The book is always better than the movie. It’s a mantra avid readers have been living by for decades. So, what if the movie is Oscar nominated? Does that mean the book is that much better? You tell us. The books below spawned four of this year’s Academy Award nominees for Best Picture.

While the movies are being measured against the best in cinema, you can share your opinion on how well the books behind them held up. If you’ve read the book, click the image to visit the listing on our site. Click “More Options”, then select “Write Review” to post your take on the book and let the movie-goers in on what they’re missing! Writing a review lets you get a little taste of the spotlight: After you submit your review, it will appear on the PBS Home page, in “The Latest Book Reviews” section. You can also check out these past Academy Award winners, available for swapping now, for more Oscar-themed reading as you await the big night on February 27th.

Obviously, there seems to be a pattern here: Adapt a best-selling novel for the silver screen, win an Oscar (or eleven). While many stories translate well to the screen, some are better left in text. Are there any books you would like to see on the big screen? How about books you wish Hollywood had left untouched? We look forward to your comments!