Adaptation of an Adaptation

An adaptation of an adaptation is nothing new in the literary or film
worlds. And we have all heard of the phenom that is PRIDE AND
PREJUDICE AND ZOMBIES. Well, now we can all hear about the movie
version, starring Natalie Portman. Does this count as a period piece
or a monster movie? Either way, we will find out.

What many people may not know is that this literary mash up of classic
lit and monsters is an ongoing trend with many others to come. Any
one up for HUCKLEBERRY FINN AND ZOMBIE JIM? How about THE UNDEAD
WORLD OF OZ?

I am not sure what I make of this trend in taking a traditional style
and completely turning it on its head. On one hand, making anything
different and new is always cause for celebration in the literary
world. On the other, this could be seen as a perversion of what has
been considered classical literature, taught in high schools around
the country.

Genre-bending books are always a risk. Do you take the chance of
alienating your core audiences to do something different? Or do you
forge a new path and create something new out of something tired and
old?

Have you read one of these mash ups? What do you think about them?

Also, if you are looking for a daily dose of classic literature, try
DailyLit.com. You can pick one of dozens of famous texts and have
them sent to your inbox in small bite-size pieces. Right now, I am
reading a grammar book and LITTLE WOMEN this way. Each day is a new
email and a new surprise to read. Try it if you are looking to get in
a little light reading everyday or just want to catch up on those
books you missed in high school.

Nicole