Acclaimed filmmaker Quentin Tarantino has revealed four of his favorite novels, offering readers an intimate glimpse into the literary influences that have helped shape his work. The “Pulp Fiction” and “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” director shared the book recommendations during an appearance on The Bigger Picture podcast, where he also discussed the creative process behind his debut novel.
Tarantino’s first book, a reimagined literary adaptation of his 2019 film Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, has garnered critical attention since its release. While promoting the novel, Tarantino elaborated on the role that film novelizations have played in his life and work. Among other topics, he also revealed he may pursue a novel version of Reservoir Dogs.
Here are the four novels Tarantino praised during the interview:
“9/30/55” by John Minahan
Tarantino described Minahan as his “absolute favorite” novelist and singled out 9/30/55 as a standout work. The novel, based on a screenplay by James Bridges, centers on an Arkansas college student’s emotional unraveling following the death of cultural icon James Dean on September 30, 1955. Though now considered rare, used copies are occasionally available for purchase online.
“Eyewitness” by John Minahan
Another pick from Minahan, Eyewitness is a novelization of the 1981 neo-noir thriller directed by Peter Yates and written by Steve Tesich. The story follows a janitor, portrayed by William Hurt in the film, who becomes entangled in a murder investigation and forms a complicated relationship with a journalist, played by Sigourney Weaver. The book offers a first-person perspective from the janitor’s point of view.
“The Moviegoer” by Walker Percy
Winner of the National Book Award, Walker Percy’s The Moviegoer made Tarantino’s list despite not being a film novelization. The story follows Binx Bolling, a Korean War veteran and New Orleans stockbroker on a soul-searching journey during Mardi Gras. The novel was once optioned for film adaptation by director Terrence Malick, though the project was never realized. Malick later remarked that the post-Hurricane Katrina landscape no longer resembled the New Orleans of the book.
“The Omen” by David Seltzer
Tarantino praised David Seltzer’s The Omen as being so well-crafted that many mistakenly believe the 1976 horror film was based on the novel—when in fact, the book is a novelization of Seltzer’s own screenplay. The story follows an American ambassador who unknowingly raises the Antichrist, blending suspense and theological horror in a chilling narrative.
Additional Resources for Film Buffs and Readers
For those looking to further explore the intersection of cinema and literature, Tarantino’s recommendations are a compelling starting point. IndieWire also offers curated guides on the best screenwriting books and essential reading for first-time filmmakers.
