If Only... (2)

If only (500) Days of Summer were a book.

Haven't seen or heard of the movie? Here's a taste:

After it looks as if she's left his life for good this time, Tom Hansen reflects back on the just over one year that he knew Summer Finn. Despite being physically average in almost every respect, Summer had always attracted the attention of men, Tom included. For Tom, it was love at first sight when she walked into the greeting card company where he worked, she the new administrative assistant. Soon, Tom knew that Summer was the woman with whom he wanted to spend the rest of his life. Although Summer did not believe in relationships or boyfriends - in her assertion, real life will always ultimately get in the way - Tom and Summer became more than just friends. Through the trials and tribulations of Tom and Summer's so-called relationship, Tom could always count on the advice of his two best friends, McKenzie and Paul. However, it is Tom's adolescent sister, Rachel, who is his voice of reason. After all is said and done, Tom is the one who ultimately has to make the choice to listen or not.

It's only been a few weeks since I first watched (500) Days of Summer, but the film has been on my mind ever since. It's not just the average chick flick--it's about summer love and loss, about establishing yourself and learning to stand on your own two feet. Personally, I think it would make a brilliant coming-of-age novel if the characters were a bit younger, or perhaps an adult contemporary.

The movie flips back and forth between a number of days since main characters Tom and Summer met, so it would be easy to divide into chapters. There are several secondary characters with fresh perspectives to keep things interesting, and the vibrant city of Los Angeles to employ as a setting.

Furthermore, (500) Days of Summer in book form would have a primarily male voice since the film is mainly portrayed in Tom's point-of-view. In general, I believe male protagonists are lacking in contemporary novels, so this would be a refreshing twist on the usual genre. Additionally, for once, it's the guy who is the romantic while the girl is more of a realist, so that would add another unique spin for a book.

If this film was ever adapted into a novel, I'd definitely want to read it.

You've heard my piece; now what do you think?
Feel free to sound off in the comments.

Tune in next week for another edition of If Only...!