Quite a few books pass from Bainbridge Island authors and onto book shelves. Rarely do they pass onto the big screen.
Jonathan Evison is the most recent island author to be embraced by Hollywood.
Evison’s book, “The Revised Fundamentals of Caregiving,” tells the story of Benjamin Benjamin, a man whose life is in a slump. He loses his wife, his children and his house, then takes on a new job as a caregiver for a young man named Trevor who has muscular dystrophy.
But with Trevor, Benjamin embarks on a journey of redemption and repair.
The book was released in late August and has since been greeted with rave reviews and warm responses from readers.
“The book is doing great; I’ve never had this kind of reader feedback before,” Evison said. “It’s a much more personal and emotional response from readers. I’ve been really excited and the reviews have been amazing.”
The most recent nod of approval has come from the film industry.
Worldwide Pants, the production company owned by the king of late-night television David Letterman, has nabbed the film rights to Evison’s book.
“It will be an independent film,” Evison said. “I don’t think a big budget will do the book service. Half the book takes place in a van. The whole thing kind of reeks of an independent film.”
It’s not the first time Evison has flirted with Hollywood.
His previous 2008 novel, “All About Lulu,” was looked at for its film potential, though plans for a film fell through along with the economy.
“The Revised Fundamentals of Caregiving,” though, is more likely to see the light of day — or better put, the darkness of a movie theater.
“Worldwide Pants is excited about it, and I think they will make it,” Evison said.
Evison noted that the book is the next project for Rob Burnett, the CEO and president of Worldwide Pants.
Burnett is also the producer of a variety of television shows, including the “Late Show with David Letterman,” “Strangers with Candy,” “Ed” and others.
“I had talked to several film makers and Rob was the one that seemed the most committed to making the film happen,” Evison said. “He has a great respect for the book and I like his vision for it.”
