When I started reading this book, I hope it would be very similar to the movie, because I adore the movie. There is so much that it did right. Though I would say the movie is a very loyal adaptation, there are a few things in the book that began to sour me. However, when I was able to put into my mind that this book was the original source material and not the other way around, I began to get far more enjoyment out of it.

I think the biggest thing the movie changed was Gilbert himself. Gilbert is obviously working through a lot of problems, and the book goes into more detail about what those look like. I believe the movie actually focused more on his and Arnie's relationship, but this gets as much time as his problem with family, expressing emotion, his problem with a former schoolmate, his dad, etc. I did like this though, because it makes more sense for who book Gilbert is. At first, I found myself getting fed up with him, but I had to keep reminding myself that this man with a high libido was portrayed much more whimsically in the movie.

In fact, the movie seemed way more whimsical in its entirety. This is though his relationship with Becky, the portrayal of the town, and even the ending.

All in all, I am glad I watched the movie first before reading the novel. I'm sure I will reread this book, because life does not always have complete closure, but neither does this book. The closure provided, however, was comforting and something that I needed. It came at the proper time in my life and I am better off for having read it. This is definitely one book that I treasure