‘Let it Snow’ is the Kind of Fun You’ll Enjoy: Novel vs Movie
With the influx of popular streaming originals, it was only a matter of time before something like Netflix adapted more YA novels. For years, the rumors that the YA novella anthology, Let it Snow, was going to be adapted circulated. Finally it finds its home on Netflix, and today instead of a review on the book (which I finally read just prior to seeing the adaptation) or just the film, instead I thought I’d look at a kind of “breakdown” of the Let it Snow novel vs movie story.
Let it Snow Novel vs Movie: Which is Better?
Thoughts on the Book
For those who don’t know, the book is a novella collection of three stories penned by Lauren Myracle, John Green and Maureen Johnson. It follows three separate stories of many teens brought to a small town during a snowstorm that traps a train, which then forces strangers and hometown locals to spend their day in unplanned ways.
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Maureen’s story follows a girl named Jubilee who, after the arrest of her parents is stranded in the town while on her way to relatives. John Green’s is about a trio of best friends – JP, the Duke and Tobin, who discover their close knit friendship may also have an unspoken love story waiting to break free. Finally, Lauren Myracle’s is about a neurotic girl so worried about her ex-boyfriend, she almost loses her best friend who is obsessed with a teacup pig. (Yes, a teacup pig.) let it snow novel vs movie
- In a nutshell, this is what this collection is about, although the stories do somewhat connect in small ways. Here’s my “like vs dislike” thoughts.
- The stories are fun on a surface level, but I have to admit, I skimmed through John Green’s, and by the time I got to Lauren Myracle’s, I’ll admit to being a little bored (although it is a pretty cute tale), in all likelihood this is because I wanted to like this collection so much.
- Despite skipping through Green’s, I did find his story amusing. (More on this in the adaptation section)
- I absolutely adored Jubilee and Stuart’s story; it’s fun and quirky and Christmas-y. All things that should be a thing in seasonal fiction.
Thoughts on the Film
- Ok, because it’s always easier to get some cons out of the way: WHAT IS WITH ALL OF THE CHANGES??
- There are so many differences to all of the stories. I think Tobin’s is the least affected, but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t most disappointed in the change in Jubilee’s (which you may recall is my favorite). Like, aside from the names, this one just feels “wrong” different.
- There is still a lot to compliment about the adaptation though. The acting is quite good, and it’s always fun to meet new actors.
- To be honest, I think I like John Green’s story best in the film which follows Tobin and The Duke, although JP doesn’t have the same kind of role as in the novella, somehow it still works without feeling “too different” and the romance? AWWW! It might be the cutest. (But then I am a softie for this trope!)
- Also, what’s with the bittersweet part of Jubliee’s (actually just Julie in the film) vignette!?
- Of course, there’s also plenty of sweet romance to be swept up in. The only drawback? You just have to choose which one you most root for.
You can see the film, exclusively, on Netflix. let it snow novel vs movie
In Conclusion
I’m not sure which I’d give the slight edge to. I think, overall, the film is adorable, and Netflix continues to produce solid movies that are crowd-pleasers. I think, as we stand right now, I’m going to give the “better” badge to the book. (Weird I know, especially since I did skim portions while reading.) I think it captures the character’s better (as it should) and blends that quirky cuteness with seasonal vibes quite well.
Plus, I’m still miffed that Jubilee and Stuart’s story is so freaking altered.
What about you? Which do you like better; have you read and/or seen both? Tell me why or why not you like the Let it Snow movie (or vice versa) better? What do you think of these Netflix adaptations? Comment all the thoughts down below!
Photos: Netflix
Content: This one is PG-13 and contains suggestive humor, references to sex (same-sex and otherwise), and profanity (mostly sh*t, but also one use of the F-word). There are also some thematic elements.
Disclosure: I have not read the ‘Let it Snow’ book, however, I ADORED the movie and really don’t think the book can top it based off what you described about the book.
Disclosure: I have not read the ‘Let it Snow’ book, however, I ADORED the movie and really don’t think the book can top it based off what you described about the book.