“The book was so much better.”

Did you just get an image of a haughty, stuck up, bookstore snob in your head? I know I did, and I do whenever I hear this line come out of any of my friends’ mouths. The book versus the movie argument has been rampant for quite some time, and I’ve got two cents on this issue.

It’s more than evident that the paper version of a story will be better than the film version. True, film offers visual stimulation, special effects, and – in some cases – sexy actors with which to hold your attention. It’s all very fun and short – two hours for a movie versus several for a good book – the film can’t possibly live up to any good book.

A book, while certainly more laborious than a movie, has endless possibilities film directors ultimately struggle to procure. For example, “The Other Boleyn Girl” by Philippa Gregory is an excellent use of free reading time. It’s descriptive, romantic and historically accurate. The book had 600+ pages to flesh out the thoughts of Mary and Anne, explaining every intricacy until the writer was blue in the face.

When I saw the film, I sat in my seat thinking I was in the wrong theater. The movie completely turned me off, despite being completely sexed up and romanticized. The book was a whirlwind romance that sweeps the reader into the throes of history to explore the once hidden stories of King Henry VIII. The movie was just a chance for Eric Bana to play a ladies’ man.

Another book is “Nights in Rodanthe.” Nicholas Sparks is undoubtedly one of the most renowned romance writers today. The movie, starring Richard Gere and Diane Lane, looks like a ripe opportunity for me to walk into the movie theater embarrassed and hiding my face. I know I don’t want to be seen walking into any Richard Gere movie.

The book, however, has a sweet blurb on the back cover and at an attractive $7.99 at Barnes and Noble. This was as much more appealing deal than risking my reputation by going to what’s sure to be a bona fide chick flick.

So the book is most often better for several reasons and on many levels. I’m trying to think of a movie that surpassed the book, but am having difficulty providing a title.

Ah well. For now, I’m right. I challenge anyone who thinks otherwise.