I did not read the book and only heard about the movie one week before it aired. I went in with very high expectations because of the hype and the line to get in to see it, and of course, because it is a Tyler Perry Production. I enjoyed the movie, although I felt like a lot of scenes were left unfinished. The acting was Academy Award winning stuff. Mo'Nique--did her thang!!! So did every single actor or actress in the movie. I left feeling like I wanted to see more and that I needed to know more. I will be reading the book. If nothing else, the book will now be flying off the shelves!