Books find new life on film in 2010

With the beginning of a new decade, it's difficult to ignore the number of books being adapted for the silver screen.

This will be a big year for books making it to the big screen. The leader of the pack is the powerhouse of the movement: Nicolas Sparks.

Sparks is known for his sappy, romantic novels making their move from paper to reel ever since the hit "Message in a Bottle."

In 2010, Sparks has two books coming to life, eager to join the hits that have been "The Notebook" and "A Walk to Remember." Both painfully romantic novels that audiences watch over and over.

"Dear John" is Sparks's first book to be released on the big screen Feb. 5, just in time for Valentine's Day.

The film, starring Channing Tatum and Amanda Seyfried, tells the story of a handsome soldier on leave who falls in love with an innocent young lady and soon learns that love can make people do crazy things and that the decision between a love for your country and a love for romance sends his heart for a whirl.

"The Last Song" will be released April 2, and although the book wasn't as successful as "Dear John," it's another heart-breaking Sparks read.

The film adaptation stars Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth and tells the story of a troubled young girl who goes to live with her father. They learn they share a love for music, and Cyrus finds young love in Hemsworth's character.

It is also a big year for series and sagas moving from books to film such as "The Twilight Saga" and "The Cronicles of Narnia."

Stephanie Meyer's hit saga will release it's third film adaptation from her third book, "Eclipse," June 30.

Meyer's books have had a cult following since the release of the first "Twilight" in 2005.

"Eclipse" was the fourth best-selling book of 2008 behind only "Twilight," "New Moon" and "Breaking Dawn."

"Eclipse" is the third installment of the saga starring Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson and is expected to join "Twilight" and "New Moon" status of box office gold upon it's release.

"Eclipse" is the story of the ongoing Bella and Edward twisted romance, only this time around they must deal with the cult of the "newborn vampires" and Victoria seeking revenge for her love James who Edward killed.

Another book series releasing a film adaptation is "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader," written by C.S. Lewis.

This is the third book in the series of seven about children who unfold the history of the fictional place of Narnia.

The books have maintained a cult following, but they mostly appeal to a younger audience.

The books were published in the '50s, and the third installment of the film series will be released Dec. 10.