You just finished reading a book that held your attention the whole time. Reading this book made you care about the characters and kept you interested. Then you learn that the book has been turned into a movie. You get popcorn and start watching, but something is missing. Things you liked about the story and how you felt do not seem the same. Or maybe you saw the movie first and then read the book to find out how much more there is to the story. We can be moved by both books and movies in very different ways.
Both books and movies can make us feel strong emotions and change our lives in ways that last a long time. Which one is better, though?
Books: A Journey Into Imagination
Books have been around for hundreds of years and have changed the way we think, feel, and see the world. You make up a world in your head when you read a book. You bring the characters, settings, and feelings to life in your mind. Books are powerful because they make us feel connected to the characters. No two people read the same book in the same way.
We can also learn more about what characters think and feel through books. You can see an actor’s face in a movie, but in a book, you can hear the character’s voice, know what they are afraid of, and feel their pain. This makes reading books more personal.
Books are also great because they give us time to think about what we are reading. We can stop, read a line again, and think about what it means. This is really important for stories or messages that are hard to understand at first and need some time to sink in.
Movies: A Visual and Emotional Experience
Although books can tell stories, movies are better at bringing them to life. They use performances, visuals, and music to quickly make you feel something. One powerful scene can make you laugh, cry, or hold your breath.
Movies are also more accessible. A lot of people like movies, but not all of them like to read. A movie tells the story in a few hours, but a book could take days or weeks to finish. It makes the story clearer for everyone, especially those who do not have time to read.
But movies have their limits. Many parts of the book are missing because there is not enough time to show them. People who read the books might be let down because some parts may be sped up or important parts of the story may be changed.
Which One Has a Greater Impact?
The answer changes based on the person and the story. Books will always be more powerful for people who love deep stories, lots of details, and using their own imagination. But if you like stories that are beautifully told, have strong emotions, and have strong performances, movies might stick with you longer.
Every movie and book has its own magic at the end of the day. There are stories that are better read and movies that are better seen. One thing is for sure: a great story will always be appreciated, whether it is told in words or pictures.
What about you? Do you prefer books or movies?
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Writer
Sarah Mahdia
Intern, Content Writing Department
YSSE