Reading books is something that is instilled in everyone in numerous forms of learning. Literature itself is one of the oldest forms of entertainment, education, and overall storytelling. So it is to the surprise of very few to see crossovers with literature more modern forms of media like movies. Sometimes books are adapted into movies, sometimes books are referenced on the big screen, but sometimes there are books shown or referenced that are unique to their respective film.
Below is a list of books that we saw in our favorite films which made us instantly envious of the characters who were able to flip through the pages and mentally devour the information that was riddled between the covers. Some books are well known at this point, but I am going some of the novels and journals discussed will get you thinking about the contents within them.
How I Did It by Victor Frankenstein
Movie: Young Frankenstein (1974)
Starting off strong with a novel that easily could teach some bad people even worse things. The grandfather of Dr. Frederick Frankenstein (Gene Wilder) was the famed doctor who created a monster. His titular grandson, however, wanted to improve his family’s reputation. So naturally, Freddie Frankenstein created his own monster with his grandfather’s book and made an entertaining act with his monster. If we were able to get a peek into that book, then it would open the door for some very interesting possibilities. Like Dr. Frederick, a person could create life with this novel without creating a town-destroying monster.
A Match Made In Space by George McFly
Movie: Back to the Future (1985)
One of the most famous fake books comes from one of the most famous movies of all time. While Marty McFly was able to save his life by getting his parents together, he did this by only changing some aspects of his own present day. While this movie is really messed up when you break it down (like John Mulaney did) it is hard to not love the vibe and feelings this entire film gives off. This vibe is capped off with the newfound confidence in George McFly being a best-selling author. Although audiences did see the events unfold, it would be really cool to see how George interpreted the events from his point of view. I imagine Marty’s dad would always paint himself in a positive light and never have him look dweeby in his own novel.
Handbook For The Recently Deceased – Author Unknown
Movie: Beetlejuice (1988)
| Courtesy of Warner Bros.
This movie has so many memorable moments like dancing to Day-O, the netherworld waiting room, and everything regarding the great Michael Keaton. However, one of the best recurring gags in the entire movie is this book and how it keeps popping up. From its introduction when Barbara and Adam discover they are dead, to when Lydia discovers it, this book is just as constant as the movie’s titular character. If anyone was able to get a copy of this book (and still be alive) then a lot of answers about the afterlife could be answered. I imagine life’s biggest mystery would become life’s biggest disappointment, but at least there is a chance to meet Michael Keaton in a pinstripe suit and decaying flesh.
The Grail Diary by Dr. Henry Jones
Movie: Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989)
Jones and the Last Crusade | Courtesy of
Paramount Pictures
Being able to read this book would lead the reader to the location of the Holy Grail. Now religion is a messy subject that is a mystery to a lot of people, even to those who are extremely zealous about their respective beliefs. In the world created by Spielberg and Lucas, however, the Holy Grail is real and Dr. Henry Jones has all the clues to find the location of the chalice and how to retrieve it. This would literally lead to immortality and not having to worry about the answers from the previous book above. Finding this book would also mean you could do something that Nazis could not, and that is always a positive. Not to mention that this book is signed by Adolf Hitler, so that’s a weird thing that would appeal mildly to some and would appeal a little too strongly to others.
President’s Secret Book by Various
Movie: National Treasure: Book of Secrets (2007)
Because there have only been forty-five individual men who have held the office of President of the United States, so much about the inner workings of this job. This has led to many speculate about the mysterious position and the National Treasure sequel decided to make it a focal point of their film. This book, which is passed down from president to president, holds so many of the secrets from the United States that you would not find in your history books. Now there might be some good things in the book, like the details about Area 51, Big Foot, or some other cool mysteries of American history. That being said, considering how the first few presidents were slave owners . . .
Evelyn Carnahan-O’Connell’s Adventure Books
Movie: The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor (2008)
Now look, you might be asking yourself, “Is this an excuse for Colin to talk about his beloved “The Mummy” trilogy?” And to that, I say, yes (but don’t tell my editor). However, it is hard to argue that reading about a librarian turned archeologist turned world-famous explorer would be anything less than a fun read. This is without even mentioning the fact the author is a reincarnated daughter of a Pharoah who is stunningly beautiful married to an equally beautiful man. These novels, although likely a dramatized version of the adventures Evie experienced in the first two movies, are still worth reading for fans of adventure novels, fans of Evie, or fans of fun.
