Books like Mona Lisa Smile

I can't even express my love for this story. This is the novelization of one of my favourite movies 'Mona Lisa Smile'. I love it to bits. Sometimes movie-to-novel adaptions can be quite predictable or boring - but this certainly wasn't. Not only because I love these characters and this story so much; but also because they included alot of information, scenes and thoughts that weren't in the movie. I love personality of the main characters. They're so amazing. I love the progressive ideals and views on art. The struggle in the traditions and expectations for women of that time. The need to pave your own path and do that the way you want it. Choose the life that makes you happy even though others may not agree or society may not agree of you and your life. It's a truly inspiring story. I also especially love the setting in that era and the teacher-students setting. They learned from each other and they changed each others views. Ugh, I really cannot put into words why I think this is story is so amazing. I'm trying. I admire the strength of those women. Not only the women who took a stand against the traditions and expectations of society and the people near to them, but also the women who didn't. The world had a long way to go. It was progressive and amazing enough that women could actually get a college eduaction. Yet, even now the world still isn't equal for both men and women. I love Katherine's aspiration to change things. I love Joan's power to choose for the life that makes her happy even though it in fact fits in the tradition. I love Connie's loving heart and dreams. I love Giselle's boldness, freedom and here ability to do what she wants to do even though other people disapprove of her ways. I love Betty's strength and mind to see that if she wants to be happy she has to break free of her chains and pave the path she really wants. I especially love reading how they ended up, something that they don't show in the movie. I liked how they ended up with the succesful career or happy family they wanted. Also that Katherine is breaking down new walls in Europe, finding new inspiration. They changed each others lives and they will never forget each other. I felt so proud of the characters because they deserve the best and they're became and were such intelligent and open-minded women. I'm going to end this review still not feeling like I've fully expressed my love, but it'll have to do.