From Page To Screen (33) My Sister's Keeper

 For this weeks From Page To Screen, I have decided to cover My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult. 

First, let's discuss the book. Below is the cover. 




Now for a little back story in case some of you aren't familiar with the novel.  My Sister's Keeper is a novel written by Author Jodi Picoult. My Sister's Keeper was originally published April 6,2004 by Atria books.  My Sister's Keeper tells the story of 13 year old Anna who was born solely to help her dying sister Kate survive. When the burden of being her sisters savior becomes to much Anna litigates against her parents for medical emancipation. Since initial publication, My Sister's Keeper has become one of the most challenged books in the US due to its views on Sexism, Homosexuality and Religion not to mention the use of profanity, drugs and violence.

Let's look at some of the characters now shall we.

Main Protagonists

Anna Fitzgerald-  Youngest child of the Fitzgerald family. Anna was born with the intention that she could help save her older sibling Kate who is dying from cancer. Anna grapples with being Kate's savior and the emotional as well as physical toll it takes on her. 

Sara Fitzgerald- Matriarch of the Fitzgerald family her life revolves around keeping her daughter Kate alive neglecting the rest of the family in the process. She has admitted that when Anna was born she only thought of her as Kate's savior implying that she wouldn't of had her if not for needing to keep Kate alive.

Campbell Alexander- Campbell has the most personal growth of all the characters. Due to personal struggles Campbell is originally rude and arrogant but through his interactions with Anna he becomes a man of compassion finally letting people into his life.




In case some of you aren't familiar with the Movie here is a bit of back story. My Sister's Keeper was directed by Nick Cassavetes and was released June 26,2009 by New Line Cinema. My Sister's Keeper originally had Elle and Dakota fanning playing the Fitzgerald sisters but when Dakota heard she'd need to shave her head for the role she dropped out with Elle soon after following. 

Major Differences Between The Book and Film

BookFilm
In the book Anna Fitzgerald is 13 and Kate Fitzgerald is 16.In the Film Anna is aged down to 11 and Kate is age down to 15.
In the book Kate and Taylor sneak away and share a kiss. This is significant because he has to remove her mask.In the Film Kate and Taylor sneak away and have sex.
In the book Jesse (Kate and Anna's brother) is really troubled he likes to burn down houses, steal cars and does drugs.In the Film Jesse is still troubled but its more internal, plus we don't see him burning down houses.
In the book Campbell has an on again off again relationship with a woman named Julia. Julia is also appointed Anna's Guardian.In the Film Julia is omitted entirely.
In the book when stress at home gets to be to much Anna moves to the firehouse where her dad works.In the Film this is omitted.
In the book the family lives in Rhode Island.In the Film the family lives in California.
In the book Jesse sorts his life out and ends up becoming a cop.In the Film, Jesse deals with his problems and is accepted into art school.
In the book when deciding what to wear to prom Kate and Anna make jokes to the hairdresser on how to style her "hair".In the Film when deciding what to wear to the hospital prom Kate throws a massive tantrum eventually finding a beautiful wig she wants to wear.
In the book Campbells relationship with the Judge is explained by Julia towards the end. In the Film since Julia is omitted so is this bit of dialogue.
In the book after learning she has won her right to medical emancipation Anna and Campbell get in a car wreck.In the Film Kate dies before they learn that Anna has indeed won medical emancipation.

*SPOILERS mentioned

The Above mentioned are probably the most significant changes between the book and film with the exception of the ending. For whatever reason the director of the film changed the ending to have Kate die but in the book this doesn't happen. That car accident I mentioned above, yup Anna dies and then Campbell acting as her guardian gives Kate the kidney in order to survive (which she goes into remission after) and the rest of Anna's organs are presumed to be donated as well. Personally I hated the books ending so this was fine by me but I know it t'd a lot of fans of the book off. I guess the question is, Which do I prefer? I think the book and film are a dead tie. I like elements in the book but I also like elements in the film. Mostly though both just make me angry, the parents are completely selfish and I cannot believe any doctor allowed them to conceive a child with the knowledge she would be a human guinea pig. Anywho that is really here nor there....Definitely pick up the book if you haven't read it. If you have I suggest renting the film because certain changes will probably make you mad.

Want to see for yourself? Check out the Trailer below!

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Well that about wraps up this weeks From Page To Screen. Have a recommendation for an upcoming From Page To Screen, let me know in the comments below! Have you read the book or watched the film? Which did you like better? Why? Which is your favorite book in the Narnia series?

Leave your answers in the comments below, I love to read your responses.Like what you see? Please share!

Comments

  1. This is a great idea, I loved the book but, for some reason I never saw the movie. I hated the ending of the book too, I really should watch the movie sometime, thanks for sharing!

    Kristin @ Young Adult Book Haven

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    Replies
    1. Thanks! I love it because it gives me an excuse to buy the movie as well as the book, lol!!!

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  2. I watched this movie before I read the book and when I read it the different ending totally caught me off guard. But being a fan of shocking endings I kind of liked it. It's gutting and you know it's realistic. Not everything ends like a hollywood movie >.<

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    Replies
    1. What pissed me off about the books ending is they just assumed she was braindead and nobody fought for her to see if her condition changed. Yup it was slim but so was Kate's prognosis yet they had another child to save her. Also you know I really don't think Anna would of appreciated dying anything less than completely whole. Yup her organs went for good but I think it was wrong to donate them without her consent brain dead or not.

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