There's a longstanding debate between book lovers and film buffs that boils down to one question: Which is better, books or movies? 

We happen to love them both, but as staunch believers in the power of the written word, we almost always land on the side of the book in this debate (and, let's face it, in most others, as well).

So we were thrilled to see that the recently released list of 2022 Academy Award nominees includes some fantastic films that were either adapted from books we adore or which themselves inspired books that belong on your must-read list! 

Below, we've compiled a list of books that go hand in hand with some of the best 2022 Oscar-nominated films. Read up first, and then tune in for the awards ceremony on March 27 to see if your favorites take home the prize. And be sure to check out our Academy Awards collection at Booksamillion.com so that none of these worthy contenders—the books or the movies—pass you by! 

Dune

Frank Herbert's extraordinary work of science fiction deserved nothing less than a top-notch film adaptation—and, according to a legion of fans and the illustrious Academy, that's exactly what it got. Among the film's 2022 Oscar nods are categories including Best Picture, Best Original Score, Best Visual Effects, and Best Costume Design. In fact, once you've read Dune and watched the film, you've only just embarked on your interstellar adventure: There is a treasure trove of sequels and adaptations you'll want to explore, and undoubtedly more movies in the offing.

The Power of the Dog

Multiple Academy Award nominations grace this film adaptation of a Thomas Savage novel that takes place in the American West in the 1920s. In the story, the already strained relationship between two brothers is further tested by the arrival of a woman and her son at the brothers' shared Montana ranch. The story is character driven and gripping from start to finish, with a powerful punch of an ending that you won't soon forget.

West Side Story

A classic that has earned its stripes many times over, the novelized version of the timeless Broadway musical is a must-read. What's more, the updated film, with the one and only Steven Spielberg at the helm, has earned seven Oscar nominations. It's one of those rare works of art that is just as effective on stage, on screen, and between the compulsively readable pages of the book.

The Tragedy of Macbeth

What's that, you say? Read Shakespeare ... for fun? If you're going to enjoy the Oscar-nominated Denzel Washington film version to its fullest, then we highly recommend it! Reading the original will refresh your memory of the play you probably haven't read since high school and give you deeper insight into the events—and the brilliant acting—of the film. Also important to note, Denzel Washington's Best Actor nomination for his role as the title character makes him the most-nominated Black actor in Oscar history! 

Encanto: A Tale of Three Sisters

The Madrigal family has won the hearts of moviegoers of all ages. The vibrant and irresistibly charming Disney musical also managed to catch the eye of the Academy, earning Oscar nominations for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Score. For fans who can't get enough of these larger-than-life characters, Encanto: A Tale of Three Sisters is the answer. Featuring beautiful artwork and told from the points of view of Mirabel, Luisa, and Isabela, this middle grade novel keeps the magic of the movie alive.

Men Without Women: Stories

A contemporary classic by Haruki Murakami, this national bestseller features thoughtful and poignant tales of men who, for one reason or another, find themselves alone. One of the seven stories, Drive My Car, inspired the multiple Academy Award-nominated film of the same name—the first Japanese film to ever be nominated for Best Picture.