the story takes you straight into the glory days of vintage circuses that traveled by train from town to town with menageries, cotton candy and troupe performers. Narrated by an old man telling the story of his youth, the book describes how he joined the circus as a veterinarian, befriended an polish-speaking elephant, fell in love, and dealt with a psychopath. The story is rich and full of suspense and vintage charm.



The Three Musketeers
The Three Musketeers is an adaption of Alexandre Dumas' classic story, The Three Musketeers (am I Captain Obvious, or what?) Set in 17th century France, The Three Musketeers tells the story of a young nobleman who sets off for Paris in hopes of joining the Musketeers.

Mr. Popper's Penguins
Mr. Popper's Penguins was one of my most beloved books when I was a kid. In the book, Mr. Popper is a common house painter until he receives a live penguin in the mail, which results in lots of fun and antics. Although the movie looks like the audience will definitely be for children, the book is a fun read even for college students who are nostalgic for a bit of children's fiction.

Harry Potter and the Dealthy Hallows (Part 2)
The final Harry Potter movie is coming out, and as much as I love the movies, there is something that cannot replace the books. In the last book, Harry is both on the run and searching for Horcruxes to put an end to Lord Voldemort's reign. The last movie will probably feature both the end to a long search as well as the final battle between Harry and the Dark Lord. Have no idea what I'm talking about? You should read the book. Seriously, there is no shame in reading Harry Potter (at least I have none.)