While I loved the film (and am one of those children of the 80's that can quote it from beginning to end, thanks to repeated watchings during my formative years), the book was just okay. I did like it, but to me, it lacked the spark that made the movie so brilliant. 
 (I admit I'm relieved to hear that I'm not the only one who went looking for copies of the original by S. Morgenstern, too! I remember, way back the day, my sister and I visiting the desk at the public library and spelling "Morgenstern" carefully to the librarian so that she could try to track it down for us at other local branches, since ours didn't seem to have it.)