By N.H. Kleinbaum

I saw a clip from the movie, Dead Poets Society, and realized I had never seen the film. I took it upon myself to see if there was a book the movie was adapted from, because I like to read the book first if it’s an option. I was very surprised to find that it was the opposite. The book is based on the screenplay and was released after the movie.

Nevertheless, I decided to read it anyway. I’m so glad that I did.

The book is easy to read and very short. It’s under 200 pages and could honestly be read in a day or two.

The story follows a group of boys enrolled in a prestigious boarding school known as Welton Academy in Vermont. Each one has a different story to tell and comes from somewhat different backgrounds, whilst sharing some similarities.

The story follows Todd Anderson, a very quiet boy who is trying to follow in his brother’s giant footsteps that he left at the same school a few years prior.

Once at Welton, Todd meets the likes of Neil Perry, a very bright and passionate boy with a strict father that has already determined his life’s path for him.

The pair join their group of friends and come across a new English teacher, John Keating. Keating is alumni from the academy, having attended years ago.

Once digging around in an old yearbook, the boys discover Keating was a part of a type of club during his enrollment at Welton known as the Dead Poets Society. After questioning Keating about the club, the boys decide to form their own version.

Since the book is so short, I can’t afford to give any more of the story away.

The book is amazing on its own. It’s a great coming of age story with highs and lows. I loved the different perspectives from each character and didn’t want to stop reading.

I took a break from reading prior to this, and this book helped me dive back into it.

I plan on watching the film soon, but if you’ve seen the film, you should give the book a try. And if you’re like me and have never seen the film I would check it out.