I have not read the book but have been interested in the story for quite awhile. I planned to read the book after seeing the movie so that the book would not be spoiled as most movie adaptations do not live up to the original book (in my opinion). I was really disappointed in this movie version. It was boring and was way, way too heavy on the special effects. I wanted to see more of how Suzie's death effected the peope in her life, not how many cool effects could be thrown together to make an "in between" land before Suzie finally goes to heaven. Some scenes were visually stunning but if that is what you are looking for, go see Avatar instead. Visually stunning and a fantastic story.