With the rapid pace of technological change, the old way of struggling to find out-of-print books is a fading memory. Fortunately, the old way has been marvelously preserved in a delightful boovie that also happens to be a true story.
The book is 84 Charing Cross Road. Set in the years immediately following World War II, it chronicles the transatlantic correspondence between Helene Hanff, a New York City booklover, and Frank Doel, a straight-laced British bookseller. The uncertainty and serendipity of the old ways come through with humor, pathos, and love. Published in 1970, the book was made into an equally heart-tugging movie in 1986, starring Anne Bancroft and Anthony Hopkins.
Tight finances and her busy writing life kept Hanff from visiting England. In the end, when she finally does, Doel has passed away and the shop is empty. And so an inefficient yet sweet chapter in the evolution of reading has passed into history as well.
What’s a boovie, you may ask? It’s simply a movie adapted from a book. The conventional practice is to read the book first and then see the movie, but there may be equal (perhaps even greater) merit in seeing the movie first and then reading the book—a reverse boovie.
Now it’s my turn to ask. What are your thoughts about boovies, and those boovies that give one last toast to a way of life that is no longer? Let me know what you discover while pursuing your viewing and reading. Just click on the Comments link below. (If you’re reading this as an email, click here and you'll connect to Comments).
It is interesting that you should mention one of my favorite books. I have read all of the Helene Hanff books and when "84 Charing Cross Road" was first published I read it over several times. For a time Ms. Hanff graciously corresponded with this very young writer, until her life became too busy.
I have the movie in my own collection and have watched it many, many times. (Few people realize that Dame Judi Dench played Mrs. Doel.) I also have all of her books in my extensive library, plus she led me to many other authors that I have grown to love and read over and over.
Generally I love good books that are made into good movies. Unfortunately, not all come out as well as this one did.
Posted by: Aurore | April 09, 2008 at 10:37 PM
It has been most popular to downgrade the experience of seeing a movie after one has read the story in book form. This response is cliche, often snobbish and sometimes unfair. Recently, I finished reading John Adams; just prior to the HBO series. Clearly, the read was more engaging and detailed. However, I wait eagerly for each new TV episode and enjoy each. Point? The experiences are different. Enjoy what you may and take each experience as distinct gifts from their creators and and be thankful to our true creator for the abilities that allow one to see, hear, understand and benefit from the moments spent engaged in these forms of story telling.
Posted by: James Knauff | April 10, 2008 at 08:28 AM
I so enjoy receiving Well Read Life. I was so intrigued by the description of this book (one I had not previously heard of) that I immediately sought it and am presently reading it. Reading is my passion!! I hope to see the movie as soon as I complete the book!! Thanks so much!!
Posted by: Pam Newman | April 11, 2008 at 11:12 AM
Well I loved the movie and did not know it was a boovie until just now, but I should have guessed. Now I will read the book, which I am sure I will enjoy just as much if not more than that wonderful movie with Anne Bancroft. I agree that each media has its' benefits and should be appreciated for what they bring to the individual viewer. That said, a poorly executed boovie always results in a new resolve to stop going to the movies. Still, a good one just doubles the joy and expands the experience; such as The Joy Luck Club - was excellent boovie by the way.
Posted by: Deborah Beasley | April 12, 2008 at 03:59 PM
What a wonderful story! I didn't know a movie had been made of 84 Charing Cross Road, but will have to check it out.
Sometimes the boovie is fine; but, usually, the movie does not do justice to the book. I was curious to see 'Atonement' but greatly disappointed. Perhaps that should have been expected.
Posted by: Diana Raabe | April 16, 2008 at 12:23 PM
How kind of you to remind me of that charming book I read and treasured more than 30 years ago. I worked in a publishing house at the time; we all read it and felt special to be in the business of making books.
And I don't remember the movie, although I can't imagine I would have missed it. I think that's the point: The book stays with us, the boovie disappears.
It's generally my policy to always read the book first. Start with caviar, then move on to the mundane.
Posted by: mym | May 28, 2008 at 02:20 AM
84 charing cross road is a wonderful read, as the Times London has aptly pointed out: With it a cult was born. I think where a book differs from a book made into a movie(ala boovie) is in the details. With a book you get all of it with a boovie some scenes from the book, without breaking the narrative, and that bring in a business and/or an Oscar.
PS. Angela's Ashes is another book and a boovie that come to mind.
Posted by: Sri Prakash | September 20, 2008 at 06:27 AM