Saw the movie years ago, got the book for reasons I've forgotten, and it's been sitting on my shelf ever since. Then, couple of days ago, I finally picked it up and started reading and was hooked in no time. The characters are amazingly lifelike, the plot did just what I wanted it to do at almost every point so none of the usual frustration set in, and the lesbian surprise at the end was enjoyable. I kept waiting for Mrs. Peoples to die because of the unfixed railing, though :)