Wow, I'm surprised how this book has so many haters, because I was absolutely enthralled by this book. 
 I saw the movie first at the Milwaukee Film Festival, and everything from the landscape to the music to the sad sad story (I was sobbing in the theater) made me fall in love with it. And it's funny too, see that's a good story in my opinion, one that can make you laugh and cry. 
 The book is really no different, it's a lot alike to the movie, only it allows to go into more detail on the characters, which probably makes the book superior to the movie in my eyes. I love Alexander's character. I couldn't help but hear his voice when I read the book. 
 I really should read some of his other books. But I really want to reread this one sometime too. I'm afraid to rewatch the movie, however, because I'm afraid it won't leave as much of an impact on me where I'd be disappointed. That's happened to me in a few movies. Alas! I suppose with the power of bluray and an HD TV though, once I ever get those things, it will more than likely be superior to a movie theater, but only when that day comes. :)