Moneyball. Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy. The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo. Some of fall's most anticipated new movies are based on best-selling books. And in the run-up to the release of a big-deal film adaptation, the question inevitably arises: Do I have to read the book before I see the movie? A book like Lionel Shriver's We Need to Talk About Kevin, which won Britain's prestigious Orange Prize in 2005 and is coming out as a movie in December, is a must-read. The fourth book in the Twilight series, however, might actually be more enjoyable on screen than in print.
Below, a round-up of the fall's highest-profile film adaptations, along with recommendations on whether you should read the books or not:
We want to hear what you think about this article. Submit a letter to the editor or write to letters@theatlantic.com.