This book, although it provides the first ever look inside the head of a person with "locked-in" syndrome, was not the evocative masterpiece I'd hoped it would be. Although the author's situation (how one manages to write a novel while paralyzed) and the whole premise of the book are fascinating, the book is no better than ordinary. I haven't yet seen the movie, but I'm sure it made a much better film than it did a book, as one can use the camera, actors' expressions and music to make you feel things the words just didn't. Overall, far too boring to recommend to others.