I'm not sure why, but I never read this book in school but I always wanted to. And after watching the movie. I decided to finally read it. I was honestly shocked at how close the book and the movie are. A lot of the lines are word for word. Overall, the book was amazing! I loved how the author went back and forth between the past and present in such a way that wasn't confusing. Then again, watching the movie first might have helped. It was an enjoyable and easy read with a group of colorful characters.