Now - like many I grew up with the book. If you are looking for an exact replica then don't go see it. No screenplay is going to be like the book. I thought it was better. I think they made the story line relate to most children in our population today being raised in single parent families. I love how they show Max as a kid who has volatile emotions and no real way to explain his feelings. I think it was a very good modern adaption. Additionally, it elicited an emotional response from my 6 year old, it was made so a small child can understand the emotional range and the logic of the circumstances.